Name: Legendary Damon
Occupation: Curator of Culture
Years in the Industry: Since Birth
Q: EVERYONE WANTS TO KNOW WHO DAMON IS? WHERE WERE YOU BORN, WHERE DID YOU GROW UP, HOW DID YOU BECOME LEGENDARY?
I proudly tell everyone that I was born and raised in Detroit. I love being raised in Detroit, because growing up in the Midwest it instilled in me good values and it taught me to work hard. I brought those skills with me to NY when I moved here at 18. I feel that I was born to be legendary.
Q: “”YOU’RE NOT ON THE LIST!”” IS ONE OF YOUR MOST FAMOUS TAG LINES. HOW DID THIS COME ABOUT?
The tagline came about very simply. I do lot of events and work the door. People always know someone and want to get in and I constantly have to say “You’re not on the List”. When I am working an event I am charged with a specific task of making sure the right people are in the room. It is usually invite only and exclusive, so by the end of the night I have said “You’re not on the List” repeatedly so it just stuck.
Q: FUR & SEQUINS, WHAT ARE YOUR FASHION MUSTS WHEN HOSTING YOUR STAR STUDDED EVENTS?
My fashion musts are gold teeth. My goat to favorites are furs, sequins anything shiny. Also a little Versace never hurt anybody.
Q: DO YOU FEEL LIKE THE PARTY SCENE HAS CHANGED OVER THE YEARS? IF SO, WHAT’S MISSING?
Yes, it has changed as is should. Evolution is an amazing thing. I don’t want to be doing the same party that I was doing 10 years ago. There is nothing missing from the scene. I feel like I am here still doing amazing parties in NY city.
Q: IF YOU WERE LEFT ON AN ISLAND AND COULD ONLY BRING THREE ITEMS, WHAT WOULD THEY BE AND WHY?
My gold teeth, music and Versace shades. These are items that I can’t live without!
As we make our way through Women’s History Month, what better time than the present to shop intentionally. Where we spend our dollars is important, and makes a difference in achieving a level playing field. More and more women are building their own businesses today– so many, that it’s tough to highlight just a few! Read on for some shining stars, and let’s lift up our fellow women and support their brands:
Home Decor
The Black Home, a curated home decor store in Newark, New Jersey, was founded by designer Neffi Walker just last year in the midst of the pandemic. Walker, raised and influenced in Harlem, got her start in interior design by renovating her own home; she realized it brought her supreme joy – and continued on to design the interiors of several of her friends’ homes. Walker’s business took off from there. She opened a store with both her own designs, as well as those of other small businesses. She believes in “community over competition” – an inspiring motto. The Black Home was created for people to celebrate black culture and heritage; and her selection of goods is the ultimate in chic.
Food
If you like spice, you need to try Queen Majesty Hot Sauce. The brand was founded in NYC by former DJ Erica Diehl. She couldn’t find hot sauces she loved that had organic ingredients and minimal additives – so she set out to create one herself. The products are vegan, kosher, all natural and with no added sugars. The zesty flavors are unique: Red Habanero & Black Coffee, Scotch Bonnet & Ginger, and Jalepeño Tequila & Lime- to name just a few. The company also strives to leave a small carbon footprint, aiming to be as green as possible.
Skincare
U Beauty was founded by Asian American Tina Craig. A natural born entrepreneur, you might recognize her name from the blog Bag Snob – one of the very first fashion blogs to gain widespread recognition. Craig created her skincare line in 2019 in an effort to pare down the traditional multi-step beauty regimens of Korean tradition. U Beauty sells hybrid products that blend ingredients and allow for a simpler routine.
Fashion
Athleisure still remains top priority in my wardrobe – and Donni has the chicest pieces to stay comfortable while still looking great. Created by high fashion industry veteran Alyssa Wasko, Donni aims for comfort above all, but boasts elevated essentials to make the wearer feel put together with ease. To boot, the brand is dedicated to donating portions of their proceeds to worthy causes, such as People in Need and Black Mamas Matter.
Service
Planning a wedding? So was Julie Sabatino. Julie was struggling trying to juggle her time-consuming job with the overwhelming task of finding the perfect dress for her and her wedding party, and all the other countless details that go into wedding planning. She wished she had someone to help her find her dress– someone who would consider her style, body type, and wedding vibe. She couldn’t; so she created her business to do just that. Julie founded The Stylish Bride in 2004, a brand dedicated to consulting and styling for brides and their bridal parties. A great message to all budding entrepreneurs: if you can’t find it, build it yourself.
