Ayiti: Reaching Higher Ground Series
OPENS JULY 22, 2010, closes Aug 22, 2010
Ayiti: Reaching Higher Ground Series features a collection of photographs taken just after the earthquake in Haiti by Haitian-American photographer Regine Romain and founder, Brooklyn Photo Salon.
Reception:
Thursday, July 22 at 6pm RSVP at info@calabar-imports.com
About Regine Romain
Régine Romain is a photo-anthro-journalist. She sojourns through a Haitian-American identity of hybrid languages, customs and traditions. Her transcultural worldview has influenced her life path as a woman, photographer, and teacher. Her interests in traditional cultures, social justice and personal transformation, stimulate passionate photographic journeys. Régine is honored to share her photographic imagery of local and international marginalized communities through exhibitions, lectures and workshops at museums, galleries and other venues to create dialogue leading to awareness and social change.
When not traveling, Régine produces documentary/editorial and event photography. She teaches young people photography, multi-media studies and poetry, and seeks to stimulate critical inquiry and to offer insight to her students. In September 2006, Régine will started an MA program in Photography and Urban Cultures at Goldsmiths College, University of London.
Tags: Brooklyn's creative industry, Haiti, regine romain
Category 2010 - articles, News: Events & Stories |
About Africa Fashion Week (New York)
Adireé Fashion Agency (Executive Producer of AFWNY), partners and sponsors will host Africa Fashion Week New York (AFWNY) in New York, NY.
AFWNY is a luxury multi-day event that will include Runway shows, exhibition, and industry networking events with the sole purpose of raising awareness of the African Fashion/Entertainment professionals in New York and Tri -State area.
More specifically, buyers and industry influencers will be previewed to African designers. Over 2,000+ audience members will also witness the excitement and be a part of the cause.
Location:
Dates:
More Information:
http://africafashionweekny.com
Tags: African Fashion, black designers, Fashion, NY fashiopn
Category 2010 - articles, Brooklyn Style, Departments, Fashion, Features |
by Atim Annette Oton
After spending four days at the International African Arts Festival in Brooklyn as the business Calabar Imports, I observed an interesting phenomena and came to the conclusion that some black retail businesses and other businesses these days are stuck in a rot. And rot is not polite word these days. The economy is in a downward tailspin and people are not shopping as they are used to. Ironically, it seems, some businesses in a rot are aware that they are in this situation but what I realized watching them and others this year is that they do not understand the notion of Re-Invention; Revisiting their Mission and Taking Risk.
At the festival and across Brooklyn, I see some retail businesses who should be ahead of the pack are now back where they had begun years ago. To be honest, it disturbs me and makes me ask ”What happened to them?” My sense and instinct informs me that besides the typical rent increases; most of these former innovators remain stagnant – in one mental space – trapped by a lack of imagination and have boxed themselves in a corner. And businesses in a rot need change – but how they go about this shift is critical. It involves Re-invention.
Re-invention requires four simple steps: Analyze, Be Creative, Decide and Plan
- Analyze. In order to re-invent your business, you must start by analyzing your business and competitors. This analysis will reveal what your key strengths and weaknesses are. Every year, I do a SWOT Analysis (SWOT analysis is a strategic planning method used to evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats). SWOT is a tool for auditing a business, its environment and the first stage of planning and helps one focus on the key issues
- Be Creative. Out-think the competition. When I say “out-think” the competition – I draw my inspiration from companies that are not in my realm and do not look at my neighbors as competition. Instead, I drew ideas and creative inspiration from companies like Walmart, Kroger and Target – they are businesses who make me understand how to be creative and take risk. and most importantly, they are the top three retailers in the US. What’s unique about these three? They actually understand mass-market consumption, have what their customers want and are repeat business – the model of a good retailer.
- Decide. It is vital to make decisions. Some businesses take too long to decide and miss opportunities. I have never been able to procrastinate, I decide quickly and act. In business, making decisions are core to making changes.
- Plan. It is vital to develop and implement a plan – and it must be creative.
