Showing posts with label belle of the month. Show all posts
Showing posts with label belle of the month. Show all posts

Sunday, September 7, 2008

You Could Be Our Next Belle of the Month!

The Belle of the Month is BACK!

Are you an aspiring and/or established plus size model? We are looking for plus size models to be featured in our Belle of the Month column. Here's what you have to do:

1) Email us at editor@belle-noir.com with "Belle of the Month" in the subject line and your answers to the following questions:
  • Full Name (for Belle-Noir Magazine purposes only)
  • Professional Name (if you go by a different name in the modeling industry)
  • Hometown (i.e. The Bronx, New York)
  • Age
  • When did you first know that you wanted to be a model?
  • Have you been in any fashion shows or been featured in any print/web layouts?
  • How would you define your personal style?
  • What Projects are you currently involved with?
  • What is one quote/saying that serves as inspiration for you?
  • Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 Years?

2) Attach two (2) photos of yourself: one head shot and one full body pic. While the head shot does not have to be a professional pic, the full body pic should be a professional photo from your portfolio. Please include all photo credits if you do not own the rights to your photo (i.e. Photographed by Joe Smith for JSPhotography). Please do not send pictures featuring nudity, lingerie or swimsuits.

3) Include links to your portfolio and/or websites.

4) Check out some past Belles of the Month here to get an idea of what we are looking for.
Models selected to be featured will receive an email with more information regarding what month they will be featured, etc.

Our first model will be featured as of October, so get those entries in now! Thanks in advance for your entries and we look forward to hearing from you!

Friday, July 11, 2008

Words: "A Man In Transition" By Keith "K.L." Belvin

Hey Ladies & Gents!

My friend & colleague Keith "KL" Belvin is proud to present his debut on the literary scene with his book, "A Man in Transition". Want to read a story of how a man can change his life through the power of God? This collection of stories and poems is a must read! But don't just take it from me. Read the reviews about this great book and then pick up a copy before you head to the beach this summer. It'll be GREAT summer reading!

Peace & Love,
Ms. Aja B.

----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: Author and Poet / K. L. Belvin
Date: Jul 11, 2008 12:27 PM


Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

misogynistic gigolo, reckless father, ego maniac turned, devoted husband, educator, and role model , Pens “A "Man in Transition”

What do you call a man who cheated on his wife numerous times, fathered multiple children, was driven by his ego, drank and partied as if there wasn’t a tomorrow and even turned one of his children into the police? Today he is a devoted husband who loves his wife with each breath. Takes care of all his children and honors his responsibilities. He holds a Master’s degree in education and found the Lord. He now spends his time trying to heal others who were on the same path he was to destruction.

You would call him "A Man in Transition”.


Through poetry, short stories and observations, K. L. gives you a glimpse into his life as misogynistic adult, turned master of education. Reared by his mother, grandmother, and for a short time great grandmother KL opens a window into the interpretations of life from the perspective of an educator. Teaching today’s young black males growing up without their fathers or significant male role models he uses poetry to show masculinity instead of the usual choices availed to so many. “A Man in Transition" speaks to the center of this changed man’s heart while providing a glimpse into a past that will make you shake your head.

“A Man in Transition”, A collection of poems, stories and observations written by a New York City Teacher, Keith Belvin (K.L.), who gained media attention when he turned his daughter in after viewing a video of her and her friends assaulting a passenger on the subway, is now available online at http://www.klthewriter.com/.



“NO MATTER HOW HARD OUR EDUCATORS WORK, THE KEY TO A CHILD’S SUCCESS IS HIS OR HER PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS, OR CAREGIVERS.

SO I WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE AN EDUCATOR AND A PARENT WHO MADE A DIFFICULT DECISION ABOUT HIS FAMILY.

KEITH BELVIN’S DAUGHTER AND A GROUP OF TEENS WERE INVOLVED IN AN INCIDENT ON THE SUBWAY IN WHICH A YOUNG MAN WAS PHYSICALLY AND VERBALLY ASSAULTED, AND WHEN A VIDEO OF THE INCIDENT APPEARED, MR. BELVIN RECOGNIZED HIS DAUGHTER PLAYING AN ACTIVE ROLE.

