10-Year Old Entrepreneur, Bullied for Her Dark Skin, Launches "Flexin' in My Complexion" Apparel Line
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The Southeast Queens Scoop covering positive news, cultural events, and economic empowerment in Jamaica, NY
Saturday, August 5, 2017
Discover How This 10-Year Old Entrepreneur Overcame Bullying About Her Dark Skin
Kheris Rogers, a 10-year old girl who was being bullied for her darker
skin, has turned the opportunity into a smart and successful business
idea. Based in Los Angeles, CA, Kheris has recently launched her very
own unapologetic clothing line called Flexin’ in My Complexion. Her mission now is to boost the self-esteem of other dark skin girls.
Kheris Rogers, a 10-year old girl who was being bullied for her darker
skin, has turned the opportunity into a smart and successful business
idea. Based in Los Angeles, CA, Kheris has recently launched her very
own unapologetic clothing line called Flexin’ in My Complexion. Her mission now is to boost the self-esteem of other dark skin girls.
SQPA Collectible Car Show
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Calling all car enthusiasts! It’s time for the annual SQPA Collectible Car Show!
Calling all car enthusiasts! It’s time for the annual SQPA Collectible Car Show!
Fundraiser for Adrienne Adams
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Join Elected Officials, District Leaders and Community Advocates for a community fundraisier. Meet the candidate, hear more about her vision for District 28 and sign up to volunteer.
Suggested Donations: $25, $50, $100 and $175
Please make checks out to Adrienne for NY or click on the ticket link to donate online.
Location will be provided once RSVPed at electadrienne@gmail.com or contact 347-530-5222. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Join Elected Officials, District Leaders and Community Advocates for a community fundraisier. Meet the candidate, hear more about her vision for District 28 and sign up to volunteer.
Suggested Donations: $25, $50, $100 and $175
Please make checks out to Adrienne for NY or click on the ticket link to donate online.
Location will be provided once RSVPed at electadrienne@gmail.com or contact 347-530-5222. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Tuesday Afternoon Movie – Cape Fear (1991)
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Friday, August 4, 2017
Be Aware Areas in Southeast Queens To Be Sprayed with Insecticides
I feel some kinda way. I just got an email that parts of Southeast Queens, will be sprayed with insecticides by the New York City Dept of Health (DOH). The reasoning is to cut down or stop the threat of the West Nile Virus.
State Senator Leroy Comie's office issued the following statement "DOH is planning on spraying pesticide from trucks throughout parts of Brookville, Cambria Heights, Laurelton, Rosedale, Saint Albans, South Jamaica, and Springfield Gardens during the evening of August 8th to reduce the risk of West Nile Virus in our community."
I'm sure much of the community will be unnerved if not have ambiguous feelings about this chemical spraying in our area without a public meeting on it. Those with concerns are encouraged to call State Senator's Leroy Comrie's office.
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See Why LL Cool J a Celebrity From Southeast Queens Is Being Honored By National and Local Politicians
LL Cool J - a local guy who made it big in the entertainment business also continues to give back to the Southeast Queens Community in a number of ways. One of my favorites is to help sponsor the summer basketball leagues at O'Connell Park.
LL is one of the rare hip hop pioneers who was able to transition his hip hop stardom into a viable TV and film career. Cool J is being honored with a Kennedy Center Award, which is a presidential honor. He is the 1st solo hip hop artist to get this highly respected honorary award. Kudos to LL Cool J from us at the Southeast Queens Scoop.
Cool J will get his award December, 3rd, 2017 along with Gloria Estefan, Lionel Richie, Norman Lear and dancer-choreographer Carmen de Lavallade, the New York Times reports.
In a statement for New York Times, and reported by Rolling Stone Magazine, LL Cool J made the following humble statement about the induction "he is proud to help "knock the door down for a new genre." "To be able to come from the corner of Farmers Boulevard in Queens, banging on a garbage can, all the way to the Kennedy Center Honors, that's a long journey."