Re-invention: A way to stay ahead of the pack
Three years ago, I recall an observer telling me to that I should stay in “my lane” and to sell only African clothing. In their words, I was supposed to stay stagnant and not evolve. I smiled politely and continued the Re-invention of my business that year. Earlier that summer (2007), I moved from selling just African clothing to adding Indian dresses – I call them our Summer Sizzling Dresses – and we sold about 750 of them. If I had stayed in ‘my lane”, I would not have found a new market, provided a new product to my customers and expanded my bottom line. Since then, we sell over 750 of these dresses every summer and keep the price point the same – $20 just right for this economy.
Revisiting your Mission
At the beginning of every year, I look at my mission statement and remind myself of the original goals of the business. It is my way of starting the year but also of reminding myself of whether I am still in the focal point of the mission I first crafted and whether I need to refine it or add to it. Revisiting the mission allows you to verify that your business’ activities and outcomes are in line with its stated mission and goals. It is one key component to planning your survival strategy which will enable you make it through the hard times.
Taking Risks
When the economy shifts downward, most business people hibernate – they spend less, save money and become less adventurous. Simply, they stop taking risks. The smart business innovator sits back a bit to understand the economy (analyzing it); looks for opportunity (comes up with a plan) and dives in to take more risk and thus, produces positive results.
The business of retail may have changed in this economy down-turn but as a smart entrepreneur – needs to be able to re-invent and take risk to grow their business. And those who do, will survive this period.
Tags: Brooklyn, calabar imports, down economy, International African Arts Festival, retail business, small business
Category 2010 - articles, Working Your Creative Enterprise |
The Haiti SoftHouse will be at the International African Arts Festival from July 2 – 5 at Commodore Barry Park. This will give Brooklynites an opportunity to see the Haiti SoftHouse designed by local architects as a transitional housing solution to the challenge Haitians are facing with increasing hurricane threats.
The Haiti SoftHouse group, led by Haitian-American architect Rodney Leon began a series of events to raise funds to match Deutsche Banks $50,000 contribution, and offset costs of the construction of hundreds of units.
“IAAF has for 39 years been a starting point for innovative initiatives and supporting Haiti and the Haiti Softhouse is in keeping with the festival’s mission as a social enterprise generator and a venue for commerce and entepreneurship focused on the African Diaspora,” stated Julia Shaw, one of the Festival’s organizers. “We welcome the opportunity to open our festival to the Haiti SoftHouse team and bring awareness of this critical time in Haiti.”
Brooklyn-based entrepreneur Atim Annette Oton, a designer, publisher of Calabar Magazine and major sponsor of IAAF for more than five years immediately saw an opportunity for – and a connection with – the SoftHouse Group’s drive to help Haitians seeking relief and shelter, and the IAAF’s community social and cultural empowerment missions. It was a natural for her to link the two groups. As a result of the partnership, the Festival will bring attention to the project, and, in the process, help raise funds to offset costs of constructing more SoftHouse units.
She continues, “The Haiti Earthquake touched me deeply; it reminded me of the vulnerability of the African Diaspora, its people, and power of nature to cause disasters. As publisher of Calabar Magazine and co-owner of Calabar Imports, a retailer of crafts and artisan products from across the Diaspora including Haiti, and a designer, I believe strongly in the power of partnerships and collaboration and the importance of designers like architect Rodney Leon taking a lead in creating innovative solutions like the Haiti Softhouse sponsored by The Rural Haiti Project.
“I reached out to my event partner – The International African Arts Festival – to extend a hand and locate a place at their event for the Softhouse at the festival. For me, it was vital to bring the Haiti Softhouse back to Brooklyn which has the second largest population of Haitians and the largest African diaspora in the US. Calabar Magazine has been the official publication of the festival for 4 years, a relationship we value and cherish as we are a Brooklyn based business and support Brooklyn’s Diaspora initiatives.”
The HaitiSOFTHOUSE is a flexible and sustainable approach to shelter that provides immediate transitional housing, community development and reconstruction solutions. The Haiti SoftHouse is a flexible and sustainable approach to shelter that provides an immediate transitional solution for short term housing, community development and reconstruction. The shelter is designed to withstand tropical storms and hurricanes with up to 130mph winds, resist earthquakes, and provide a healthy, well ventilated environment. The flexibility of the structure allows for multiple unit combinations, addressing domestic space needs, institutional needs and community needs.
