To the old, you are still young and to the young you are old. Who am I?
– Someone over 40.
No matter how hard you try to slow down the process of aging, the end result is the same. Aging is inevitable. Is that good or bad? It depends on the individual.
2020 was a year filled with pain, uncertainty, and hardship for many people. Many businesses closed. Several dreams and visions were detoured. Hope for many diminished.
The longevity of the pandemic has broken the best of the best but there’s a remnant of survivors over 40 that continue to push through to thrive.
Southern Laced would like to recognize 7 of these individuals as Laced People to Watch in 2021.
Mo Glover
Mo Glover is a NY-based fashion designer with two decades of experience. She launched her own label bearing her son’s name, ZYEM NYC.
Glover’s work is featured in a forthcoming HBO documentary, starring legendary photographer Jamel Shabazz, about the life and work of Gordon Parks. Her collections have been showcased at Fashion Week Brooklyn.
“Most recently ZYEM NYC was showcased as a vendor at the Maker’s Show Holiday Market at City Point, with patrons including Mayor Bill DeBlasio. She was also awarded a Facebook Ad grant to help boost her business, and her work was recently featured in a forthcoming HBO documentary, starring legendary photographer Jamel Shabazz, about the life and work of Gordon Parks.”
– Krystle Davis
To find out more about Mo Glover, visit her website at zyem.com/ and follow her on Instagram @zyemkids and @zyem_nyc.
Tracy
“Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say and not giving a damn.” – Gore Vidal.
Tracy, the owner of Tracyred Styles, is from Puckett, Mississippi. She is a lover of all things fashion. Tracy has been a personal stylist since 2015 and a boutique owner (Tracy Red Boutique) since 2018.
“Being from a small town in Mississippi didn’t stop Tracy from stepping out and being on the scene. She’s very dedicated and well-informed. Her work can be seen locally and on the big screen. Watch out for her in 2021.”
– Tamoria Harvey, Owner of Hair 2000
To learn more about Tracy, visit her website at TracyRedBoutique.com and follow her on Instagram at StylistTracyRed.
BeBe Jones
Style Maven, Fashion Writer, Social Media Brand Consultant, Author, you name it… Since 2013, BeBe Jones has been following her life’s purpose while working with a few cool brands along the way. You might know a few of them; Nikon, Samsung, Nike, Puma, Sorel, Champs Sports, H&M, Alex and Ani, UEG Worldwide, and many more.
Before building a credible reputation within the Fashion + Journalism industries, the Jackson State University alumna set out to provide a platform for emerging creatives, influencers, and notables; so she created Row A Seat 1 – A fashion conglomerate providing services in blogging, wardrobe styling, social media brand development, fashion production, and mentoring.
– BeBe Jones Biography
Currently, BeBe was named “Chicago’s Top Fashion Stylist and Influencer of 2020” by New City Magazine. She developed a hands-on styling workshop + published an eBook; “Everybody Wanna Be A Stylist” for aspiring fashion stylists and style connoisseurs. The Style Maven has been featured in the following publications; InStyle Magazine, The Zoe Report, Rolling Out Magazine, New City Magazine, Chicago Defender, Bronzeville Life Magazine, ABC 7 Windy City Live, WCIU The Jam, and WVON 1690AM Live – “The Talk of Chicago (iHeartRadio).” With credible fashion nods from British Vogue, Tatler, Vanity Fair, GlamourUK.com, The Coveteur, Chicago Splash, and Pop Sugar.
To find out more information about BeBe Jones, visit her website at rowaseat1.com and follow her on social media @bebe_jones.
Cederick L. Jenkins
Cederick L. Jenkins is the Founder of the 54th Gun Club, which is the only chapter of the National African American Gun Association in Mississippi. Recognizing there was a gap in resources and availability for the African American community, he decided to utilize his military and law enforcement background to bridge that gap.
“Cederick has done a great deal for the community. He has given back by requiring his club members to support a local charity. He orchestrated a trunk or treat event for the children in the community with support from his wife, family, neighbors, and friends. Cederick fits the mold for what it means to be a man of his community, and I believe he deserves this award. Cederick is also a decorated officer who has since retired and a retired serviceman of the army branch of the military.”
– Jaron Smith
To find out more about Cederick Jenkins, visit his website at 54thgunclub.com.
Felicia Brookins
Felicia Brookins is the author of her first Christian Fiction trilogy, Sister Nadeen’s WAYS, which was released in Spring 2017 and is available on Amazon.com paperback or Kindle Edition. She is also the winner of the 2016 Southern Laced Literary Award, 2018 AAMBC Urban Book of The Year, and 2018 Finalist for Best Book Award from AmericanBook Fest. Felicia is also the Founder of the literary event, Inspired Resources, LLC -‘WriteTheVision’-Writers Conference for aspiring authors and writers, and ‘Prison To Pens’ Virtual Literary Discussion on the rehabilitative power of writing for previously incarcerated Authors.
“Individuals that have crossed the threshold of 40-45 sometimes need to be reminded of all of the contributions they have made in the lives of others and in themselves. That is where I am in my life.”
– Felicia Brookins
Felicia is from Meridian, Mississippi and graduated in 1984 from Meridian High School.
To find out more about Felicia Brookins, visit her website at https://inspired-resources-llc-feliciab.square.site/ , Twitter @FeliciaBrookin4, Facebook @SisNadeenSimmons and Instagram @sis.nadeenways_.
LeCourtney Young-Harness
LeCourtney Harness is a graduate of Thee Jackson State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Communications and Dramatic Arts. She later obtained her Master’s of Business Administration from Belhaven University.
“LeCourtney is an amazing Servant of the Lord, Actress, Speaker, Talk Show Host, Skin Care Consultant, Model, and Real Estate Agent. She spends her time bettering her skills so that she can better help others at their point of need. She uses her platform to uplift, motivate and encourage others to live their life to the fullest. From a small town in Mississippi, LeCourtney went from Miss Port Gibson High School 1999 to the big screen where she let her light shine. Her personal life quote is, ‘No one ever said we have to do one thing in life; therefore, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.”
– LaNetrice Harper
Visit LeCourtney Harness HERE on Linktree for more information.
rEN Dillard
Ren Dillard is an Afrofuturism and spoken-word artist currently working out of Atlanta, Georgia. Dillard’s artistic work is varied and is presented in multiple mediums such as collage, paintings, precious metals, and performance poetry. The artist is best known for his thoughtful narratives embedded underneath very rich and beautiful aesthetics.
“rEN is a self-taught artist who has managed to position himself in the epi-center of the Atlanta art scene. He is a phenomenal visual artist, Entrepreneur, teacher, curator, writer, preformance spoken word artist, and a dedicated black father.”
– Deshun Stephens
To find out more about rEN DILLARD, visit his website at renswork.com.
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