Urban Bush Babes

HARPER’S BAZAAR NEDERLAND COVER: THE QUANN SISTERS; CIPRIANA & TK QUANN ON THE POWER OF SISTERHOOD

Cipriana Quann and TK Quann — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 14:52:33 +0000

We are thrilled to announce our first cover with Harper’s Bazaar Nederland, for their November issue. Representation matters and we couldn’t be more ecstatic to grace this cover together, on the ‘Power of Sisterhood, photographed by Mikael Schulz. Thank you so much to Harper’s Bazaar Nederland for this feature.

Scroll below to read our full interview.

“Identical twins. Instagram sensations. Style icons The American Cipriana and TK Quann are all things, but above all super cool.” -Harper’s Bazaar Nederland

HB: You are identical twins, in what way you are similar, in what way you are different?

Cipriana: Well besides obvious physical differences in the way we look and style, personality wise and what we stand for is identically uncanny. Though I do have to say there is another obvious difference that explains us well, my sister is the type of person to literally dance like no one is watching, while I am the one who loves to dance but definitely in the dark lit corner of the room, where no one is watching, lol.

TK: We have very similar personalities and interests however there are differences, one of them being my work in music as a rapper/singer/songwriter, outside of my work with Cipriana.

HB: What’s the thing you like to do best together?

TK: Spending time together is what I enjoy best whether it is for work or leisure time. We are business partners so I have the best of both worlds when it comes to my profession. Working with Cipriana, who is not just a sister but a best friend, and doing what I love as full time career. I consider myself very lucky.

Cipriana: Just love being around each other and conversing. People always ask us, “You guys see each other almost everyday, talk everyday…what is there left to talk about?” Our answer every single time is “EVERYTHING”

HB: What’s your earliest memory about one another?

Cipriana: Giving each other a kiss on the cheek every day in the morning before our kindergarten class. Also a moment involving ice-cream, where TK ate mine and I was very, very upset.

TK: Dancing in our living room for our parents showing them a dance routine we had choreographed.

HB: What do you admire in one another? What’s irritating?

TK: How much time do I have? What don’t I admire? Her kindness, intelligence, perspective, compassion, work ethic, determination and the way she utilizes her platform to discuss diversity and equality. I admire everything about her and she is a constant source of inspiration.

Cipriana: I admire her tenacity, her drive, her intelligence, her strength. The fact that she truly cares about others and the state our world is in socially and politically. She not only does she talk the talk but walks the walk. She is an incredible rapper, songwriter and singer and creates music that is conscientious. She taught me at an early age the power of being who you are or want to be and not letting anyone hither that process. She taught me to see the beauty within, when I couldn’t see it myself. I admire everything about her and there is not one thing that irritates me about her, which may be irritating for others to hear, lol.

HB: When and why did you decide to blog? What is your goal with it? What do you want to share with the public and what don’t you wanna share?

Cipriana: I wanted to create a lifestyle website with the uniting core of the site to support, encourage and highlight the multi-faceted lives of women of color, while producing content which I felt was missing in mainstream media. I wanted to celebrate difference as the norm, “imperfections” as perfections, beauty beyond aesthetics, while breaking down and coloring outside the lines of the stereotypical “ideal standard” of beauty within the industry. There are some things about my childhood that I am not ready to share but one day TK and I will.

HB: How does it feel to be so popular and how do you make sure you are not believing too much in yourself?

Cipriana: Hmm, I can’t really describe what it feels like to be popular but I know what it was like to be unpopular, meaning I was the kid who ate lunch completely by herself or skipping lunch to go to the Library (TK and I had different lunch periods in high school). “Popularity” is definitely a foreign concept for us. I can say you can never be conceited if you realize, appreciate and respect those who support you. First I have my twin sister and mother, they would both slap me silly (well slap me with words, not physically, lol) if I became to big for my britches. Second my audience, my virtual family (which is what I call my followers, since I am not a fan of the term “followers”), they are everything and have enabled me to be where I am today through there support. It is only when you forget this, when you felt you did it on your own is when humbleness begins to take a back seat.

TK: I never view myself as popular or well known or think about that aspect of my work however I am always extremely flattered that our work resonates with others and that love is very much appreciated. As far as confidence you must always believe in yourself and I don’t believe that there is such a thing as believing in yourself too much as long as you are putting the work in and treating others with respect along the way. There are people that may let the attention go to their heads and you see it in the way they treat others.

HB: Can you mention the positive and negative things of being a hit on social media?

TK: Positive: People that address creating change for what is needed have a voice and are heard.
Negative: The people that bully and spread hate are heard. Prime example is in the highest position of The White House.

Cipriana: The positive is that you can reach an audience across the world that you can connect and hopefully help in some way. To be honest what does this life mean if you can’t help others or use your platform to do so. The flip side to the positive is that sometimes others can unfortunately lash out in a negative manner. But as I have gotten older I realize many times it has nothing to do with you. They are placing their insecurities and/or anger onto you, channeling it in the wrong direction.

HB: Do you think the world has become more or less beautiful with social media?

Cipriana: The impact of social media regarding inclusivity. Brands and companies are beginning to see the detrimental loss, morally and financially when they exclusively target one demographic, or continue to push the false narrative of one kind of stereotypical beauty. Whether it be consciously or unconsciously, social media has directly influenced many of the positive changes we see today. A platform where one voice can be joined by, hundreds, thousands or millions to create an immediate change, whether it be social, political, environmental and that is a beautiful. On the other hand social media has placed more pressure on many to obtain a lifestyle that has been cultivated under a false narrative. A fixation on perfection that is not a reality for anyone. The greatest beauty is in the honesty of an individual, imperfection is perfection.

TK: Definitely think more beautiful as social media has really changed the social and political climate drastically in terms of bringing certain issues or causes to the forefront. Voices that need to be heard are being heard and it has created a burgeoning job market. Nothing like witnessing an evolution of strong minded people using their voices and platforms to ignite change for the good of the society whether it be diversity, inclusivity, equality, police brutality, women’s rights, immigration legislation, environmental, animal causes, etc the list can go on and on. How amazing that we have a platform where we all can be heard and support one another at the tip of our fingers? Of course the less beautiful side are those who feel the need to disrespect and bully others however that is a dynamic one comes across outside of social media and I have no tolerance for it on my page and in my life.

HB: This issue of Harper’s Bazaar is about sisterhood, what do you understand by that?

TK: I learned at a very early age that no one will be more supportive than my sister. We were raised to understand this and to not allow anyone to come between our sisterhood and friendship. However sisterhood isn’t about sharing a bloodline. Sisterhood is about being supportive of one another and being positive, encouraging and empowering to one another. Sisterhood has no room or tolerance for derogatory energy meant to debilitate one’s confidence or strides. Whether our journey is the same or different we all share one common denominator. Being a woman. We should all be united in sisterhood no matter race, ethnicity, culture, background, identity or age. It may be difficult to understand each others’ journeys but we should always be open-minded and willing to embrace differences. Sisterhood is not just about connecting with those who are similar but connecting with those who are different from yourself as well. You never know what you can learn or how your journey may change for the better.

Cipriana: Sisterhood means a unified strength in numbers bonded by love. I always say the definition of a soulmate is not solely a romantic nature, but can also be referred to a friendship. Without sisterhood I would not be the woman I am today. Without sisterhood I would not have had the strength to face the daily traumatic moments of our childhood alone. I understand the power of sisterhood because we are a living testimony of what you can overcome, what you can achieve and your willingness to help others feel from what you felt from a true sisterhood. I understand sisterhood because it is the foundation of who I am. To put it simply, without sisterhood I literally would not be here.

