Freshman nail technician turns skill into business
By Alexis Frazier l Correspondent
With a clear plastic bin filled with nail products, one young Rattler turns a hobby into a business.
Simone Nisbett, a first-year pre-nursing student from Pensacola, Fla., is a licensed nail technician.
“I went to school at Pensacola State College to train to get my license while I was in my last semester of high school – talk about a struggle,” Nisbett said. Nisbett’s inspiration for doing nails came from her mother, who always fussed about her nails chipping. Nisbett said she had to keep them up to par.
Her mother also had a strict “no chipped nails rule” that was enforced while she was growing up.
Nisbett said that was motivation to keep her nails together, and when she did, people took notice.
“I remembered how much of a nail-biter, a nail tech’s worst nightmare, I was when I was in middle school,” Nisbett said. “I went from being worst nightmare to getting compliments on my natural nails in a matter of months, and then I started polishing them, aside from the little bit of cuticle care I’d do every week.”
From there, she started experimenting with different designs and patterns, which enhanced once she started school.Nisbett said that is when her craft began to bloom into sculptured acrylic sets and detailed nail art.
The challenge to master this skill was another inspiration for her, something she describes as soothing.
“It’s relaxing because it’s methodical, but in a creative way where I can express my personality or how I feel at any moment on a little, tiny canvas or on others to make them smile when they see their little bits of fun and glam at their fingertips,” she said.
Some of her peers said her work is worth every penny. Nisbetts’ roommate Queonshae Byrd, a first-year agribusiness student from Sanford, Fla., said she can see Nisbett working in a nail salon.
“The nails come out the same way as being in a shop,” Byrd said. “She is very creative.”
Nisbett has already built a clientele by networking through social media during the summer. She would post pictures of her finished work on Instagram and promote herself through Twitter. That is how some of her clients found her.
“I found out about her via Twitter and have been going to her ever since,” said Jasmine Drummond, a first-year biology student from Fort Lauderdale.
Nisbett is convenient to people who live on or off campus. She said she travels to her customers’ dorms, and people who stay off campus can come to her in Cropper Hall. There is one reason in particular why Drummond goes to Nisbettfor nails.
“I go to her because she is FAMU (class of) ‘17 and I want to support my fellow classmate,” Drummond said. “I also love the work she does, and it doesn’t hurt that she is convenient.”
Location is not the only thing convenient about Nisbett’s nails – she said her prices are, too.
“Prices vary depending on the service a client wants and the client base I’m working with,” Nisbett said. “I wouldn’t charge ‘struggling college students’ on campus the same amount I’d charge in a suburban area with six-figure incomes. “Sometimes I advertise specials for holidays, back to school or the season. It really just depends on what I have time for in between classes and homework,” she said.
Although Nisbett has a growing nail business, she said this is not something she wants to make a career out of.
“Nails are just something I can do to make extra cash or de-stress and do deep thinking,” Nisbett said. “I don’t really plan to expand on my hobby besides the occasional workshop to maintain and learn new skills, but I find myself more serious and passionate about the medical field.”
For more information about Nisbett or to set up an appointment, contact her via email at NailsByDancesWithWolves@gmail.com or tweet her, @DancesWithWolvz. She is also on Instagram, @Danceswithwolvess.
Offensive Halloween costume stirs racial controversy
By Alexis Frazier
Published: Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Click here for original article
As Halloween approaches, it seems as though some costumes go from scary to offensive. A post on Facebook of two white men portraying Trayvon Martin and George Zimmerman has sparked more racial controversy.
Last Friday, Caitlin Cimeno posted a photo with the caption “Happy Halloween from Zimmerman & Trayvon,” followed by a smiley-faced emotion to her Facebook page, which is now deleted. William Filene, portrayed Martin by wearing a grey hoodie with a bullet wound in the middle of it. As if that was not enough to cross the line, he painted his face black imitating the racially offensive blackface.
Greg Cimeno, was dressed in a black T-shirt with the words “neighborhoo watch” written on it. Yes, the “d” is really missing. In the photo, Cimeno is seen adjusting his hands to make a gun pointing it towards “Martin’s” head.
Before Caitlin Cimeno deleted her Facebook account, Greg Cimeno responded to a comment of a person who thought the photo was anything but funny by saying “Not too funny. It’s (obscenity) hilarious!!!”
