Isossy Children featured on Super.Selected Magazine's Top 12 list of gifts for children

Thanks to the amazingly fabulous team at Superselected for featuring us on their Top 12 list of gifts for children!

http://superselected.com/holiday-shopping-list-childs-play-12-gifts-for-kids-and-babies/

Isossy Children meets Natalie Cooper, author of The African Musical Instruments Book

The African Musical Instruments Book is a unique book used to educate children about music and different African cultures. We meet author Natalie Cooper who discusses her journey and inspiration for the book.

What inspired you to start your business?

I was at a black history event in 2010 where I met a gentleman, formerly involved in the music business who was looking for a graphic designer to produce some children’s books; an African musical instruments book and an African patterns colouring book.

This become my own personal project completing the books in two months, all of the research, writing and illustration and I got them printed soon after. I tried to get my book into bookshops and libraries but without the know-how it was difficult so I jumped at the opportunity to trade at stalls when I was invited.

Since my first stall in March, the business has grown and grown and I have plenty of fair-trade African made instruments available also. I am looking now to do workshops with schools as that would unite my main three interests: the arts, history/ culture and education.

What have been your favourite client experiences?

I love talking to people at my stalls, they cannot believe I am so young and

have achieved so much already, I am always feeling humbled. Speaking to the public, I’m in contact with people from all walks of life who are happy to share their thoughts, suggestions and opinions, which are welcome as I do not have all knowledge of all things, it’s just not possible.

I get to speak to many parents and teachers who would love to have me come and visit their schools. Everyone is so kind and encouraging and it keeps me going! People also love my long natural hair, we find anything to talk about!

What advice would you give to someone starting up in your industry?

I started my business blind, I approached as a graphic designer which no knowledge of musical instruments, publishing, distribution, marketing, sales but I knew it was going to be a learning process so I was never overwhelmed by my own ignorance.  I always worked to my own watch and deadlines but the style of work I have leads to burning out fast. Trying to do everything yourself  is fine but don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you don’t agree with or like what someone says, take note of it, do some research, discuss with others.

It’s not going to be easy in any way, shape or form. You need to be stubborn with it (which I am so) but you also need to know when to take a break.

You have to have a product you believe in but don’t expect it to sell itself for you – get people’s opinions and use these points in your sales pitch!

If you want to self publish – know what you’re getting yourself into, it’s a lot of work. I didn’t know, but I like the control and I’m open to other possibilities in the future.

Be careful with relationships, overwork can put pressure on relationships with a partner if you’re working all the time. Even if they support you one hundred percent, you need to know when to make time for them, yourself (very important) and your relationship.

Try to network (or just speak to people, family, friends) who have skills that you don’t have, even if they can’t help you on a specific project, they can at least point you in the right direction. I had someone who just liked my work and he gave me free advice, it was hard when I hadn’t really developed my online presence hearing how it wasn’t good enough (yet!) but constructive and free advice has changed my business for the best!

You can do as much as you can yourself but don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Don’t be too precious – what feels like your end product after the blood, sweat and tears, is just the prototype, there’s always room for improvement and this should be welcomed!

The internet is your friend – you can research anything you don’t know about! 

What are your long term goals?

To be happy and inspire.

Isossy Children celebrates diversity through global clothing for children. Why do you think diversity matters for every generation?

In respect of my book and it’s aims, music is universal, and an aspect of every culture whether its use is purely entertainment or has a societal function, it can be used to tell stories, convey a message or feeling, critique and challenge. Teaching children about music of other cultures can give an insight into the ethos of a people, their myths, legends and stories, past kingdoms,

great feats, etc which fosters understanding and can generally just inspire. Exposing children to different cultures is vital in creating worldly and cultured individuals. There are a limited number of types of instruments e.g. wind, percussion etc so people can always identify and make connections with instruments they have in their own culture. It is also interesting to learn about the origins and spread of familiar instruments to see more of what different cultures have in common. It’s world history and we are all citizens of the world.

What words of wisdom do you think every child should grow up knowing?

