Fabulous Brown Girl: It's Our One Year Anniversary!

Today is a milestone for FBG!!!

WE ARE ONE YEAR OLD TODAY!!

A year ago today I started this blog to express something that had been brewing inside of me for a long time- my love for positive black women, fashion, career development, and girl talk. All of these things embody who I am personally as a twenty-something, young professional. At the time I started FBG, I was really into reading other people blogs and decided that why not start my own. So I did. I am so grateful to myself and others who have supported the idea of being a Fabulous Brown Girl! This blog has turned into a brand that I want to follows me where ever I go.

Here's a little back story. When I moved to Atlanta from DC in august of 2009, it was a whole new life for me. I needed something that I could say I was in control of, something I was passionate about, and I needed something to jump start my career goals. Fabulous Brown Girl has done all of that and more for me.

So if you want to start your own blog, company, go back to school, or change careers I say go for it!!! Better yet.... GO HARD FOR IT!! Your dreams are your own and nobody can tell you that you can not do something you are passionate about. There are positive examples of this everywhere you turn. And as my mother always told me ... nobody on this earth is better than you.

"If there is at least one person on this earth that has accomplished what you want than it can be done and it is NOT impossible"

One day I know my dreams will turn into reality and as I will have this blog to thank as the catalyst.

As I transition onto bigger things, I will continue to blog and I will continue to connect with other Fabulous Brown Girl bloggers like myself. I want to do a lot of new things with this blog that I will continue pursue this along with whatever else I am passionate about.

Thank you for your continued support and don't forget to follow @FabBrownGirl on Twitter.

Powerful Fab Brown Girls on Twitter

Recently, BlackWeb2.0 released a list of the most Powerful Black women on Twitter! It is great to see the majority of women that made the list are some of our favorite FBGs who try to use their celeb influence to do positive things and uplift other women.

Check out the List!

What Happened to Desiree Rogers?

So currently there is BIG buzz around Desiree Roger's, Social Secretary to the Obama administration, announcement of resignation.

Rogers made the announcement last Friday after much scrutiny and backlash from the couple who successfully crashed the State Dinner back in November of last year.

We are shocked and disappointed at the news of her resignation because she was one of the women along with First Lady, Michelle Obama, in the White House that exemplified what a Fabulous Brown Girl is..

Many have criticized her saying that because she was brought in only because she was a close friend to the Obama's and that she got caught up in the instant fame she received and didn't take the president's safety as serious as she should have.

Even though the president's safety is of utmost concern, we don't think that the dinner party crashing warranted Roger's early departure.

Politics, as we know is a nasty game and we know that there is always more to a story when someone resigns prematurely from an awesome position. People are always ready to bring you down and watch you fall, but never let that deter you from your dreams. And make sure you use everything major that happens to you as a lesson learned.

We are sad to see her leave, but we know Ms. Rogers is a very smart and determined woman and she will have offers coming from several other places, and we still plan on following her career.


What do you all think about Desiree Rogers resignation?

Howard University's Student President and President Obama Support HBCU's

Last Friday, HBCU leader and student body president, Bryan Smart was given an opportunity to introduce President Obama as he signed the HBCU Initiative making more money and support from the federal government available to the institutions, beginning with the 2011 budget, according to Blackamericaweb.com.

Being a proud decendant of an HBCU education, I know and agree heavily with those who care about making HBCUs strong and able to withstand and breed a new generation of educated and confident young black Americans.



“This will establish a new platform for strengthening the capacity of HBCUs.” said John S. Wilson, executive director of the White House Initiative on HBCUs. “This executive order provides $98 million in new money for HBCUs,” Wilson said. And the nearly $400 million in increased funds for Pell Grants is expected to find its way to students at HBCUs, said Wilson

According to the Hilltop Online, HUSA President Bryan Smart had this to say about my Alma Mater, “Howard has given me a sense of self,” he said. “It has given me an educational experience that is second to none, and opportunities like this one that I know I wouldn’t have been afforded at any other university.”