The Haiti SoftHouse initiative goes beyond providing a unique and effective design solution by identifying strategies for local manufacture and distribution once the initial prototyping is complete. In this sense, the Haiti SoftHouse, through implementation has the capacity to stimulate the local economy and transfer design and fabrication expertise in a manner that promotes sustainable solutions which transform local communities both environmentally and economically.
Haitian American Architect and NOMA member Rodney Leon is one of the designers of the Haiti Softhouse, visit his website:http://www.rodneyleon.com.
The design features a lightweight and easy-to-assemble structural steel frame that receives a modern, breathable, high performance fabric with excellent weather capabilities. The structure can be mounted on a concrete slab or integrate into a prefab concrete foundation manufactured locally from recycled concrete rubble. The structure is designed to be assembled with few people in one day or less.
Given the superior environmental performance and structural stability of the design, this system can be reused in various configurations and sites as needed and the high-performance material can be recycled into smaller applications and integrated into the local economy at the end of the shelter’s life cycle.
The Haiti SoftHouse project and HiBIscus, have identified a site in Jacmel, Haiti with the assistance of The Rural Haiti Project for the initial construction of prototypes for field testing by June of 2010. In conjunction with the Rural Haiti Project, the Haiti SoftHouse is intended to expand and evolve into the Jacmel SOFTVILLAGE in 2010. The Haiti SoftHouse shall serve as an active case study for implementation of transitional communities and allow time for more comprehensive long term sustainable strategies for permanent reconstruction and development in Haiti.
Tags: black designers, Brooklyn, Brooklyn's creative industry, Haiti, Haiti Softhouse, Haitian Earthquake, Rodney Leon
Category 2010 - articles, Culture, Travel & Heritage, Features |
by Atim Annette Oton
The 39th Annual International African Arts Festival starts Friday, July 2nd through Monday, July 5th, from 10 :00 am until 9:00 pm, at the spacious Commodore Barry Park, at Park Avenue and Navy Street, Brooklyn, NY 11205. Festival goers will gather each day to enjoy live music, dance, spoken word performances, African marketplace, showcase performances, fashion, and hair shows. Children of all ages can enjoy an exciting childrens program featuring storytelling, clowns, and a youth talent search.
History
The Festival began in 1971 as a fundraiser for the Uhuru Sasa School-a community based initiative that educated youth and adults about African culture. The fundraiser was a small festival with about 20 arts and crafts vendors, local entertainers, and food prepared by parents. Almost 2,000 people came to the event and the fundraiser was a success. That early format of entertainment, food and market place drew increasing crowds annually and became known as the African Street Carnival. Four years later, the festival and was moved to the field at Boys and Girls High School where it became the African Street Festival.
Today the festival is known as the International African Arts Festival and has an estimated annual audience of 75,000. It is still held in Brooklyn but is now in its third transition to a larger venue to accommodate growing audiences. That original line-up of local folk arts entertainment has also remained but has since been accompanied by artists such as: The Mighty Sparrow, Fela Kuti, KRS-1 and Lauryn Hill; artists who grew out of these traditional arts to achieve national and international acclaim.
The small vendor market has grown to over two hundred micro-enterprise memberships. As the audience grew, our services and reputation also increased and the Festival is now a central part of Brooklyns African arts community. We have presented the works many of local, national and international artists from across the Diaspora. The dance, music and spoken word programs consist of a range of traditions from Yoruba to Rastafarian; art forms from steel bands to gospel choirs; genres from jazz to reggae; and nationalities from Senegalese to Garifuna.
This year’s theme is: Freedom Now - UHURU SASA commemorates the 40th Anniversary of the founding of Uhuru Sasa Shule (Freedom Now School).