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| LL Cool J at O'Connell Park in St. Albans |
Thursday, August 3, 2017
Aunt Jemima Was a Real Person, But the Brand Was Never Black-Owned -- What Happened?
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Few people in America would not instantly recognize the name Aunt Jemima. The brand has been around for 125 years, has been a welcomed face at the breakfast table in the homes of millions of Americans, and her products generate more than $300 million a year in revenue. But Aunt Jemima is not a Black-owned brand!
Is she even a real person?
Yes, she is actually a real person - well, actually persons. Many models have appeared as Aunt Jemima on boxes of pancake mix and syrup throughout the years - including Nancy Green (the first company spokesman), Anna Robinson, Edith Wilson, Rosie Lee Moore Hall and Aylene Lewis. Because of their faces, Aunt Jemima has become a global icon!
Where did the concept come from?
Created by Chris Rutt and Charles Underwood (two white entrepreneurs), the name actually came from a vaudeville song by the same name whose performer wore the recognizable apron and bandanna headband that eventually became part of the company logo for ready-mixed, self-rising pancake flour.
In the late 1800's and early 1900's, millions of white families had Black servants in their house. And so, the concept of putting a Black face on a food product was thought of to be a genius concept. Although a real Aunt Jemima never existed, the marketing move was so successful that consumers believed she was the actual cook behind the recipe.
Mammy from Gone With The Wind?
The original image on Aunt Jemima products resembled Mammy from the epic 1936 Oscar-winning movie Gone With The Wind. However, over time, the image was changed to a more modern version of a thinner, Black woman without the bandana/ kerchief.
Today, her warm smile continues to be a welcoming sight at the tables of millions of children and adults across the U.S.
So, who owns the Aunt Jemima brand?
Well, as mentioned earlier, the Aunt Jemima is not Black-owned, and actually never was! Currently, Aunt Jemima Manufacturing Company is owned by the Quaker Oats Company, which is based in Chicago, IL. They bought the brand in 1926 and have owned it ever since.
For more details about the story or the products, visit www.AuntJemima.com
Boost Your Business reaching over 20,500 Southeast Queens residents a month on the Southeast Queens Scoop. Get the Scoop On Promoting Your Business Click
> Enjoy Delicious Speciality Pizzas
> Tasty Pasta and Italian Dishes
> Sumptuous Healthy Salads, and So Much More.
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We can Buy Your Home Fast With Cash. Visit Wholesale Investor
Beautify Your Home and Accentuate Your Life - Discover Exceptional Black Art, Get Exclusive Custom Framing, and Receive Expert Photography from Renowned Local Artist Click Here
Posted by community events coordinator, Nzinga Lonstein Austin, is a prolific blogger who writes on the entertainment industry and issues for people with developmental and physical challenges.
She is presently in high school looking to have a career in video, film, and media. You can see more of her entertainment writing on Lonstein Movies.
The publication targets the over 350,000 residents in the Southeast Queen and Jamaica Queens area. It promotes to over 40,000 potential viewers in social media, mobile devices and search engines like Google and Bing! To learn more about how to promote your business or organization on the Scoop or online Click Here
Few people in America would not instantly recognize the name Aunt Jemima. The brand has been around for 125 years, has been a welcomed face at the breakfast table in the homes of millions of Americans, and her products generate more than $300 million a year in revenue. But Aunt Jemima is not a Black-owned brand!
Is she even a real person?
Yes, she is actually a real person - well, actually persons. Many models have appeared as Aunt Jemima on boxes of pancake mix and syrup throughout the years - including Nancy Green (the first company spokesman), Anna Robinson, Edith Wilson, Rosie Lee Moore Hall and Aylene Lewis. Because of their faces, Aunt Jemima has become a global icon!
Where did the concept come from?
Created by Chris Rutt and Charles Underwood (two white entrepreneurs), the name actually came from a vaudeville song by the same name whose performer wore the recognizable apron and bandanna headband that eventually became part of the company logo for ready-mixed, self-rising pancake flour.
