02

Dec

She’s the Boss: Tia Chestang-Beville

Tia Chestang-Beville

At SCDD, we believe true beauty starts within, and following your dreams is always in style!  So talking with Tia-Chestang-Beville (owner of Purify Wellness & Spa )was a no-brainer.  Nestled off Highway 280, the spa offers a pampering environment to escape the daily grind.  It also represents owner-operator Chestang-Beville’s desire to fulfill a personal dream of pursuing entrepreneurship and promoting a holistic approach to health and wellness.  Purify Wellness & Spa invites its clients to relax, refresh and rejuvenate with services that include beauty, massage and detoxification treatments.

Her inspiration: What really inspired me to start my own business was I noticed that so many African-Americans have a hard time finding a job, or even an opportunity. I wanted to be my own boss and call my own shots.

Wake-up call: Before I [became an entrepreneur] I worked in the banking industry.  One day I woke up and realized this was not what I had come to Birmingham for.  I turned in my two week’s notice and started a physical therapy program [within several months].  While working as a physical therapist I realized many of my patients had issues with [digestive complaints].  And I had learned personally the benefits of proper nutrition.  Purify was born of that.

Would she ever return to banking? Never, ever!  If push came to shove, I’d [return] to physical therapy. It’s just as rewarding.  But I’d work as an [independent contractor].  I’ll never go back to being fully employed by someone else.  It’s not all glitz and glamour, but I’ve gotten a taste of the American dream and I’ll never go back.

SCDD took a guided tour of the spa during the interview and learned about the colon hydrotherapy services Purify administers.  Purify Wellness & Spa currently uses the “open,” or Libby System exclusively, in which the client controls the session.

Ms. Chestang-Beville was careful to make the distinction that the spa services clients, not patients, as she is practicing under a certification and not a license. “I am at the beginning stages of colon hydrotherapy (CHT),” she notes.  “I’ve completed pre-requisites in gross anatomy, physiology, plus 100 hours and 50 sessions in colon hydrotherapy.  I’ll go to Atlanta to move to the intermediate level and received training on the closed system.  The closed system is a little more invasive and requires a therapist to be present at all times.”

The Libby System tables are scrupulously clean, and the room itself is soothing. We observed as Ms. Chestang-Beville personally sterilized and prepared the session room for her next client and found out there is even an automatic “kill switch” which allows the client to control the apparatus’ valves to his or her comfort. 

“Everything is sterile and disposable,” Ms. Chestang-Beville says.  “Nothing is recycled.  All supplies are carefully laid out each time for each client.”

What has been the most surprising part of the process for her?

“Initially I had tons of support from friends and family encouraging me to follow my dreams and go forward, ” she says.  “The most surprising part is I never thought I could actually do it, and manage it the way I’ve been able to. [Ms. Chestang-Beville talked to us while running the front desk,  interacting with a steady stream of clients, and scheduling sessions.  She even planned her recent wedding while running the business.]  The [Highway 280] area loves us and has been very welcoming. The support has been great.”

Purify is now offering  a spa membership program and Chestang-Beville has plans to further expand her services.  Ready to check out Purify Wellness & Spa for yourself?  December is a great time to relax, relate and release, as they are offering a 12 Days of Christmas special as well as promotions via Facebook!

Image courtesy of Tia Chestang-Beville

14 years ago Short URL Comments

Birmingham Live!/First Person Fabulous

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10

Nov

Haute and Homespun: Gee’s Bend Quilters & Alabama Chanin

If you’re in the Birmingham area, don’t miss Common Threads: Quilters of West Alabama Meet Mud Cloth Makers of West Africa.   Part of the World on Stage Festival, this collective features the famous quilters of Gee’s Bend and Groupe Bogolon Kasobane, mudcloth makers from Mali.  Textiles from both groups are being shown in the lobby of the Alys Stephens Center, and the programs – lunchtime chats, hands-on crafting, and more – will conclude on November 11 (all events are free to the public). 