HB: What makes you lay awake at night?

Cipriana: I try to have mental clarity at night so I can get sleep that is vital for my health…but what I think about daily is police brutality. The detrimental choices of the current president, and the state/senate/congress members who support his actions. Racial/sexual discrimination. Slave trafficking. The innocent casualties of war. The urgent need in drastically changing our gun control laws. Homeless and hunger issues. The state of our healthcare and education system for those who can’t afford it. Mental health. Vulnerability of our eco-system and endangered species. The list goes on but I definitely need sleep to help contribute my part in making a change.

TK: A few things, one being the judicial system’s lack of justice concerning police brutality against black people.

HB: Your hair of course is your trademark, what does it mean to you? Can you imagine shaving it off?

TK: No I could not imagine shaving it off. I don’t think my hair makes me more special than anyone else however loving and embracing my hair type in a world that does not widely consider my hair type beautiful is what is important to me when discussing natural hair. You see what is contemplated as beautiful in magazines, campaigns and ads which rarely showcases my hair type. As a black woman that has 4C hair type there are definitely stereotypes and misconceptions regarding black hair. Black women can’t grow long hair. Black women can’t grow thick hair. Black women can’t grow healthy hair. Do you hear something wrong in all these statements? I do. One word. Can’t. There are many people that really do believe these stereotypes and cannot be convinced otherwise which is truly sad. As if a black woman can only look one way, speak one way or act one way. As if you have to be anything other than black to have long, thick and healthy hair. Some will say, “What’s the big deal? It’s just hair.” True. It is just hair however the world we live in does not wholeheartedly embrace that perspective when some natural styles are contemplated as unkempt or unprofessional in some circles. Young black girls are still forbidden to have their hair in certain natural styles. The Army not
too long ago changed their guidelines on natural hair and the Navy most recently. Young black girls are bullied and pressured into negating their strands to conform to an aesthetic that annihilates self love. I could delve into this much, much deeper; particularly how those who are not black are creating the guidelines for what is considered “acceptable or professional” when it comes to black hair that naturally grows from one’s head. There are so many tangents to discuss but at one point I realized I had to stop letting negative comments affect the positive way I felt about myself. How I felt about my hair because I received so many derogatory comments regarding my texture and still do until I had an epiphany. Why should I care about the ugly things that people say about me when they don’t even have any self love for themselves.

Cipriana: I always say my hair is physical manifestation of my inner confidence. The more I felt comfortable from within, aesthetically the transformation mirrored what I felt. No, I could never imagine shaving all of my hair off but cutting it to shoulder length, definitely.

HB: Who are your role models and why?

Cipriana: My Mother and my twin sister. They have been the epitome of what a role model is in my eyes; non-judgmental, supportive, motivated, honest, intelligent, caring and loving. They don’t see the world through rose colored glasses, yet have the mind set to always be open minded and believe in the possibility of hope in everything. They have taught me the true meaning of unconditional love and how it has not only the power to transform yourself but those around you. They taught me to always believe in myself and in return to help others to do the same. Our mother taught us that “can’t” was not a part of our vocabulary. As a woman of color in the corporate field, attending one of the top universities in the world and a mother of two who always had time to read a night time story every evening before bed. Our Mother showed us anything is possible and inspires us everyday to do the same.

TK: Our mother has always been our greatest role model. One of the most beautiful human beings and besides being amazing she is positive, intelligent, compassionate and also our triplet. She always carries herself with grace and kindness. As children she was the bread winner and had a full time job, attended one of the top universities in the country and a mother of twins which is a job within itself. We never had a moment that we felt she wasn’t there for us as a Mom. Every night she would read to us no matter how long her day. It is one of the reasons I have a passion for reading and writing. She always listens and is always extremely supportive no matter our goals. She is incredible in every way and words, no matter how fantastic the definitions, do not do justice.

HB: If you would be president twins for one day, what would you do immediately?

TK: Make sure people who really need tax breaks receive them for life.

Cipriana: Provide free healthcare. Automatic college financial aid for every high school student who keeps an above average GPA. Stricter polices on gun control. Retraining of the American police force system regarding preventive tactics regarding discrimination of civilians. Enforce a much higher minimum wage and yearly salary for teachers. Provide outreaches in every work field to monthly address a zero tolerance policy for sexual and racial discrimination. More and affordable health food grocery stores in inner cities. Free therapy sessions. What a woman chooses to do with her body is her choice and laws would be set in motion to solidify that. Set up mandatory state facilities in which all restaurants would donate leftover food they usually dispose of each night to feed the hungry and public schools. Utilizing more solar energy.

HB: What was a life-changing moment for you?

Cipriana: Being business partners with my twin sister but before that transition cofounding UrbanBushBabes. It opened so many doors all through following a passion of wanting to help other women. I have been so lucky to have great feedback from women who said I have helped them in so many ways, but to be honest their support has helped me. It truly is the circle of life.

TK: Learning to forgive. My sister and I had a very difficult childhood. I mentioned earlier that our mother was the bread winner of the family however we had a stay at home father. Our mother never knew about the abuse from our father (until she divorced him in our late teens) as our father threatened to kill us if we told anyone. He was a very violent and mentally unstable man. He had a difficult childhood and past and it was reflected ten fold in the way he raised us. He was verbally and physically abusive every week of our childhood lives. I feared and despised him. It took a very long time for me to let go of this deep rooted ire. It had been my anchor as a child and it steered me in ways that I thought made me stronger. However I found this hatred exhausting. I was tired of it. I was exhausted by it so I eventually let it go. I guess I was more scared of losing this feeling that had been a companion for so long than the act of forgiving. I realized that hatred was not a rewarding companion spiritually, mentally or physically. I have no contact with my father and nor do I desire any type of relationship but I do forgive him. I do not know if he is apologetic or remorseful but that doesn’t matter as the way he feels has nothing to do with my ability to let go, move on and forgive. I have seen what a person becomes when they hold onto hate. How that hate can cripple you in ways you could never imagine. Cipriana and I refused to continue this vicious cycle. We refused to become our father. The power of forgiveness was about me and my ability to let go of that hatred. Definitely a life changing and liberating moment.

HB: What do clothes, fashion mean to you? Who are your favorite designers?

TK: How you view yourself and what you decide to wear to compliment your confidence and wearing what makes you happy is what fashion is all about for one’s personal style. Fashion should also be about aligning with diversity, inclusivity, sustainability. Diversity and inclusivity not just on the runway, during fashion weeks and campaigns but also in boardrooms and in creative director and executive positions. It is astonishing how fashion in 2018 still does not reflect those imperative components. It’s time that diversity is no longer treated like a trend from the runway, attendance at shows and campaigns. It is a continual and needed discussion within the fashion world.

Designers that include diversity and inclusivity are my favorite designers.

Cipriana: My love of fashion was deeply inspired at an early age by my Mother. Her way of thinking outside the box as a woman of color in the seventies forever affected the way I viewed fashion. She had no restrictions regarding what she wanted to wear. She would wear business pants suits, high waist bell bottoms, leather jackets, Victorian style blouses, sports jackets sequined and floral dresses. Her style was everywhere and everything but so effortless. Fashion is a way to express yourself without saying a word.