In the late 1800's and early 1900's, millions of white families had Black servants in their house. And so, the concept of putting a Black face on a food product was thought of to be a genius concept. Although a real Aunt Jemima never existed, the marketing move was so successful that consumers believed she was the actual cook behind the recipe.
Mammy from Gone With The Wind?
The original image on Aunt Jemima products resembled Mammy from the epic 1936 Oscar-winning movie Gone With The Wind. However, over time, the image was changed to a more modern version of a thinner, Black woman without the bandana/ kerchief.
Today, her warm smile continues to be a welcoming sight at the tables of millions of children and adults across the U.S.
So, who owns the Aunt Jemima brand?
Well, as mentioned earlier, the Aunt Jemima is not Black-owned, and actually never was! Currently, Aunt Jemima Manufacturing Company is owned by the Quaker Oats Company, which is based in Chicago, IL. They bought the brand in 1926 and have owned it ever since.
For more details about the story or the products, visit www.AuntJemima.com
Don't Miss Important Info On Our Community. Get the Scoop On Southeast Queens. Discover the Latest News, Events, Jobs, Bargains, and Economic Developments Just Once a Week. Sign Up for the Southeast Queens Scoop eZine. Subscribe Click Here
Boost Your Business reaching over 20,500 Southeast Queens residents a month on the Southeast Queens Scoop. Get the Scoop On Promoting Your Business Click
> Tasty Pasta and Italian Dishes
> Sumptuous Healthy Salads, and So Much More.
Order Delivery or Pick Up From Highly Rated Farmers Pizza Click Here
----------------------------------------
Are You Looking To Sell Your Home Fast?
We can Buy Your Home Fast With Cash. Visit Wholesale Investor
---------------------------------
Own Beautiful Fine and Cultural Art or Photography
Beautify Your Home and Accentuate Your Life - Discover Exceptional Black Art, Get Exclusive Custom Framing, and Receive Expert Photography from Renowned Local Artist Click Here
Beautify Your Home and Accentuate Your Life - Discover Exceptional Black Art, Get Exclusive Custom Framing, and Receive Expert Photography from Renowned Local Artist Click Here
Posted by community events coordinator, Nzinga Lonstein Austin, is a prolific blogger who writes on the entertainment industry and issues for people with developmental and physical challenges.She is presently in high school looking to have a career in video, film, and media. You can see more of her entertainment writing on Lonstein Movies.
About the Southeast Queens Scoop - is the premier website and only publication offering daily news and updates on the events, culture, issues, and is dedicated to the business and economic development in this largely black historic community.
Classic Movies Thursdays at 2 – “Lili” 1953
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An orphaned young woman becomes part of a puppet act and forms a relationship with the anti -social puppeteer.
Date: August 10
Time: 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Cost: Free
Event Categories: Arts/Entertainment, Movies / Films
Organizer: Central Branch Library
Boost Your Business reaching over 20,500 Southeast Queens residents a month on the Southeast Queens Scoop. Get the Scoop On Promoting Your Business Click
> Enjoy Delicious Speciality Pizzas
> Tasty Pasta and Italian Dishes
> Sumptuous Healthy Salads, and So Much More.
Order Delivery or Pick Up From Highly Rated Farmers Pizza Click Here
Do You Have Problems with a Foreclosure, Tax Lien, Or Water Bill Action?
We can Buy Your Home Fast With Cash. Visit Wholesale Investor
Beautify Your Home and Accentuate Your Life - Discover Exceptional Black Art, Get Exclusive Custom Framing, and Receive Expert Photography from Renowned Local Artist Click Here
Posted by community events coordinator, Nzinga Lonstein Austin, is a prolific blogger who writes on the entertainment industry and issues for people with developmental and physical challenges.
She is presently in high school looking to have a career in video, film, and media. You can see more of her entertainment writing on Lonstein Movies.
The publication targets the over 350,000 residents in the Southeast Queen and Jamaica Queens area. It promotes to over 40,000 potential viewers in social media, mobile devices and search engines like Google and Bing! To learn more about how to promote your business or organization on the Scoop or online Click Here
An orphaned young woman becomes part of a puppet act and forms a relationship with the anti -social puppeteer.