Howard University Student President, Bryan Smart

For Obama to recognize the importance of HBCUs is wonderful and another reason why we at FABULOUS BROWN GIRL love the President of the United States.


To get a more comprehensive understanding of what the HBCU initiative is... CLICK HERE

BET Honors: This is What Extraordinary Looks Like

So last night BET outdid themselves with this year's broadcast of their 3rd annual BET Honors which took place in Washington, DC. The BET Honors recognized the achievements of fellow Howard Bison, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Queen Latifah, Dr. Keith Black, Dr. Ruth J. Simmons, and Whitney Houston.



Hosted by FBG Gabriel Union, several artists performed to honor them musically with uplifting songs to show them their love and appreciation.

My favorite tributes were Diddy's with Mary J Blige showing love to her "big brother" with a lot of hits they made together; as well as, Kim Burrell and Jennifer Hudson's tribute to Whitney Houston. Those ladies sang their hearts out to Whitney who was not afraid to "show" her gratitude for them while they performed. I didn't mind Whitney's antics because she made it clear, its better to be judged by your triumphs than by your flaws... Only if everyone thought like that!



Check out the tear jerking tribute Kim Burrell performed with her rendition of "I Believe in You and Me". This rendition encompasses how Fabulous Brown Girls everywhere should feel about one another. Thank You Kim and Whitney for that moment and thank you BET. We needed that.

A Little Positivity Goes A Long Way

We just want to tell you Fabulous Brown Girls that now is the time to believe in YOU!

Instead of playing the victim on the bad deck of cards you have been dealt, LET IT GO!

There are always people who are going through far worst life altering events than you are at any given moment.

When you change your mind frame and become a more positive person, then that positivity will shine on to others. Once your positivity shines on others they will more than likely give you that same positive energy.

Forgive those who have done you wrong. You dont have to allow them back in your life, but holding grudges gives THEM power over you that they DO NOT deserve.

Here is a FBG challenge:

Make a pact with yourself to compliment someone at least once everyday on a random thing.

You never know how far a simple "I like your earrings" or "This is delicious" will go and make someone feel for the rest of the day.

I want to challenge you Fabulous Brown Girls to be the Happy, Grateful, and Inspiring women we were all meant to be.

Remember: Energy is real... Positive energy attracts more positive energy. It is like a beautiful cycle that spreads out at any given moment

Howard University and Wale Help Haiti with Benefit Concert

On January 21 Howard University hosted a benefit concert where Wale and a host of other performers gave back and set it off in Crampton University where all the proceeds were donated to the Haiti Earthquake Relief efforts.

Howard University has a rather large Haitian student population and the Haitian Student Association's president who is a native of Port-Au-Prince spoke a few words of gratitude to his fellow student body.

The sold out concert raised over 10,000 dollars in donation money just from ticket sales alone all while being entertained by the DC native recent hip hop phenomenon, Wale.

Fabulous Brown Girl wants to give a special shout out her Alma Mater and Wale for a job well done in the efforts to give back to Haiti in their desperate time of need. Howard is a school that is known for the student body's collective reaction to world tragedy. We do not just sit by and let others take care of the world--we know we have to be the change we want the world to be not to mention we feel even more responsible because [Haitians] are OUR people.

The diaspora is heavily represented at Howard so we can not just sit by and see our people in distress without doing what we can. I am so glad that Howard has instilled that in all of us.

Check out the video of Wale's performance!

Just by looking at the video clip I can tell he put on a FABULOUS show! And let us not forget and go back to our own lives. We have to continue raising money for Haiti. Yes we are reacting faster than other tragedies in the past, but Haiti will be needing our help for years to come. Our help for Haiti is just beginning....

There's Good News and There's Bad News

There is some good news and there is some bad news...

Let's start with some the good news!