There are so many incredible designers, that I favor and will not be able to list them all but some of them are Marimekko, TOMÉ, Studio 189, Yvonne Koné, LOVE Binetti, Dion Lee, Sally LaPointe, Ryan Roche, Jonathan Cohen, KENZO, Citizens of Humanity, Cushnie, Miista, Vagabond, AAKS, Pichulik, Scosha, Dion Lee, Burberry, Camilla & Marc, Azzedine Alaïa, Roberto Cavalli, Michael Kors, Gucci, Dior, McQueen, Prada, Marc Jacobs, Armani, Zimmerman.

HB: What’s the message you want to share?

Cipriana: Usually those who are quick to judge have the most skeletons in the closet. Each and everyone one us have made mistakes … who are you to judge? Step back from what you assume and show some compassion, many times there are a multitude of circumstances behind an individual’s choice, that at that moment do not have the strength to resist or take ownership of. This is how we learn, our failures reveal the most and have a potent process in how we can overcome, recognizing the power we all possess within. So those who are quick to judge I would say, “Take a seat and let them have to chance to rise from the fall!”

TK: Beauty and fashion is not dependent on the color of skin, the size of waist or hips, the texture of hair, ethnicity, sexual orientation or identity. It is 2018 and we’re still saying, “The first Black model” or “The first Indian model” or “The first Asian model” etc. Diversity and inclusivity is a conversation not for one season but for every season. Executive positions, Creative Directors, writers, stylists, MUA etc. Diversity is not s trend and it is time that the fashion world stops perpetuating a homogenous attitude when it comes to featuring talent. I am not here asking to sit at the tables of those who do not implement diversity or body inclusivity. I am not here demanding change from those who will never get it. I am here to speak out against it and align myself with those in the fashion/beauty industry who understand that. Representation matters and it matters to me to speak up when I don’t see it regardless if those who think otherwise are listening or not.

HB: How often are you together and if you are not, how do you keep in touch?

TK: Joined at the hip no pun intended. We’re business partners so besides constantly being together for work in our leisure time we’re together almost as much. I can never get enough Cipriana time.

Cipriana: Hahaha, we communicate every single day, multiple times a day (meaning multiple, multiple, multiple times a day). I mean when we see something funny, heard about something social or politically absurd or interesting , the first person we contact is each other. We are also business partners so we physically see each other 4-5 times a week but speak very day!

HB: What book, film, exposition, concert made a big impression on you lately?

Cipriana: ‘When God Was A Woman’ by Merlin Stone. I wish this was a reading requirement in all learning institutions. Everyone needs to read this book, especially women!

TK: Books:

1. Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson

2. The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Love And Freedom On Death Row by Anthony Hardin and Lara Day Hinton

3. Chokehold: Policing Black Men by Paul Butler

4. Killers of The Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and Birth of FBI

HB: If you could tell other women one thing, what would it be?

TK: Always do what feels right for you even others around you say otherwise. Whether it’s your ideologies, beliefs, what you want to say or how you want to look. Not everyone has supportive people in their lives and you need to truly believe in yourself whether others believe in you or not.

Cipriana: You are beautiful just how you are and you are enough.

HB: How could women better the world?

Cipriana: They already have. It is just the systematic way many countries have stereotyped, discriminated and diminished the monstrous effects women have had and continue to have on this country. There is archeology evidence that has proven women were Kings and ruled in the Upper Paleolithic Age of about 25,000 BC. Women are not weak by design, just the simple fact that we can give life is the most powerful testament of an incomparable strength.

TK: We are already doing it.

HB: What could men learn from women and vice versa?

TK: I won’t stereotype however more understanding in general is always a great thing.

Cipriana: Well women many times are thought of as being more “emotional” and showing emotions in masculine form is thought of many times as weakness. I think many men should understand to show the most truest form of your emotions, releasing instead of holding to that energy is not weakness but strength. Many women can learn that what others had regarded as weakness is actually one of our greatest strengths.

HB: What did you learn the last ten years?

Cipriana: That you can’t control everything and failure will be your greatest teacher, embrace it and learn from your mistakes. Utilize the lesson to propel forward in a more positive and fruitful direction.

TK: Hard work and patience pays off.

HB: What’s your future plans?

TK: Continuing our work promoting diversity and inclusivity in the fashion and beauty industry and expand on that platform into different arenas whether it be a book or television or both. Working on music and writing and working with other inspiring women in various fields.

Cipriana: To not make too many plans and continue to do what I love. Surround myself by those I love who are positive and supportive. Continue to help others with my sister and create change. To go off the beaten path is definitely a necessity for life and can lead you to unexpected places you never saw for yourself. If someone asked me 10 years ago if I saw myself here, my answer would be no, I wanted to be a Primatologist or Interior Designer. When a door presents itself don’t close it out of fear of the unknown, sometimes you have to leap in and forget what you had planned or where you saw yourself in 10 years.

HB: What if your sister doesn’t like the one you are madly in love with?

Cipriana: This happened with an ex of mine and let’s just say it was one of the most awkward situations of my life. I couldn’t even go on double dates with TK and her love. But noticed how I said “ex” that in itself saids it all, lol! It was a very toxic relationship and of course she didn’t approve. I should have ended that relationship much sooner than I did but there were lessons I needed to be taught. I learned that I would never let someone demise my worth or treat me in that manner again. I now am in a loving and very healthy relationship with the most wonderful man, who I am just mad about. To say it all, my sister thinks he is perfect. Plus our loves get along great, so we double date often.

TK: It is a terrible predicament to be in especially since we are best friends. No double dating then lol. Fortunately we are in relationships where we love each other’s boyfriend. We hang out all the time and plenty of double dates.

HB: What would become of you without your sister?

TK: I wouldn’t be here. We’re identical which means the egg split into two. Thank goodness that egg split. I can’t imagine my life without Cipriana. I am one very, very lucky woman and I’m incredibly proud of her. My love for her is infinite

Cipriana: We are identical twins, which means we were one person split into two. We have a very special relationship. I always say the universe knew we needed each other. We had difficult and traumatic ordeals in our childhood that we would not have been able to handle without the support of one another. I can resoundingly say, I would not be the woman I am today or had the strength to survive what we went through without her. She is the very air I breathe.

HARPER’S BAZAAR NETHERLAND COVER: THE QUANN SISTERS; CIPRIANA & TK QUANN ON THE POWER OF SISTERHOOD

Cipriana Quann and TK Quann — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 14:40:59 +0000

We are thrilled to announce our first cover with Harper’s Bazaar Netherland, for their November issue. Representation matters and we couldn’t be more ecstatic to grace this cover together, on the ‘Power of Sisterhood, photographed by Mikael Schulz. Thank you so much to Harper’s Bazaar Netherland for this feature.

Scroll below to read our full interview.

“Identical twins. Instagram sensations. Style icons The American Cipriana and TK Quann are all things, but above all super cool.” -Harper’s Bazaar Netherlands

HB: You are identical twins, in what way you are similar, in what way you are different?

Cipriana: Well besides obvious physical differences in the way we look and style, personality wise and what we stand for is identically uncanny. Though I do have to say there is another obvious difference that explains us well, my sister is the type of person to literally dance like no one is watching, while I am the one who loves to dance but definitely in the dark lit corner of the room, where no one is watching, lol.

TK: We have very similar personalities and interests however there are differences, one of them being my work in music as a rapper/singer/songwriter, outside of my work with Cipriana.

HB: What’s the thing you like to do best together?