I take my eleven year old sister along with me to stalls sometimes and she gives me advice… I always say to her “there is no reason why you can’t do this”; I don’t know if she believes me but I hope I have shown her through action and getting her involved – she really enjoys it! With the world at your fingertips, things have become a lot more accessible now, you can build a free website, free promotional videos which you can post on video sharing sites, print your own literature.. the list goes on.

Contact Details

Natalie Cooper, info@ami-book.com 

www.ami-book.com

@_AMIBook

 07988 685 815

Isossy Children featured in the Pop Goes Fashion Christmas Guide

Thanks to Pop Goes Fashion for featuring our Biko Jacket on their Top 10 Christmas Gift Guides for Kids.

Read the full list here: http://popgoesfashion.com/christmas-gift-guide-10-christmas-gifts-for-kids/

Biko Jacket

Buy The Biko jacket from The Isossy Children e-boutique

Spirit & Soul Photography photo shoot with Isossy Children

Thanks to Spirit & Soul Photography - https://www.facebook.com/Ourspiritandsoul @karenmjenkins (http://www.ourspiritandsoul.com/Contact.php) for this great new fashion shoot taken in Cincinnati, Ohio!

www.isossychildren.com

Watch a video here:

Isossy Children will be at the Designer Children's Clothing Sale 5-7 December

Check out images of Isossy Children at Vehicle City Fashion Week

Thanks to Amanda Pratt for these great images: Facebook.com/AKPrattPhotography 

Tween Girl Style Magazine featured Isossy Children Clothing during Vehicle City Fashion Week Nov. 16th 2013! View some images of the fashion show here: http://tweengirlstylemagazine.com/Home/?p=9429

Isossy Children to take part in Natural Trendsetters Expo in South Florida

Isossy Children is proud to announce our participation in the Natural Trendsetters Natural Hair, Beauty and Wellness Expo. We will be showcasing a range of childrenswear garments to an audience of over 2000 delegates. Read more about the event below.


Natural Trendsetters to Host the 11th Annual South Florida Natural Hair, Beauty and Wellness Expo

Miami, FL—What better way to define the most essential characteristic of the body? Join Natural Trendsetters in association with Simply Natural Organicals Products as they entertain, educate, manipulate and create hair masterpieces at the 11th Annual South Florida Natural Hair Beauty and Wellness Expo on Sunday, December 15, 2013 at the Hyatt Regency Downtown Miami from 11am to 8pm.


“Teaching people to embrace their natural beauty has always been the driving force of what we do. Consumers continue to educate themselves more on hair care with wellness as a priority. Thus, the purpose for the expo is to network amongst consumers and professionals who seek this knowledge. Love your self and your beauty will shine from within,” says Simone Hylton co-owner of Natural Trendsetters.


Natural Trendsetters Salon is nationally recognized and become the foremost authority of natural hair care in South Florida. Guided by family powerhouse duo Simone and Yanique Hylton, their signature hair sculptures have been seen on the likes of musicians Lauryn Hill, Wale, Acehoodand athlete Venus Williams to name a few.


This year’s South Florida Natural Hair Beauty and Wellness Expo is open to the public and will include hair, beauty and wellness workshops, product sampling, vendor booths, live hair demonstrations as well as expert panels. The event will also feature a live hair competition of barber battles, stylist showcases, natural hair wars and fantasy feuds with special musical performances. In celebration of this year’s theme, “Royal Coils” the expo will bring consumers, professionals and product lines under one umbrella to give the full story about keeping your tresses and body healthy.


Admission to the exposition is $15.00 in advance and $20.00 at the door. Children 12 and under are free. A portion of the proceeds will to benefit Save the Twins Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the education, prevention and treatment of breast cancer in both men and women. Tickets can also purchased online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/419687


About Natural Trendsetters:

Natural Trend Setters is a natural beauty and wellness salon. With 3 locations in South Florida, each offers optimal service, expertise and skill to clients who admire individual beauty. The philosophy, artistry and techniques utilized stem from African and Caribbean Hair care traditions. As a global representation of beauty and wellness, Natural Trendsetters delivers exceptional results to a multi-ethnic clientele.