Before Caitlin Cimeno deleted her Facebook account, Greg Cimeno responded to a comment of a person who thought the photo was anything but funny by saying “Not too funny. It’s (obscenity) hilarious!!!”
While they may have thought this would be a good joke and a funny costume, they probably did not consider that it would offend many people in the process. This was something that cannot be seen as child’s play, and at the very least, funny. The two men involved obviously forgot the fact that this was a life of a 17-year-old boy, or maybe they flat out did not care, but it was very disrespectful to the grieving Martin family.
Ironically, both men are from Florida, which is the same state that the now infamous case took place. This makes the situation even worse. As an African-American, I can say that it was offensive, but I will not let this minor act of ignorance get me upset. It just goes to show that some people have not matured mentally.
One positive thing I can say about these two men is that they had a lot of nerve to pull something like this off. Not only are they imitating blackface but they are also giving people another reason to make race the topic of discussion. It is hard enough that African-Americans have to prove themselves day in and day out, but there are people like these two gentlemen who attempt to make it harder to do so.
Honestly, this entire stunt is juvenile and senseless. I truly cannot understand how and why the two men thought this would be funny. Whatever these men’s intentions were, it still baffles me. The only thing that people can do is hope that they can grow up mentally and do better for themselves.
After seeing these photos, I hope some people can stop saying racism does not exist. Not only does this picture prove it, but also the deaths of other African-Americans such as Jonathan Ferrell and Jordan Davis. I am not mad, upset or hurt, but I am aware.
Keep safety first on Fourth of July
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| AP Photo/The Republican-Herald, Jacqueline Dormer |
By Alexis Frazier l Correspondent
Published: Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Barbecues, beaches and fireworks are just a few ingredients that some people will need as they celebrate Independence Day on Thursday.
While many college students will be traveling to celebrate the Fourth of July, Tallahassee Fire Department officials promote safety and encourage residents to use authorized fireworks.
“Make sure you use legal fireworks that can be bought locally,” Battalion Chief of Prevention Eugene Sanders said.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, there were an estimated 17,800 reported fires in 2011 caused by fireworks. Some college students who will be using fireworks to celebrate the Fourth of July have noticed how important safety is and will use precautions of their own.
“I am going to wear gloves to protect my hands from burning while lighting them and wear a mask to take caution for my face so it won’t be blown off by accident,” said Martez Hurt, a fourth-year criminal justice student from Washington, D.C.
Instead of buying fireworks, the National Safety Council advises people to enjoy the Fourth of July by watching a public fireworks show that is conducted by professionals. Many college students agree and have plans of watching others instead of lighting fireworks themselves.
“I don’t plan on using any, but I will watch other people use them,” said Keonia Abrams, a fourth-year cardiopulmonary science student from Fort Lauderdale. “I enjoy the shows and plan on keeping my distance from the people using them on the street.”
According to the NFPA’s website, “On Independence Day in a typical year, far more U.S. fires is reported than on any other day.”
Here are a few fireworks safety tips to from the National Safety Council’s website:
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
- Older children should use fireworks only under close adult supervision.
- Light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from onlookers, houses and flammable materials.
- Light one device at a time; maintain a safe distance after lighting.
- Do not allow any running or horseplay while fireworks are being used.
- Never ignite devices in a container.
- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks; douse and soak them with water and discard them safely.
- Keep a bucket
15 seconds of fame: Instagram adds video, competes with Vine
By Alexis Frazier l Correspondent
Published: Friday, June 21, 2013
Watch out Vine, Instagram’s latest feature allows users to post more than just photos.
Instagram announced on Thursday that its newest feature is allowing its 130 million iOS and Android users to upload 15-second videos that can be decorated with one of the social media app’s new 13 custom filters.
CEO and co-founder Kevin Systrom announced these changes at a press event, where he described the app’s latest feature as fast, simple and beautiful. Not much has changed about the app, but it now has a video element.
“It’s everything we know and love about Instagram, but it moves,” Systrom said.
The new video feature has gotten a lot of comparison to the app Vine, which allows its users to upload six seconds of video without a filter. Some students already like Instagram’s video feature better than Vine.
“It’s more clear and more convenient since everyone is on Instagram already, and it has more features than Vine,” said Destiny Cruz, a pre-physical therapy student from Jacksonville.