TK: Spending time together is what I enjoy best whether it is for work or leisure time. We are business partners so I have the best of both worlds when it comes to my profession. Working with Cipriana, who is not just a sister but a best friend, and doing what I love as full time career. I consider myself very lucky.

Cipriana: Just love being around each other and conversing. People always ask us, “You guys see each other almost everyday, talk everyday…what is there left to talk about?” Our answer every single time is “EVERYTHING”

HB: What’s your earliest memory about one another?

Cipriana: Giving each other a kiss on the cheek every day in the morning before our kindergarten class. Also a moment involving ice-cream, where TK ate mine and I was very, very upset.

TK: Dancing in our living room for our parents showing them a dance routine we had choreographed.

HB: What do you admire in one another? What’s irritating?

TK: How much time do I have? What don’t I admire? Her kindness, intelligence, perspective, compassion, work ethic, determination and the way she utilizes her platform to discuss diversity and equality. I admire everything about her and she is a constant source of inspiration.

Cipriana: I admire her tenacity, her drive, her intelligence, her strength. The fact that she truly cares about others and the state our world is in socially and politically. She not only does she talk the talk but walks the walk. She is an incredible rapper, songwriter and singer and creates music that is conscientious. She taught me at an early age the power of being who you are or want to be and not letting anyone hither that process. She taught me to see the beauty within, when I couldn’t see it myself. I admire everything about her and there is not one thing that irritates me about her, which may be irritating for others to hear, lol.

HB: When and why did you decide to blog? What is your goal with it? What do you want to share with the public and what don’t you wanna share?

Cipriana: I wanted to create a lifestyle website with the uniting core of the site to support, encourage and highlight the multi-faceted lives of women of color, while producing content which I felt was missing in mainstream media. I wanted to celebrate difference as the norm, “imperfections” as perfections, beauty beyond aesthetics, while breaking down and coloring outside the lines of the stereotypical “ideal standard” of beauty within the industry. There are some things about my childhood that I am not ready to share but one day TK and I will.

HB: How does it feel to be so popular and how do you make sure you are not believing too much in yourself?

Cipriana: Hmm, I can’t really describe what it feels like to be popular but I know what it was like to be unpopular, meaning I was the kid who ate lunch completely by herself or skipping lunch to go to the Library (TK and I had different lunch periods in high school). “Popularity” is definitely a foreign concept for us. I can say you can never be conceited if you realize, appreciate and respect those who support you. First I have my twin sister and mother, they would both slap me silly (well slap me with words, not physically, lol) if I became to big for my britches. Second my audience, my virtual family (which is what I call my followers, since I am not a fan of the term “followers”), they are everything and have enabled me to be where I am today through there support. It is only when you forget this, when you felt you did it on your own is when humbleness begins to take a back seat.

TK: I never view myself as popular or well known or think about that aspect of my work however I am always extremely flattered that our work resonates with others and that love is very much appreciated. As far as confidence you must always believe in yourself and I don’t believe that there is such a thing as believing in yourself too much as long as you are putting the work in and treating others with respect along the way. There are people that may let the attention go to their heads and you see it in the way they treat others.

HB: Can you mention the positive and negative things of being a hit on social media?

TK: Positive: People that address creating change for what is needed have a voice and are heard.
Negative: The people that bully and spread hate are heard. Prime example is in the highest position of The White House.

Cipriana: The positive is that you can reach an audience across the world that you can connect and hopefully help in some way. To be honest what does this life mean if you can’t help others or use your platform to do so. The flip side to the positive is that sometimes others can unfortunately lash out in a negative manner. But as I have gotten older I realize many times it has nothing to do with you. They are placing their insecurities and/or anger onto you, channeling it in the wrong direction.

HB: Do you think the world has become more or less beautiful with social media?

Cipriana: The impact of social media regarding inclusivity. Brands and companies are beginning to see the detrimental loss, morally and financially when they exclusively target one demographic, or continue to push the false narrative of one kind of stereotypical beauty. Whether it be consciously or unconsciously, social media has directly influenced many of the positive changes we see today. A platform where one voice can be joined by, hundreds, thousands or millions to create an immediate change, whether it be social, political, environmental and that is a beautiful. On the other hand social media has placed more pressure on many to obtain a lifestyle that has been cultivated under a false narrative. A fixation on perfection that is not a reality for anyone. The greatest beauty is in the honesty of an individual, imperfection is perfection.

TK: Definitely think more beautiful as social media has really changed the social and political climate drastically in terms of bringing certain issues or causes to the forefront. Voices that need to be heard are being heard and it has created a burgeoning job market. Nothing like witnessing an evolution of strong minded people using their voices and platforms to ignite change for the good of the society whether it be diversity, inclusivity, equality, police brutality, women’s rights, immigration legislation, environmental, animal causes, etc the list can go on and on. How amazing that we have a platform where we all can be heard and support one another at the tip of our fingers? Of course the less beautiful side are those who feel the need to disrespect and bully others however that is a dynamic one comes across outside of social media and I have no tolerance for it on my page and in my life.

HB: This issue of Harper’s Bazaar is about sisterhood, what do you understand by that?

TK: I learned at a very early age that no one will be more supportive than my sister. We were raised to understand this and to not allow anyone to come between our sisterhood and friendship. However sisterhood isn’t about sharing a bloodline. Sisterhood is about being supportive of one another and being positive, encouraging and empowering to one another. Sisterhood has no room or tolerance for derogatory energy meant to debilitate one’s confidence or strides. Whether our journey is the same or different we all share one common denominator. Being a woman. We should all be united in sisterhood no matter race, ethnicity, culture, background, identity or age. It may be difficult to understand each others’ journeys but we should always be open-minded and willing to embrace differences. Sisterhood is not just about connecting with those who are similar but connecting with those who are different from yourself as well. You never know what you can learn or how your journey may change for the better.

Cipriana: Sisterhood means a unified strength in numbers bonded by love. I always say the definition of a soulmate is not solely a romantic nature, but can also be referred to a friendship. Without sisterhood I would not be the woman I am today. Without sisterhood I would not have had the strength to face the daily traumatic moments of our childhood alone. I understand the power of sisterhood because we are a living testimony of what you can overcome, what you can achieve and your willingness to help others feel from what you felt from a true sisterhood. I understand sisterhood because it is the foundation of who I am. To put it simply, without sisterhood I literally would not be here.

HB: What makes you lay awake at night?

Cipriana: I try to have mental clarity at night so I can get sleep that is vital for my health…but what I think about daily is police brutality. The detrimental choices of the current president, and the state/senate/congress members who support his actions. Racial/sexual discrimination. Slave trafficking. The innocent casualties of war. The urgent need in drastically changing our gun control laws. Homeless and hunger issues. The state of our healthcare and education system for those who can’t afford it. Mental health. Vulnerability of our eco-system and endangered species. The list goes on but I definitely need sleep to help contribute my part in making a change.

TK: A few things, one being the judicial system’s lack of justice concerning police brutality against black people.

HB: Your hair of course is your trademark, what does it mean to you? Can you imagine shaving it off?