Tags: Boys and Girls High School, Brooklyn, brooklyn fashion, Brooklyns African arts community, Freedom Now - UHURU SASA, International African Arts Festival
Category 2010 - articles, Culture, Travel & Heritage, Features, Uncategorized |
by Atim Annette Oton, February 15, 2009
Every so often the work of contemporary black artists is selected and curated in a series of exhibitions that gives one just a slice or taste of the range of the work that is being created; but their work as a collective is rarely seen in one setting with a power focus of art as healing and with 40 contemporary veteran and emerging artists - black, Caribbean and Central American. Then, like a blink of an eye, there is an opening that speaks to the burst of creativity, verve and the possibilities of what exist hidden in private Brooklyn art “backyards”. ArtCurian, is one such powerful concept and movement; an exhibition sorely focused on the theme -”Artists Speaking for the Spirits”. It is an exhibition that brings together the work of art staples like James Denmark, Otto Neals, Betty Blayton, Emmett Wigglesworth, Stanwyck Cromwell, Dindga McCannon, Che Baraka, and Ademola Olugebefola to the forefront.
However, the staple black artists are not necessary what should draw one to this exhibition, but it is the diverse range of work, the collection of artists and the spectacular size of the paintings that speak volumes, and illustrates the depth and rich heritage of contemporary black art that was created over three to six months for this show. The spirit of the exhibition is clear: black artists have talent and their work eludes some moments of shear brilliance.
Organized by a collaboration between the artists and two organizations – Addiction Research and Treatment Corporation and its affiliate, Urban Resource Institute (ARTC-URI), the exhibition is a renewed mission of philantropy and support that black artists need in this time of recession, and speaks to a possibility of future commissions and alliances from the non-profit world.
Some of the artists whose work speak the most volume in style, content and intensity in this exhibition are:
- Doba Afolabi’s Talking to the Spirits, Ancestors Here We Come, whose powerful acrylic painting done with a knife combines impressionism with modern Nigerian painting techniques reminiscent of the Zaria Art School and what is currently prevailing in style at Yaba College in Lagos.
- Alethia Brown’s Color N’ Time, a mix of acrylic and fabric paint is an abstract painting with its vibrant colors and dynamic energy that captivates one even with its whimsical black figures.
- Ramona Candy’s Shine, a tribute to her mother, continues in her expansion of the relationship between dance and art, movement, Haitian heritage and collage techniques at a larger than life scale.
- Robert Daniels’ Spiritual Rhythm, another acrylic painting in the stark black and white is a collection of symbols, movement and rich imagery.
- Wilda Gonzalez’s The Cohoba Yukayeke, which combines vivid images of Indian with Puerto Rican folklore with African and Spanish cultural traditions into a powerful painting.
- Gaylord Hassan’s Jump Ball, focused on children is simply rich in its playfulness and full of dots that combine to add fun to his art making process.
- Linda Hiwot’s Yam sticks Guardians of the Blue Mountains, a bold landscape painting takes me to Jamaica’s mountains that produces coffee, and cools me with a sense of color hues- blue and mauve, with its softness.
- Al Johnson’s Assault on the Conscience, a quiet gem in depth, technique and layers, a defining statement about the Gulf War that can be extended to what modern wars means.
Others whose work gives the exhibition more additional dimension include Charlotte Ka, Sonnia Sadler and Jean Dominique Volcy. What is encouraging about the exhibition is that it is in Brooklyn- the place for black art, and it shows that black artists willing to take risk again, and in bleak times and crisis points, we need artists to breath new life, new spirit and energy. The exhibition is hoping to travel, and hopefully, it will, but you can seen the works in person in Brooklyn all of February at Arthur Bennett Hall which is located at 22 Chapel Street near Jay St., between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges and online here. This is a must-see exhibition.
The schedule is as follows: Thursday-Friday 11 a.m -5 p.mand Sunday 3-6 p.m., with artist-talks each Sunday. Visitors and school groups are welcome by appointment. For information, call 718-260-2909.
Tags: Ademola Olugebefola, AL Johnson, ArtCurian, Artists Speaking for the Spirits, Betty Blayton, Che Baraka, Dindga McCannon, Doba Afolabi, Emmett Wigglesworth, Gaylord Hassan, James Denmark, Linda Hiwot, Otto Neals, Ramona Candy, Stanwyck Cromwell
Category 2010 - articles, Culture, Travel & Heritage |
by Atim Annette Oton, Feb 6, 2010
- The store, Calabar Imports
Even as the media continues to proclaim that things are getting better and the statistics are showing some improvements, the truth is for small businesses in local communities, it’s not getting better. Just talk to any small business today and you will hear the “pain” as well as comments about a depression and not a recession.
