As black voices are being amplified exponentially, we are discovering more talented creatives who have made it their business to leave their mark on the world. The conversation around black lives, dreams, opportunities, jobs and so much more seems different this time. Thanks to Big Rona, the world has had no other option than to sit still and take heed. Now, I would rather not be amid a global pandemic and civil unrest at the same damn time but sometimes divine intervention is what it takes.
Without corona, we wouldn't have a better sense of community, an insane appreciation for essential workers, reduced carbon emissions, along with a slew of other benefits. Relatedly, I have treasured the amount of exposure to dope black folk that the stillness has ushered in.
Social media — a gift and a curse — has forced many black creatives to pivot by producing more relevant messages. In turn, consumers can support the amazing work of black artists, especially when the content is supreme. Many fashion designers have become more innovative in using their platforms to convey their messages. And the fashion industry can be such a vigorous realm to maneuver because it has failed the black culture. From racial disparities to appropriation, the fashion industry doesn't always love us like they love our culture.
We had the opportunity to speak with two handbag designers who are sending real messages through their work. Ahead, find out what it means to be a black designer in this climate, their "why" and what inspired their latest creations.
Brandon Blackwood
Photo Courtesy of Brandon Blackwood
Owner/Founder of Brandon Blackwood New York
Brooklyn, New York
Jamaican-American designer Brandon Blackwood created his namesake brand in the spring of 2015. The four-piece collection of leather handbags was a passion project after completing school at Bard College. His leather handbags have been rocked by the likes of Solange, Zoe Kravitz, Keke Palmer, and Lupita Nyong'o. From Vogue to ELLE to WWD, Brandon Blackwood New York has the propensity to have the next cult-like following.
What inspired your handbag?
"I was inspired by the recent events of 2020 leading up to the current protests around the world. The unjust killings of so many POC really triggered me (and pretty much every black person on this planet). I wanted to find a way to use my abilities and audience to facilitate some type of change. I figured the best thing to do was make a bag that had a strong message, almost like an act of self-defense against all of the hate.
"I also wanted to make an item that would provide long-standing financial aid to a charity fighting the bigger fight. I think that's why I chose The Lawyers Committee For Civil Rights Under Law. Pro-bono legal aid/council to fight civil rights cases and issues aligned perfectly with the climate and immediate needs of the people."
Photo Courtesy of Brandon Blackwood
How does it feel to be a black designer right now?
"It's a blessing and a curse. I think the majority of black-owned businesses have definitely seen a spike in overall sales. We're finally being sought after, after years of being on the back burner and not getting deserved recognition. Though it's been great building a new audience, it does feel a bit strange.
"I don't want attention from people or companies to fulfill some performative fantasy. I want to be respected for the work I put in and for the things I create."
"The spotlight is finally shifting towards us, and we're getting the voice and validation we deserve. But I think it's also important that we protect our gifts, and realize that though the majority are celebrating us, some may just be filling a void."
What do you want to achieve through your work?
"To be 100% honest, I don't have one specific goal. Short-term, I want to raise as much money for The Lawyers Committee as I can. I really want this specific bag to make an impact and help change lives. I want to spread the word. Long-term, I would love to see more designers take on projects like this. To be able to inspire even more change, more missions, and more people speaking up would probably be the ultimate goal."
Blake Van Putten
Photo Courtesy of Blake Van Putten
CEO & Product Developer at CISE
Los Angeles, CA
CISE, a clothing line, located in Los Angeles, seeks to spread an inspirational message to the community through their bold prints and messages. "CISE's team of experts pooled talent and resources together to create unique products that depict the struggle and showcase the hopes of the less-privileged society in and outside the country. CISE store came to life and we launched our very first initiative for the masses: 'Protect Black People'."
What inspired your handbag?
"I'm inspired and driven to create. Leather goods and luxury items have always interested me because they are seen as "timeless". While I was working on Wall Street for over three years, all the executives had their staple pieces that they've kept in their wardrobe for decades and that's the impact I want to have on other people. Whenever I create anything in life, I want to invoke emotion that causes permanent and positive change. I wanted to introduce a timeless item at an affordable rate that people will NEED to keep it in their day-to-day closet."
Photo Courtesy of Blake Van Putten
How does it feel to be a black designer right now?
"Being a black designer right now is like playing a never-ending game of Monopoly — you never will know if you've won or lost. I feel like I've spent so much of my energy just trying to rebalance with everything going on that it gives the mind a huge creativity block.
"Every day I feel as if we are reliving and trying to be okay with the traumas that we've endured and are expected to continue working and creating."
"It's hard, but these pressures are what makes diamonds."
What do you want to achieve through your work?
"I want to be able to strengthen the black dollar by creating a community of creatives and designers that are passionate about their craft. Every time I sell out of my products, I have a new accomplishment, or even just celebrate, I'm happy because that means I'm one step closer to bringing my tribe with me. Currently, I'm helping 12 brands with their product development and merchandising, in hopes that they can grow and avoid the mistakes I've made."
Featured image courtesy of Brandon Blackwood
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Now, with more than 20 years of experience in professional aviation, starting with American Eagle Airlines and then on to becoming a captain at American Airlines, she has continued to pay it forward. In 2022, she made history as the first commercial airline captain to lead an all-Black, women-led flight crew. She has also written a biography on Bessie Coleman, the first African-American and Native-American woman to earn a pilot’s license, and produced and directed, Discovering Bessie Coleman, working alongside the family to get the project completed. Add to that her role as a founder of consulting firm LadyAv8rBeth, which offers a guide of pathways into aviation, and as a podcast host covering all things aviation.