TK: No I could not imagine shaving it off. I don’t think my hair makes me more special than anyone else however loving and embracing my hair type in a world that does not widely consider my hair type beautiful is what is important to me when discussing natural hair. You see what is contemplated as beautiful in magazines, campaigns and ads which rarely showcases my hair type. As a black woman that has 4C hair type there are definitely stereotypes and misconceptions regarding black hair. Black women can’t grow long hair. Black women can’t grow thick hair. Black women can’t grow healthy hair. Do you hear something wrong in all these statements? I do. One word. Can’t. There are many people that really do believe these stereotypes and cannot be convinced otherwise which is truly sad. As if a black woman can only look one way, speak one way or act one way. As if you have to be anything other than black to have long, thick and healthy hair. Some will say, “What’s the big deal? It’s just hair.” True. It is just hair however the world we live in does not wholeheartedly embrace that perspective when some natural styles are contemplated as unkempt or unprofessional in some circles. Young black girls are still forbidden to have their hair in certain natural styles. The Army not
too long ago changed their guidelines on natural hair and the Navy most recently. Young black girls are bullied and pressured into negating their strands to conform to an aesthetic that annihilates self love. I could delve into this much, much deeper; particularly how those who are not black are creating the guidelines for what is considered “acceptable or professional” when it comes to black hair that naturally grows from one’s head. There are so many tangents to discuss but at one point I realized I had to stop letting negative comments affect the positive way I felt about myself. How I felt about my hair because I received so many derogatory comments regarding my texture and still do until I had an epiphany. Why should I care about the ugly things that people say about me when they don’t even have any self love for themselves.

Cipriana: I always say my hair is physical manifestation of my inner confidence. The more I felt comfortable from within, aesthetically the transformation mirrored what I felt. No, I could never imagine shaving all of my hair off but cutting it to shoulder length, definitely.

HB: Who are your role models and why?

Cipriana: My Mother and my twin sister. They have been the epitome of what a role model is in my eyes; non-judgmental, supportive, motivated, honest, intelligent, caring and loving. They don’t see the world through rose colored glasses, yet have the mind set to always be open minded and believe in the possibility of hope in everything. They have taught me the true meaning of unconditional love and how it has not only the power to transform yourself but those around you. They taught me to always believe in myself and in return to help others to do the same. Our mother taught us that “can’t” was not a part of our vocabulary. As a woman of color in the corporate field, attending one of the top universities in the world and a mother of two who always had time to read a night time story every evening before bed. Our Mother showed us anything is possible and inspires us everyday to do the same.

TK: Our mother has always been our greatest role model. One of the most beautiful human beings and besides being amazing she is positive, intelligent, compassionate and also our triplet. She always carries herself with grace and kindness. As children she was the bread winner and had a full time job, attended one of the top universities in the country and a mother of twins which is a job within itself. We never had a moment that we felt she wasn’t there for us as a Mom. Every night she would read to us no matter how long her day. It is one of the reasons I have a passion for reading and writing. She always listens and is always extremely supportive no matter our goals. She is incredible in every way and words, no matter how fantastic the definitions, do not do justice.

HB: If you would be president twins for one day, what would you do immediately?

TK: Make sure people who really need tax breaks receive them for life.

Cipriana: Provide free healthcare. Automatic college financial aid for every high school student who keeps an above average GPA. Stricter polices on gun control. Retraining of the American police force system regarding preventive tactics regarding discrimination of civilians. Enforce a much higher minimum wage and yearly salary for teachers. Provide outreaches in every work field to monthly address a zero tolerance policy for sexual and racial discrimination. More and affordable health food grocery stores in inner cities. Free therapy sessions. What a woman chooses to do with her body is her choice and laws would be set in motion to solidify that. Set up mandatory state facilities in which all restaurants would donate leftover food they usually dispose of each night to feed the hungry and public schools. Utilizing more solar energy.

HB: What was a life-changing moment for you?

Cipriana: Being business partners with my twin sister but before that transition cofounding UrbanBushBabes. It opened so many doors all through following a passion of wanting to help other women. I have been so lucky to have great feedback from women who said I have helped them in so many ways, but to be honest their support has helped me. It truly is the circle of life.

TK: Learning to forgive. My sister and I had a very difficult childhood. I mentioned earlier that our mother was the bread winner of the family however we had a stay at home father. Our mother never knew about the abuse from our father (until she divorced him in our late teens) as our father threatened to kill us if we told anyone. He was a very violent and mentally unstable man. He had a difficult childhood and past and it was reflected ten fold in the way he raised us. He was verbally and physically abusive every week of our childhood lives. I feared and despised him. It took a very long time for me to let go of this deep rooted ire. It had been my anchor as a child and it steered me in ways that I thought made me stronger. However I found this hatred exhausting. I was tired of it. I was exhausted by it so I eventually let it go. I guess I was more scared of losing this feeling that had been a companion for so long than the act of forgiving. I realized that hatred was not a rewarding companion spiritually, mentally or physically. I have no contact with my father and nor do I desire any type of relationship but I do forgive him. I do not know if he is apologetic or remorseful but that doesn’t matter as the way he feels has nothing to do with my ability to let go, move on and forgive. I have seen what a person becomes when they hold onto hate. How that hate can cripple you in ways you could never imagine. Cipriana and I refused to continue this vicious cycle. We refused to become our father. The power of forgiveness was about me and my ability to let go of that hatred. Definitely a life changing and liberating moment.

HB: What do clothes, fashion mean to you? Who are your favorite designers?

TK: How you view yourself and what you decide to wear to compliment your confidence and wearing what makes you happy is what fashion is all about for one’s personal style. Fashion should also be about aligning with diversity, inclusivity, sustainability. Diversity and inclusivity not just on the runway, during fashion weeks and campaigns but also in boardrooms and in creative director and executive positions. It is astonishing how fashion in 2018 still does not reflect those imperative components. It’s time that diversity is no longer treated like a trend from the runway, attendance at shows and campaigns. It is a continual and needed discussion within the fashion world.

Designers that include diversity and inclusivity are my favorite designers.

Cipriana: My love of fashion was deeply inspired at an early age by my Mother. Her way of thinking outside the box as a woman of color in the seventies forever affected the way I viewed fashion. She had no restrictions regarding what she wanted to wear. She would wear business pants suits, high waist bell bottoms, leather jackets, Victorian style blouses, sports jackets sequined and floral dresses. Her style was everywhere and everything but so effortless. Fashion is a way to express yourself without saying a word.

There are so many incredible designers, that I favor and will not be able to list them all but some of them are Marimekko, TOMÉ, Studio 189, Yvonne Koné, LOVE Binetti, Dion Lee, Sally LaPointe, Ryan Roche, Jonathan Cohen, KENZO, Citizens of Humanity, Cushnie, Miista, Vagabond, AAKS, Pichulik, Scosha, Dion Lee, Burberry, Camilla & Marc, Azzedine Alaïa, Roberto Cavalli, Michael Kors, Gucci, Dior, McQueen, Prada, Marc Jacobs, Armani, Zimmerman.

HB: What’s the message you want to share?

Cipriana: Usually those who are quick to judge have the most skeletons in the closet. Each and everyone one us have made mistakes … who are you to judge? Step back from what you assume and show some compassion, many times there are a multitude of circumstances behind an individual’s choice, that at that moment do not have the strength to resist or take ownership of. This is how we learn, our failures reveal the most and have a potent process in how we can overcome, recognizing the power we all possess within. So those who are quick to judge I would say, “Take a seat and let them have to chance to rise from the fall!”

