The black-owned business of the day:

Herbs of the Forrest:

Herbs of the Forrest is a black-owned business who provides plant-based solutions for all of your health challenges, nutritional needs, and much more. We are here to assist you with taking personal responsibility for your own health. We are very passionate about helping people with solutions from plants, like eating fruits and vegetables in capsule form with a goal of delivering mineral and nutrients on behalf of the body's nutritional needs, physical issues, and health goals through the use of herbal supplements."

Website: Herbsoftheforrest.com

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I didn't expect the big ass door to make a creaking sound as I opened it. I only wanted the attention of the fine boys in my class, not the girls and the teacher.

The one thing that I noticed was that I was the only one dressed over the top. Everyone had on regular jeans and a tee shirt.

Well, it's a good thing I dressed nicely then. I stick out like a sore thumb now, which makes me more memorable.

"Welcome, missy. You're five minutes late on the first day. Don't let that happen again"

I nodded my head and went to take a seat in front of the class. I could see why she was my design professor.

She had on a long black floral skirt that has faced in it. She paired that with a plain white leotard and a silk scarf was wrapped around her neck. That's the typical fashion designer attire.

But, most importantly she was black. Her high cheekbones and slim face popped more with her melanin. I don't know about y'all but, I prefer having a black teacher.

They relate to me more and they know the struggle. I didn't have my first black teacher until I was a freshman in high though. My view on the difference between black and white teachers completely changed.

My first black teacher graded on a curve when she knew you were going through a tough time. She made sure to keep in touch with you outside of school just in case you were in a troubled home.

Her grading on a curve and being so nice only pushed us to work harder. No one dared to take advantage of such a nice lady. Her being so delicate made us not even need our grades to be curved anymore.

"Ok so, welcome to intro to fashion design. My name is Mrs. Anderson. I'm a very chill teacher so don't play me like I'm dumb. Once I lose trust in you it will never come back so, no cheating or copying anyone's design. If I sense some beef between any students you will be paired up together so y'all better put on a brave face"

The class started laughing. I'm going to really love my time here. She went straight to teaching after a few announcements. She pulled out a ton of fabric and started showing us some different stitch work. Some of them I've never seen before.

"Ok, so this is called the Russian chain pattern. I really like this stitch a lot. That's what pattern my mom used to sew my clothes for me. These shoes she made for me have that exact stitch"

She said as she passed around a pair of boots. The construction of the boots was amazing. I would have taken a picture of it so I can make a similar one but, I would look weird. So, I just sniffed it.

"I don't want to be one of those teachers but, we have a assignment to do. I want you guys to construct a piece that represents you as a designer. You guys have about two to three hours to complete it. All the materials are back there so, get started."

I expected everyone to go running for materials but, they just started talking to each other. This ain't no time to make a chit chat and get ready with me video. While everyone was distracted I went to the materials room and grabbed whatever fabric my eyes drew to.

As I was sketching my dress something clicked in my head. I wanted to do something different and super trendy. I know not a lot of people are going to like it but, I like it.

I tore apart the denim material and laid it out on the table. After all my fabric was laid out in front of me I got my structure and silhouette of the dress.

I looked up and Mrs. Anderson was observing the class. I was the only one who was actually doing something productive. She shook her head in disappointment. Her eyes landed on me and I quickly look down.

I don't want her to think I'm so weirdo that likes to stare at people. Next thing you know I'm being featured on the news for being a teacher predator.

One and a half-hour into our three hours everyone started sketching their ideas. I was about ten steps ahead of everyone else.  I'm not even going to need the extra time, by the way, this is going.

I sat down in front of the sewing machine and started sewing on the zipper to the front of the dress. I like dresses that are built differently and can't be found at every store. It's going to take a couple of minutes for me to finish sewing all of these pieces together.

I rather spend hours making my clothes than buying a 'fries before guys' shirt from Forever 21. Y'all be looking real weird with y'all Cheetos shirt and pants, I just don't say anything.

As if time was flying by I heard an alarm ring. Everyone put their scissors and measuring tape down and sigh. Not to toot my own horn or anything but, my dress looks the best and that's on having confidence.

Everyone that spent their time talking had half-finished designs that looked really bland. Some people even had empty mannequins were their clothes were suppose to be.

"The people who have empty mannequins you might as well go home for today, there's nothing for you to present. Next time if you know that you're only coming here to socialize then stay home"

As everyone filed out the room there were only five of us left. As the other three students were presenting their clothes I listened to the teacher's critique. I made sure to take notes too.

I want to make sure that I take note of what she likes and don't like for future reference. I was the second to last one to present my design. When she called my name I put my dress next to me.

"This dress speaks volumes to me. I always make sure to design clothes that I know I will wear and this is one of them. I would describe my taste in clothes as trendy, chic, and a little weird. I love using different patterns and materials in my work"

(A/N: this dress can be found on kaifacethebrand.co for $180. It's a good price considering that it's handmade and the size can be adjusted. Most importantly this is a black-owned business)

"That looks amazing Serenity. I can tell your design aesthetic is chic and trendy. I watched you make your dress and I was truly impressed. You work fast and your stitching is perfect."

I thanked her and gave her a smile. I looked around the room and everyone was butt hurt. They looked down at their mediocre clothing in shame. Maybe if they would shut the hell up and work their work can be comparable to mine.

"Okay, Iyanna you're next"

She pulled her mannequin and out came a dress with pieces of fabric glued together. Threads were hanging from the bottom of the dress making it look unfinished and thrown together.

"What is this? This is what piece describes you as a designer?"

"I didn't have enough time for me to finish my design"

"I gave you guys three hours to finish your designs but, about ninety-five percent of you are not finished with your clothes. Ms. Serenity was the only one who used her time wisely and ended up with an amazing design"

I could tell I'm going to be the teacher's pet and I love it. I'll do whatever it takes for me to be the favorite. The teacher often takes suggestions and ideas from their favorite students.

"I didn't have enough materials because she took them all"

"Did I tell you to run your mouth in the corner instead of picking out your fabric. Don't blame me because you prioritized making friends over your own major"

She was about to say something but, she had nothing to say. All she did was ease me. Sis is big mad that her piece was trash.

"She's right. Your design looks rushed and unfinished. If this was speaking for your design aesthetic it tells me that you're very bland"

"Really? You're my auntie and this is what you say about me"

"Girl I don't care if I was your momma. If your shit is trash I'm going to tell you it's trash. You could go and tell your momma too she's not going to do shit to me"

She huffed and looked at me. Well, it's the first day of school and I already made an enemy. I don't know why she's mad at me for, she's the one that didn't do what she was supposed to do.

I mean hey, if no one is talking about you then you not doing something right.

She went over some more things then dismissed the class. On my way out Iyanna whispered bitch under her breathe. I just shrugged it off and went on to the rest of my classes.

Once all my core classes were over I hopped in my car and pressed on the gas. The moment I got home I wrapped my hair up and ran to my room. I jumped on my bed in the shape of a snow angel.

Being successful really takes a toll on you. No wonder why I'm tired all the time.