Bright Black Futures
Let’s celebrate some super talented, extremely driven people of color that have learned from their histories and are helping create a more beautiful future! I am fortunate to have crossed paths with each of you and I love witnessing the positive impact you have on your community.
Nickolas Vaughan
photo taken from Nick’s Instagram @Nickster_V
You may remember Nickolas from an earlier post and interview, Creative Minds. His spirit is infectious and I have honestly learned so much about myself as an artist just from following his socials. Mr. Vaughan is a Los Angeles based actor, photographer, digital artist, creative director, and so much more. He is literally inspiration personified. Lets lift him up! Follow Nick on Instagram @Nickster_V and check out his website nickolasvaughan.com
Kenya Jaye
Kenya Jaye is creative millennial from Chicago, Illinois. She is a published poet, storyteller and host of the popular podcast Astute Observations. Kenya’s ability to vividly illustrate emotions by crafting words into art is truly a gift and I am grateful she’s willing to share it with the world. Her podcast is available on most streaming services (I listen to it on Spotify) and you can buy her book As American as Sweet Potato Pie through this link to Amazon. I have never met Kenya in person but for many years now, I have been captivated by the power of her words. Give her her flowers (and a follow on IG!!)
photo taken from gregorybettis.com
Gregory Bettis II
As founder of Gregory Bettis Photography, Gregory invested in an art he loved, developed his passion into a thriving business, and as a result framed a beautiful picture of success! Mr. Bettis is a lifestyle photographer with a studio in Mobile, Alabama and captures breathtaking photos for his clients all over Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, and Georgia. His work has been featured in The Knot, Bon Appetit, Kinfolk, and more. I can’t wait for my chance to shoot with him; hopefully this summer, fingers crossed!!! If you’re in the south, I highly recommend you visit his website to view his work and book a session. You can follow Gregory on Instagram @gregorybettis
Jasmine Loeb
Jasmine is not only a dedicated third grade teacher and mother of twins, but also a designer, creative director, and founder of Becoming Her Boutique!! She is definitely deserving of love and support from the community she is pouring so much into. Not only is she molding young minds, she is also assuring that woman have access to fashion that makes them look and feel both empowered and classy. Her designs encourage mature woman to find comfort and confidence in whatever season of life they’re in.
“Becoming Her means you are embracing the grown woman you always dreamed of BECOMING. You are fearless, focused, sexy, and strong. You are brilliant. You know what you want and you go after it. You are Becoming Her!”
Karl Williams
You might recognize Karl with a K from my Love page! He is one of my dearest friends and has a magnificent eye for beauty. Karl photographs people and places all over the Chicagoland area and I am constantly amazed by his ability to capture perspectives I didn’t even realized existed. Karl runs Master of None Photography and is a genius director. Mr. Williams is always the first to preview anything I create because I trust that he’ll provide an unbiased opinion and constructive criticisms. I am thrilled to watch him expand his brand.
Cary Michael
Rounding out this artist spotlight, we have Cary Michael! Cary is based in the D.C. area and is a prominent figure in their art scene. His company, Sincerely, Cary Michael Design Solutions provides a wide array of artistic services ranging from commissioned paintings and prints to personal branding. He has been featured in many popular publications and his work is on display all over the country. What I love most about Cary is how he uses his voice and influence to advocate for and encourage healing and growth through artistic expression. In addition to SMC, Cary is also the CEO of ArtBae whose mission is:
“bringing beauty out of chaos by allowing art to heal, inspire, and provide hope. Our primary objective is to encourage people to live their purpose through their passion by putting their “art” (the expression and application of that divinely-inspired creative skill) before anything else in order to live a more satisfying life.”
I am also a fan of his ratchet affirmations on Instagram! You can follow him @carymichael_
Alrighty… that’s a wrap on Black History Month 2021! I hope you spent this month not only educating yourselves about the past, but also finding ways to create a brighter future. These artistic souls are definitely doing their part and I encourage you to follow and support them anyway you can.
All the way from the bottom of my heart, my love for YOU is overflowing. Let’s be creative yall!
Miss Bee
