Fly Girls of the Week

Who? Erin, 22 and Tiffany, 24
Where? 
ERIN: Queens, New York all day everyday.
TIFFANY: Born and raised in Queens, NY. Relocating to Brooklyn VERY soon
What do you do?
ERIN: I'm a children's wear designer but I enjoy making art dolls. I loooove fashion and being creative. I graduated from Fashion Institute of Technology majoring in Fashion Design, specializing in Children's Wear. My ultimate goal is opening my own " Mommy and Me" stylish boutique!
TIFFANY: I'm currently a coordinator at Warner Music Group. I love art, design and children! Recently I applied to an Art Education graduate program. I would love to become an art educator at the Brooklyn Children's Museum. 
What inspired you to start Love, Mama? WE LOVE DOLLS, ART, COLOR,FUNK, SOUL and FUN! We grew up with cloth dolls in our home. Our mother began collecting cloth dolls when she had us. She found the dolls in TOY R US didn't represent her black daughters and were not unique. So when she attended her first black doll show she FOUND HER ANSWER! Soon our grandmother began her own doll line named Mama Love dolls. It was their goal to have positive images in our home to refer to. And our dolls were some of those images. They were brown, stylish, colorful, well made and individual. It's our goal to continue that legacy. Therefore we began Love, Mama in 2001 with the guidance of experienced doll artist like Adrienne McDonald. Currently our dolls can be found on lovemamadolls.etsy.com

 

What inspires you? 
ERIN: Art and people.
TIFFANY: Frida Kahlo, textiles, NYC, music, African and Indian art, children and my elders.
Why are you fly?
ERIN: Because I'm a down to earth, intelligent,creative, funny and loving young black woman.
TIFFANY: I'm fly because I acknowledge the FLY in everyone. I'm open-minded, supportive, caring, funny, happy, stylish and focus! And because my sister and I are the youngest black doll artist I KNOW! Doll making in our community was once essential because dolls of color weren't produced. Doll making is a dying art form now. But I hope some more creative people join us by learning the craft. Now that would be REALLY FLY!
Advice:
ERIN: Education is your freedom. Love and stay true to yourself. Don't talk to boys haha. Don't be afraid to go after what you want. Don't wear black and orange together, you'll end up looking like a Halloween decoration.
TIFFANY: Erin said it best EDUCATION IS YOUR FREEDOM! Everyday challenge yourself to learn something new. Acknowledge the past so you know how your present was created and so you know how to make a better future. History is so important! Keep an open mind because you can learn a great deal from simple conversations with your peers and elders. Follow your own path. Keep positive images & people around you. Don't be afraid to be an ARTIST! Create every moment you have. Find your voice and love who you ARE FIRST! And loving yourself may take time. Be patient with your growth! Don't rush life! And yah orange and black is a hard look to carry off. However hard never means impossible.

Comments

[Karen McDonald]

Hi ladies,
We met yesterday at my Aunt Kelly's house. Adrienne inspired so many people and my heart was lifted when I found your article and blog spot. She will be greatly missed because she was undeniably loved. I'm going to visit lovemama when I finish here. If you do custom dolls let me know please. I'd love one done after my grandson, Fat Daddy, LOL! Ladies keep being fly! Adrienne McDonald certainly was!

[Tanya]

I am so proud of you guys! The two of you have been "fly" since I've known you -- going on what, 10 years now!?! -- and you just keep getting fly-er. I love you ladies. You are and will 4ever be my sistah's for real! Keep making us all proud.

[Dee]

Wow, these dolls are fabulous! I love them and I bet my daughter would, too.

[Adrienne Mcdonald]

Hey FLY FLY MAMAS.You ladies are true true inspiration to us all!! Wishing you tons and tons of success and Love!!Mama Adrienne!!!

[Lenoi]

If anyone is interested we recently discounted some of the Lil Sista dolls. So go over to the shop and make a Love,Mama doll part of your family :)

THANKS once again for all the FEEDBACK

[Robyn Sklar]

Hi.
I saw your blog and thought you might be interested in this.

Attention All Fashion Designers, Sewers, and Crafters
Participate in the first Queens is Green Fashion Show
with a cash prize

A group of community organizers in Western Queens are planning a Queens is Green Fashion Show during the week of Earth Day to highlight clothing and accessories that not only look good, but are good for the planet.

Green Fashion isn't just clothing made with sustainable fabrics like hemp or bamboo silk, but also includes items that are handmade or refashioned from recycled or reusable products -- and we would like to highlight designs that have a local Queens connection.

The catwalk will be on Saturday, April 26 in Long Island City, NY.

To be eligible, please send us an email with the following items:

A picture of your clothes or accessories – we need to see 3 items either sketched or finished
A short paragraph on how your items are environmentally friendly
A short explanation on your connection with Queens, NY (i.e. resident, work, born in Queens)

Deadline to enter is March 14th. If you have any questions about your eligibility, please contact Robyn Sklar at: robynsklar@gmail.com

This event is sponsored by: 3R Events, Green Space, Valerie Green Dance Entropy, and Subdivision

[sulu-design]

Yay to Queens ladies and to the focus on education!

[Nia]

I love your dolls. I'm so proud of you girls!! Good Luck!

[Jerry]

Wow, love these dolls! I remember my sisters and I only had white dolls with straight blond hair to play with. I think it messed with our own identify as Haitian Americans.
I'm glad you've given us options to buy these beautifully vibrant colored dolls to pass on our children. Thanks!

[Rahil]

I love the dolls and I remember as a child having an issue finding black dolls that looked like me. Its nice to know there are more options now!

[Stephanie]

Something about the sunflower girl really does it for me.

[Lenoi]

THANK THANK YOU for the spotlight!
I love your blog
Thanks again
YOU"RE TOO FLY