Vine, which is owned by Twitter, seems to be upgrading and adding new features itself. Co-founders of the app posted videos on Wednesday indicating new changes are soon to come.
“This is just the beginning,” the Vine team posted on its blog. “Over the next few weeks, we’ll be introducing some exciting new parts of Vine.”
Although Vine will be making adjustments to its app, some students feel that Instagram will be ahead as far as social media goes because of the different elements to the app.
“Pictures and video are like the best of both worlds, so now Instagram has to be back in the lead as far as social media goes,” Jeremy Brooks, a fourth-year business administration student said.
But while some may like the Instagram video feature more, there are still many students who don’t see the point of it, such as Khoury Styles.
“I don’t like it,” said Styles, an electrical engineering student from Washington, D.C. “I feel like it’s unnecessary. It will cause Instagram to be flooded with nonsense and rachetness.”
By Alexis Frazier l Correspondent
Harlem Shake
Viral videos sweep the nation
By Alexis Frazier l Correspondent
Want to get more than a thousand views on YouTube? Do the
Harlem Shake. This dance video has caught the attention of millions, and has
become an instant YouTube sensation.
The latest viral phenomenon was created when YouTube
comedian vlogger Filthy Frank used the song “Harlem Shake,” produced by Baauer,
and made a humorous dance video.
The Harlem Shake dance video recently reached new heights –
literally. According to CNN, some of the latest videos that were uploaded have
been aboard a plane.
A group of Colorado college students recorded a 30 second
video while flying over the Rocky Mountains. Once it was uploaded to YouTube,
it instantly went viral.
Some people seem to be enjoying the new dance craze that is
sweeping the nation.
“It’s pretty much an interesting epidemic that everyone can
have fun with,” said Bendji Louis, a fourth-year political science student from
Miami who believes some versions of the videos are better than others.
Several groups have made their rendition of the viral hit,
made their own rendition of the viral hit, including the University of Georgia
men’s swim and dive team, the Miami Heat and the cast of Charlie Brown.
Each video uses the Baauer-produced song with an added
dubstep that comes 15 seconds into the song. That’s when the costumes and crazy
dancing comes out.
The YouTube hit that was posted in early February is already
being compared to PSY’s “Gangnam Style” video.
While the Harlem Shake video has gotten praise from many,
others feel differently.
“I dislike the foolish act,” said Darius Tippins, a junior
electrical engineering student from Manhattan, NY. “It’s mocking and making fun
of the original Harlem Shake.”
The original dance was created in Harlem NY Tippins
describes it as a dance troubled teens would use as a way to settle their
differences and let go of stress.
“There is a story behind the dance that many people that are
not from NYC can’t comprehend,” Tippins said.
Breast cancer awareness ball raises $1,000
By Alexis Frazier l Correspondent
Published: Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Closing out the month-long breast cancer awareness efforts was the Pink Tie Ball, an event that raised over $1,000 Saturday.
Although there was a lack of guests, the event served its purpose. There was a musical performance by a fairly new band organization M.E.I.S.A; two breast cancer survivors also shared their stories with the audience.
Some students said the event was not as successful as last year, while others were worried that the turnout would be as low as it was because there wasn’t enough pubbing for it.
“I’m not sure how the turn out will be, because I only seen it on Twitter and I don’t know how affective just Twitter will be,” said Honesty Brennan, a fourth year music industry student.
The Pink Tie Ball was scheduled to start at 8 p.m., but had only the band and the survivors there half-an-hour later. While the presentation was nice and eight tables were sold only less than half were actually filled.
Some students said the event wasn’t that great.
“It was alright, it wasn’t special,” said De’Andre Sheppard, a second year pre-pharmacy student. “The energy wasn’t great.”
Jennifer Metayer the deputy sergeant general for the event was expecting about 140 people to show up. But that didn’t show in the audience. While the attendance was not what was expected, many who did show up enjoyed the event.
“I think it was successful, anytime you have an event that brings together people for a positive cause, and then allow them not to always just worry about the pain but to be able to have fun and to get people thinking positively about breast cancer awareness,” said Candy Churchill, a fourth-year political science pre-law student from Chicago.
Some students who were at the event have been personally affected by breast cancer.
“The cause is dear to me,” said Lyndsi Caldwell a grad student. “My mom is a breast cancer survivor for 5 years.”
