Introducing- Jimanekia Eborn, owner of DAN-T-CHAN VINTAGE!

For our second interview, I have a very special guest that I had the distinct honor of interviewing!  Jimanekia Eborn owns a fashion boutique about an hour outside of LA and I’m totally obsessed!  I came across her store via Twitter, through an account of another special guest that will be featured on my blog later in this month ( yes it’s a secret!!)  I placed an order with Dan-T-Chan Boutique, and now I’m hooked.  The vintage vibe is a step above the rest, and is very sophisticated.  I knew that you all would absolutely fall in love with not only the shop and her stock, but also Eborn as a person and stylist.  She is humble, funny, and has a respectful charm about herself that you will also feel after reading her interview.  Eborn is the reason I wanted to do these installments, she took the chance in a city where it’s hard to make a name for yourself, and with the support of friends, is “making it.”  While she “takes it day-by-day,” and “by no means is this life easy,”  you can tell that she wouldn’t trade this lifestyle for the world!

 I was going to feature her interview later in the month, but after reviewing it, I knew you guys needed to see it NOW, so FELLAS…you can go ahead and place some VALENTINES DAY orders, and ladies, you can treat yourself to something nice (: .  So, although we are deviating away from politics, lay back relax, and enjoy this interview, then go and shop your heart away!

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  1. Give us a little bit of background about yourself.  Where did you grow up, education, etc.? 

I was raised in Riverside, California. I was raised by my grandparents since the age of one, after my mother was murdered, as well by my two aunts. They say it takes a tribe to raise a child, well I had my tribe.  I started out at a private school until about 3rd grade.  It was not for me, [so I went to] public school of course [to] finished high school. I moved 30 minutes outside of town to San Bernardino, where I started attending Cal State-San Bernardino, which I have yet to finish my degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology. I am an only child and eldest grandchild of seven.

   2. You told me you’ve taken time out from school, however, it seems to be working out for the best considering your business seems to be growing?

 

Yeah, I guess you could say that. 🙂

I have always been someone who likes to be in charge. I remember I was talking about wanting to do something of my own with a friend. The next day I woke up and decided I wanted to run my own store. Luckily I have amazing and support of friends that are truly supportive. Yet, don’t get me wrong I do want to finish my degree. There are a lot of things I want to do. I figure we only have one life, so why not do it all?

   3 If you wish to answer, what race would you classify yourself as?

I am Black…African American; I guess…hmm, I actually say Black. I know a lot of real African-Americans and dated some. Yea I’m just black 🙂

   4.  I’ve ordered some fabulous products from you, but you have a great eye for fashion it seems.  How did you get into the business? Have you always had a passion for fashion?

 Well first off, thank you. I feel like with me, I’m like wine. I get better with age. If you saw me in ‘05 out of high school you would be like “oh not that girl with the busy eyebrows. She’s a mess!” (laughs). Business wise I’ve always been an impulsive person. Last summer I was with a friend and we were talking about clothing and what not. Because she is a designer in her own rights. Truly amazing and talented woman. So at first I just wanted to see what was out there. Then I decided I want to run my own store. So I started searching for sites to build on.  I inherited a lot of things recently I guess you could say so I thought put my skills of gab and meeting people into work.6 months and 3 sites later you have Dan-t-Chan. [Don’t forget to check out how the name “Dan-T-Chan” came about below!]

 

-Passion for Fashion…I have had a passion for beautiful things. Now have I always worn it well? No. Have I always pieced it together? No. In time paying attention and allowing me to be free, and self-expression helped that. Besides the fact of selling something you love, being a buyer and shopper for something you love to do makes it that much better!

   5. Who all have been your greatest inspirations?

Really and truly I feel I should say some great fashion designer or something, but, nope, not I! My greatest inspirations are my friends. As many times as I wanted to give up, and just say screw it, I’m over this, fun idea, let me get a 9-5…They were always there to kick me in the butt, and to keep pushing me. Hell, sometimes I think they are more excited than I am!

   6. What has been your hardest point in your career?

Funny! “MY CAREER,” makes me sound and feel all grown up. Well, confidence I guess you can say. Being confident that everything I’m doing is what people want. I can pick clothes out all day, but it does not mean that other people will love them.

 

As well as down days on page views. I had to stop checking the page views, because, if they weren’t at an expected high I would think I was failing.

   7.  Where are you trying to take your career in the next 5-10 years? What has been the highlight of your career so far?

 In the next 5 years? Sheesh, first off, imma be OLD! 29, sigh. But really and truly I would love to own a few stores throughout the West Coast. Build my name as a stylist somewhat, but mainly stores. I want to be known as somewhere you can find affordable yet stylish and relevant to our time clothing. 

  8.    What is your favorite thing about your career?  Have you had any experiences or one single experience that makes you think, “man, I love my job and/or fashion”?