Today marks the one year anniversary of President Obama getting sworn into office and becoming the 44th president of the United States! I remember walking from my house to the Capitol in 20 degree weather at 6 o'clock in the morning just to be in the presence of the Inauguration. That historic moment is a moment I can tell anyone that asks that"I was there". I can tell my children and my grandchildren all about the energy of the people. Something that still astonishes me to this day is the fact that there were over a million people in attendance from all over the world and not one act of violence took place the whole entire day. I was amazed by this fact alone. Despite being frostbit and fatigued for the rest of the week, I would do it all again to be a part of that historic moment?

What are some of your 1-20-09 Inauguration stories?


Now some bad news..

Ironically, on the eve of President Obama's one year anniversary, Late Sen. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts Democratic seat went to an unknown Republican by the name of Scott Brown who pledges to vote against the health care reform that is so close to being passed by the federal legislation. This would be a major roadblock in Obama's agenda if not passed.

This goes to show that even though a President can promise change, if the people under him in legislation (republicans) do not want this change they can make his job very, very difficult.

On Twitter, Fabulous Brown Girl and TV personality Star Jones (@StarJonesEsq) tweeted,

"The only people who are against the health care bill are those who have never been without insurance. It is selfish elitist, costly, and embarrassing that this bill hasn't been passed yet."

Here at Fabulous Brown Girl we are not going to give up hope! The health care bill will pass and a change will be made!

Have a GREAT DAY and remember to stay steadfast in your prayer and help for HAITI.. another earthquake of great magnitude hit. Even if it is claimed as an aftershock, I don't think the people of HAITI need any more action for a loonnngg time

Tips for Making Better Career Moves for the New Year!

In 2009 I knew many Fabulous Brown Girls who were just going through the motions with their careers.. You were not really happy with where you were at work or how you were being treated. So in 2010 you said you wanted a CHANGE!! Well 2010 is here and nothing has happened. Its okay FBGs if you know you want to change, but don't necessarily know where to start. Just make sure you READ on for tips on how to go about it the right way..

• Self-Evaluation: Have you started a personal evaluation or self reflection of yourself career wise? Did you meet your professional goals over the last year or at least started making significant headway on them?

• Share Your Goals: Have you told your boss the goals you have? It is important to let your boss know where you see yourself professionally. Their job is not only to meet the company's goals, but also to help develop your career goals as well. A good boss will be impressed by your willingness to share your goals as well as be excited to help you progress. If you have let the new year come and haven't sat down to talk to your boss do that ASAP!

• Update Your Resume: If you achieved your goals for the year, make sure your boss knows this and your resume has your most current accomplishments on them with the results that back them up. And keep your eyes open for new opportunities within your company if you intend on staying.

• Professional Development: Use this year to expand on new skills that can be developed. Attend professional organization meetings, go to seminars, or listen to webinars for a few hours a month, purchase a few books on your industry to learn new and exciting techniques.

Corporate America is a hard game to play. We want to see all of our Fabulous Brown Girls succeed in this world, so if you have any more tips or stories you can share or pass along.. please by all means do not be afraid of leaving us a comment!

Dreams! How Many of Us Have Them?!

Happy Monday Fabulous Brown Girls! hope you are staying warm in this arctic tundra we are experiencing this winter! Living in the Northern Hemisphere sucks sometimes.. I guess living down south isn't enough to escape the HAWK!

I originally wanted to write a blog on another topic, but decided to hold off because recently I have been having the strangest, vivid dreams I have had in a long time. Unfortunately, I am not talking about the kinds that go on vision boards either. I'm talking about that good old fashion REM dreams that when you finally do escape them you can't seem to shake them for the rest of the day.

Some of them have been sad and nightmarish dreams, while some of them have been so good I was actually sad to wake up and not have them be reality.

I have never really put too much thought into dreams. Some people say they are symbolic and have underlying meanings to your truest wants and desires. While others think they are just your imagination entertaining you until you wake up for a new day.

Whatever the case may be, do you think the subconscious mind is more powerful than the conscious mind?