For more information call: (954) 486-1414 or visit www.naturaltrendsetters.com


For more information on the 11th Annual South Florida Natural Hair Beauty and Wellness Expo visit www.SouthFlNaturalHair.com or email SFLNaturalHair@gmail.com.


For sponsorship, interviews and media enquiries contact KechThis Inc at Publicity@KechThis.com.

Proud to be part of the Too Scoops Kids 2013 Holiday Gift Guide Giveaway

Isossy Children is pleased to be participating in Too Scoops Kids' Holiday giveaway. There are a great range of prizes to be won just in time for the festive season - the giveaways take place daily between November 18th-December 18th. We will be giving away an Evita Dress.

Enter using #TSKHolidayGiveaway @tooscoopkids

Too Scoops Kids was designed to provide a one-stop-shop for fun, fashion, and family. Its goal is to inspire and encourage readers to connect with people who share similar interest by providing a seamless, easily accessible website.

Isossy Children meets Swot - The Tutoring service with a heart.

We believe that access to good quality education is fundamental for education so it was exciting for Isossy Children to interview Chris Brads, the founder of a superb tutoring service for children ages 11 and over.

What inspired you to start your business?
Swot’s unique approach began with the simple idea that young people are not being supported enough with their exams. Everything we do is about supporting students. We believe young people are capable of so much more. We believe in thinking differently, by challenging expectations. The way we challenge these expectations is by thinking that being good is not good enough. Our services are beautifully crafted using the finest tutors who use the finest techniques. So students on our revision courses have not just the chance to pass, but the chance to excel.


What have been your favourite client experiences? 

I Love seeing the transformation in our students. They always come in usually terrified of their exams. Yet they leave with passion and energy about their exams. It makes me proud of them and of my wonderful tutors.


What advice would you give to someone starting up in your industry?
1.) Believe, Believe, Believe and then Believe some more!

2.) You will be inundated with advice. Weigh up everything and then follow your gut!

3.) Surround yourself with amazing people.


What are your long term goals?
Our long term goal is to take Swot’s educational methods to children internationally.


Isossy Children celebrates diversity through global clothing for children. Why do you think diversity matters for every generation?
Diversity matters for every generation because it forces us to challenge conventions. It is the very lifeblood of our society. It makes us challenge preconceived ideas and notions. The major breakthroughs in our understanding of the universe have been driven by physicists who are in their 20s. It is how we keep evolving and why man does not live in a cave.


What words of wisdom do you think every child should grow up knowing?
“We are all worms, But I do believe that I am a glow worm.” Winston S. Churchill

Contact Details

Chris Brads - MD of Swot Ltd

Tel. 0161 298 1066

hello@swotup.org

www.swotup.org

Follow us on Twitter @SwotLtd

Follow our Blog: http://swotupltd.blogspot.co.uk/

Isossy Children meets the author of "I'm Proud To Be Natural Me!"

In this Isossy Children profile we meet Marlene Dillon, author of "I'm Proud To Be Natural Me" a great book for young girls celebrating self-identity and beauty.  Read on and be inspired!

 What inspired you to start your business?

Necessity inspired me to create I'm Proud to Be Natural Me! It has bothered me for many years (since I was in high school if I recall) the way that people of color, in particular, assess value based on skin shades and hair textures. I wanted to present a healthy perspective to children that we are ALL beautiful. My hustle to produce numerous products in a short time was due to my need to provide for my child as a suddenly single mom.

What have been your favourite client experiences?

My most powerful experience was recently as I spoke to a group of 4th grade girls at a school on Chicago's Southside. I realized in that moment how powerful the message I was sent to share is as a beautiful dark-skinned sweetheart said, "I used to believe I was ugly, but now I know I am beautiful."

What advice would you give to someone starting up in your industry?

I would tell a new author or one who desires to self-publish to "begin with the end in mind" and to take it a step at a time. I believe a lot of missteps happen and time is wasted by not having a vision of the end product. Once you can see what you want to create, go back to step one. Always ask yourself, "What do I need to do next?" That way you're less likely to get stuck and overwhelmed. Like my sister says, "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time."