Full Circle – the new boutique next door to Zoe’s in Forest Park, is hosting an Alabama Chanin trunk show and workshop November 16-19.  The line, which features handmade items for the individual and home made from sustainable and organic materials, is produced in Florence, Alabama under the direction of Natalie Chanin.   The stenciling and beadwork on these pieces is AMAZING. 

Image courtesy of Auburn University/Tinwood Media

14 years ago Short URL Comments

Birmingham Live!

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08

Nov

First Person Fabulous: Ryan Christopher

Same Chic Different Day recently chatted with Birmingham fashion stylist Ryan Christopher, 27.  Mr. Christopher, a Miles College grad, works under the direction of celebrity stylist Shun Melson and has styled the Real Houseweives of Atlanta and Basketball Wives‘  star Jennifer Williams.  He also recently styled LisaRaye McCoy during the 2011 State Farm Magic City Classic and was the official I Am The Classic celebrity stylist.

When did you first become interested in fashion?  I’d have to say in high school.  I was such a Banana Republic person back then. That’s when I bought my first Louis Vuitton wallet.  And that’s when I thought I wanted to do something in fashion, but I didn’t know exactly what.  And I was always helping my friends find things.

His major influences:  When it comes to my personal style, I don’t look to a lot of influences. I dress according to how I feel.   I’ve admired and been inspired by many people, but I’m not an imitator.  From admiration you get inspiration to do your thing.  If I feel urban, I do urban;  if I feel something else, I do something else. 

The item he can’t live without?  My sunglasses; those are like my children, literally. I left a pair in Atlanta [once] and when I realized it I had a panic attack.  They knew to Fed Ex them to me overnight. 

It starts at home:  My mother taught me how to be well put together.  She was very well kept and very well put together, and that’s key to styling.  You don’t want a client to look sloppy.   And I have a great aunt that I think I got a fashion gene from.  She was over my grandmother’s house wearing a full mink and  some high heels and she’s like 80;  I was like ‘I see where I get it from.’

Tips for aspiring stylists:  The best thing I can say is intern as much as you can, research, and sharpen your eye.   And find a stylist you can assist [and from whom you can] learn the business.  When you’re interning, you have to look at it as [an opportunity] to learn everything you can from the person.  Learn how to listen with your eyes and not your ears.

Cheap chic:  When you’re looking at your budget and want to expand, there are several things you can do.  [Browse in] the Z Outlet; they sell very fashion-forward earrings, etc.  The trick is, it’s cheap, so you have to know what to pick up and what to leave in the store. There’s nothing wrong with budget shopping at stores like Forever 21 and Know Style.   Shoe Show and Shoe Time imitate every designer you can think of;  shop those places for that same look without the designer price.  But you have to know what you can make work.  If you don’t have the budget, go into your own closet and try to revamp what you’ve had, something you wore years ago.  Get new shoes and make it look fresh.  I do it all the time. 

In our conversation at Fashiontini Mr. Christopher stated that people in Birmingham play it safe when it comes to style.  His advice on how to take one’s style up a notch (or several):  Step out of the box.  Play with color throughout the season.  One thing I like to see [is people]wearing boots in the spring.   Who says you can only wear boots in the winter?  Do an edgier shoe or an edgier color.  Little things like that can push a look over the edge. Try unexpected colors together:  two colors you never thought would look right together.  Try to make it more interesting and more fun –  not so serious. [It’s as though people say to themselves] ‘OMG everything has to match to a tee’ – NO.  Try that crazy looking bootie, or that bootie with a skirt. 

Casket sharp:  I don’t plan on dying anytime soon, but I would like to be buried in a basic Dolce and Gabbana suit with shades.  Just a basic nice tailored fit: very clean, very crisp, very simple.

And what would you not be caught dead wearing?  Oh, God. What would I not be caught dead wearing?  A fat knotted tie!  I don’t know if that’s a trend in the South, but you’ll never see me wear that.  God, it’s hideous.   I hate those with a passion. 

Well, there you have it.  For more on Mr. Christopher, check out this recent profile on urbanham.com or his personal blog.  For booking or public relations information, please contact Ms. Toni Rousell at (205) 523-4PUB or trou35@gmail.com.