Do you think that we suppress are thoughts so deeply into are subconscious that dreams are the only place they are allowed to resurface?

I really want to know what my dreams mean and what they mean for me. So many different emotions take place when I close my eyes for my daily hibernation.. I wonder what I will dream about tonight!

Do any of y'all have dreams that you think are thoughts that you suppress so deeply that they haunt you while you sleep?

Visualize Your Dreams and Never Give Up On Them!

I just want to share something that has been on my mind with all of you Fabulous Brown Girls. It is something you hear so many times, that you sometimes become numb to it . The adage

NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS!

Yes, I know it is said all the time, but I just feel like I should reiterate it because it is the plain and simple TRUTH!

I have seen many of my friends and family reach goals that were merely ideas years ago! A lot of us now have our degrees, are obtaining masters and PhD's, are in medical schools, law schools, working for various Fortune 500 companies, launching our own businesses, and buying homes and real estate! All because we had a VISION for our lives and set goals to reach them!

I am a HUGE proponent of writing down your goals and making them HIGHLY visual. An example of this is through a vision board, which is simply a poster that has visual images and phrases of the goals you wish to obtain. Because I am a PowerPoint connoisseur I made a PowerPoint slide show as my vision board instead of a poster board when I came up with the idea of FABULOUS BROWN GIRL, and when I recently looked back over it not too long ago, I can honestly say, and i mean HONESTLY, that all of the goals surrounding my blog FBG have been met or are currently underway!!

I had an idea that came to my mind, which then turned into a goal, as well as a passion. I took the time to craft out specific details about this goal and made a visually appealing map of sorts to look at and remind myself of where I want to be and how I want to get there! I definitely intend on doing the same thing for the other passions and future goals that I have in my life!

Don't let anyone deter you or tell you when and how your goal needs to happen because everyone is different and what they may not have the ability to do, you may very well be able to succeed at the highest level.

So Fabulous Brown Girls, whatever your passion is, what ever you see your self in a certain amount of time doing.. write it down and visualize the process it will take to get there and don't neglect to ask for help or a mentor (which I strongly believe all of us should have at least one at this stage) Don't let go of your dream and I promise you will be FABULOUS!

Let's Discuss: Tiger Wood's Vanity Fair Cover

By now I am sure many of you have seen and perhaps formed your own opinion about the January cover of Vanity Fair with Tiger Woods looking very much like (in my opinion) a jailhouse inmate who has been asked "what are you in for?" more times than can be counted...

The photographer was Annie Lebovitz... and is renowned for taking artistic,off the wall photos of A list celebrities. Even though this shoot was taken before the CHEETAH scandal hit the fan, I can't help but see the foreshadowing in it all. As well as question what exactly is VF trying to communicate with this.

I love magazines because they are very visual in the communication targeted messages and am saddened that the industry is not what it used to be. But I am a fan of the visual communication aspect and influence that magazines have. So when I saw the raw cover, I began to wonder what exactly is the message they are trying to have perceived?

Is Tiger the newest [black] monster athlete on the scene?

Should after flocking to and bowing down at his golf clubs, should [white] women now run for the hills?

Or is this just a plain exploit to just sell a magazine, since the industry is unfortunately suffering?

Whatever the case may be, it has left me feeling some kind of way. Exploitation is really sickening and it hurts to see the magazine taking that sort of route. I do not condone Tiger's extreme infidelity in any way shape or form, but printing this particular photo as the cover for Vanity Fair to try and promote whatever negative underlying image is very disheartening.. Can someone please help me understand?!

I think this cover would have never been chosen if his infidelity had never leaked. His image would still be the standard golf course walking, fist pumping, Tournament winning champion, that we have been seeing for the past 15 years.

What do you Fabulous Brown Girls think about the cover?!

Notice Anything New?! 2010 is our BREAKTHOUGH year!

Happy New Year!!!