TK: Beauty and fashion is not dependent on the color of skin, the size of waist or hips, the texture of hair, ethnicity, sexual orientation or identity. It is 2018 and we’re still saying, “The first Black model” or “The first Indian model” or “The first Asian model” etc. Diversity and inclusivity is a conversation not for one season but for every season. Executive positions, Creative Directors, writers, stylists, MUA etc. Diversity is not s trend and it is time that the fashion world stops perpetuating a homogenous attitude when it comes to featuring talent. I am not here asking to sit at the tables of those who do not implement diversity or body inclusivity. I am not here demanding change from those who will never get it. I am here to speak out against it and align myself with those in the fashion/beauty industry who understand that. Representation matters and it matters to me to speak up when I don’t see it regardless if those who think otherwise are listening or not.

HB: How often are you together and if you are not, how do you keep in touch?

TK: Joined at the hip no pun intended. We’re business partners so besides constantly being together for work in our leisure time we’re together almost as much. I can never get enough Cipriana time.

Cipriana: Hahaha, we communicate every single day, multiple times a day (meaning multiple, multiple, multiple times a day). I mean when we see something funny, heard about something social or politically absurd or interesting , the first person we contact is each other. We are also business partners so we physically see each other 4-5 times a week but speak very day!

HB: What book, film, exposition, concert made a big impression on you lately?

Cipriana: ‘When God Was A Woman’ by Merlin Stone. I wish this was a reading requirement in all learning institutions. Everyone needs to read this book, especially women!

TK: Books:

1. Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson

2. The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Love And Freedom On Death Row by Anthony Hardin and Lara Day Hinton

3. Chokehold: Policing Black Men by Paul Butler

Exploring Our DNA With 23andMe

Cipriana Quann and TK Quann — Sun, 30 Sep 2018 22:25:10 +0000

*Photos: Terry Gates

We always felt fortunate to be twins and not just twins but identical twins. Twins are either born dizygotic (fraternal); 2 separate fertilized eggs or monozygotic (identical); 1 fertilized egg divided into 2. There is a very special bond we share and so special it is sometimes difficult to elucidate with words. Often we think just how lucky we are that decades ago a fertilized egg naturally selected by chance to split into two.

The formation of two embryos from one is not hereditary. In fact the explanation of why one embryo splits into two is still a mystery which led us to many unanswered questions. As close as our bond is with each other, the road to our ancestral roots and our family history was similar to one embryo splitting into two…a mystery. So we teamed up with 23andMe to discover more.

23andMe exists to help people access, understand and benefit from the human genome. The name, ‘23andMe’ comes from the fact that human DNA is organized into 23 pairs of chromosomes. This was our first DNA testing together, and we were excited to find out just how alike our DNA was and the origins of those chromosomes.

Unlike other DNA services that offer only Ancestral findings, 23andMe not only offers Ancestry Service, but their “Health + Ancestry Service” examines your genes to tell you about your ancestry, health, traits and more. 23andMe has helped more than five million customers worldwide to analyze, compile and distill the information extracted from DNA through a saliva collection kit. Their genetic analysis service helps you better understand who you are, where your ancestors came from, and what your family story might be. You’ll also gain health and genetic traits insights.

23andMe’s “Personal Genetic Service®” , was created to help people understand their DNA. You’ll be able to see which regions around the world your ancestors come from and learn how your DNA can influence your facial features, hair, taste preferences, sleep quality and much more.

23andMe allows you to experience your DNA in a whole new way. You’ll learn about your ancestry, traits and health through genetic analysis. See how your DNA breaks down globally, discover how much Neanderthal DNA you inherited, explore genetic similarities with your relatives, and connect with people who share DNA with you.

Learn more about our results below and our experience with 23andMe as we discovered parts of ourselves we were unaware of even as identical twins.

DNA KIT

For such a detailed ancestry report you might think the 23andMe DNA kit involves extensive instructions. Quite the opposite! We didn’t know what to expect before receiving the DNA kit; however, the moment we opened the box we could instantly see the process would be easy!

All you need to do is to provide a sample of your saliva. A tube is included in the kit. Simply use the tube to place your saliva in, register your kits online and voila you’re done!

What is next? Seriously voila you are done! Except for sealing up the package (no postage required and kit is included in the very same box you will use when ready to ship) and walking to your mailbox. The entire process is quick even when you factor in the time it takes you to walk to your mailbox…depending on how far but you get our drift.

Now the waiting game begins…

RESULTS

So the results are in! We are identical twins. Ok all jokes aside results are in and results include not only your ancestry breakdown but traits, (explores the genetics behind your appearance and senses) how wellness (find out how your DNA may affect your body’s response to diet, exercise and sleep) and much more. As identical twins it wasn’t surprising to see our ancestry reports are nearly an exact facsimile of each other. It was surprising to see that, albeit nearly identical, they did slightly differ.

ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN

*Cipriana

*TK

So yes very, very, very similar but slightly different!

WELLNESS

Particularly interesting is our genetic muscle composition which is common in elite power athletes. Watch out Serena and Usain…yes, go ahead and laugh. They blatantly have nothing to worry about; however, all jokes aside muscle composition is something we never would have pondered until viewing our results.

CONNECT WITH RELATIVES

You can also opt to connect with relatives that share the same DNA as you.

A FEW HELPFUL THINGS TO KNOW

23andMe takes your privacy very seriously and gives you control over your
genetic information. They let you decide how your information is used and with whom it is shared.

23andMe also enables you to opt-in to genetic research and link your data to study topics from ancestry to traits to certain diseases. Your contribution helps drive scientific discoveries — more than 80% of customers opt-in to answer research surveys. On average each person’s survey answers help with over 200 research studies.

The 23andMe Health + Ancestry Service contains reports that meet FDA standards.
To date, 23andMe has published more than 45 peer-reviewed studies in scientific journals.

OVERVIEW

We have to admit this was a rewarding experience receiving our 23andMe ancestry reports and viewing how we differ slightly in our ancestry breakdown. Anyone who is curious about their genetics should definitely give this a try as you may be surprised. (or may just confirm what you already know) However, even if you already know, you can view your genetics broken down in percentages and which are higher or lower than you may have expected. Either way you could be pleasantly surprised!

Want to try and discover your own story? Order your own 23andMe kitHERE

*Special thanks to 23andMe for sponsoring this post.

Uber: Homage To Janet Jackson

Cipriana Quann and TK Quann — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 19:08:28 +0000

We have teamed up with Uber for Janet’s latest single release in a celebratory event held in NYC last week. Around 400 attendees inundated the building with love and admiration for this iconic woman. The ambience was electric and the audience was rewarded with a grand entrance of hand drums and boisterous greetings which paved the way for the icon. We listened to her speak about the music video before premiering it to the attendees and by their exuberant cacophony of cheers it is not difficult to understand why Janet has a home in the hearts of millions. Her lyrics have always spoken to us: Got my own mind/ I want to make my own decisions/ When it has to do with my life, my life/I wanna be the one in control. Lyrics that have been molded by independence, self love, social injustice, heartbreak, overcoming strife, candidness and most importantly women’s empowerment. Not only is Janet an incredible representation of empowerment she has been a source of inspiration; inspiring so many women to unapologetically claim their own empowerment and to stand up and speak out. Uber has been working to exhort those to use their voice in empowering ways. Women’s empowerment, standing up for your beliefs and being vocal on matters that are imperative is an intrinsic part of our work which is why the unyielding mission of Uber to support those who do represent sources of empowerment such as Janet Jackson is a collaboration that really hit home for us. So we pay homage by recreating a few of Janet Jackson’s album covers, classic lyrics and signature moves.

Photos: Terry Gates

*sponsored

Spike Lee Joint x Uber Presents ‘Da Republic of Brooklyn’: What’s Your Hustle?