Image courtesy of Ryan Christopher

14 years ago Short URL Comments

Birmingham Live!/First Person Fabulous

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04

Nov

Best Dressed: The Classic Soiree

Okay, okay…we partied too hard last weekend at the Magic City Classic to take photos, but take our word for it: the hautest party in town was held at the Birmingham Museum of Art last Friday night, where Birmingham’s most fashionable mix, mingled, and enjoyed music from Raheem Devaughn! And while there were simply too many fabulous ensembles to recount, we thought it only fitting to celebrate three socialites who styled this week’s Fashion Flashback in three very distinct, but equally fab ways:

Regan Fisher Liggins chose a long sleeve sweater dress with grommet and lace-up detailing and accessories from Cache.   Mrs. Liggins notes she was “aiming for sophistication with comfort.”  We think she succeeded..and as the temperatures dipped, we know several bare-armed ladies wished they’d followed her lead and worn something with sleeves!

Tia Chestang-Beville chose a black sheath with ruffle detail by Paul Sinclaire.  She accessorized with Valentino’s couture bow d’Orsay pumps in cherry red for a pop of color, and a Kate Spade Pop Art Pearle clutch (which we’re going to “borrow” at the first opportunity!).  Mrs. Beville says she was going for a “back to basics  meets classy chic look”.  

Jamika Kirk shopped the day of the event (!) and came away a winner with a “fun, flirty,  sexy” one-shoulder Jessica Simpson cocktail dress she found at Macy’s/Colonial Brookwood Mall.  She accessorized with Badgley Mischka’s black satin Randall stilettos, jewelry by Guess and Claire’s and a clutch from Express.   Ms. Kirk,  who had never worn a one-shoulder before, was looking for a dress that could easily transition to another nightspot.

Three looks – all chic!

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14 years ago Short URL Comments

Birmingham Live!/If We Weren't There It Didn't Happen/Random Acts of Fashion/Scene and Heard/Who Wore What Where

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28

Oct

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall…

….WHO’S THE HAUTEST OF THEM ALL?

It could be YOU!

Same Chic Different Day is looking for the best dressed ladies and gentlemen at the 2011 State Farm Magic City Classic!  Rock your fly and flashy ensembles…if you’re tapped by our Head Fashionista in Charge  – Alexis Barton – as she checks out game day fashion at Birmingham’s Legion Field and party attire throughout the weekend, your style could be featured right here in an upcoming post! 

For more on Magic City Classic fashion do’s and definite don’ts, check out this post!

Image courtesy of Google

14 years ago Short URL Comments

Birmingham Live!/If We Weren't There It Didn't Happen/Scene and Heard

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26

Oct

What’s Not Haute: 2011 State Farm Magic City Classic Edition

These lovelies are getting worn this weekend. Trust.

It’s time for the 2011 State Farm Magic City Classic, the 70th annual face-off between Alabama A&M and Alabama State Universities, and one of Birmingham’s most fashionable events! Whether you’re rooting for the Hornets or the Bulldogs come October 28th, here are some tips to keep you from being fashion roadkill! 