Wow ! 2009 was a great year! It was the year Fabulous Brown Girl came to me as an idea in the middle of the night and became a reality. I had several AHA moments as many scholarly folks would like to call it in 2009 which I am grateful for and it will only keep growing from here. It was a year of growth, change, and humility for me and 2010 will be the year where my thoughts and ideas actualize and become reality! 2010 will be in one simple word a.. BREAKTHROUGH!

With that we decided to change our look a bit! Do you like?! I hope you do, because this new format will be around for a while. Evolution is very necessary and is a great thing to realize and be a part of!

Fabulous Brown Girl will continue to evolve into greatness and I can't wait to see where this journey of female empowerment, inspiration, community involvement, and social sophistication takes us!

I have noticed that many of my young professional peers have a great anticipation about 2010! I think we for the most part we are growing into our own and I am happy and extremely proud to see these changes of mind frame coming about?

So to all my Fabulous Brown Girls, how did you bring in the New Year and what are you looking forward to doing differently in 2010?

Fabulous Brown Girl Going Strong 2010!

My apologies for my recent lack of postings, but I am taking time out for the holidays to catch up on some rest and spend with my family and friends! With less than a week away from not only a new year, but a new decade let's wrap it up with much thanks and evaluation. Also, be excited because there will be major changes coming to Fabulous Brown Girl in 2010! So keep checking us out!!

2010 WILL and MUST BE GREAT! There will be tons of new features, tips, self development, encouragement and empowerment , and most of all PROGRESS! So please, please stay TUNED in to the FAB!



Oh! and sidenote: Go see AVATAR in 3D if you haven't already done so, it has been one of the highlights of my holiday so far! James Cameron is a bona fide GENIUS

Are You a Honey Bee?

If you are a Fabulous Brown Girl then you definitely are a Honey Bee!

Honey Magazine is having an Ambassador Search for fun, flirty, and fashionable young ladies who want to represent their city at hottest events in your city.

Just send them an email of your photo and why you would want to be a Honey Magazine Ambassador. If you are a better talker than you are a writer put it in a vlog!

You must be 21 and up and available for the various trainings.

To learn more about this FABULOUS gig Click Here

Happy Birthday to Me!!

That's right!! This Fabulous Brown Girl turns 24 years old and I must admit it feels GREAT!! I feel so blessed that I have seen this day 24 times and get to spend it with special people!!

This is my last year in my "early 20s" stage before I hit the mid 20s and then .. knocking 30.

But like fine wine, trust and believe I will be getting better with age!

Have a FABULOUS Day!


HAPPY BIRTDAY 2 YA Stevie Wonder version!!

FBG Spotlight: Vanessa and Angela Simmons

How could you not love them? They could be compared to the Hilton sisters, but they are Fabulous and Brown so that makes them better ;)

As we all know, Angela and Vanessa Simmons are a part of the lineage of Hip Hop royalty seeing as their father was 1/3 of RUN DMC. They were first introduced to us through the popular MTV reality show Run's House that stole our attention and made reality TV a family must see.

Now these ladies are hard core entrepreneurs and socialites on both the East and West Coasts. They took their privileged background and made it work for them where they can now empower young girls through fashion and being positive role models.


I notice that the more these ladies become moguls the more I respect them for what they do and how they carry themselves. They are truly FABULOUS BROWN GIRLS because they still have fun, get their hair done, shop, but understand the importance of being strongbusinesswomen who acknowledge that they are role models and have younger girls who look up to them. They used their lineage to leverage their careers in the industry and own their own company all while being BFFs and sisters.


Here is a snippet of the interview:

Honey: Describe your style.

A: I don’t really have a set style because I don’t know how I’m going to feel in the morning.

V: You would be a very diverse dresser.

A: But that’s boring. I don’t want to say “diverse dresser.”

V: I made up my whole category. I’m versatile.

A: I don’t like to just go with what’s trendy right now. I’ll go back and pull stuff and say, “This was popular in 1995, I’m putting it on.” I’m all over the place.

Honey: Sneakers or stilettos?