AS A TEACHER HIMSELF, MR. BELVIN ALWAYS EXPECTED RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOR FROM HIS STUDENTS — AND HE COULD EXPECT NOTHING LESS FROM HIS OWN DAUGHTER.

AS MUCH AS HE LOVES AND WANTED TO PROTECT HER, THE MOST IMPORTANT THING HE HAD TO DO WAS SAVE HER LIFE, SO HE TURNED HER IN.

MAYBE WE CALL THAT TOUGH LOVE, BUT IT ALSO SHOWS A PARENT WHO IS TEACHING HIS KID TO DO THE RIGHT THING! WELCOME KEITH BELVIN!”
-Marty Markowitz, Brooklyn Borough President

In this difficult world teachers face the task of educating today's children. Husbands have to deal with the pressures of being faithful loving men to their wives. Fathers have to face the pain of their mistakes while remaining focused on the family they are charged with protecting and providing for. These are just a few of the things you'll read about in "A Man in Transition".

Many fathers may not have made the difficult decision that K.L. did with putting his daughter to justice, but then they don’t know his story.

"A Man in Transition” addresses various issues that men face that often are categorized taboo because they tend to emasculate the gender.

The book provokes thought and calls to action, especially on the topics addressing African American, males reclaiming the dominant role in the family structure.



“As a man travels through life many things affect the way he chooses to walk his path. Some may run and see nothing, some may quit and stay right where they are, and yet others will grow as they walk, taking in each moment as they pass by,” states K.L. “A Man in Transition” is a compilation of poems, short stories, inspirations, and observations that discuss those paths."

Pick up “A Man in Transition” today.

You’re not just buying poetry, your supporting an educator...


FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact:
Keith Belvin “K. L.”, Author
Bravin Publishing
P.O.Box 340317
Jamaica, New York 11434


Friday, April 4, 2008

Belle of the Month: April 2008

Lakia Tribie

Meet Lakia Tribie, one of Belle-Noir Magazine's Signature models and a model for Plus Size in the City, a plus size entertainment and modeling company based in New York City.

Name
Lakia Tribie pronounced Tri-Be-AY

Hometown
Brooklyn, NY

Age
29-ish! LOL!

When did you first know that you wanted to be a model?
Ever since I was a little girl I have wanted to model, being inspired mainly by Miss America and Miss USA Pageants. In my teens I began hearing about plus-size modeling and thought I would love to do that. However, it wasn't until this April after auditioning for Monique's F.A.T. chance that I decided to pursue my goal. Although I was not chosen to compete for F.A.T Chance it did spark a flame that has turned into a burning passion to be a model .

Have you been in any fashion shows or been featured in any print layouts?
Modeling for Belle-Noir.com was my first time a ever. I am as green as Kermit the Frog when it come to modeling. Since winning Belle-Noir.com's Model Search Contest, I have been asked to represent Plus Size In The City as a model and will also will be featured in Blur Dezigns winter catalog. Blur Dezigns is a fashion line co-founded by Monique's F.A.T. Chance season two contestant and plus-size model Ms. Tiffany Jones and Ms Jay also a plus-size model more info can be found @ http://www.blurdezigns.com/. I am so grateful to God for all of these opportunities taking none of them for granted I am looking forward to a fantastic future!

How would you define your personal style?
I am a combination of sexy and flirtatious, trendy and edgy. I tend to push the boundaries of where they say " Big Girls" should go. Give me a pair of high-heels, big hair and hot make-up and I will have all eyes on me (tee-hee-hee). I love showing off my curves no matter how big they are. My level of confidence has become infectious and there is not a day that goes by that I am not approached for some sort of advice or just to be told " You go girl". I love to inspire other curvy girls to be comfortable in the skin, dress or tight jeans their in!