  1. LAYER.  Weather can change from hot to cold and back in an instant.  Shivering half-naked makes you look silly. And sweating with a coat on is unacceptable as well.
  2. Fur is FIRE (if the temperature deems it appropriate)…but please leave anything that resembles German shepherd, raccoon, or squirrel in your closet.  Better yet, trash it.  Simply put, if it looks like it can move  with you, don’t wear it!
  3. Rock boots and stiletto heels if you must, but only if you know how to walk in them. Hobbling,stumbling and/or stomping are not sexy. If you just bought them and haven’t broken them in, don’t bother.
  4. Furthermore, if your toes are hanging over the edge of your shoes, or if the heels are missing taps or look like they’ve been gnawed by a rabid animal, please don’t wear them.
  5. This is a family-friendly weekend.  No one wants to see the tattoo(s) on your exposed stomach, cleavage, or lower back. Thanks!
  6. If your ‘gators are the same color as Kool-Aid or Now&Laters, spare us.
  7. We know you’ve got school spirit, but that 1964 band sweater is not the business. Matter fact, NOTHING from 1964 is okay.
  8. No one is starching their jeans anymore, we hope! We don’t want to see any super stiff creases in your denim!
  9. If you’re wearing Spandex and are visibly pregnant, expect to be tapped on the shoulder and asked to leave.
  10. Ditto for anyone in an extra smedium vest (male or female).
  11. Wear your ice, but don’t be mad if it gets snatched. You’ve seen Birmingham on The First 48, right? Please don’t be a fashion casualty!
  12. No one wants to see your underwear (bra straps, panty lines, boxer shorts, etc.). Take our word for it.
  13. You’re not on the dance line, so why would you wear booty shorts or a leotard and fishnets to the game?
  14. If you absolutely must wear a (zoot) suit to any of the events scheduled this weekend, please remove the tag(s) from the sleeve.
  15. If your lacefront game is not up to par (and by “up to par” we mean: no visible glue tracks, it shouldn’t look like old Barbie doll hair, and it shouldn’t be perched right above your eyebrows), expect to be a topic of discussion for all the wrong reasons.
  16. Need we inform you that baby hair is for BABIES?
  17. Ladies: please keep your shoes on in the club and everywhere else for that matter. You’re welcome.
  18. Men in skinny jeans or jeggings – well, if you’re guilty of this crime you probably aren’t even reading this blog regularly – so…never mind.
  19. It’s not Halloween or Mardi Gras.  Unless you actually are Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry, or Lady Gaga, don’t show up dressed as a misguided geisha, Barbie, Smurfette, or wearing meat.
  20. Keep it chic!   One of our readers rocked a bow tie and sweater at her college’s homecoming.  Or maybe in honor of LisaRaye – this year’s ambassador – you want to try a “white haute” look. This weekend is the time to take a calculated risk, either with your ensemble or accessories!
     

And for more on Black college classics, check out this article by Deron Snyder at theroot.com.

Image courtesy of bloomingdales.com

15 years ago Short URL 11 Comments

Birmingham Live!/If We Weren't There It Didn't Happen/Scene and Heard

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25

Oct

First Person Fabulous: Jarvis Escott

Jarvis Escott, 31, might possibly be one of the hardest working men in Birmingham.  Not only is he President of First Impressions Marketing Group, he’s the cofounder of blacksouthbusiness.com with partner Chaundra Davis.  SCDD caught up with him in the midst of planning a swirl of events surrounding this year’s Magic City Classic.  Read on for the his take on style, personal branding and entrepreneurship in Birmingham.

His worst fashion moment? (Laughs)  It’d have to be the other day: I was meeting someone and I spilled Coca Cola all over myself.  Or one time I had a big meeting and I was rushing so much that I left my belt.  I [had to] keep it moving without it.

What his father taught him about style: [He taught me that] what you wear represents you.   And you are also representing others.  So with me, what I wear represents my family, my home training, and my business…I started a company named First Impressions and I believe in making good first impressions.  [Also] whatever you wear, it’s not what you wear, it’s how you wear it.  Some guys wear suits and [you can tell] they are uncomfortable in them.  Other guys wear them and they walk like [they’re] the CEO, even if they may be the parking lot attendants.

If we peeked into your briefcase, what would we see?  First of all, you’d see my blackberry.  A receipt book.  And a notepad.

What he won’t be caught dead in:  Tight pants.  And pink shirts.  I don’t think I have the confidence to pull that off.  But I could do a pink tie.

On what influenced his career choice:  I think what interested me as far as marketing was when I was a student recruiter at UAB, “selling the university” [to prospective students] and also working as an orientation leader.  Business-wise I would say three people served as mentors and gave me a lot of hands on information:  Sam South, Tanita Cain, and Antonio Minnifield, who used to own Amani Raha.

Why he remains based in Birmingham:  Don’t get me wrong, there are temptations to go elsewhere.  I stay here because I grew up here and I really have learned and grasped the market here.  I’ve learned how to adapt to this market.  [Birmingham is a great place for young professionals] because it’s rebuilding itself after years of being under the old guard of leadership, of people not being able to get along.

