http://www.myfoxhouston.com/story/28826712/houston-ladies-roll-on-black-excellence-saturday
To the unsuspecting, they appear just a foursome of lovely ladies looking for the Saturday morning relief of what some call "retail therapy".
But beneath this high spirited exploration of haute couture lies a mission far more worthy than simply finding the finest fabric or perfect cut.
"Black Excellence Saturday is a time for my friends and I to get together and support Black owned businesses in the City. We find Black owned businesses that we have never been to before and we go out and see what they have to offer," said Irnise Williams.
Williams is the leader of this movement - a calculated expedition that's certainly community service, but mostly, sheer fun.
"Girl, I've got to get small again because y'all are killing it," she shouts as friends try on snappy outfits.
At Remix Fashion the Ladies of Black Excellence Saturday find plenty they're unwilling to part with.
"They are able to put a look together that's all their own," said Sheridan Williams, owner of Remix who was grateful for the highly focused customers.
And keeping their discoveries secret is contrary to the mission. Irnise and crew will share heavily on social media – the new millennium word of mouth, creating a road map of quality African-American owned businesses for others to follow.
"Because things are spread out people don't feel that the Black culture here is strong, but it is. The history here is established and the legacy and foundation is strong and that's what we are here to build on. To let people know that Black excellence has always existed here in Houston," said Irnise.
As if to underscore the geographic point, the ladies on this Black Excellence Saturday move rapidly from Almeda to near the Galleria.
At Lux Monroe, amid more gowns and good times, Asia Griffin says in the selectivity of these Saturdays there is a special significance.
"Shops like this that showcase what young African Americans can do are amazing," said Griffin.
For owner Laci Jackson it's the kind of encouragement that keeps her dream sustained.
"Just being able to network and socialize and look cute all at the same time that is the best part," said Jackson.
Call it a conscious act of inclusion, a small, but heartfelt investment in those battling to succeed and a message to those who will follow.
"If it's something that's calling you, just go ahead and take that first step. There is so much support in the Houston area. There are so many people that would jump at the opportunity to make your dream come alive," said Rosemary Akachukwu, an enthusiastic participant in Black Excellence Saturday.
In Houston the aim is clear - preserve Black creativity and culture with a little time, a little treasure and a whole lot of excellent laughter.
To the unsuspecting, they appear just a foursome of lovely ladies looking for the Saturday morning relief of what some call "retail therapy".
But beneath this high spirited exploration of haute couture lies a mission far more worthy than simply finding the finest fabric or perfect cut.
"Black Excellence Saturday is a time for my friends and I to get together and support Black owned businesses in the City. We find Black owned businesses that we have never been to before and we go out and see what they have to offer," said Irnise Williams.
Williams is the leader of this movement - a calculated expedition that's certainly community service, but mostly, sheer fun.
"Girl, I've got to get small again because y'all are killing it," she shouts as friends try on snappy outfits.
At Remix Fashion the Ladies of Black Excellence Saturday find plenty they're unwilling to part with.
"They are able to put a look together that's all their own," said Sheridan Williams, owner of Remix who was grateful for the highly focused customers.
And keeping their discoveries secret is contrary to the mission. Irnise and crew will share heavily on social media – the new millennium word of mouth, creating a road map of quality African-American owned businesses for others to follow.
"Because things are spread out people don't feel that the Black culture here is strong, but it is. The history here is established and the legacy and foundation is strong and that's what we are here to build on. To let people know that Black excellence has always existed here in Houston," said Irnise.
As if to underscore the geographic point, the ladies on this Black Excellence Saturday move rapidly from Almeda to near the Galleria.
At Lux Monroe, amid more gowns and good times, Asia Griffin says in the selectivity of these Saturdays there is a special significance.
"Shops like this that showcase what young African Americans can do are amazing," said Griffin.
For owner Laci Jackson it's the kind of encouragement that keeps her dream sustained.
"Just being able to network and socialize and look cute all at the same time that is the best part," said Jackson.
Call it a conscious act of inclusion, a small, but heartfelt investment in those battling to succeed and a message to those who will follow.
"If it's something that's calling you, just go ahead and take that first step. There is so much support in the Houston area. There are so many people that would jump at the opportunity to make your dream come alive," said Rosemary Akachukwu, an enthusiastic participant in Black Excellence Saturday.
In Houston the aim is clear - preserve Black creativity and culture with a little time, a little treasure and a whole lot of excellent laughter.
beautiful in my city, gonna do this.
