Capstone: BLOOM BEAUTY COLLECTIVE
Hi, I'm Mona McDonald a visceral and creative individual who is driven by beautiful aesthetics; fashion, architecture, dance, food, I love it all! However, I could only master one trade; fashion. For me, practice came before theory. In the year 2000, I designed and launched a successful fashion line call "Soul Chain" specializing in women's crochet/ knit apparel and accessories. After some life altering events, I decided to further my education at PSU. I'm proud to say that on June 16, 2019, I'll receive my Bachelor of Arts Degree- majoring in Arts and Letters with a minor in Business Administration with a specialization in Creative Industries Studies. Sounds impressive right? What it means; I've improved my skillset. Now, I plan to pay it forward as an effective change agent. I would like to thank the founder of "BLOOM BEAUTY COLLECTIVE", Abibat Durosimi, for allowing me to share my entrepreneurial experience and fashion sense while providing service as a Volunteer Coordinator for Bloom. It's a privilege and honor to work with such a wonderful team.
What is BlOOM ?
Specifically, Bloom Beauty Collective is a production agency that curates runway shows, popups and workshops through fashion and beauty; while cultivating and encouraging living a holistic lifestyle through fitness, nutrition, and mental awareness.
Their Mission:
To give back to the community by mentoring our peers and the younger generation interested in the fashion industry. They want to empower this generation and the next to use their gifts and implement them into a profound career. The only way to do that is to have a clear mind, a healthy body, and a positive spirit, hence BLOOM!
Why is Bloom needed?
It's important to emphasize, especially to marginalized populations, that dreams do come true! Founder Abibat Durosimi hosted a "Vogue Women in Fashion" panel March 24, 2019 (seen below). The panel consisted of African American professionals in the fashion industry; models, designers, and promoters. Each one shared valuable information regarding industry standards, expectations, and general knowledge of how to enter the world of fashion. Brandon James- Designer, emphasized how a good story can boost brand recognition and sales. Others expressed the importance knowing market trends and buzz words, "plus size" and "body positive." Since there are very few prominent African American Designers in the industry, I personally think it's imperative to share the history of the prominent ones like; Zelda Wynn Valdes (the first African American to own her own shop in Manhattan, NY. 1948 and establish celebrity clientele). We come from ancient traditions, rich culture, and ancestors of great artistry and expression. Bloom Beauty Collective strives to acknowledge and elevate those gifts.
History of Bloom Beauty Collective:
2nd Annual BLOOM RUNWAY SHOW held at The Iron Fireman Collective May 18th, 2019
A lot goes into a production of this magnitude; runway design, lighting, make-up and hair, model fittings, vendors you name it, it's all part of Bloom. Usually, the artist messages around ethnicity, culture, and social justice speaks for itself. This year's "Bloom Rip the Runway" was no exception! From fashion to entertainment, bold expressions of self awareness through art resonated throughout. ( slide show below).
My responsibility as a Volunteer Coordinator/Effective Change Agent:
- 2017 - Founded by Abibat Durosimi - Celebrity make-up artist and stylist for Prince.
- Their first event in Portland, Oregon featured industry experts in health, hair care, makeup, exercise, and diet in an intimate, accessible setting.
- Now -
- Bloom offers fashion enthusiast, musicians, photographers, and other creative individuals a platform to promote their gifts through runway shows, popups and workshops.
- Space has been generously donated by SEI - Self Enhancement Inc., for rehearsals and meetings
2nd Annual BLOOM RUNWAY SHOW held at The Iron Fireman Collective May 18th, 2019
A lot goes into a production of this magnitude; runway design, lighting, make-up and hair, model fittings, vendors you name it, it's all part of Bloom. Usually, the artist messages around ethnicity, culture, and social justice speaks for itself. This year's "Bloom Rip the Runway" was no exception! From fashion to entertainment, bold expressions of self awareness through art resonated throughout. ( slide show below).
My responsibility as a Volunteer Coordinator/Effective Change Agent:
- Welcome all volunteers without bias- (Creates diversity)
- Inform volunteers of BLOOM's vision and mission - (Establishes social responsibility)
- Provide an assessment form to acknowledge volunteer's aspirations and goals - (Improves communication) - (Change tool for Bloom Beauty Collective)
- Place volunteer in the appropriate position - (Encourages critical thinking)
- Provide post show survey for volunteer's opinions and assess Bloom's strengths and weaknesses - ( Change tool for Bloom Beauty Collective).
IMAGE SOURCES:
http://www.bloombeautycollective.com
http://www.bloombeautycollective.com