V: Flats. Nice flat boots.

A: At this very moment, I would put on stilettos. That’s why Pastry is making heels.

V: But heels that can also be comfortable.

A: And I love sneakers. I’ve always been a sneaker head. But that’s what drives us to be able to do a line. We’re into that world. We’re into all of it. People often say, “I don’t understand why you don’t have your stuff on all the time.” Because I’m such a fashion-person that I could never limit myself to one lane. What I like to do is go shop and get inspiration to build up new stuff.

Check out their entire interview at Honey Magazine where they discuss their distinct personalities, being moguls, their style, and their relationships.

[Photos taken from Honeymag.com]

In Case You Didn't See It: Christmas at the White House with Oprah

Last night Oprah's prime time special Christmas at the White House aired where Oprah interviewed the president and First Lady to discuss how they are doing Christmas and his current over job as President.

First Lady Michelle looked ever so FABULOUS and chic in her holiday attire and their display of Black Love as a marreid couple is still tremendously inspiring. I love specials like these beacause it reaffirms the emotions of joy and happiness that they are really our PRESIDENT and FIRST LADY adn ti wasn't a dream but infact reality.

IF you did not get a chance to watch this great special FBG has the entire thing in 4 parts. Enjoy!

Is Tiger Just Another Dumb Jock?

Tiger, Tiger, Tiger.. SMH

At first I wasn't shocked by Tiger Woods and him dipping out on his wife in the least. I mean real talk, most men cheat on their wives and have to find someone to pick up their jaws when they finally do get caught. I get that.. but to have ALL these women coming out the wood work like some cock roaches is just disgusting and repulsive.

How can you live such a double life like this?! How can you go to sleep at night and claim to be a husband, father, and role model? Part of me is glad that he doesn't necessarily claim his black side even though his father was black (and we all know that one drop rule), but whatever.. because I don't want that to be put on us because I don't have your back on this one Tiger. Nope!



And regardless of his personal live with his wife, I am 100% sure that Tiger knows he is ultimately a business brand that has heavy multi million dollar endorsements to protect. According to Bloomberg.com, all of Tiger's TV ads have ceased to run as of November 28th and it is speculated that he has officially lost Gatorade, one of his biggest endorsements.

Now if any thing else Tiger is a DUMB JOCK!! How dumb can you be to risk your money to be this irresponsible with your personal life? Not to mention the hundreds of people who work for his empire whose once credible positions are now tarnished because of his actions.

And I am sure my FABULOUS BROWN GIRLS won't take this the wrong way when I say M.O.B. Any real black man knows exactly what that means, and obviously Tiger does not! (if you don't know what that stands for just leave a comment and I will gladly clear it up for you!)

For a list of Tiger Woods' endorsements that are now in danger Click Here

Is He Right or Wrong?? President Obama to Send More Troops

Last night, President Obama gave a speech at West Point Military Academy to announce his disicions to send 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan. Many people are not thrilled about the desicion and want all troops to return home. OF course initially you think huh? But if you think about it, President Obama is doing the right thing.

President's Obamas mission is to finish what we originally said we needed to do and reverse the Talibans momentum.

After 9/11 happened it was clear that the Taliban were attempting to destroy the United States at its core. But instead of tackling Afghanistan head on, Bush created a decoy known as "weapons of mass destruction" and morphed a war that should have been against the Taliban into the War against IRAQ aka "Mission: Annihilate Sudam Hussein."

So do you really think President Obama is playing us by sending more troops and extending the timeline to 3 years or is he just further facilitating the war we should have been fighting since jump?!

One of my good friends and FBG said to me on Twitter: @CocoChrissy I dont know if they 4get that it literally took 8 yrs 2 screw things up. No good course of action can be implemented overnight

I agree.. people forget that the mess Bush created over 8 years is the same mess Obama is attempting to clean up in half that time. And to be quite honest, I don't know a better person for the job!

Check out a clip of President Obama giving his speech last night