What are your long term goals?

Long-term I would like to write more books, giving each of the characters (the Natural Me! girls) an identity and story of her own. I am also returning to school to get my master's in mental health counselling as being a life coach and motivational speaker are two other forms that I desire to utilize to inspire others.

Isossy Children celebrates diversity through global clothing for children. Why do you think diversity matters for every generation?

Diversity has always been a part of my life as my parents are Jamaican. I naturally am drawn to people with different accents, I love to hear of their culture and experiences. I believe diversity makes for a richer experience of life.

What words of wisdom do you think every child should grow up knowing?

I believe that every child should know that they are an intentional choice of the Creator. That they are amazing, creative, intelligent, capable and beautiful creations of God. That each has a talent, gift, blessing and strength to share with the world and that no matter what anyone ever says to them, they must know for themselves that they are amazing, valuable, and worthy.

Contact Details:

- improudtobenaturalme@yahoo.com

- @mdillondesigns7 on Twitter

- www.facebook.com/improudtobenaturalme

- http://improudtobenaturalme.com

Isossy Children to take part in Vehicle City Fashion Week

Isossy Children is proud to be taking part in Detroit's Vehicle City Fashion Week on November 16th 2013

PRESS RELEASE: Vehicle City Fashion Week is here for the Second Annual week of fashion and entertainment events. VCFW is composed of Art and Fashion related events that feature artists and designers from all over the world, with a focus on Michigan Designers. This event was founded by Kala Wilburn, designer and owner of Fannie Lucille a handmade handbag and apparel collection.
Being a designer in New York City helped her to realize the opportunities for fashion designers in this world. Once she became a married woman, she relocated back to her hometown of Flint, MI. With so many artists and designers in the Flint/Detroit area, she decided to feature these unique minds in a Fashion Week format.

Vehicle City Fashion Week will be offering the following events for the entire fashion week in Flint at various locations:

• Opening Ceremony: Celebration/Networking Event with Sponsors & Partners
• Sneaker Social Swap with Panelist
• Fashioned With Purpose
• Workshops
• VCFW Trunk Show
• VCFW Runway Show

Vehicle City Fashion Week will be providing a state of the art stage and lighting for the designers to present collections in the best way possible to potential buyers in the Michigan Area. Our first annual VCFW Runway show displayed over a dozen Michigan designers, retail stores and boutiques. The Show was presented at the Sloan Museum and was a standing show with over 300 people in attendance. Vehicle City Fashion Week helped many businesses to have a platform and grow to be community businesses creating fashion industry awareness and development.
The Vehicle City Fashion Week Runway Show will take place on November 16, 2013 at the Capitol Theatre. The event will begin with a Red Carpet Party and Introduction. Designer and Boutique owners will have the opportunity to meet and discuss their collections as well as mingle with attendees and sponsors. All in attendance will have the opportunity to win raffles, shop, network and be entertained by local performers. This will begin promptly at 5pm with the Runway shows following with a start time of 7pm. The runway shows will give the opportunity for designer to present to the community and buyers. Buyers will have the opportunity to choose new items to place into their boutiques for a given period of time. This will be displayed in a High Fashion Couture way


For more information:

• KALA WILBURN Kala@fannielucille.com SHOW PRODUCER
• EBONY PARKER ebonynparker@yahoo.com ENTERTAINMENT MANAGER
• ALEXIS NEAL STYLIST/WARDROBE MANAGER
• RANDALL WILBURN randallwilburn@yahoo.com PRIZES, PROGRAMS AND GUEST LIST MANAGER
• DEIRDRAS JONES deirdrasjones@gmail.com MEDIA MANAGER
• ALEXIS HARVEY harvey_thebunny@yahoo.com PROMOTIONAL MANAGER

http://www.vehiclecityfashionweek.com/

Isossy Children meets Kweyol4Kids

Isossy Children prides itself on celebrating global living for global kids and so when we discovered this great  on-line store specialising in books and teaching aids for children, in Dominican and St. Lucian "Kweyol 4 Kids", which promotes learning Kwéyòl, a Caribbean dialect.