Date: August 10
Time: 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Cost: Free
Event Categories: Arts/Entertainment, Movies / Films
Organizer: Central Branch Library
Don't Miss Important Info On Our Community. Get the Scoop On Southeast Queens. Discover the Latest News, Events, Jobs, Bargains, and Economic Developments Just Once a Week. Sign Up for the Southeast Queens Scoop eZine. Subscribe Click Here
Boost Your Business reaching over 20,500 Southeast Queens residents a month on the Southeast Queens Scoop. Get the Scoop On Promoting Your Business Click
> Tasty Pasta and Italian Dishes
> Sumptuous Healthy Salads, and So Much More.
Order Delivery or Pick Up From Highly Rated Farmers Pizza Click Here
----------------------------------------
Are You Looking To Sell Your Home Fast?
We can Buy Your Home Fast With Cash. Visit Wholesale Investor
---------------------------------
Own Beautiful Fine and Cultural Art or Photography
Beautify Your Home and Accentuate Your Life - Discover Exceptional Black Art, Get Exclusive Custom Framing, and Receive Expert Photography from Renowned Local Artist Click Here
Beautify Your Home and Accentuate Your Life - Discover Exceptional Black Art, Get Exclusive Custom Framing, and Receive Expert Photography from Renowned Local Artist Click Here
Posted by community events coordinator, Nzinga Lonstein Austin, is a prolific blogger who writes on the entertainment industry and issues for people with developmental and physical challenges.She is presently in high school looking to have a career in video, film, and media. You can see more of her entertainment writing on Lonstein Movies.
About the Southeast Queens Scoop - is the premier website and only publication offering daily news and updates on the events, culture, issues, and is dedicated to the business and economic development in this largely black historic community.
Movie Night Wednesdays – A United Kingdom
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The story of king Seretse Khama of Botswana and how his loving but controversial marriage to a British white woman, Ruth Williams, put his kingdom into political and diplomatic turmoil.
The story of king Seretse Khama of Botswana and how his loving but controversial marriage to a British white woman, Ruth Williams, put his kingdom into political and diplomatic turmoil.
Classic Movies Thursdays at 2-” To Kill a Mockingbird” 1962
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Atticus Finch, a lawyer in the depression-era south, defends a black man against an undeserved rape charge, and his children against prejudice.
+ Google Calendar+ iCal Export
Date: August 3
Time: 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Cost: Free
Event Categories: Arts/Entertainment, Movies / Films
Organizer: Central Branch Library
Boost Your Business reaching over 20,500 Southeast Queens residents a month on the Southeast Queens Scoop. Get the Scoop On Promoting Your Business Click
> Enjoy Delicious Speciality Pizzas
> Tasty Pasta and Italian Dishes
> Sumptuous Healthy Salads, and So Much More.
Order Delivery or Pick Up From Highly Rated Farmers Pizza Click Here
Do You Have Problems with a Foreclosure, Tax Lien, Or Water Bill Action?
We can Buy Your Home Fast With Cash. Visit Wholesale Investor
Beautify Your Home and Accentuate Your Life - Discover Exceptional Black Art, Get Exclusive Custom Framing, and Receive Expert Photography from Renowned Local Artist Click Here
Posted by community events coordinator, Nzinga Lonstein Austin, is a prolific blogger who writes on the entertainment industry and issues for people with developmental and physical challenges.
She is presently in high school looking to have a career in video, film, and media. You can see more of her entertainment writing on Lonstein Movies.
The publication targets the over 350,000 residents in the Southeast Queen and Jamaica Queens area. It promotes to over 40,000 potential viewers in social media, mobile devices and search engines like Google and Bing! To learn more about how to promote your business or organization on the Scoop or online Click Here
Atticus Finch, a lawyer in the depression-era south, defends a black man against an undeserved rape charge, and his children against prejudice.
