Michelle Du'Bois
Bio
Has been writing for Vocal since Feb. 2021 covering lifestyle fashion and entertainment
Stories (35/0)
Angelique Velez the CEO of Breakups To Makeup On Making it Big In The Beauty Industry
Recently, I sat down with the amazing entrepreneur and serial entrepreneur Angelique Velez the CEO of Breakups To Makeup. We got an exclusive look on how to run a successful and flourishing business. Take a look at the exclusive interview below.
By Michelle Du'Bois2 years ago in Blush
Iconic Chef Cordell Robinson The Culinary Diva On His Journey To The Top
Tell us at Vocal about yourself and your experience as a Chef. I am Cordell Robinson aka Cordell The Culinary Diva. I have been cooking since I was 7 years old. I grew up in a household of six kids and my mom worked two sometimes three jobs. She did not have time to cook all the time so we would have peanut butter & jelly, spam, or some other kind of quick meal. I began to watch my aunts and great aunt cook and I started to mimic what they were doing in the kitchen. I asked questions out of curiosity, and I knew I had a love for food. One of the things I noticed as time went on is what they enjoyed cooking (signature dishes). My Aunt Victoria’s tuna pasta salad was a staple at family functions. How she edited her seasoning but not being afraid to make sure that the word bland would not come up in our family’s conversations as they can be a tough crowd when it comes to food. I started with basic dishes like baked chicken wings and seasoned some canned vegetables. As I got older, I started doing more complex cooking. I made fried rice, egg rolls, meatloaf, spaghetti and many other things by the time I was 10 years old. At that time, we did not have the internet to depend on for recipes, so I went by taste and pictures. My brothers and sister seemed incredibly pleased with my cooking. When I moved in with my father, my stepmom cooked just about every day because my father did not eat fast food at all. He was a picky eater but knew good food. Diane my step-mom who I call mom was not afraid of his picky nature and delivered each time with dish after dish. She did not know I was paying close attention but I was, as I would watch her technique and style. I did not cook much there but when I had the chance I would. Later in college I cooked for my friends in exchange for them to buy the groceries because I could not afford the food, I really began to sharpen my skills at that point. After college I went into the US Navy and my first duty station was Diego Garcia. I got together with friends, and we would use a one burner electric eye or electric cooking pot to make meals. It was incredibly challenging, but it sharpened my skills to be able to cook in any kitchen. When I got stationed in Spain, it was a great opportunity to taste incredibly unique foods and try their style of food. The first dish I made was a Paella. It was exceedingly difficult as I had no idea what I was doing but once I did it a couple of times it became super easy, and I enjoyed the process and what I call “a labor of love.” I had many cookouts where I practice the science of marinating proteins. I remember some friends were on this Jack Daniels kick so we marinated shrimp in Jack Daniels. I had to do a lot of editing because we realized you cannot just soak shrimp in Jack Daniels and it would taste good. When I left the Navy, I would find every opportunity I could to cook for people. I would get creative with dishes, go out to restaurants, and explore different cuisines to expand my palate more. I went out to eat alone many times on purpose so that I could focus on tasting the ingredients and seasoning. In my last home my kitchen was microscopic, but I would still pull off dinner parties for 50+ people and would have to cook in stages to get it all done in time. My friends would say “all this came out of that kitchen.” I enjoyed that time creating dishes and more importantly, my guests enjoyed my food. I like to take people on a food journey to experience cuisines from all over the world. I am of Jamaican descent, so I do make a Jamaican inspired dish at least every other week. Cooking is a passion of mine and I like to share that passion with everyone. I the past few years I have been cooking for celebrities and corporations. I have cooked all over the world, Diego Garcia, Rota Spain, Sicily Italy, Crete Greece, London UK, Toronto Canada, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Tanzania, Zanzibar, and Paris France.
By Michelle Du'Bois3 years ago in Motivation
Tone Love & The Secret To His Success
Tone Love is an American actor, producer and web developer. He has enjoyed success as an entrepreneur for 18 years under his IT company, Toneee. His rise in social media popularity came through a brand he started called Setting The Tone, where he garnered over 27,000 podcasts downloads (WSTT/Setting The Tone Radio). Love has also been credited as inspiration for a short film, Breakdown, directed by Morris Chestnut. The film premiered at the American Black Film Festival.
By Michelle Du'Bois3 years ago in Motivation
The Living New Jersey Legend "Fresh" - Exclusive Interview
Commencing her career at the mere age of nineteen the budding CEO, Fresh, knew she was predestined for eminence. At the inception of her career she secured a position as an apprentice with Cash Money Records. In addition to acquiring a vast opportunity Fresh was presented to tour nationally on one of the most successful tours to date. She served as a vital apprentice on the “America's Most Wanted Tour” with Young Money. The national tour generated gateways for Fresh to bridge relationships with immense public figures such as: Young Money, Soulja Boy, Pleasure P, and Young Jezzy.
By Michelle Du'Bois3 years ago in Motivation
Chef Glaze - The Celebrity Chef On Opening His Restaurant "Glaze Kitchen"
Commencing his career as a mere teenager Chef Glaze unearthed his vast zeal for cooking. The emerging food connoisseur held an immense passion towards educating himself. In addition to self-education he began acquiring as much experience in the hospitality and food industry as possible. Throughout the premature stages of his budding career he sought employment as a waiter. During his adolescence, Chef Glaze’s affinity for cooking and creating meals expanded effortlessly. He commenced his experimentations with a variety of diverse seasonings and flavor palettes. Absorbing as much knowledge as possible Chef Glaze sought mentorship in an advanced chef who recognized his immense talent and love for cooking. The mentorship presented Glaze with the opportunity to deepen his knowledge and skill set in the refinement of the hospitality industry. In which, allowed him to continually grow and elevate throughout the duration of his culinary career.