What other projects are you currently involved with besides Belle-Noir.com?
I have other projects lined up with P.S.I. T.C in the near and will keep Belle-Noir posted. I am confident that my affiliation with Belle-Noir.com, Plus Size In The City and Blur Dezigns will lead to many more opportunities.

What is one quote/saying that serves as inspiration for you?
"Surely Goodness and Mercy shall follow me all the days of my life". (Psalm 23:6) It has helped me to trust in the goodness of God and know that no matter what the situation is he is always there. My spirituality and deep faith has helped me to remain focus on my goals and dreams with confident expectation and optimism.

Where do you envision yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
5 years: I will be fully established as a plus-size model and will be represented by a major modeling firm. I will be on the move breaking down industry limitations of what is beautiful and acceptable. There is a new wave of acceptance as a whole that is about to burst forth for the large community and I believe it will give way to more more opportunities for plus-sized models, actors and artistic professionals to express their unique gift and talents.

10 years: I will have my own fashion and cosmetic line! Make-up is my second passion and I do dabble in make-up artistry and want to have my own line of cosmetics. I also want to design clothing for curvy women with a special emphasis on the pear-shaped diva. I have always found it hard to find jeans or slacks that properly fit my juicy thighs and ample bottom, I will design dresses, suits and pants that will give more room in the bottom and a little less on top to accommodate our unique shape. My line will be sexy, risque and bold just like me!

Lastly I envision myself hosting my own T.V. show and being a motivational speaker encouraging women of all shapes and sizes to live life to the full, love themselves just the way they are and to become everything they want to be knowing it's OK and all apart of God's great plan.


For more information and to view Lakia's portfolio, please visit: www.myspace.com/prettymomma11208 .

Monday, March 3, 2008

Belle of the Month:: March 2008

Tiffany Braxton Belvin

Meet Tiffany Braxton Belvin, one of Belle-Noir Magazine's Signature Belle Models. Tiffany is currently preparing to take part in the 1st Annual Miss NYC Plus Pageant, taking place on March 15, 2008 at the Julia Miles Theater.

Hometown:

New York, New York

Age:
32

When did you first know that you wanted to be a model?
From very young I knew I wanted to be a model. You couldn't tear me away from a beauty pageant when it came on television. My mom looked into entering me in pageants, but it was too expensive. When I was about seven or eight I went to an open call audition for child models at Macy's. There were hundreds of people there and we stood in line for hours. I wasn't one of the child stars they were looking for, but even at that young age I understood what it meant to market yourself and have what people wanted in the industry.

Have you been in any fashion shows or been featured in any print layouts?
I did my first fashion show at York college when I was 21-years-old. I remember one of the designers said I had the best walk on the runway for a full-figured woman. I was a size 16 then. She asked me if I considered doing other projects for her, but I declined. As a Biology major, I didn't really have time for extra-curricular activities and I didn't see modeling as an option. Recently, after some advice from Gwedolyn Devoe of Devoe Signatures Events Inc. and Chamein Canton, author of Down That Aisle in Style, I decided to start modeling professionally. I have done a number of projects including shows with the John Perry Model Club of Jamaica, New York, Michelle's Of New York Plus Size Boutique, and Nigerian Fashions and Fabrics.

How would you define your personal style?
My style is constantly changing. When you live in a cultural salad bowl like New York City you tend to adopt styles. I appreciate the styles from the thousands of different ethnicities you'll find here. So don't be surprised if you see me in a sari, some chaps, or jingle dresses (Native American dance outfit).

What other projects are you currently involved with besides Belle-Noir.com?
Currently I am working with a company called Peach Couture, and another company that is developing a new line of jeans. My goal is to make my full-figured stamp on New York when I enter the Miss N.Y.C. Plus Pageant this year.

What is one quote/saying that serves as inspriation for you?
"Opportunity knocks once, but temptation will lean on the doorbell."

Where do you envision yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
I don't. I take one day at a time and thank God for giving me all that I have accomplished with each sunrise and sunset.


For More Information & to view Tiffany's portfolio, please visit:
www.musecube.com/mrsbigdog
www.myspace.com/braxtonbelvin