-My favorite thing [about the career] is it’s ever evolving, and that it is MINE. I shape it to be what I want it to be.

-I think my first sale in the store; I almost had a car accident from being so excited. As well as the first week of opening the store 300 views a day. Something amazing. As well as all the support from people.

I think what I really do love, is that when people get my items they are so happy, and appreciative. I actually include a free little gift in every package. It’s like a grab bag, you never know what you are going to get. So when people email me like “OMG, I did not expect a silk scarf, or button covers or whatever”, to know that they are pleased makes me feel good

  9. What has the journey been and continuing to be as a student, business owner, fashion connoisseur, and staying sane all in one?

Who said anything about staying sane? (laughs) I am a realist. Easy has nothing to do with this. Balancing school work, family, friends, looking for a side job, editing pictures, sending out orders, sending letters and emails to get the word out, tweeting and facebooking.

Sometimes I want to run away and hide where no one can find me. But, I believe in working for what you want. So every day I wake up and continue on. It’s fun, a true test as well as growing experience.

  

  10. Do you think that it’s important to talk about the passions and skills of just “everyday people” in our community during black history month just as much as those of Rosa Parks, and Martin Luther King, Jr., and why?

I do. At one time they were just everyday people, until they did something to change the world. We are among the next greats, so why not share and build. Who knows, we could be friends with the next greatest inventor, publicist, activist. A lot of people find inspiration and direction from “everyday people”. They see someone else from the same background and or situation doing it, and think why can’t I do it? Truth of the matter, you can as long as you are ready to be stressed out and work hard. It all pays off. 

  11. Would you agree in saying, it doesn’t take an “extraordinary person” to have a passion for something that could be life changing?  For instance, you’re a student, but you also have a successful business. What if you inspired someone younger to chase after a similar dream?  What kind of impact would that have on you?

I guess I never thought about it. Little old Jim inspiring someone (smiles). I wouldn’t say extraordinary. But, I would say that it takes someone who is dedicated and is doing it for more than just the money. I am newly started. So, right now I’m not making tons of money I’m not swimming in money and popping bottles. I am steady and building.

 

If I inspired someone to do something that makes them happy. Then go me! NOT to toot my own horn yet, but I’m sure it will be an amazing and humbling feeling if it were to happen to me. Personally it would make me want to be better, to go further…that next plateau.

  12. What advice would you give to young students who are still developing their own passion for fashion?

 My advice to anyone is DONT GIVE UP! There will be days where you want to throw things, because nothing seems right. Or when your site crashes, or when you work for hours and you lose all the work you have just done. If it is truly something you want to do, then buckle your seat belt and get ready for the ride. 

  13.  What advice would you give to young students who feel like they don’t have the resources to take up a career in the fashion industry?

Well connect with family and friends, maybe they can help you. If not financially, maybe they can direct you to someone who can help you. I drafted a letter for support as well as letting my family and close friends know more about the business. There are also scholarships and of course Google. Google can help you find ways to cut corners and DIY type situations. Start SMALL, it’s the best way. DO not just think you can do it all in a week.

I learn something new every day.

CONTACT DAN-T-CHAN VINTAGE!!!!

Twitter: @dantchanvintage

Facebook: Vintique Chan … follow these for up to date info about the store, such as sales, etc.

The Boutique Site:: Dan-T-ChanVintage.miiduu.com **you guys know I’m big into fashion, and wouldn’t direct you to just anywhere, check it out! Men’s AND Women’s. 

More about Jimanekia!

I am extremely goofy and clumsy, yet when it comes to business I go into a different mode. So sometimes it is hard to work with friends, because they can’t defer the difference. I like to do things impulsively. Another experience that was amazing was finally telling my parents about the business and them being so proud of me. I was so stressed out and nervous to be like, “so I have my own business, you wanna see?” (Laughs)

 

A burning question people always ask me….Where and or what is a Dan-t-Chan vintage?! Some think it’s Asian…And joke that I’m referring to something Chinese.

When in actuality I make up a lot of lingo, and put it into my vocab. So this happens to be one of them. I have bad hearing, so when Dainty Kane [R&B Group produced by P.Diddy, now disbanded] first came out, my girls were real hype, and were singing it every day in my apartment etc. I was like “LISTEN I don’t know who or what a ‘Dan-t-Chan’ is but I’m tired of hearing about them.”  Who would have thought five years later, it would be the name of the store?

As you can see, she embodies why we celebrate our culture today! Jimanekia is not only a fashion icon who should be respected, but she is a strong African-American female who did not let CIRCUMSTANCE stand in her way from stopping her dream of owning her shop!  Check out what I ordered, and other things that I HAVE to buy ASAP from her boutique!  Thank you for letting me interview you Jimanekia, it was truly a pleasure, and good luck with your future endeavours. 

