DON'T MISS A THING

In February, the world takes note of Black History Month because, in the words of Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III of the Smithsonian Institution, “it helps us to remember, there is no more powerful force than a people steeped in their history.” In 2023 Black History Month focuses on Black Resistance, a powerful force that continues to solidify equality. Read on to meet empowering black-owned luxury lifestyle businesses and the women behind them who are shining in their individual industries!

FASHION & BEAUTY

Melody Mashilompane | Style Concierge by Melody

When you work with stylist Melody Mashilompane, you leave all your wardrobe wants and needs in expert hands. Love Happens caught up with the company’s brilliant founder, a fashion icon in her own right. And a delightful start to this article on black female owned luxury lifestyle businesses making their mark! Read on to meet Melody and learn about her fabulous services.

Yummie O. | YUMMY Extensions & KOSA Professionals

Worn by celebrities like Angela Bassett, Saweetie, and Skaii Jackson, since 2013, Yummie’s first business, Yummy Hair Extensions, has been turning customers into Queens by delivering the highest quality hair extensions, wigs, and accessories. Seeking more, the Nigerian-American beauty entrepreneur then went on to expand her brand with KOSA, a professional hot tool collection for all hair types. Read on to meet Yummie O and be empowered!

Tori Soudan | Tori Soudan Collection

Designing shoes is a fulfillment of destiny for Tori Soudan. The luxury shoe business that she has built is a culmination of a lifetime of generational knowledge, fortuitous moments, and life choices. Tori’s stunning designs and inspiring story—along with Love Happens’ infallible love for shoes—made Tori Soudan, Our Latest Obsession. Read on to meet Tori Soudan in the Lh print edition series, Our Latest Obsession.

INTERIOR DESIGN

April Grandy | Alluring Designs Chicago

Join Lh for a peek into the creative mind of interior designer April Grandy in our Design Questionnaire series. Growing up in the inner city of Chicago, April beat the odds stacked against her. Becoming a first-generation college graduate with a Master’s in Education, a proud Air Force reserve veteran, and a business owner. After buying her first home April found her passion for design. And in 2017, alongside her mother, Valerie Steward, and close family friend, Jennifer Anderson, she started Alluring Designs Chicago. Read on to meet April and see her beautiful designs.

Breegan Jane

A Los Angeles-based interior designer, author, philanthropist, and mom to two boys, Breegan Jane is a dynamic voice in the industry. As host of  HGTV’s Dream Home, as well as on over six Warner Brothers Discovery shows, Breegan continually showcases her vast expertise in building and designing homes. Further expanding her reach and narrative, she advocates for women and children in Africa as a partner with the international non-profit organization World Vision. Read on to meet Breegan Jane in the Lh Design Questionnaire.

Christina Jones | Twenty-Eighth Design Studio

Based near LA, Twenty-Eighth specializes in luxury residential design both locally in CA. And anywhere else you want founder Christina Jones’ talent via her virtual design services. As an up-and-coming designer and African American woman, Christina hopes to make a major impact in the industry with her keen eye and raw talent. With the lack of BIPOC representation in the design world, she also hopes to create more opportunities and visibility for women like her. Read on to meet Christina Jones!

LIFESTYLE

Natasha McCrea | Love CEO Institute

A relationship coach, speaker, actress, author, founder of the Love CEO Institute, and creator of the Feel Good Method, Natasha McCrea is all about helping ambitious womxn increase their Love Intelligence so they can uncover their authentic goals, unlock genuine confidence, call in more love, and make loving life a style. Read on to meet Natash in the Lh Empowered Women Empower series.

Madison Louise | Madison Louise Yoga

A certified yoga teacher with over 13 years of personal practice, helping women transform their lives is Madison’s specialty! Through her luxury, female-focused brand, Madison Louise Yoga, she offers both online and in-person Private Concierge Yoga, Guided Meditation, and Holistic Lifestyle Coaching. Read on to meet Madison, a black female owned business bringing so much joy to the world.

Janese Laster | Gut Theory Total Digestive Care

In this edition of Love Happens’ Empowered Women Empower series, Janet Morais, founder and CEO of KOKET and Lh, poses a series of inspiration-inducing questions to Janese Laster, founder of the Metro DC-based Gut Theory Total Digestive Care. Read on and be empowered by Janese!

More to Love!

Inspired by Rani Grube, GM of Château du Sureau