+ Google Calendar+ iCal Export
Time: 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Cost: Free
Event Categories: Arts/Entertainment, Movies / Films
Organizer: Central Branch Library
Don't Miss Important Info On Our Community. Get the Scoop On Southeast Queens. Discover the Latest News, Events, Jobs, Bargains, and Economic Developments Just Once a Week. Sign Up for the Southeast Queens Scoop eZine. Subscribe Click Here
Boost Your Business reaching over 20,500 Southeast Queens residents a month on the Southeast Queens Scoop. Get the Scoop On Promoting Your Business Click
> Tasty Pasta and Italian Dishes
> Sumptuous Healthy Salads, and So Much More.
Order Delivery or Pick Up From Highly Rated Farmers Pizza Click Here
----------------------------------------
Are You Looking To Sell Your Home Fast?
We can Buy Your Home Fast With Cash. Visit Wholesale Investor
---------------------------------
Own Beautiful Fine and Cultural Art or Photography
Beautify Your Home and Accentuate Your Life - Discover Exceptional Black Art, Get Exclusive Custom Framing, and Receive Expert Photography from Renowned Local Artist Click Here
Beautify Your Home and Accentuate Your Life - Discover Exceptional Black Art, Get Exclusive Custom Framing, and Receive Expert Photography from Renowned Local Artist Click Here
Posted by community events coordinator, Nzinga Lonstein Austin, is a prolific blogger who writes on the entertainment industry and issues for people with developmental and physical challenges.She is presently in high school looking to have a career in video, film, and media. You can see more of her entertainment writing on Lonstein Movies.
About the Southeast Queens Scoop - is the premier website and only publication offering daily news and updates on the events, culture, issues, and is dedicated to the business and economic development in this largely black historic community.
Wednesday, August 2, 2017
See How This Special Educator Is Using The Arts To Inspire A Renaissance in Southeast Queens
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Kamau: Can you tell us a little about your background and life growing up in Southeast Queens?
Adrienne Whaley: I grew up in Southeast Queens and remember passing by Count Basie's house several times a week along with always being amazed that James Brown's house actually had a moat way back when. I became a eclectic artist because my father was an illustrator, one uncle was a tailor, and another sculpted using bar soap.
My mother was very creative and never spent much making our window shades and matching bedspreads. I spent most of my time indoors creating something or another falling in love with color and design.
When I didn't have money to buy more clothes for my dolls and my father told me to make it myself, I figured it out. Next was a sewing class at Singer on Jamaica Avenue.
I was in the Brownies, Girl Scouts, Gloria Jackson Dance School, and in many other local programs until my friends and I began putting on our own fashion shows at the church around the corner. After I attended the High School of Art & Design and was discouraged in pursuing a career in the arts by my guidance counselor, and a well known african american package designer, I majored in business.
We had hobbies from which we learned and which kept us out of trouble. We didn't know back then that we were actually getting smarter, but we did.
Kamau: What inspired you to go into your present business?
Adrienne Whaley: My parents, who did not attend college, made sure that importance of education was instilled in both my sister and I. Back then, teachers, parents, and those who ran similar businesses knew the academic, social, and self-empowering significance of the arts in education.
Then suddenly, the arts disappeared as did many of the important programs, and suddenly, grades began dropping, and the social make-up of our community began to change. As the rate of African-American males who graduate from college continues to hover at less than 29%, and while other negative statistics rose significantly, I remember what being involved in the arts and or sports did for my generation and those before me.
Kamau: What is the name and services you offer in your business?
Adrienne Whaley: Innovations In Creative Arts & Martial Arts, located at 198-20 Linden Blvd., St. Albans, NY 11412 is that place where both children and adults can come to learn, discover, and have the opportunity to delve deeper into the arts of choice. We offer the opportunity to learn the terminology, history, steps, equipment, supplies, and techniques from professional artists and certified professionals.
From Karate, ballet, hip hop dance, aerobics, culinary arts, wearable arts, jewelry making, bath product making, drawing, painting, 3d computer modeling, STEAM, other crafts, professional development for educators, therapists, and administrators, we also rent space for gallery showings, events, and meetings. We are the place in the community that loves and appreciates all of the arts so much that we've bought them together in one warm open space.