For Women’s History Month, xoNecole caught up with the busy pilot, in between flights, to talk about her career journey, her role in a Bessie Coleman documentary and book, how she balances self-care and safety, and how other Black women can add to the aviation legacy:
xoNecole: You’ve built an successful career in aviation. And you were only 15 and already had your first flight. Were you afraid at all, or did it feel like second nature to you?
Beth Powell: It felt completely natural. There was no fear, just excitement and curiosity.
Now, it’s what they call STEM, and my teacher at the time thought that I was really good at numbers. He recommended three career paths, and I tried the first one.
I didn't understand why it made sense back then at 15, but as I grew up and met other pilots, I recognized that the reason I liked math and physics was that we were technical learners. So we like to break things apart and put them back together. We like to check procedures. We like to write manuals. We were technical artists.
xoN: That’s such an important message. Many young women and girls are often discouraged from pursuing careers in STEM or aviation, so it’s incredible to hear your story. Now, fast forward a bit—how did you transition into your corporate career with larger airlines?
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BP: After that first discovery flight, I quickly finished my high school classes and graduated at 16. By 17, I had earned my private pilot’s license, and by 18, my commercial license. Then, I moved to the U.S. to attend flight school in Florida. While working on my degree in professional aeronautics, I began working for American Eagle Airlines at just 21. Over the years, I’ve built my career and have now spent 25 years in the airline industry, including 14 years at American Eagle and 11 years at American Airlines. In terms of leadership, being a captain is key.
As a captain, I’m responsible for the aircraft, the crew, and the passengers. It’s a huge responsibility, and you learn a lot about leadership when you’re in charge of so much.
Being a captain definitely teaches you leadership. You’re in charge of every aspect of the flight from the moment you sign in to the moment you sign out. From overseeing the crew to managing the safety and well-being of passengers, you have to make quick decisions and take responsibility. Even when you’re starting out as a first officer, you’re learning vital leadership skills that prepare you for the captain role.
xoN: There's a lot going on with airlines right now that might make someone feel afraid in terms of some of the tragedies that have recently happened. How do you sustain your self-care balance and your resilience in the aviation industry when those sorts of things happen?
BP: I truly believe that aviation is still the safest and the No. 1 safest means of transportation. I say that proudly. For any airline, any pilot, any air traffic controller—anyone who works in the industry—safety is our number one priority. However, of course, we see things happening in the news, and it is concerning to passengers.
What I'm telling everybody to do right now, including myself, is that it's very important to have your source of strength. I'm a Christian, and one of my sources of strength is prayers. I go deep within my prayers every morning, and I pray to God, giving things that I can't control to him, and the rest— I can do my best to deal with.
No. 2 is meditation on the Deepak Chopra app. Ever since COVID happened, that was the first time I thought that I needed something more than just my prayers to help me go through to calm down the noise around me.
And last but not least, I'm really big on self-development. I read, I read, and I read. If your foundation is strong, you have something to build from. And so, when I read, I learn a lot about myself. I learn about what triggers me and when something triggers me. I literally hear the Kendrick Lamar song, "TV Off" in my head, because sometimes you need to shut the noise off.
xoN: That's amazing—the combination of faith and just being excellent at what you do. Now, how did you get involved with the Bessie Coleman project?
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BP: I sit on the board of advisers for an organization called Sisters of the Skies, and was at a gala celebrating with all our Black women of our achievements. At the end of the night, Dr. Sheila Chamberlain walked up to me. She was the first Black woman U.S. combat intelligence aviator in the Army. So, if she's walking up to me, it's very serious. She said, ‘I have a favor to ask.’ I said, ‘Yes.’ I did not hear what the favor was. I didn't know what she was going to ask me, but somebody like that walking up to you saying, ‘a favor’? The answer is yes.
She told me [the project involved] helping the Bessie Coleman family elevate the story. ‘I'd like you to ask your company if they will do a flight in honor of Bessie Coleman.’ I went to the different departments at American Airlines, and the rest was literally history. We did that flight on August 8, 2022, and it became a historical flight because everyone on that flight, from the ground up, was a Black woman.
Gigi Coleman, Bessie’s grand-niece, was also on that flight. We started chatting at the end of the flight. Another night, we were hanging out—Sheila, Gigi, and I—and she kept telling me she wanted to write a book, that she wished there was a movie, and that people approached her about it. Nothing had been done as yet. And I thought, sounds like another mission.
I literally took it on. We do have a documentary with the family sharing their perspective of who Bessie Coleman is. And we do have a book called Queen of the Skies.
xoN: For the young women who are looking for career paths in aviation, what are some skills they need to thrive?
BP: While you don't necessarily have to love math to be a pilot, technical knowledge is important. You’ll need to understand aircraft systems and aerodynamics. This includes weather patterns and instrument training. It might seem daunting at first, but the great thing about flight training is that it builds on itself. The more you learn, the more it all clicks. Also, aviation is constantly changing, and you need to be adaptable.
It’s a field where you need to be ready for anything, from unexpected weather to technical issues. Being open to learning new things and adjusting to change is crucial.
My daughter, who has her private pilot’s license, once said, “This journey is both challenging and rewarding. I feel like I’ve grown so much since starting.” It’s important to keep going, even when it gets tough.
To help others, I’m outlining how they can go from “zero to hero” as a pilot. I offer this information freely on my Instagram account, and it’s something I’m passionate about sharing. I want everyone to have access to the resources they need to follow their dreams.
For more information on Beth Powell, the Bessie Coleman documentary, and aviation career resources, visit LadyAv8rBeth.com.
Featured image courtesy