Minneapolis, MN-Against the backdrop of cozy couches & rugs, a warm, robust fireplace and classic movies shown on the plasma screens with smooth R&B oldies and Jazz filtering through the room, guests were oblivious to the mayhem outdoors! Despite below zero temps, snow plows and a storm that landed many in a multi-car pile up along many a highway, the bold-really, the adventurous, true-blooded Minnesotan-ventured out to support the URBAN MAVEN SMALL BUSINESS SHOWCASE!

In a bid to capitalize on last-minute holiday shopping, the event featured an array of local small business owners with products ranging from jewelry, purses, cosmetics, bath & body ...and stemware fashion-to books and art.

‘I couldn’t have thought of a better way to spend a saturday afternoon‘, said one of the vendors. ‘I had so much fun and learned a lot!” She continues.

“This is great!” said one of the attendees, “I wish I got here sooner!” Everything is so positive and the people and products are great!’ She says.

“I’m buying this book, just off this line alone’, said Ryan who instantly fell in love with the book, 121 Tips on Raising a Child of Color by featured author, Dr. Juneau Robbins. Ryan was referring to the opening line: ‘Within the mindset and dedication of a child’s guardian lies the rise and fall of a nation.”

Guests came from all over the Twin Cities' from Plymouth, to Maple Grove and Brooklyn Center, including 3 generations of women and their children who came to support the event. “I came with my daughter and my grandchildren,” said the Grandmother. “I wanted to hear the information on starting a business.....and find a foundation that matches my complexion!” They were treated to delicious fare from Trocaderos menu and amazing gift bags which included massage gift certificates, MN Lynx shirts, beauty products, etc and a handsome 40% off coupon to Wilson’s Leather.

“We’re gonna stick to the program!’ said Urban Maven producer, Anika Robbins. “I’m so glad many of you decided to join us!’ she enthused. Robbins owns ANIKA INTERNATIONAL COSMETICS, also a featured brand at the Showcase.

And so, the show went on. Guest speaker Tene Wells, President of Women Venture delivered a brisk, energetic plea to business owners to plan ahead and begin thinking long-term and the importance of building a legacy.

“Your business has to sustain you and your family,” she said. “(Women) have to take care of themselves.....we outlive them (men), so at the end of the day, the only one left to take care of you....is you!”commenting on how the recent mortgage crisis affected primarily African American women over 50.

Following Wells’ presentation, business owners were brought up one by one to talk about their business. This quickly became a warm and empowering testimonial ‘pow-wow’ as each entrepreneur shared the joys and trials of their journey.

“What people don’t know about me is that I came to Minneapolis on the greyhound bus without a job” shares Robyne Robinson, owner of Rox Jewelry and her latest undertaking, Black Betty Posters, vintage cosmetic beauty advertisements c. 1930s. “My mom couldn’t afford to give us money to buy christmas gifts for our friends so she took us the bead shop and we made jewelry”.

Today, Rox pieces can be found in select boutiques and was recently picked up by Macy’s.

The event included a mini-trunk show featuring budding designer, Genavieve Cooley. Her pieces feature a classic yet whimsical flair with a creative use of fabrics and patterns. Her line also features custom pet outfits and custom heat-transfers.

“This is really great what you’re doing here! said Eileen Banks, winner of the FREE leather jacket courtesy of Wilson’s Leather’. “I came (all the way from Plymouth!), I bought....and I won!”

“I will definitely be at the next one!’ This was really great!

For information on the next URBAN MAVEN SMALL BUSINESS SHOWCASE and a complete listing of participating sponsors and vendors, visit www.urbanmavenguide.com

Bowie, MD- "You're not gonna have pillows and flowers everywhere are you??" winces a VERY nervous Dwayne Alleyne, a business consultant who resides in PGC-Prince George County, MD, one of the wealthiest black zip codes in the nation."

The Challenge should we choose to accept-which we did- was to ‘pimp‘ this bachelor pad making it reflective of the young 30-something bachelor. His 4 story town home while beautiful, was desperately in need of some personality, warmth but above all, MANLY ecoutrements!

Dwayne had all the right bones for the project; the home was already awash in warm browns and golds....it was evident he's quite comfortable in the neutral zone. Our job was to pull the look together and give it the personality and warmth it was lacking.

First Challenge:
The walls were a warm golden brown. The furniture was a cooler chocolate brown and taupe combo. Not all browns are created equal. My first impulse was to repaint the room to cooler neutrals. But time and money were at a premium. The next best solution was to add accessories that pull both hues together.

1st Solution: The rug we chose had both WARM & COOL browns as well as a moss green tone that pulled the look together. This instantly created the harmony the room was lacking.
2nd Solution: Pulling from the furniture, cool chocolate brown, velvet drapes added a grounding effect to the room, further pulling it together.
3rd Solution: Add artwork that add a bit of whimsy, color and more balance to the room.

Tips on adding warmth and personality....

The quickest way to add warmth is by adding COLOR. To walls, floors or accessories. A coat of paint goes a long way to add warmth TEXTURE. The art we chose was more abstract pieces. Metal artwork with shades of copper, oxidized metal and browns all added texture, warmth and more 'strong' elements to the room. Two tone lambs wool pillows also added a softness yet sass PLANTS are always a simple way to give warmth and ‘life‘ to any room.

Minneapolis, MN- Rox studio opens this weekend in NE Minneapolis. The cozy studio is the new home and workspace of Fox 9's Robyne Robinson, owner of Rox. Rox is an exclusive line of custom jewelry made by Robinson. With a clientele that boasts hollywood A-listers, the pieces are made with exotic stones and beading including jade, cornelian, coral and more

‘I began making jewelry when I was about 12 or 13‘, she says. ‘Next thing I knew, everyone wanted them!‘

Rox studio is nestled in the quiet artist community in NE Mpls in the California Building 2205 California St. NE, home to artisans of all genres. Each month, the building hosts a sort of ‘open house‘ 2nd Saturdays.

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Barack Obama clinches the election as the 44th President of the U. S of A!!

When you see images of young Asians far flung across the globe holding up signs with Obama’s image and what one must assume is his name in Korean, it brings a sense of wonder, humility and human fellowship.

Despite malicious campaign tactics, typical political mud-slinging, the 47 year old democrat from the land of Lincoln via Hawaii and Kenya (what a journey!) glided to victory with a style and grace unmatched, unseen since JESUS!!!