In September, the Enrichment Program begins during after school time from Monday - Saturday where children from 3 years to 16 years can attend and enjoy a large number of arts and learning activities throughout the week.
Kamau: What makes your business unique to other art programs people can attend or send their children to in the area?
Adrienne Whaley: We are the only studio which offers such a large variety of arts and caters to children, adults, artists, and entrepreneurs. We believe that students, young and young at heart, should have choices, should not have to travel from one place to another, and should learn in a way where they know that they are learning, growing, and creating an upgraded tomorrow.
We also have the Learning Through Karate For Young Children in Special Education (tm) program. This program is significant because young children can still experience a Karate Class, but in such a way, that IEP goals are incorporated as a support system for academics, behaviors, social skills, and safety awareness. Best of all they earn certificates and trophies for reaching both IEP and Karate goals.
We are also unique in that we visit schools and programs, senior centers, outdoor spaces, etc. We want everyone to become excited again about the arts.
Why not learn to make an exotic dish, create your own perfume, design a dress or man's jacket, paint a canvas or pair of sneakers, then take an aerobics class, make a necklace, get on the computer and design a 3D model, interactive book, make music, recite a poem, write a story, and do it all again the next day. We believe in a wide offering of hands-on activities, that all learning is important, and most of us have so much untapped talent and it is time to make time.
Kamau: Can you tell us about some of the challenges you've had in business and how did you overcome them?
Adrienne Whaley: The biggest challenge is getting the word out to all of Southeast Queens and surrounding areas that we are here, we are very nice creative people, and that we're standing by ready to welcome them into the studio. We also want schools and special education organizations to know that we're here and ready to offer new learning activities.
We have some of the most talented assortment of professional artist instructors that you can imagine. Where else can you learn cake decorating, stained glass and tile design, design a city with a train running through? Also, the challenge is stressing the importance of the arts academically, health wise, and cognitively.
We've done the research - simply put, art does make you smarter, healthier, less stressed, and it is so empowering when you make something that you can see, wear, share, present, or eat. The challenge is getting people back into hands-on activities. There is so much talent within our community, and now artists don't necessarily have to go to Brooklyn, Manhattan, or Long Island to do, teach, exhibit, and sell.
Participation in the arts is most certainly a worthwhile investment for children and adults. It's also important for both children and adults and as we look at the bullying, high blood pressure, and obesity, and other community concerns. We here at Innovations, wonder how we can best explain the connection between many issues and getting involved in positive creative activities.
We are still overcoming these challenges and consistently getting the message out by advertising, visiting schools, distributing flyers, social media, Youtube videos, and standing
on the corner.
Kamau: Can you tell us about some of your goals and plans for the future of your business?
Adrienne Whaley: A few of our goals are to have SouthEast Queens children and adults so excited about all of the different arts that we offer that they register to learn a new art, pick up an old one, and bring a friend or family member. Our goal is for students to takes several classes and have the opportunity to show off at the end of the year via gallery shows, performances, award ceremonies, and movies.
We want our students and also artists to come by and collaborate, teach a class, rent a table. We would like Instructors, community groups, and entrepreneurs to rent space.
We also want more teachers, home based daycare owners, therapists, and school/program administrators to attend our monthly PD Workshops and receive their Certificates of Attendance closer to home. Our goal is to continue to grow and thrive by offering an amazing creative program which caters to the community, teaches the professional way, and celebrates all mistakes, efforts, and outcomes. Our biggest goal for is people to come on in and register for any number of classes, workshops, or programs.
Kamau: What is the best way to contact you?
Adrienne Whaley: We can be reached by phone at 917.387.8311 or email: InnovationsCreativeArts@gmail; InnovationsCreativeArts.com, or just by stopping in from Tuesday - Friday from 2:00pm - 7:00pm, Saturdays from 10:00am - 7:30pm.
We are often open later where there is a class or an event. Please also stay in touch by Liking us on Facebook, Tweeting about us on Twitter, view us on Yelp, the MindBody App, and continue to spread the word to friends, families, schools, and programs. In the Fall we will be open on Mondays as well from 2:00pm - 7:00pm.
