DCFunemployment: Tell the people – Who are you?
My name is Arielle Weinberg. I’m the founder of Arielle Shoshana, D.C.’s first niche fragrance boutique! That means unique, artisan fragrances you don’t find in department stores. (DCF: You’ve definitely succeeded with unique scents like burning leaves, a new personal favorite – don’t knock it to you smell it – and Lady Vengence).
DCFunemployment: Tell the people – Who Are You?
My name is Virginia Arrisueño and I am the owner and designer of DeNada, a DC-based knitwear apparel and accessories brand for men and women. I received my BFA in fiber art from the University of Maryland in 2002 and transitioned from fine art to designing in 2005, when I founded DeNada. The brand blends contemporary elements with traditional knitting techniques to offer unique, handmade pieces. Our merchandise offering includes a variety of knit and crochet wraps, shrugs, and tops, as well as scarves, gloves and hats. I draw on my Peruvian heritage a lot when designing DeNada knits, and work alongside skilled Peruvian artisans to bring each collection to fruition. I work and live in Washington DC with my husband, artist Kelly Towles (another great DC talent!), my son, and our two dogs, Mia and Kobi.
Photo by Emma McAlary
DCFunemployment: Tell the people – Who Are You?
Latoya Lewis, Founder & Executive Director of EnventU. EnventU is a nonprofit hands-on educational program for underserved teens that explores and expands the career interests of youth through the event production industry. Students produce real-life events by collaborating in the classroom and on-site with industry professionals which fosters an environment for career guidance and mentorship.
DCFunemployment: Tell the people – Who are you?
Hi! I’m Anchyi Wei of Anchyi Adorned – Fashion adventurer, visual designer, photographer and mom to a toddler (DCF: Who is the cutest little button!!). I see fashion and styling as art, and Anchyi Adorned is an outlet of my artistic creations. I’m also bit of a “pro” at online shopping, and want to share the fruits of my labor. The goal of the blog is to entice your creative juices – whether you’re restyling an existing piece in your closet, or putting together a new look with the latest trends. The looks are unique, bold, and fitting for women with individuality and want to stand out from the crowd. (DCF: Yassss Queen, give us all the inspiration!! I feel like I learn something new with every outfit you put on!)
DCFunemployment: Tell the people – Who are you?
My name is Alison Carney, my artist name “ace ono.” The way I describe it, essentially, is my vibe is similar to Yoko Ono, but not. I’m my own individual, but one that embraces peace, love, and art in my daily practice. I am a recording artist/songwriter by day, artist liaison/stylist/creative director/producer/magical creature by night and I live by the mantra “art and love only.”
DCFunemployment: Tell the people – Who are you?
My name is Lorra Rivers, owner/creative director of LORRARIVERS, LLC. LORRARIVERS is a fine leather handbag and accessories company. Professionally trained as an interior designer, I received my Bachelors of Science degree in Interior Design with a minor study in Architecture from Howard University in 1987.
I’ve been a practicing interior designer for nearly 30 years and an entrepreneur for 22 years. In 2011, I started down the path of fashion accessories, honing my handbag design skills and business acumen for this industry. I officially launched the brand in 2015 landing a coveted brand feature on the hit FOX drama series, Empire (DCF: Cause they are FIERCE). The journey continues.
DCFunemployment: Tell the people – Who are you?
My name is Loide Rosa Jorge. I am an Afro-Lusophone (Portuguese speaking African) jazz vocalist and an Immigration attorney. (DCF: Thank you for adding a new word to my vocabulary!!) I’ve been singing practically my entire life, since I was 4 or 5 years old to be exact. Whether it was musical productions, choirs, singing groups, school bands, jazz ensembles, and now as a solo artist, music (singing and/or playing an instrument) has always been a part of my life. I consider it a total blessing to be able to cultivate a life long passion into a career. (DCF: Getting paid to do what you would do for free is definitely a blessing!) Likewise, the other side of my brain has always been a-buzz. As an adult, for the last 12 years, my “day-time” career lead me into the legal arena, 10 of those years I’ve been a practicing immigration attorney. An equally rewarding field of work to be frank (DCF: It’s definitely good (and impressive) to cultivate both sides of the mind!). Although I’ve been in the US over 30 years and am now a US citizen, I too am an immigrant and it brings me absolute joy to help other immigrants navigate the oft ominous system of obtaining legal status in the US. As it were, I’ve got two running passions, and I’m determined to grow and do good things in both arenas.
DCFunemployment: Tell the people – Who are you?
My name is Tanvi Rastogi, I am the creative ‘head’ behind www.tanvii.com. I started this blog in 2009 as a spontaneous decision to connect with the outside world and now over the years it has become a source of inspiration, income and a tool to collaborate with like-minded people. I am also a wardrobe stylist. I enjoy helping women find their personal style and have a wardrobe that they 100% love.
DCF: Tell everyone who you are!!
I am DJ Neekola, pink haired DC DJ and CEO of Pelonkey, Inc. (DCF: If you go out at all in DC, you’ve definitely seen her, just think back to an event that you couldn’t help but dance to the great mix and chances are DJ Neekola or Pelonkey were involved).
Pelonkey is an entertainment marketplace, that allows event planners to find the right entertainer for their next event, quickly and easily online! We allow them to inquire, contract and pay online with ease. We also provide valuable business tools for the entertainer so they can take control of their careers independently, without the need of an agency.
DCFunemployment: Tell the people – Who are you?
Just the other night, I answered imperviously to the DC standard greeting “Hi! What do you do?” I said, “I’m an international woman of mystery without the ‘inter-,’” and it was surprisingly well received by my new acquaintance who understood it as the commentary I intended it to be. He said, “You’re a national woman of mystery. I like it!” We are all so much more than a title. So, ya’ know. It’s tough to say.
But, really, if you ask me who I am I’d say that I’m just ME – a quirky nerd girl ex-jock turned grown woman trying to support myself and navigate my way through the big little city that is our nation’s capital.
I (Erin Meadors) hail from Slidell, Louisiana. I’m the lovechild of two folks who are still happily married and annoyingly cute. I have a little big brother who is four years younger but a half a foot taller. I’m a Montessori brat and a proud graduate of a public high school – Salmen High School (Geaux, Lady Spartans!). I moved to DC to attend Georgetown University (continuing my Catholic school education) where I graduated with a degree in English and a minor in African American Studies – the latter of which was just approved as a major at the university. (You can find me way too excited about the announcement here at 1:05:30.) And, I spend a great deal of time continuing my student engagement through my alumni volunteerism. 
The Funemployed 