Even though the two speakers left shortly after their speeches, they got out their message across and left the audience with some facts about breast cancer.
“Caucasian women are diagnosed at a higher rate, however, African-American women die at a higher rate,” said LellaCarter, a breast cancer survivor. “That seems a little backwards doesn’t it.”
Freshmen want better dorm maintenance, dancers request funds
By Alexis Frazier l Correspondent
Published: Tuesday, October 23, 2012
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| Lance Roberts/ The Famuan |
Monday night’s 42nd student senate meeting got intense as senators discussed issues such as residence hall maintenance, Strikers’ special allocation request, homecoming and Royal Court male attendants.
While living on campus may be a dream for some students, others complain that the dorms are outdated badly maintained. Some students are outraged that they have to live with mold and leaking ceilings for their first college experience. Some said they have witnessed maintenance problems being covered up and never fixed.
“I get leaked on by the A/C all the time,” said Amber Hodge, a first-year pre-med student who lives in Truth Hall. “I have to sleep on a certain side of the bed just to not get leaked on. It happens every day.”
The Residence Hall Maintenance Bill, created freshmen senators Derek Keaton and Travis Milton, will encourage the Florida A&M Housing Department to constantly maintain on-campus housing. The issue was raised after complaints from students on campus.
While some students focus on housing, others are concerned with money for transportation. The Strikers are hoping to enter a competition and possibly win the $10,000 prize.
The Strikers’ request would cover transportation and lodging fees.
While some senators argued against the bill in hopes to save money, Shepiro Hardemon, artistic director and founder of the Strikers, stressed the safety of his dancers.
“You can go a cheaper route, but you can’t put students’ lives in jeopardy to try save a couple hundred dollars or a thousand at that.” Hardemon said. “These prices aren’t completely made up. It came from Florida A&M University.”
He backed up his reasoning by explaining what happened on their last trip to Miami. Hardemon said they almost got into a fatal accident twice.
Junior senator Marquise McMiller, the author of the bill, also stressed the importance of giving the Strikers the funds to help cover the trip.
“They do not live off of A&S fees,” McMiller said. “If they were not funded, the Strikers will still exist. They will continue to do programming and a thing of that nature without the assistance of Student Activities. My problem is with organizations that live off A&S fees.”
McMiller’s other bill emphasized that this year’s homecoming was not one brought to you by the student body.
“I know this is my opinion, but I believe this opinion is a matter of fact,” McMiller said. “Mr. Green did not take much consideration of the student body, especially in the area of artists.”
Another issue that came up was the election. Keaton has initiated a bill that might change the 2014 election period.
Keaton feels that the student body should elect the male “escorts” who assist Mr. FAMU.
“I’m a person that is for equal opportunity and responsibility,” Keaton said. “I want the everyday male student at FAMU to have the opportunity to be part of the Royal Court if they aspire to do so.”
If this bill sounds familiar, that is because in 2010, Trenton Kirksey addressed this same issue with the senate.
“The system works fine but does not best serve the student body,” Kirksey said in 2010.
While Keaton and Kirksey feel that the bill should be passed, the Royal Court advisor and Mr.FAMU think differently.
“I disagree with that notion, they are simply what their title states; an escort,” said Khala Adams, the Royal Court advisor. “It is a perk of being Mr. FAMU that you get to pick who is a part of your court.”
Mr. FAMU, Larry Polynice agrees with Adams.
“I feel that is a bit much for an escort position there’s no need for it,” Polynice said.
While the bill is still being considered, Kirksey still feels strongly about this notion that he suggested years ago.
“It is great to see that they want to move forward and get away from the political spoiler system that is emplaced on every level of government,” Kirksey said. “It will make the court a face for the university and it will be literal in its meaning.”
'Charlie Sky' Song About President Ammons Sparks Major Conversation at FAMU
Many Students Get the Joke; Others Say It's Too Soon
By Alexis Frazier l Correspondent
Published: Friday, July 13, 2012
Less than 24 hours after Florida A&M President James H. Ammons resigned Wednesday, a FAMU student posted a satirical song online about Ammons' abrupt decision to leave, sending students to social media sites with mixed reactions.
James Genwright, better known as “Charlie Sky,” released the song "President Ammons" at midnight on Wednesday by Twitter and posted a video to YouTube.