Boost Your Business reaching over 20,500 Southeast Queens residents a month on the Southeast Queens Scoop. Get the Scoop On Promoting Your Business Click
> Enjoy Delicious Speciality Pizzas
> Tasty Pasta and Italian Dishes
> Sumptuous Healthy Salads, and So Much More.
Order Delivery or Pick Up From Highly Rated Farmers Pizza Click Here
Do You Have Problems with a Foreclosure, Tax Lien, Or Water Bill Action?
We can Buy Your Home Fast With Cash. Visit Wholesale Investor
Beautify Your Home and Accentuate Your Life - Discover Exceptional Black Art, Get Exclusive Custom Framing, and Receive Expert Photography from Renowned Local Artist Click Here
The publication targets the over 350,000 residents in the Southeast Queen and Jamaica Queens area. It promotes to over 40,000 potential viewers in social media, mobile devices and search engines like Google and Bing! To learn more about how to promote your business or organization on the Scoop or online Click Here
-------
Kamau Austin Interviews Adrienne Whaley of Innovations In Creative Arts
Adrienne Whaley, MBA, MA, is on a mission. The energetic and resourceful metaphorical renaissance woman will not be denied in her pursuit of using the arts to bring about positive change in her longtime community of Southeast Queens and Greater Jamaica.
Having a meeting space that houses a myriad of diverse artistic expressions ranging from martial arts for special needs children, to dance, or culinary arts would be an incredible challenge for most entrepreneurs. However, if any business person can do it Ms. Whaley, with numerous degrees in business and education like an MBA, MA, and professional education degrees, has the multi-faceted background to make it work. I caught up with this busy edu-entrepreneur recently to interview this resourceful and resilient woman.
Adrienne Whaley: I grew up in Southeast Queens and remember passing by Count Basie's house several times a week along with always being amazed that James Brown's house actually had a moat way back when. I became a eclectic artist because my father was an illustrator, one uncle was a tailor, and another sculpted using bar soap.
My mother was very creative and never spent much making our window shades and matching bedspreads. I spent most of my time indoors creating something or another falling in love with color and design.
When I didn't have money to buy more clothes for my dolls and my father told me to make it myself, I figured it out. Next was a sewing class at Singer on Jamaica Avenue.
I was in the Brownies, Girl Scouts, Gloria Jackson Dance School, and in many other local programs until my friends and I began putting on our own fashion shows at the church around the corner. After I attended the High School of Art & Design and was discouraged in pursuing a career in the arts by my guidance counselor, and a well known african american package designer, I majored in business.
We had hobbies from which we learned and which kept us out of trouble. We didn't know back then that we were actually getting smarter, but we did.
Adrienne Whaley: My parents, who did not attend college, made sure that importance of education was instilled in both my sister and I. Back then, teachers, parents, and those who ran similar businesses knew the academic, social, and self-empowering significance of the arts in education.
Then suddenly, the arts disappeared as did many of the important programs, and suddenly, grades began dropping, and the social make-up of our community began to change. As the rate of African-American males who graduate from college continues to hover at less than 29%, and while other negative statistics rose significantly, I remember what being involved in the arts and or sports did for my generation and those before me.
Adrienne Whaley: Innovations In Creative Arts & Martial Arts, located at 198-20 Linden Blvd., St. Albans, NY 11412 is that place where both children and adults can come to learn, discover, and have the opportunity to delve deeper into the arts of choice. We offer the opportunity to learn the terminology, history, steps, equipment, supplies, and techniques from professional artists and certified professionals.
From Karate, ballet, hip hop dance, aerobics, culinary arts, wearable arts, jewelry making, bath product making, drawing, painting, 3d computer modeling, STEAM, other crafts, professional development for educators, therapists, and administrators, we also rent space for gallery showings, events, and meetings. We are the place in the community that loves and appreciates all of the arts so much that we've bought them together in one warm open space.