“Zest is the secret of all beauty.  There is no beauty that is attractive without zest.”

-Christian Dior

 

Ladies for the spring, I'm LOVING this white dress! It looks like literally it fits like a glove! Great buy! Nice price! Check it out!

 

 

 

I bought this ring and I'm in love with it! It's my favorite! So classy and vintage! A great buy and staple piece. Very LA!

My room reeks of animal print! I also ordered this and it is even more amazing in person! An absolute must-have!

The wait is over–The DNC is coming to CHARLOTTE

2/1/11 – Jim Rogers (left), CEO of Duke Energy, and Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx celebrate Charlotte being named the site of the 2012 Democratic National Convention, at the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday afternoon. DAVID T. FOSTER III – dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com (Photo courtesy of Charlotte Observer- David T. Foster III)

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Well, well, well, the wait is over and I am ecstatic that the DNC is coming to CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA.  I think that President Obama and his staff couldn’t have made a finer choice.  I think that St. Louis has an amazing charm, and is a very charismatic city, full of soul and history, but being that Charlotte is now home for me, I have to say I couldn’t be prouder! I know Mayor Foxx, Jim Rogers (CEO of Duke Energy), and their respective staffs couldn’t have felt more relief as well.  Each of them has worked extremely hard to campaign the city on “why they should be chosen as host city.”  It’s almost as excruciating as being chosen for a dodgeball team in middle school. -shudder- 

“I am thrilled to make sure you are the first to hear some very exciting news,” First Lady Michelle Obama said in an email to key Democrats. “Charlotte is a city marked by its Southern charm, warm hospitality, and ‘up by the bootstraps’ mentality that has propelled the city forward as one of the fastest-growing in the South.

“Vibrant, diverse, and full of opportunity, the Queen City is home to innovative, hardworking folks with big hearts and open minds. And of course, great barbecue.” –Charlotte Observer

Well, I don’t know about the whole barbecue thing, if you all have any suggestions besides Sticky Fingers (ehh), and Smokey Bones (ehhhh), let me know.  However, it is full of opportunity and vibrancy.  It also beautiful and in DIRE NEED of this convention.  According to the Employment Security Commission of North Carolina, while rates dropped from 11 percent to 10. 7 percent in Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill NC-SC , this rate is still extremely high, and this convention is going to put A LOT of people back in business. From the hotel industry, entertainment, restaurant, janitorial, event planning, vending, etc.  It’s great, I love it! 

I haven’t shared this with you all, but I am a registered Independent.  I vote for candidates based on “who’s going to provide what we need for America the best,” instead of party affiliation.  I know many people bleed blue or red, and that’s fine, however,  there are too many candidates and politicians in the world who don’t represent the correct picture of what their party should truly stand for, and to just have that person in office to fulfil a quota for that particular party is wrong.  It doesn’t help you or your neighbor get a job, so it’s irrelevant to me.  That being said, the democratic convention doesn’t emotionally move me, but I am truly thrilled that I will get to be close as ever to the experience of watching it all come together, at least for a while. 

There will be much more coverage on this in the coming months, so I won’t bore you with this tonight.  I will say I will be analyzing what’s going to happen, I’m going to try to get in some really good interviews for you all, some backstage access to bring you all closer to what’s going on, and as always breaking everything down in common terms so you always know whats going on.  Never fear, I’m here!

Go Charlotte!

DONT FORGET, MY NEXT INTERVIEW POSTS AT MIDNIGHT! IT’S GOING TO BE REALLY INTERESTING!!! COME BACK!!

-SACIA ❤

  

My First REAL post

Okay,Okay, So I guess it’s time I made my first REAL political post, since that is the aim of my entire blog.

Before I begin, I want to make an emphasis on my big announcement!! My first interview will air tomorrow on here! I will be doing a profile piece on a poet in Charlotte, NC.  He’s quite good actually.  I’ve been working on his write-up this morning and I am quite proud of it. 

Now, on to the fun and main topic of EVERY media outlets discussion right now: EGYPT: What’s really going on with Egypt?  I know that some of my friends are not high on the whole political garbage talk, so I decided to try to break it down as simply as I know how (:

* I want you to understand, first of all, most of this is based on my own understanding.  I am not an expert, I do not attend/graduate from Harvard.  I am a journalist, I keep up with the news, and that’s that.*

1. The citizens of Egypt begin protests against their current leader Mubarak, because they are ready for a new political reform. They want to overthrow the government, and find democracy.  The protests started on Jan. 25, 2011 (last Tuesday).  The people were said to be inspired by the Tunisians who did a similar revolt against their government.  They are protesting against corrupt government, poverty, extremely high rates of unemployment, and an autocratic system of governance.  Hmm, perhaps that’s what we should try doing how about NO.