Founder - Trina

What inspired you to start your business?

My inspiration was kind of two fold. A friend’s mum, who is from St. Lucia, asked if I could speak Kwéyòl knowing I was of Dominican parentage. When I said no, she couldn’t understand why and neither could I to be honest. All my friends who were from a background other than English could speak the languages their parents spoke at home, I should have been able to also. That is what inspired me to learn. In trying to teach myself the language, I noticed that books or any other kind of teaching aid were practically non-existent. That is what inspired me to put together the books and posters. My story is quite a common one, a lot of my friends and family who were born outside of the islands were never taught Kwéyòl. 

What have been your favourite client experiences?

I know it sounds cliché, but I honestly love every experience I have ever had with a client. These books have been so well received and to know I did this all by myself, from scratch... every time I sell a book, or books wholesale, or whenever someone says, ‘this is so long overdue/needed’ or ‘this is such a good idea’ I feel so proud and also glad I’ve done something of service.  

What advice would you give to someone starting up in your industry?

I’m still starting up myself! ...and learning every day, so I’m not sure I am in a position to give any advice. What I would say is, if I can do it anyone can. Don’t ever let anybody tell you that you can’t. That goes for life in general.

What are your long term goals?

I would love to see my products more readily available in shops worldwide with children (and adults) actually learning from the products I have put together.

Isossy Children celebrates diversity through global clothing for children. Why do you think diversity matters for every generation?

Diversity matters for every generation, because diversity means something different to every generation. Either way, it is to be celebrated. Culture is to be embraced. It is very important for children to learn about where they come from and to be able to learn about other cultures also.

What words of wisdom do you think every child should grow up knowing?

1.       Knowledge is power

2.       Education is key

3.       You can be anything you want to be (if you work hard, so work hard)

4.       You are beautiful!

Contact Details

www: www.kweyol4kids.com

Twitter: @kweyol4kids

Email: info@kweyol4kids

Isossy Children profiled on CreativeSoul Blog

We are pleased to be featured on The CreativeSoul Blog - http://www.creativesoulphoto.com/child-photography/commercial-child-photographers-isossy-clothing-editorial/

Introducing The New Faces of Isossy Children

We had an astonishing number of entrants so as you can imagine it wasn't easy to make a selection but we're sure that you'll agree these are some deserving winners! (Parental permission to share images has been confirmed). You can find a few of the entry photos on our facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.593862297344506.1073741826.186035741460499&type=1
 

Isossy Children shortlisted for Creativity and Innovation Award at the BB Awards 2013

Isossy Children is proud to announce that the label has been shortlisted in the “Creativity and Innovation” Category at the Annual BB Awards.

Isossy Children was founded by Amanda Rabor in 2010. Isossy Children is a celebration of colour, vivacity, global influences and fashion. It offers children and their parents’ choice, style and design, which is why many of the pieces are limited edition prints. "It keeps our style unique and fresh. We want you to visit the website frequently with the knowledge that our styles and colours will change offering parents new ranges for all occasions", says Amanda. 

Entering its 8th season, childrenswear brand ISOSSY CHILDREN continues to be the forerunner in global clothing for kids. The range sees lots of Tween pieces for girls and boys (2-12 yrs) that look as though they've just stepped off the catwalk. Key styles such as the all print pant suits for girls and boys is going to be a real player within the up and coming collections.

Basic Business Initiative UK (BBIUK) is a charitable enterprise support agency that was established in 2001 with a mission to Promote Entrepreneurship and Self economic Empowerment.  BBI UK has developed significant level of expertise and experience in Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) development and support for both existing and prospective new businesses/ social enterprises ranging from advice, information, guidance, mentoring, training and capacity building since its inception. Its annual business awards recognise excellence amongst the SME and social enterprise community. The BB Awards takes place at The Hilton Tower Bridge on October 26^th.

Notes to editor

Images of Isossy Children collections available upon request

www.isossychildren.com

marketing@isossychildren.com

http://www.bbinitiative.com/