features – EllaThought

Politician – Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez | @Ocasio2018

New York’s Representative Elect, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, is something to be proud of. The Bronx native is an example of how far hard work can get you and how important it is to be smart. Her resume is incredibly admirable. The young scholar had an asteroid named after her, after winning second prize in her High School Science fair. Around the same time, she became involved in politics through high school extracurriculars. Through and after college (as detailed by Wiki, at least), this young woman is an inspiration to all young girls that your mind is your best asset, and you must continually put it to use.

Jewelry Designer @JLANIJEWELS

Written by President ELLA

You ever meet someone so spiritually lit everything else they do shines, too? That’s Lani, founder of JLANI JEWELS, and every single piece of jewelry she creates. I met her in a perfectly lit room at Calvin Klein, when I worked in the Advertising department and her mom worked in Finance. Her mom had organized a pop up and she was selling the cutest gold rings that said things on them like “love” “prosperity” and “bestie”. I really just liked the girls’ jewelry *shrugs* then I ended up really just wanting to have lunch with her — and that’s how I anticipate tons of people will feel soon enough. Today, those little rings have turned into a collection of masterpieces; gold and silver melded together by beauty, passion and lots of black girl magic. I want y’all to meet Ms. Nesbit today, because you’re sure to love her tomorrow.

Singer/Songwriter: @Kristinia DeBarge

Written by Brittany Shawnté

Today, we have singer/songwriter, actress, AND model, Kristinia DeBarge! The star opened up to us about her start in music as a part of the famous DeBarge clan, her own aspirations for her career, and her new upcoming show on weTV, Growing Up Hip Hop!

Growing up as a part of the famous DeBarge family R&B lineage, Kristinia noted that there is “never a dull moment” with her family. “My family, they’re not only talented, but they’re very funny, awesome great human beings,” she said. Having that strong background in music, Kristinia knew that she wanted to sing at the young age of 3, and began taking her craft seriously at 12. “I kind of hid it from my dad [James DeBarge],” she laughed, not telling him that she had that talent and passion for singing until that time. “He was like, ‘Oh my gosh! All right, let’s get you in the studio!'” They stayed up until 4:30 in the morning writing and recording the song, and Kristinia was committed to the process even at that age. “He was kind of testing me to see how bad I really wanted to do it,” she stated. Clearly she proved herself!