Vintage Made Anew

When vintage comes to mind most think of it as old, used clothing that no one tends to care for, but these days it is much more than that. Vintage clothing is a staple in fashion history that has surpassed just being a trend, it is here to stay. It can be found in your local Goodwill or Thrift store and on the likes of fashionistas worldwide. However I know someone who has taken vintage clothing a step further and decided to capitalize on what vintage clothing means to her. Read about her start of what her vintage is all about.

SF: Let's start off by you introducing yourself to my readers?
NS:My name is Niesha Slaughter I am from Germantown, Maryland and I attend North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University seeking a degree in Business Management, graduating in May 2011.

SF:Explain your love for Vintage clothing?
NS: I like everything that looks unique and different, my vision is to take the vintage appearance but change it to a modern look.

SF: Tell us the name of your store and how you choose the name?
NS:The name of my store is "The Difference Boutique", I chose the name The Difference Boutique because I wanted something unique and distinctive, that no one else has. It reflects my clothing because they are all different than what is in stores currently. All of my services offered will be exclusive.

SF:When did you open your Vintage Boutique store?
NS:I opened my boutique January 16, 2010 as an online store.

SF: Do you make any of the clothing?
NS:No I do not make the clothing, I have a designer who draws out my vision and makes some of the clothing.

SF:Other than a seamstress/designer do you have a team to help you?
NS:Yes I do have a team and it consist of a photographer, videographer (for my documentary), hair stylist, make- up artist, marketing agent , personal assistant, and a PR assistant.

SF:What is "The Difference Boutique" market?
NS:My market as of right now are women between the ages of 17-25.

SF:Are your prices reasonable?
NS:Yes my prices are very reasonable right now nothing is over $100 and starting at $20 with many sales throughout the year.

SF:How can your items be purchased?
NS:My items can be purchased online as soon as I get the website, but for now I am using E-Bay , and/or money orders

SF:What type of clothing do you sale?
NS: I sale outerwear: shirts, pants, skirts, sweaters casual wear: blazers, dresses.

SF:Do you plan to sale accessories and shoes in the future?
NS:Yes I do plan to sale accessories and shoes.

SF: Has it always been a dream to open your own fashion boutique?
NS:Yes. I always told my parents I wanted to be a fashion designer but they would say pick a career that you know you can find a job in, because fashion is not guaranteed and that I could always go back to school for fashion. One morning I had a vision and I couldn't let it pass me by, so every day I am learning and trying to get to where I need to be.

SF:Does "The Difference Boutique" plan to have any runway shows?
NS:Yes. I am currently planning one at the moment and will be posting more information when the time comes

SF:What is the future of "The Difference Boutique"? (say 5 years)
NS:The Difference Boutique is more than a boutique for women I plan to add a men's line and my services consist of: alteration and special designing. I plan on having a reality/documentary based on the obstacles and success of my boutique and have programs to encourage the youth to not give up and guide them into their future.

SF:Why did you choose to open a vintage boutique over other fashion boutique options?
NS:I chose a vintage boutique over a fashion boutique because you don’t see that many vintage stores out in the area. If you do you can never find a complete outfit, or a customer is contemplating how & where to wear that outfit but I have already finished the garment for you to put on without thinking twice.

SF:How can you be contacted?
NS: I can be contacted by:E-mail: thedifferencebtq@aol.co, by phone: 301 440 9571, find me on Facebook: Niesha Slaughter and you can follow me on Twitter: @_thedifference

Zsa Zsa Ziggy

Nails are so important for both a female and male appearance. It is a statement that enhances your over all appearance. However the up keep of nails has gone futuristic with new designs and nail enhancements. Nail designs and maintenance has definitely evolved which has blossomed into more revenue for nail salons and spas. Let me take you out of your around the way nail shop owned and ran by Koreans and put you into a calm and relax place(African American owned) of Destiny De've.

SF:Tell me a little bit about who you are?
ZZZ:I was born in DC, when I was younger I always did my friends nails but I (never considered it a career),I attended North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University. I majored in Business Management, I studied abroad in China a semester before I graduated. While in China it dawned on me how much money is in the nail industry universally. Once I came back to the states and graduated I got a 9-5 job, but I was unhappy. So I went to the library to locate books on nails & after reading them, I realized I had so much to learn than just polishing nails. A good friend of mine gave me information on taking classes. I enrolled in Dudley Beauty College September 2008. I began working at Sassy Nail Salon and Spa December 2009 while still enrolled at Dudley's. Once I graduated from Dudley's, the sky was the limit. I now work at Destiny De've Salon & Spa. I have learned that quantity vs quality means a lot to the customer, along with customer service. I enjoy what I do, so I take pride in my work & my clients can enjoy the pampering experience.

SF:What is the most popular nail style do customers request?
ZZZ:Minx it is an applique nail made by two females out of L.A. in 2007. It's Fashion on your nails. It has no dry time, it's quick, easy and cute. People want to be different and Minx compliments that.

SF:Can you explain the importance of nail maintenance?
ZZZ:Nails and nail polish say a lot about you. It's as important as your flesh. It's the same as keeping your teeth and ears clean. The most important part is to keep your cuticles maintenance because your nails will reflect that if you take care of them.

SF:What is a nail "No No"?
ZZZ:Chipped nails, dry and crusty cuticles, hang nails(hang nails is the skin on the side of your finger, not an actual nail) and 10 inch fake nails.

SF:What is your favorite nail style to do?
ZZZ:Regular manicures with polish, when my clients see their own nails polished and they are proud of it, that fulfills me.

SF:How can you keep up with your nails when you can't get to a salon?
ZZZ:Soak nails, push back cuticles to remove access debris, file your nails. Polish is an accessory, if you do polish use a base and top coat..PLEASE.

SF:Does acrylic really mess up your nails?
ZZZ:Yes. Acrylic is a nail enhancement, it's not a vitamin. Your nails can not breathe, the constant full sets and fill ins make the nail bed weak. Soaking in actone does not help.

SF:What brand if nail polish is your favorite?
ZZZ:China Glaze(LOVE IT), it dries quick and it has a variety of colors. From metallics to mattes to outrageous colors. I also like Ginger and Liz it's a new brand created by two sistah's from NJ.


SF:Has the compliment of nails crossover into the fashion world?
ZZZ:It's slowly getting recognition in the fashion industry. Ten years ago you wouldn't see nail tech credit in magazines unless it was an article on polish. But now, more & more nail technicians are being creditted in pictures, in magazine spreads and on the runway)


SF:Whose nails would Ziggy Zsa Zsa like to pamper?
ZZZ:Michelle Obama, Solange, Victoria Beckham and Common

To book an appointment with Zsa Zsa Ziggy please visit Destiny De've Salon and Spa website

Stay tuned for what Zsa Zsa Ziggy has in store for the future

Picture Credit:Pathological Designers, Zsa Zsa Ziggy

Interviewed by: Sarea-Flo