His tips for aspiring moguls?  Number one:  believe in yourself when no one else believes in you,  and number two:  establish a good support network of colleagues and other business owners. When you’re around like-minded people, you’ll [find support].  In terms of promoting events, people make it look easy but it’s not.  The first thing I always tell people is ask yourself if this is something you’d go to.  Second, you need to check the calendar and see if it’s the right time to do it. Next you have to see if it’s the right location.  And of course, the key word is price.  [One of the biggest misconceptions about promoters] is that we’re rich.  Some people get into it for fame, money, and on the guys’ side, to improve their dating life.  People think it’s quick money, but there’s a science to it and you have to have the right formula to do it successfully.

How to strengthen your personal brand?  Pick three people you personally admire.  Study them and learn from the mistakes they’ve made.  For me, I think of Oprah, Diddy, and Kim Kardashian – really the whole Kardashian family – people who put their names on things and it POPS.

Any exciting developments on the horizon? I ‘m really excited about the growth of the new website, blacksouthbusiness.com.  I’m also excited about the new direction I’m going in with First Impressions with doing more entertainment and artist-driven marketing.

 Image courtesy of D Jerome Smedley/TruKnightVision Photography

15 years ago Short URL Comments

Birmingham Live!/First Person Fabulous

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24

Oct

SCDD Recommends: 2011 Magic City Classic Edition

Hornets. Bulldogs. A mass exit after halftime. Totally inappropriate attire for late October. That’s right children, it’s time for the 2011 Magic City Classic…show up and show out whether you actually attended either Alabama State or Alabama A&M Universities!  Here’s our guide to some of Birmingham’s best bets (if you’re not stuck at the Galleria or the Summit trying to hook up your party  outfit at the last minute).

EAT:  Cafeteria-style meat and three:  Niki’s West.  Wings:  Green Acres.  Fine dining (reservations recommended!): Bottega Cafe, Bettola, and Ocean (best seafood north of the Gulf; try the lobster tails!).  Casual  dining: Michael’s  (our choice for steaks).  Modern TexMex: Cocina Superior (Have the queso! And a margarita!  And the shrimp brochettes!) Cocktails: Avo and Dram (super chic!).  Breakfast: The Original Pancake House (if you’re not down with the Awful Waffle).

SHOP: Check out The Summit on Highway 280 (where you will find the only Saks Fifth Avenue, BCBG, Juicy Couture and Sephora), or if you have time to kill, The Shops of Grand River in Leeds.  There’s also great boutique shopping in Homewood’s SoHo district.

STAY:  Take your pick: Aloft in SoHo, the super swank  Ross Bridge Renaissance, the Embassy Suites  in Hoover, or  Southside’s  favorite boutique hotel The Hotel Highland.  And the Sheraton  is conveniently located downtown as well.

PLAY:  You’re here for the game and after parties, supposedly, so we’ll skip the scenic tour (although you can find highlights here).  After the game, get your party on, hit up a concert or catch a comedy show…this is when Birmingham’s nightlife comes alive (and if you don’t believe us, check out Urbanham.com’s Classic Weekend Event Guide!  And for a taste of local radio, tune your station to WBHJ 95.7, KISS 98.7, Hot 107.7,   Power 102.1 or 104.1 The Beat.

Image courtesy of State Farm Magic City Classic

15 years ago Short URL 3 Comments

Birmingham Live!/If We Weren't There It Didn't Happen/Scene and Heard

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29

Sep

Born Fresh Apparel features tees for the hipster with discriminating taste.  Check out this urbanham.com article for more on the line and its creator, Patrick Williamson.

Image courtesy of Born Fresh Apparel

15 years ago Short URL Comments

Birmingham Live!/Haute off the Press/Random Acts of Fashion

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28

Sep

Quote of the Day

“Simple things can be just enough to impress! Sometimes, we try to go over the top to impress, [when] an impression is a simple feeling someone gets when they NOTICE something about you… sometimes going over the top gets [you] un-noticed!” – Chris Coleman, WBHK 98.7 KISS FM Radio Personality

15 years ago Short URL Comments

Birmingham Live!/He Said She Said

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