Cipriana Quann and TK Quann — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 16:21:53 +0000

My twin sister TK Quann and I have teamed up with Spike Lee Joint x Uber Presents ‘Da Republic of Brooklyn series. Featuring Uber Driver-Partners; Brittany “Sunny” Shen, Domingo Nolasco, Malka Khan, Keith Mabry and Rodney Christiansen who are using Uber as a vehicle, figuratively and literally to pursue their passions on their own terms.

‘Da Republic of Brooklyn’ inspired me to the core, leading me to reflect on my own hustle and how I felt connected with Brooklyn at a very young age.

*Photos: Terry Gates

I remember visiting NY on the weekends with my family since I was 7 years old. One weekend I specifically recall since we visited distant cousins of ours that relocated to Brooklyn from Maryland (our original home town). Even then, despite my age I felt a deep connection with the borough and it’s residents. The energy was undeniable…little did I know this would become my home but I knew for sure I would somehow be connected with it.

When I cofounded my site, Urban Bush Babes (UBB) in 2011, I had quit modeling at the time, had an uncompleted college education and was currently working another full time job in NY. Granted I was grateful to be employed but it was not a career choice I wished to pursue for the long term. Despite the long hours of my 9-5, I did not let that deter me from working on my passion. So everyday, 7 days a week after work I would go home to write and develop my website. Yes, I have to admit there would be some sleepless nights (ok many, many sleepless nights), but I was determined to meet my own personal deadlines regarding articles and content I had in mind for UBB. Sleepless nights also included no play. Everyone at my 9-5 knew not to ask me to join them after hours, I had work to do after hours, and they knew my intentions. Even in the beginning when I continuously declined, the respect and encouragement I received from my fellow work comrades was nothing less than genuine. I wasn’t surprised because many had their own passions they were pursuing as well, hustling to make those passions come to fruition. Despite the support, I had no freedom in taking time off or controlling my own schedule through my employer, these factors would have helped tremendously.

The hustle eventually enabled me to work full time solely on my website and brand in 2014, in short becoming my own boss.

I knew this was one of the reasons why I felt so connected with NY, there are so many others like myself, like you, who embodied the same drive, doing the necessary to make their dreams a waking reality.

Which is why TK and I are so inspired to collaborate with Spike Lee Joint x Uber Presents ‘Da Republic of Brooklyn series.

The featured Uber drivers Sunny, Domingo, Malka, Keith and Rodney embody the spirit, strength and endurance of what it means to really hustle for something you love. For when I think of hustle the word “love” comes to mind, for without love, hustle can not survive.

The Uber brand has created an atmosphere in which drivers have time to pursue their passions by 100% creating their own schedule, while generating a sufficient income to support those passions, unfortunately this is often not the case as many of us are familiar with. Click here to watch their individual stories.

Scroll below as TK shares her story

Watching Uber Presents: ‘Da Republic of Brooklyn’ was a refreshing and inspiring reminder of how all of us are connected by our stories of perseverance, struggle and hustle to pursue our goals. ‘Da Republic of Brooklyn’ is a series directed by Spike Lee which features Uber driver-partners and their stories of hustle in BK. The series will certainly make one reflect on their own hustle story.

Ever since I was a little girl I knew that one day my path would lead me to a career involving writing however the path you expect many times turns into the least expected and most surprising one. When I first moved to Brooklyn I felt an instant connection. A connection that I was not the only one hustling and it was a bond that fueled my own hustle. I gleefully became entrenched in the spoken word circuit. I had been writing poetry and short stories for many years and performing poetry was a new and exciting avenue. Poetry evolved into rap and I began songwriting. As one knows NYC is a conglomerate of dreams inundated with creative aspirations and while working to bring those dreams to a reality one must find work in the meantime that pays the bills because you quickly discover dreams alone do not suffice with your phone service or landlord. I worked on my craft everyday after 9 to 11 hour shifts working in the service industry as a cocktail and restaurant server.

Living in Brooklyn while working on my craft helped fuel that energy because I live amongst so many others who are doing the same. I continued performing at open mics and met other creatives along the way which led me to perform in Europe every summer for festivals in front of audiences that reached 30,000 to 500,000. I opened for some of my favorites artists. I travelled to Mauritius, Croatia, Macedonia, Solomon Islands, Argentina, Spain, Germany, Poland, Italy, United Kingdom, France, Albania, Romania and Russia. I never dreamed my passions could take me to these places but I did and do believe that hard work can take you places you never imagine for yourself.

Albeit I was living my dream during the summer festival circuit that way of life was only seasonal and during the off time I was still working in the service industry. Cipriana had co-created a site that focused on positively highlighting women of color; specifically black women. I joined the site three years into its birth as an executive contributor which allowed me to flex my writing muscles in other ways outside of music. Cipriana and I are also huge fans of vintage shopping and thought that visually we could show women that you don’t have to spend a ton to look great when living on a budget like ourselves. We started to get some amazing feedback and positive traction which were the seeds for budding career in the fashion industry. I never once envisioned I would have a career that involved fashion however when I was able to merge the two, my love of writing about topics of a social or political nature and fashion, it made complete sense. I was able to leave the service industry after ten years and pursue a career that opened many doors in various arenas. Most importantly I was making a living doing what I love and being surrounded by others in Brooklyn who had also found that joy was a huge source of inspiration.

The type of energy I discovered in Brooklyn is unlike any other place I had experienced. My success didn’t happen overnight and I haven’t nearly reached all I hope to accomplish but I understand what it feels like to hustle for your goals. Hustling is striving for what you want to achieve and I continue to strive everyday to proudly contribute to my own hustle story. I appreciate the steps that Uber is taking to support those with their own hustle stories. Uber is helping to facilitate those goals with a structure that allows drivers to work on their terms in way that is conducive to their goals and not counterproductive as many of us have encountered with some lines of work. We all have different wishes, dreams and goals. Our hustle stories may be different but we are the same in our desire to bring those goals to fruition.

You will meet many in Brooklyn who share the same interests that drive their hustle stories such as Uber driver; Brittany “Sunny” Shen. Visit uber.com to explore her inspiring and courageous story.

Visit UberPresents.com to watch Spike Lee Joint x Uber Presents: ‘Da Republic of Brooklyn’

*sponsored

Uber x Empowered Voices: The Power We All Possess…Our Voice!

Cipriana Quann and TK Quann — Sat, 28 Jul 2018 09:30:18 +0000

Our parents taught us at a very early age the power of words and how to use our voices to speak on issues that needed to be addressed, or made us feel uncomfortable in any perilous situations. This very same reason led me towards the path of cofounding Urban Bush Babes in 2011, to provide such a platform.

My twin sister, TK Quann and I have teamed up with the Uber x Empowered Voices project, joining others who will share stories of inflictions and how they used their voices to overcome, or bring light to those who need a platform to be heard. Scroll below to read more.

*Photos by Terry Gates

Cipriana Quann’s Story:

TK and I stand firm in the belief that you do not have to like an individual’s personal style, you do not have to understand an individual’s sexual orientation or expect to relate to all social and political issues. You can respect a choice to celebrate how one wishes to be perceived, the freedom and courage to be unequivocally yourself despite bias criticism, the fight to stand up for a justice that does not discriminate against race, gender or economical background. Sometimes we can’t put the shoe on the other foot, that is not the world we live in. We can certainly try and live outside our brained washed preconceived notions, and do the research to find out the true facts before, we place judgments on anyone.

