#204: Small Business Saturday (Friday, November 26)

So today's Black Friday...I guess it's good for the economy and all, but for the small businesses, I don't think it works so much. Thankfully, this year, they've been promoting Small Business Saturday where they're encouraging people to support small businesses.

I thought it'd be a good idea to remind you of some of the great small businesses that I've promoted in Good Friday:

#158: October Blossom - fabulous artwork from Cicely

#164: The Sud Bar - great natural soaps, lotions and lip balms from Charmaine

#181: Aye Shanti - awesome jewelry and headwear

#188: Billy's Light - efficient event production and event marketing

#190: Malene B - vibrant carpets

All these businesses have a web presence and are ideal if you're trying to find a unique gift for someone or you want some customized services for yourself.

Be excellent!

#203: Keen-o Calder (Friday, November 19)

While we're still on the topic of fashion, a few weeks ago, I met a fun girl named Abby. She had a vibrant, bubbly personality and amazing vintage-but-not-in-the-trendy-sorta-way style. After she regaled us with wonderful stories, I finally remembered to ask about her outfit which I adored, and which looked like it was made just for her.

Turns out it was. LOL. She's a fashion designer who has her own line called Keen-o Calder and the outfit was one of her creations. I'm not sure what Keen-o Calder means, but I love her collection (there's a little wool coating in the Autumn/Winer collection that was just made for me and the "Church Girl Dress" is another fave).

Check out Abby's collection at www.keen-ocalder.com.

#202: High Fashion (Friday, November 12)

He has an amazing eye for style, his professional credits are impeccable (Italian Vogue, Madonna, Fashion Rocks, Zac Posen and Vanity Fair are just the tip of the iceberg), and he's extremely fashion forward (he thinks of ideas way before they become "this season's trends". But the thing I'd heard about Stefan Campbell long before I met him, was that he has a big heart. And when I met him, I saw for myself.

But two of the things I love most about Stefan is the fact that he can just look at something and tell whether it'll flatter you before you even put it on (I've seen him do it a few times and it never ceases to amaze me.), and his apartment. It's like a little wonder land of curiosities and everything has a story. Every time I go there I find some new, fascinating object that gets my creative juices flowing.

But Stefan has made my Blog of Excellence because of his latest venture: Creative Director and Fashion Show Producer for The Fashion Show on Bravo TV. (I'm still waiting for the HGTV interior decorating show, but I'll make do.) If you caught it on Tuesday, you know that this season will be entertaining. And if you didn't make sure you catch up next week.

So here's to high fashion, and here's to being excellent. And check out his site at www.stefancampbell.com

#201: Actin' Out (Friday, November 5)

I know some people aren't that big on Facebook, but sometimes it serves its purpose. That was the case with me; this week I reconnected with someone I'd worked with while doing the magazine who had been such an inspiration...but after 4 moves in as many years, I'd lost touch.

Winsome Sinclair created one of the top casting/artist management/production firms in the industry. If you've seen Precious, The Best Man, Brown Sugar, Belly, Cadillac Records, Malcolm X, 2 Fast 2 Furious, Dead Presidents, Crooklyn or Higher Learning, then you've seen the work of her company, Winsome Sinclair & Associates. Actually, chances are you've seen her work even if you haven't seen any of her movies.

But when I met her, her accomplishments took a back seat to her personality. She was very down-to-earth and approachable, and speaking candidly about her success and what it took to get there. Sometimes you see the glitz and glamor and many don't realize the hard work it took to get there. But what else would you expect from a fellow Jamaican? (y'know I had to get that in there, right?)

If you've taken acting classes and think you're ready for the big time, or if you have modeling chops, then WSA has some guidelines on the company's Facebook page that may be helpful. They announce all their film castings via Backstage and commercials and music video castings via casting sites as well as their Facebook page.

Be excellent!