After five years in business, I am reminded that growing uphill in a downhill market is not just a challenge – it’s a song and dance – like a drama. You weave and turn, grin and bear it, and hope to survive through it waiting for things to get better. This week ends with two businesses I know announcing what seems to be an evolving episode these last two years: One is available for sale (and I was asked not to reveal the name) and another local business, Bread Stuy, announcing on Facebook- a Save Bread Stuy Campaign. I hear the pain and ask you like I did all my Facebook friends to go and help Bread Stuy.
Earlier this week, President Obama talked about tax breaks and loan aids to small businesses. I can speak the truth like most small businesses: I don’t need a tax break. I got one already – it came in the form of a bad news gift: the number of customers not purchasing is still increasing, and not decreasing. So I am already paying less taxes, vis-a-vis, lower sales some months. I have diversified my products and targeted price points – creatively, so I am paying less taxes. And loans, well, it’s a great idea if small businesses had more customers, then that mantra would be perfect. But borrowing more money now seems less practical.
I am not complaining, but if there was a bank out there that would give me a $20,000 loan or any other small business money to market online exclusively, then we would be Solid Gold Friends. My banker with his smiling face says that they prefer to loan to businesses who need more merchandise or renovation. I have the merchandise and have done renovation already and so have a lot of small businesses. Marketing is not seen as a necessity model for business loans from the banking community. It is ironic since they spend more than most businesses themselves.
Some Small Businesses Solutions:
I write this after some reflection and the reality of watching the depression, not the recession. It’s my perspective of the state of business in Brooklyn, and a way to inspire other businesses to “rethink”. I would love to hear what you think, so feel free to email me at info@calabarmag.com
Jobs, Jobs, Jobs.
Need I say more. I look at as small business dramas as an evolving circle of life and business. If my customers remain employed, find jobs or get a promotion; then, they will spend more, and small businesses will hire staff , pay more taxes, so those “imaginary” tax breaks will actually mean something. I am still looking to create jobs…I have no solution here.
Export, Export, Export.
I do think that some of the solution lies in getting your company global and selling services and products to markets like Africa – where cash is key and not credit. Africans have 80% cash and 20% debt or credit while Americans have 80% debt and 20% cash – so, who do you think is doing better. All small businesses should visit Export.gov and begin to research opportunities and markets. Even simply, reach out in Brooklyn to The Brooklyn International Trade Development Center. The US Government is serious about it, just ask the Department of Commerce. Even the President mentioned the word “Trade” in his State of the Union, the first time any American president has done so. But be wary, businesses like mine that have gone global – to Nigeria – where the US Government is making export processes longer because of the country being listed as a “Terrorist” state – will need Patience. I actually will continue to expand there but when my shipping process is taking more time, it slows down growth.
Partner, Partner, Partner
I am a big believer in partnerships and collaborations. It is in my creative entrepreneur DNA. I am seeking a partner now for developing a clothing line for Spring 2011 for the store, Calabar and for the Nigerian store, ZimaZee. Why? I have a vision of the brand and line, and I would like to work with a partner to get it to market. Simple, the idea and the brand is strong and needs to grow in another direction from retail to wholesale. Any takers? Just email me.
Save, Save, Save
One last thing, it is vital that small business pay themselves first – so, create a savings plan this year – and pay yourself weekly. It is the beginning of creative way to survive the depression…it is not a recession, that we are coming out of.
Tags: Bread-Stuy, Brooklyn, export, Obama, partner, recession, small business, state of the union
Category Working Your Creative Enterprise |
Description:
Two generations have come of age since the 1968 assassination of civil rights visionary Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Join WNYC’s Brian Lehrer and Celeste Headlee, co-host of The Takeaway, for a lively multi-generational discussion about the impact of Dr. King’s life and legacy.