So whether you speak up today or tomorrow we stand with Uber x Empowered Voices because we all possess a power…our voice! Scroll below as TK shares our past and how we dealt with racism.

TK Quann’s Story:

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy.” —Martin Luther King

My twin sister, Cipriana, and I have teamed up with Uber X Empowered Voices project to highlight the power of using one’s voice and how that has always meant something truly special to us. Those aforementioned words by Martin Luther King have always resonated with me. I grew up in Baltimore, Maryland and remember at a very young age I was aware of people being mistreated simply because of the color of their skin. My parents spoke to us about injustice and inequality at a very young age. My seven-year-old mind had trouble processing that fact. I thought, “Why would someone hate the color of my skin? Hate fruit cake or raisins in oatmeal but not a color. That’s silly.” I was astonished that someone would treat someone better or think they were more intelligent because of skin color. Could that really be true? It wasn’t until my sister and I were almost involved in a hit and run that we realized people did not merely reserve their hate for yucky cakes or unappealing dried fruit but actually reserved it for real live human beings.

My sister and I were returning home from school and as we crossed the street it’s what we heard before what we saw that felt like our stomachs dropped to our feet. The kind of stomach dropping feeling when you know you’re really really in trouble with your parents. The kind of stomach dropping feeling when oxygen masks unexpectedly release during unsettling airplane turbulence. I remember hearing three things. The throttle of an engine so loud that it would rival any similar sounds emitted at NASCAR. The jarring screech of rubber tires on concrete ostensibly rattling our bodies harder than a jackhammer. Male voices screaming racial epithets with the kind of hot sticky hate that outmatched the kind of summer day so hot and so humid it felt enraged. A colossal hunk of pick-up metal monstrosity barreled towards us with one intention. Cipriana and I joined hands and ran for cover hoping that the safety of the sidewalk would be enough to deter their wrath. It was and their eighteen and nineteen-year-old ire quickly followed suit with laughter as they sped away leaving in their smoky muffler pipe wake two very confused and tearful twelve-year-old girls.

I always remember that day. It was our first personal and blatant encounter of racism as school girls. I thought, “How often did other people experience this kind of thing. Yearly? Monthly? Weekly? What was being done about it? Was anyone speaking up? Wouldn’t anyone find this scary no matter the color of one’s skin? Wouldn’t everyone not want this for their child or anyone else’s child no matter if they were black or white?”

Unfortunately that day would not be our only encounter with racism however that day ignited something and it’s that something that I think about till this day. All the time. It’s that something that makes me think about those Martin Luther King Jr. words: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy.” It’s that something that fuels my fire to stand against injustice. It’s that something I want in everything I do. Especially on social media.

So it really hits home that Uber is exhorting those to share their stories in candid ways. Cipriana and I have always been vocal on various subject matters and it is an imperative part of our work; whether it be writing, fashion, modeling, music or traveling. Our work involves multiple interests and it truly means something when we can work with brands and honestly discuss or address different subject matters that are meaningful to us.

*sponsored

Supporting Women’s Empowerment with Uber at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards

Cipriana Quann and TK Quann — Sun, 27 May 2018 23:55:56 +0000

We are constantly empowered and inspired by strong women. We have been surrounded by them our entire lives. Our mother. Our grandmother. Each other and our sisterly bond. The impact of our sibling relationship and having such strong, intelligent and positive women growing up affected the way we viewed what it means to be strong and particularly what it means to be strong women. Also recognizing that not feeling strong or empowered all the time does not make you any less empowered. It is natural to have moments when you may feel discouraged but it is important not to let those feelings thwart you from pursuing your goals or believing in the power you possess. Especially during those times it is imperative to have strong women to exhort and push you to continue moving forward. Remembering that strength or a sense of empowerment is not always about being strong one hundred percent of the time because it is in those tumultuous and difficult moments that you truly gain empowerment and strength. We have all had those moments and it is important to surround yourself with positive women or have a positive source of inspiration. We can easily attest that there were plenty of positive sources of inspiration at The Billboard Music Awards as we attended the festivities with Uber on May 20th on our birthday! We watched so many powerful and strong women perform onstage. Special thank-you to Uber for an unforgettable day. It was an inspiring evening celebrating with each other. Our bond has always been and is one of our greatest sources of empowerment and inspiration.

View our behind the scenes images captured by Photographer, Terry Gates, as we get ready for the Bill Board Music Awards with Uber, then our personal candid photos at the awards ceremony. Women empowerment always has a strong presence in our lives so it seemed only fitting to share this day together watching other empowered women perform on our birthday.

*click image to enlarge

*sponsored by Uber

Elle Brasil September Issue: The Quann Sisters

Cipriana Quann and TK Quann — Thu, 21 Sep 2017 15:44:24 +0000

We are ecstatic to share our 10 page editorial and interview for the “Be Cool, Be Strong, Be Real, Be Yourself” September issue of Elle Brasil with cover star Alicia Keys.

We sat down with Elle Journalist, Luara CalviAnic and discussed natural hair, why positive support amongst women is so important, the power of diversity within the industry, why we felt the need to advocate more non-stereotypical relatable representation for women of color in mainstream media, what self love means, defining beauty and much more. To read the full interview and view more images, Elle Brasil is available now.

Thank you to Elle Brasil, we are deeply flattered to be a part of this incredible issue and share our story. -Cipriana Quann & TK Quann

Photographer: Will Vendramini
Stylist: Juliana Gimenez
Makeup Artist: Maki H

NYC Women’s March: “My Love Will Defeat Your Hate”

Cipriana Quann — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 13:02:36 +0000

I know many of us have been feeling quite frustrated with the constant turn of events this week regarding the consistent barrage of executive orders from Trump and his administration. In fact, I am so tired of saying his name this week, I have dubbed him the Harry Potter character, Voldemort; “He Who Must Not Be Named.” Each morning I awake to more unspeakable horrors within our government and foreign policy, as well as a continued travesty of our justice system. As a woman, I deeply disturbed by the reinstatement of the Abortion “Gag Rule”, a reinstatement that comes only one day after the 44th anniversary of the Roe V. Wade Supreme Court ruling, which made abortion legal.

The policy bars foreign aid and federal funding for international health organizations mentioning abortion as a family planning option. The Mexico City policy, also known as the global gag rule, was first instated in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan. This not only concerns abortion but cuts on pre-natal checkups, cervical screenings, limited availability to contraception and HIV support programs.

In this disheveled state it is hard not to succumb to thoughts of feeling torn apart as a people, in a country that is meant to progressively move forward for ALL colors and creeds, not viciously backpedal towards a state of deterioration…but those who will continue the fight will only allow it to strengthen our resilience, bringing us closer together!

On January 21st I attended the Women’s March in New York, I was overwhelmed by the support and unity that was shown for EVERYONE in a place I call home. To highlight this sense of cohesiveness, I decided to focus my lenses on the children in attendance, they are pertinent to the hope of a future many of us want to see, and brought such a powerful message and presence to the march and the hope I still have in residing in a country where love will defeat hate.

Photos: Cipriana Quann

*To enlarge click photo

David Yurman: Aluminum Cable Renaissance Bracelet

Cipriana Quann — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 10:52:40 +0000

Photographer: Terry Gates

Excited to be apart of David Yurman’s newest Aluminum Cable Renaissance bracelet campaign. The collection features seven vibrant colors to mix and match and up your game in any wardrobe ensemble.

Scroll below for a closer look at the collection (to enlarge click on image).

#sponsored