From Harlem Roots to Brand Recognition

The Perfect Day In Harlem

My parents met in Harlem

Started working in Harlem

Dated in Harlem

Fell in love in Harlem

And then...

I was born in Harlem

Took my first steps in Harlem

My first job was in Harlem

My first brand opportunities were in...Harlem

Harlem has a significant special place in my heart, because so many “firsts” were present even prior to my birth. It started with my parents both being from the beautiful country of Haiti, and deciding with their families to start their lives in America. New York was the destination, but Harlem specifically was where everyone settled. My father had a crush on my mother the minute he saw her, and initially she wasn't interested. However, being the charming, amazing man he was, of course he won her over. If you met my father, you would see why it was so easy to fall in love with him. It’s actually a beautiful love story, because my father was persistent and knew that this was the woman he was going to marry and have children with, and that he did! Guess who came next? Your girl! Baby E was born in Harlem. Ironically, my first job was also in Harlem and now I'm being recognized by Harlem brands? Definitely not a coincidence.

OOTD Accessories + Harlem Fragrance

If you take the time to be present, you will see how many things fully align in your life. I truly believe that every opportunity, loss, joy, and rejection is all apart of our journey, and guides us to our purpose. Being intentional takes time and true thought, and that is exactly what I executed when I planned to film content in Harlem. A few weeks prior to this day, I went to a champagne tasting event that the CEO of HRLM champagne, DarDra Coaxum was hosting. I wanted to support a black-owned brand and I also love champagne! It was a great event, and she was so warm and welcoming. I loved learning about the history and process it takes to establish high quality champagne. I also enjoyed the tasting, which was AMAZING! I shared with her that I also film content, and she mentioned that she is also Co-Owner of a burger restaurant called Harlem Shake. Talk about a beautiful and blossoming entrepreneur! From our conversation, she invited me to come back to try their signature dishes and delicious milkshakes, to film content. I was excited and of course said yes! If you haven't already you need to visit Harlem Shake, as of now there are two locations (BK & Harlem) and more to come. Of course, I highly recommend HRLM champagne! True luxury and the quality is 100% there. Take a look at the beautiful tasting notes:

Tasting Notes:

Aromas of of baked fruit, butter cookie, and refreshing lemon, with lovely tangerine, stone fruit, and delicate acacia flower flavors, finishing beautifully dry and savory.

HRLM Champagne + Harlem Perfume Co.

With the date I had set to visit the restaurant, I also wanted to plan content around the candle and fragrance company Harlem Perfume Co. A few weeks prior to the champagne tasting event, the brand reached out to send me their beautiful Langston perfume. I absolutely LOVE fragrances and was intrigued by the notes. Based on that alone, I already knew that it was going to smell amazing. Take a look:

Top Notes: Cinnamon, Caramel Apple, Chocolate

Middle Notes: Orange Brandy, Night Blooming Jasmine, Orris

Base Notes: Tonka Bean, Sandalwood, Musks, Vanilla

The brand didn't ask me to film any extravagant content, they simply just wanted my feedback. I made the decision to not only make this my scent for the day, but to also film a separate video about the product. I genuinely love the way it smelled and love supporting a black owned business. I also deeply appreciated that the concept behind the brand, was inspired by the Harlem Renaissance. Are you catching the many Harlem references?!

Gold Accessories

It feels so different whenever I visit Harlem, it always feels like home. Although my parents left Harlem when I was about 2, to live in Queens, whenever I would go back, there was a different sense of freedom I would feel. The people, the black culture, amazing cuisine and energy continues to stay beautiful. The weather was perfect that day, and I started my morning at a black woman owned cafe called, The Oma Shop. The matcha latte was so smooth, the service was great, and the ambiance was calm. From there, I started filming content with the fragrance that you can check out on my ExquisitelyErica page (as well as The Oma Shop cafe and Harlem Shake restaurant). I then headed to Harlem Shake, and loved the burgers and also the milkshakes! I'm not the biggest fan of milkshakes but they have something special there, and I FULLY enjoyed it! The day was moving beautifully, and before I left I made the iconic 125th street my last stop.

HRLM Champagne

It felt like I was experiencing my own personal Harlem Renaissance, and it's just getting started. I walked through the streets thinking about when my parents were here, from when I took my baby steps, to the steps of a new journey. You can now understand why being recognized by these Harlem brands meant so much to me. It is always a great feeling to be acknowledged for your work, especially when starting a new creative venture. I am so grateful for these beautiful black women for seeing me.

For some reason, I don't think this is the end of firsts for Harlem and I. In my heart, I believe that there are amazing things brewing. As I push myself to embark on the path God has set for me, it has been encouraging and liberating to witness all the amazing opportunities present and what is to come. This is what the Harlem Renaissance was all about - having the freedom to express yourself through your art and talent. What an honor to continue on this legacy, and even more impactful that I was present and born in the original birthplace of black luxury- Harlem.

Iconic Photo At The Apollo Theatre