In September, the Enrichment Program begins during after school time from Monday - Saturday where children from 3 years to 16 years can attend and enjoy a large number of arts and learning activities throughout the week.
Kamau: What makes your business unique to other art programs people can attend or send their children to in the area?
Adrienne Whaley: We are the only studio which offers such a large variety of arts and caters to children, adults, artists, and entrepreneurs. We believe that students, young and young at heart, should have choices, should not have to travel from one place to another, and should learn in a way where they know that they are learning, growing, and creating an upgraded tomorrow.
We also have the Learning Through Karate For Young Children in Special Education (tm) program. This program is significant because young children can still experience a Karate Class, but in such a way, that IEP goals are incorporated as a support system for academics, behaviors, social skills, and safety awareness. Best of all they earn certificates and trophies for reaching both IEP and Karate goals.
We are also unique in that we visit schools and programs, senior centers, outdoor spaces, etc. We want everyone to become excited again about the arts.
Why not learn to make an exotic dish, create your own perfume, design a dress or man's jacket, paint a canvas or pair of sneakers, then take an aerobics class, make a necklace, get on the computer and design a 3D model, interactive book, make music, recite a poem, write a story, and do it all again the next day. We believe in a wide offering of hands-on activities, that all learning is important, and most of us have so much untapped talent and it is time to make time.
Adrienne Whaley: The biggest challenge is getting the word out to all of Southeast Queens and surrounding areas that we are here, we are very nice creative people, and that we're standing by ready to welcome them into the studio. We also want schools and special education organizations to know that we're here and ready to offer new learning activities.
We have some of the most talented assortment of professional artist instructors that you can imagine. Where else can you learn cake decorating, stained glass and tile design, design a city with a train running through? Also, the challenge is stressing the importance of the arts academically, health wise, and cognitively.
We've done the research - simply put, art does make you smarter, healthier, less stressed, and it is so empowering when you make something that you can see, wear, share, present, or eat. The challenge is getting people back into hands-on activities. There is so much talent within our community, and now artists don't necessarily have to go to Brooklyn, Manhattan, or Long Island to do, teach, exhibit, and sell.
Participation in the arts is most certainly a worthwhile investment for children and adults. It's also important for both children and adults and as we look at the bullying, high blood pressure, and obesity, and other community concerns. We here at Innovations, wonder how we can best explain the connection between many issues and getting involved in positive creative activities.
We are still overcoming these challenges and consistently getting the message out by advertising, visiting schools, distributing flyers, social media, Youtube videos, and standing
on the corner.
Kamau: Can you tell us about some of your goals and plans for the future of your business?
Adrienne Whaley: A few of our goals are to have SouthEast Queens children and adults so excited about all of the different arts that we offer that they register to learn a new art, pick up an old one, and bring a friend or family member. Our goal is for students to takes several classes and have the opportunity to show off at the end of the year via gallery shows, performances, award ceremonies, and movies.
We want our students and also artists to come by and collaborate, teach a class, rent a table. We would like Instructors, community groups, and entrepreneurs to rent space.
We also want more teachers, home based daycare owners, therapists, and school/program administrators to attend our monthly PD Workshops and receive their Certificates of Attendance closer to home. Our goal is to continue to grow and thrive by offering an amazing creative program which caters to the community, teaches the professional way, and celebrates all mistakes, efforts, and outcomes. Our biggest goal for is people to come on in and register for any number of classes, workshops, or programs.
Kamau: What is the best way to contact you?
Adrienne Whaley: We can be reached by phone at 917.387.8311 or email: InnovationsCreativeArts@gmail; InnovationsCreativeArts.com, or just by stopping in from Tuesday - Friday from 2:00pm - 7:00pm, Saturdays from 10:00am - 7:30pm.
We are often open later where there is a class or an event. Please also stay in touch by Liking us on Facebook, Tweeting about us on Twitter, view us on Yelp, the MindBody App, and continue to spread the word to friends, families, schools, and programs. In the Fall we will be open on Mondays as well from 2:00pm - 7:00pm.
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