By Michelle Du'Bois3 years ago in Motivation
Florida Based - Celebrity Makeup Artist Jose Clark-Hilery on His Rise In The Beauty Industry with "Glam Kings"
This week I sat down with Jose Clark-Hilery. Jose Clark-Hilery has been a makeup artist for twenty-two years. His diverse background and experience creates a unique style accredited only to his artistic talent. Jose became involved in the artistic world where he was involved in theater in High school, as well as working in the field of fashion which provided him exposure to fashion shows and photo shoots.
By Michelle Du'Bois3 years ago in Blush
Mariana MaLyn Donnelly Taking The Entertainment Industry By Storm
Mariana MaLyn Donnelly was born October 24th, 2012 in Coon Rapids, MN. She is a young mastermind in the making, who has proven to be a beacon for her hometown Minneapolis, MN. She's protested with her family in the streets of Minneapolis after the death of George Floyd, for equlaity among all black lives, and continues this movement in Los Angeles, CA where she resides with her family. She also takes after her rising star father Trevor “Tha Rift” Donnelly in the entertainment industry, who is also known for his presence on inequality, his music, and message to youth. Mariana has currently worked with international recording artists Amber Mark on her new music video playing the young Amber Mark where she showcases her main talent; dancing. She has also worked with Tiffany Haddish at Kevin Hart's studio for “VOMO: Vote or Miss Out” a nonpartisan comedy special event that geared to shed light on the importance of voting in the recent election to potentially make a difference in getting people to vote so their voices are heard. VOMO aired on ABC. In Mariana's spare time she's homeschooling, dancing, filming, acting and TikToking. She has starred in other music videos with major artists such as Afro B & French Montana, Pentatonix-Whitney Houston, Rosalia and Travis Scott. Mariana has also made several appearances in beauty pageants, fashion shows during LAFW, NYFW, MNFW, and HBO's Westworld Season 3. You can expect more from this little star in the making. Mariana is also an inspiring young entrepreneur, where she plans to launch her beauty brand “Rainbow Drip” by her birthday which is in October. Mariana has been dubbed one of the “industry's favorite” for dancing and many other things. She has earned her stripes with some very notable people in Hollywood and is rising to the top.
By Michelle Du'Bois3 years ago in Journal
What in the Blaze? An Exclusive Interview with The Empire That is Blazy Susan
I obtained an exclusive interview with the CEO behind the empire "Blazy Susan". Blazy Susan has already garnered a huge following for its signature pink rolling papers and its namesake rolling spinning tray, a clever riff on the retro concept of Lazy Susan. Celebrity endorsements on Blazy Susan include: Jimmy Kimmel, Justin Bieber, Adam Levine, Pitbull, Scott Storch, Bella Thorne, Cypress Hill, Three 6 Mafia / Juicy J, Curren$y, Taylor Gang, N.O.R.E / Drink Champs, Adriana Chechik, EARTHGANG, J.I.D, E40, Baby Bash, Griselda Records (Benny The Butcher, Conway the Machine, Westside Gunn), Smoke DZA, Internet Money, Jadakiss, Nicky Diamonds, Nick Colletti, Tanner Hall, Tyla, Rich Rocka, G Rex, DJ Afterthought, Peekaboo, and R1. Take a look at my exclusive sit down with the CEO.
By Michelle Du'Bois3 years ago in Potent
Building An Empire with Public Relation Guru Rashae Barnes
No stranger to the media industry, Rashae Barnes has had the opportunity to interview and sit down with some of today’s most notable celebrities such as: Young Jeezy, Remy Ma, Young Dolph Pretty Ricky, B2K, Dave East , Blac Youngsta , MoneyBagYo, Travis Porter, Shod Santiago , Darron Pressley, (Entertainment Editor, Black Enterprise Magazine), Kelsey Janae, (Celebrity Natural hair guru/ Hairfinity ambassador), DC Young Fly,Mimi Faust, Johnny Wright ( Michelle Obamas Hair Stylist) , Shay Johnson ( love and hip hop) , Rafael Cox Celebrity Fashion designer and many more.
By Michelle Du'Bois3 years ago in Journal
Yes Honey Collective CEO Tirzah Johnson On Building Her Empire
YesHoney Collective is a Creative Brand Development community that offers accountability coaching and brand strategy to help businesses prosper. YHC also host entrepreneurial events to bring together the top business coaches in its network to provide actionable business content for
By Michelle Du'Bois3 years ago in Motivation
KhalilGotTheJuice CEO of KingCurls On Building His Legacy
I sat down with rising star and CEO of King curls. The Young social media sensation, Khalil, is breaking gender barriers with the launch of KingCurls, a beauty brand aimed to normalize a narrative that males should practice self- care rituals & take pride in the health of their hair. The Curl Styling Cream is the first of many products to be launched under the brand that enhances the natural curl pattern of all hair textures.
By Michelle Du'Bois3 years ago in Motivation