Moderators:
- Brian Lehrer, host of WNYC’s The Brian Lehrer Show
- Celeste Headlee, co-host of The Takeaway
Panelists (spanning almost 70 years):
- Dr. Roscoe C. Brown (age 84), President Emeritus, Bronx Community College, CUNY and former Tuskegee Airman
- Major Owens (age 73), former U.S. Congressman from New York (1983–2007) and chair of the Congressional Black Caucus
- Patricia J. Williams, J.D., James L. Dohr Professor of Law at Columbia University, author of The Alchemy of Race and Rights
- Eddie Glaude, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Religion at Princeton, author of In a Shade of Blue: Pragmatism and the Politics of Black America
- Majora Carter, founder of Sustainable South Bronx, co-host of Sundance Channel’s “The Green,” and host of the public radio series “The Promised Land”
- David Lamb, playwright of “Platanos and Collard Greens”
- Jose Lopez, youth organizer at Make the Road New York and a former Radio Rookie
- Camonghne Felix, poet with Urban Word NYC
Date: Sunday, January 17
Location: Brooklyn Museum
200 Eastern Parkway
Brooklyn, NY
Directions
Time: 3-5pm; doors open at 2:30pm
Ticket price: Admission is free, but reservations are necessary.
Ticket information: Please RSVP with your name and the number of guests in your party (max. 4).
Presented by WNYC and the Brooklyn Museum, along with our Community Partners
Tags: Brian Lehrer, brooklyn museum, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, WNYC
Category Columns, News: Events & Stories |
by Atim Annette Oton, May 2006
For those thinking of opening a store…check out how we create our brand, Calabar-Imports-Prototype
- The store, Calabar Imports
So, you finally have come up with a great idea for a business? Congratulations and welcome to the “biz mind” field called business ownership. My first step is to ask you this questionFirst, ask yourself this question:: How can you I make your my dream work? Not sure? Well, my response is simple: begin with the most essential basics…Plan, Organize and Act responsibly.
There are seven simple steps and rules to follow:
- Develop a business plan
- Register the name of your business
- Select a business structure
- Open a Business Checking account
- Apply for sales and tax licenses
- Hire a bookkeeper or accountant
- Network by joining organizations and associations.
In this issue, I will discuss in some detail only the first four steps here:
- Business Plan: A business plan is your roadmap to doing anything and everything for your business. It’s a major requirement and most successful businesses rely on it. My best advice: to keep it simple. This plan outline is simple and not complicated. It lets you define the goals of your business and how to accomplish your goal. It is the basic: “who, what, when, where, why and how” portion of your business.
Another place to look for help is the Small Business Administration: http://www.sba.gov/starting/indexbusplans.html. Most essential, if you are like me and procrastinate, then manage yourself better and get business plan software. I use Palo Alto Business Plan Premier by Palo Alto Software, Inc. It helps me navigate the plan me prompting to answer questions and providing examples. Remember, your business plan can help you get money or loans, so it’s necessary, not just for you as it is the first thing any serious investor or loan officer will like to look at.
- Register your business name: Your name is your identity…it has memory and describes your business. I suggest you make it simple and straightforward, and make sure you check with the Department of State or local authority to see if your name is unique and that it has not already been taken. Then, register your business and name at the county office or with the Department of State; but before you do so, you must decide on the next step.
- Set up a business structure: A business structure determines how income is reported and how taxes are assessed on your business. There are five types of businesses: a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (an LLC), corporations, and s-corporations. In my next issue, I will discuss each type and outline the benefits.
- Open a Business Checking account: Three banks in the New York:, WAMU, Commerce and ING, have made a business checking competitive business. For you, this is a bonus…simply, they have checking no-fee accounts…so, take advantage of it…and place $500 in the account…but while you are it, also open a Money Market Savings so you can begin to save money as soon as you make it. This is a step most businesses forget to do, as you have to plan for the dry months or periods.
The last three steps are self explanatory, and I suggest before you consider spending more on great ideas – I recommend reading:
- 7 Steps to Starting a Business (Plastic Comb) by Nanette Miner
Still searching for more help? then read either of these books:
- Your First Business Plan: A Simple Question And Answer Format Designed To Help You Write Your Own Plan (Your First Business Plan) by Joseph A. Covello and Brian Hazelgren (Paperback – Jun 2005)
- Business Plans For Dummies by Paul Tiffany and Steven D. Peterson (Paperback – Dec 31, 2004
- Both books can be found at Amazon, http://www.amazon.com.
Tags: opening a store, retail store business plan
Category Columns, Working Your Creative Enterprise |