2.  As of Friday, now I want you to REALLY grasp this and think about if this happened to America, SATURDAY (Today is Monday), the government cut off cellular and internet service, and internet services, including all social networking (e-mail, Facebook, Twitter, even WordPress). Protests occurred not only in Cairo, the capital, but also in Alexandria and Suez, two other major cities.  So now the masses are spreading, okay PROBLEM.  Now you’ve made a lot of people who weren’t really mad, MAD. YOU CUT OFF FACEBOOK! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! -insert dramatic scream here-

3. On Thursday, and I won’t bore you with this guy’s name, this guy returned to Egypt, who is on the opposing side of the current leader (Mubarak).  Should Mubarak choose to step down, he would probably be named next in line.

4. The New York Times reports that 2/3 of Egypt’s population does not know any other leader besides Mubarak.  This puts a lot of things into perspective for you.  This tells you that 1. Egypt has a very younger dominated population, that is also very tech savvy.  They obviously knew that social media was the way to spread awareness that they wanted change in their political system, hence why they Egyptian government blocked these outlets.  Now about 5 years ago, it is interesting that they wouldn’t have even thought about blocking signals.  2. That tells you that the Egyptians want this information out really bad about what’s going on.  Not only was the fact that all signals and transmissions shut down an issue for the people, it affects journalists as well, because now, we have to rely solely on broadcasters and military relations updates via United States to relay information about what is going on.  That’s a safety concern.

5.”After a long silence, President Hosni Mubarak appeared on state television to announce that while he would be dismissing the government, he would not resign. Protestors continued to chant “Down, down with Mubarak” after his announcement. Shortly afterwards President Obama made a televised appearance to say that he had spoken with the Egyptian president on the phone, and had urged him to take “concrete steps” towards reform.” Huffington Post

On Saturday, President Mubarak announced that there would be a political reform.

That my friends, is what has been going on in Egypt.  However, it will be MANY years before it will be over, and this is why we must be INFORMED about what’s going on.  Just because it’s not happening here, it is still affecting us.  Egypt is a major player in our oil system.  The price of oil rose to 91.54 a barrel today, whereas it was 85.64 at close on Thursday.   Although Egypt is not a huge economy for us, the price of agriculture items (wheat, rice, breads, etc.) will see a price increase because of this new revolution.

Needless to say, stay informed.  Break the information down, listen, watch, and believe.  Even if you want to pretend it’s not happening it is, and I’ll be here to remind you.  Don’t forget to check back in tomorrow for our first profile for Black History Month.  Until Then!

Sacia

*This is a good clip to watch about the protests in Cairo. Check it out!

Hello world!

As my first blog, I find it only appropriate to NOT talk about politics, who wants to be ordinary, eh (in my best Canadian accent)? I decided to start this blog, to begin my naive look into the world of true social media.  All this chatter of blogging, and I as a journalist had not been exposed to it  -insert dramatic gasp here- .  I understand that I am probably going to be talking to myself a lot here for the next few weeks, but soon, someone will come across this blog, and then another, and then another, and soon I will have comments, and maybe even a few followers, and maybe my link will even get spread (or not).  Nonetheless, this is my blog, and I am looking forward to writing in it, to enlighten the people of the world with a new political perspective, not the same ‘ol jabber we hear on Capital Hill everyday, and even some small tangents on fashion, and even sports, or cultural events that occur in everyday life, because I’m interested in all of that too. 

Being a student journalist,  I think it is extremely important to remember that you’re still a student, and you still need to remember your other passions too.  While I love politics, I would love to share with you why I’m obsessed with Reggie Wayne, Peyton Manning, and Dwight Freeney, as well, or why I disagree with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School district having school on MLK day, but not just for the reason “it was ‘racist.'”  Or even, why I think that shorts, leggings, tunic, and a Michael Kors bag is the perfect look for Summer 2011.  These are things I’d love to share in this blog that I will, so I don’t bore you like those other people, (cough, cough).  Looking forward to blogging with you soon.  Until then!

just for a dose of laughter…watch this mockery of Sarah Palin from SNL, courtesy of NBC SNL!

Ideas, Ideas, Ideas GALORE!

DING DING DING–WINNER!

So, with Black History Month (Feb. for all you who forgot) coming up, where going to the unthinkable (in my Alicia Keys voice) and focus in on twenty eight people in twenty eight days.  I know, I know you all are thinking, GREAT.  Another blogger who said they were going to focus on politics, who isnt focusing on politics.  CHILL!  These profiles won’t be extremely lengthy, long enough to let you know what these people are doing, why they matter, how they are effecting our community, and how they are effecting politics-AHA! Also, who says I can’t blog more than once daily- uh, hello this is my second post today! AHA! Again!

 More details to come on this later! However, I am so excited on this idea.  If you know someone who would be interested in being profile, WHEREVER they may be, let me know ASAP, I’d love to feature them!!!! Will blog more later.  Unitl then.