LSP On the Go- Nubian Hueman Boutique Launch (RECAP)

25 Sep LSP On the Go- Nubian Hueman Boutique Launch (RECAP)

Shop. Local. Creatives! – spotlights the products (and services) of local creative entrepreneurs in various metropolitan areas around the United States.  “Entrepreneurship ain’t easy”, so let’s make it a point to financially support the stuff that we like, made by our favorite creators.

Nubian Hueman

This month’s Shop.Local.Creatives! spotlight is on Nubian Hueman Boutique and Lounge, an online retailer that has opened its first retail outpost in the Anacostia Arts Center in SE, Washington, DC.  Founded by Anika Hobbs, the boutique is a part of a larger goal to “serve as a means to promote collective interaction, community development, and global responsibility through a fresh and artistic platform that will encourage continuous progress of fashion interest and small business.”

The boutique features an expertly curated range of beautiful, ethnic, and fashion forward clothing, home goods, beauty products and art from emerging designers and artist from the African Diaspora. Featured designers include: Mikuti, Tina Lobondi, Babatunde Styles, Simply Cecily, Kréyol, Beads Byaree, Organically Adorned, and Asli Pure Natural Body Care.

I attended the boutique’s grand opening on September 14^th, 2013 and it was such a sweet event. As I walked into the main lobby, I was greeted by the harmonic sounds of Pan-African Jazz Artist Akua Alrich.  On the way to the boutique, one could stop off at the complimentary candy bar and grab a treat of gumballs and Hershey Kisses.  Upon walking up to the storefront, I was treated to an eye catching window display showcasing the fashions of local designer Cecily Habimana of Simply Cecily. When I walked into the store, I was transported into a shopping oasis.  I literally wanted to buy every clutch and bracelet that I could get my hands on (thankfully I maintained my composure because a sista had to stick to her budget).

Speaking of budget, the prices in the store are phenomenal. You really can walk away with some quintessential knock out pieces for your wardrobe without spending all of your grocery money.  In addition, all purchases made in September will be an additional 10% off.  You cannot beat this.

There were so many treasures to look at that I only got a few pictures (next time I will remain focused).  The good news is that you can visit the Nubian Hueman Facebook Page to stay up to date on the latest news from the boutique.

Boutique Finds

Inside the store

Market Colors Clutch

Asli Pure Natural

Kréyol Clutches

During the grand opening, I was able to catch up with two of the designers featured in the store- Joëlle Jean-Fontaine of Kréyol and Cecily Habimana of Simply Cecily.

Joëlle Jean-Fontaine

Kréyol   merchandise included amazing clutches, totes and home goods.  A native of Haiti, Joëlle founded the brand in 2005 with her mother Yolette Fontaine, in the hopes to “inspire and unify people of all colors while giving back to their native land through fashion”.  Even though Joëlle has been producing limited runs of merchandise, the official launch of the collection will happen in 2014.  Nubian Hueman is the only retail location hosting Kréyol so move expeditiously to score some amazing items from the collection. (Or if you happen to be up top for Boston’s Fashion Week, Joëlle will be hosting a preview on September 29^th)

Anika & Cecily

Simply Cecily Simply Cecily chief designer is Cecily Habimana (a 15 year veteran in the industry). This woman’s clothing line “fuses the traditionally stylish nature of West African women with the contemporary flair of American design.”  A selection of this finely tuned line is offered at the boutique.  If you are a fan of Simply Cecily’s multi patterned T-Shirt Dress  (made of Damask) or the Zaina Shorts, get thee to the boutique ASAP.

I just have to say that I am so excited about Nubian Hueman Boutique and Lounge. I had the pleasure of working with Anika at the start of her journey as one of her business coaches & trainers. I am ecstatic to see how Nubian Hueman has gone from concept to online retailer to a brick and mortar launch.  Nubian Hueman is proof positive that if you hold the vision and do the work, dreams do manifest themselves.

The Details:
Nubian Hueman Boutique and Lounge
1231 Good Hope Road, SE
Washington, DC 20020
Open Hours: Monday- Saturday 12-7pm
Additional 10% off purchases during the month of September

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Evelyn Bandoh is a an energy and transformation coach,trainer and speaker helping women leaders and entrepreneurs to “remember who they really are so that they can show up and do the work that they are meant to do in their lifetimes”. She is masterful at activating successful creative entrepreneurs and has helped dozens of women create authentically aligned businesses. Connect with Evelyn on Twitter @EvieB