“The song basically incorporates how I feel a person with such power probably feels without saying so,” Genwrightsaid.
Genwright had no intentions of releasing the song, which he wrote four months ago, but once Ammons released his letter of resignation, Genwright received a lot of text messages and tweets asking him to make a video for the song.
Ammons' resignation announcement was the “perfect timing,” Genwright said.
Ammons resigned via letter to the university's Board of Trustees about midday Wednesday, sparking a frenzy among students, faculty and alumni. His resignation is effective Oct. 11, 2012. The Board of Trustees organized an emergency call-in meeting for Monday to discuss the state of the university and Ammons' rule as he "transitions out" to take a post as a tenured faculty member in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics STEM divisions at FAMU.
"All the other schools I can't see you, hottest president at a HBCU." Genwright said in his lyrics.
Students, many still surprised by Ammon’s resignation, have been tweeting to the video and the song on Thursday -- many in favor, with others against.
Chimere Wright, whose twitter name is @iAmFancyCouture, tweeted, “This is a must-watch video.”
Although there are students who support Genwright’s new video, others argued it wasn't the right time.
“In times like this we as students past and present need to help uplift our great institution and this does not help,” tweeted Lambert Parker II, 25, who goes by @lambo_P on Twitter.
The reviews on Twitter have not all been positive but for the most part students interviewed on campus Thursday say they love the song.
“It’s extremely humorous,” said Tuki Pitt, 20, a junior. “Ammons may feel a bit offended due to the strong language.”
The song has a few obscenities, but some of the students feel that Genwright is showing his creativity no matter how much “foul language.”
“It’s creative,” said Latalia Seidner, 22, a senior. “People at FAMU take things way too seriously.”
House party turns violent, shots fired
By Alexis Frazier l Correspondent
Published: Wednesday, March 28, 2012
What seemed like a typical house party turned violent Sunday morning when shots were fired.
Tallahassee Police Department responded to a call in reference to a shooting at 2024 Broad Street.
Initial investigation revealed the shooting stemmed from a verbal argument that worsened at a house party. The shooting was caused by an unknown suspect, who grabbed a gun from a vehicle when an argument was underway,
Two victims sustained non-life threatening injuries and were taken to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital for treatment.
Some students feel that house parties are too dangerous.
“This is an good example of why I don’t like going to house parties because there is no security, and it is too packed in a none spacious facility,” said Chimere Wright, a third year elementary education student.
Florida A&M officials sent alerts warning students of this incident via the E2 campus alert system, which students think would be helpful, if they knew more information about it.
Yashika Howzell, a third year pre occupational wellness student said: “I don’t even know about the alerts or how to sign up. If students knew more about this it would make us feel safe and have a less likely chance of someone getting hurt.”
Police officials are currently following all leads and the case is still under investigation.
Yoga has been around for
many centuries. To date, almost 16 million Americas practice yoga everyday.
People who do yoga have shown a different outlook on life.
Faith Grant, a third-year criminal justice student, called yoga an enjoyable pastime that can be a social activity. “I do yoga because it’s relaxing and an
Breathe in, breathe out
By Alexis Frazier lCorrespondent
Published: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 |
| Associated Press |
Got stress? Stretch out, say yoga practitioners.
In fact, for centuries, people in the east have
been holding yoga poses as a spiritual practice. Even now, thousands of years
after the first recorded session, people still use yoga to de-stress mentally,
physically, spiritually and emotionally.
Florida A&M student Leila Henrys, 20, does
yoga once a week. “It helps me clear my mind and it’s good stretching
exercise,” said Henrys.
However, the practice of yoga can not only
promote a stress- free life but allow students to channel their energy in a
positive manner.
Yoga mediation has been around for thousands of
years. Its origins can’t be traced, but it is recorded that the practice has
been around since before 5000 B.C. More than 15.8 million Americans practice
yoga today according to yogajournal.com.
Yoga meditation have a variety of styles, each style has a specific meaning. For example, Hatha yoga, one of the most common styles,
is a good choice for stress management. Although that practice is for stress,
most people can benefit from any style of yoga.People who do yoga have shown a different outlook on life.
Faith Grant, a third-year criminal justice student, called yoga an enjoyable pastime that can be a social activity. “I do yoga because it’s relaxing and an
incredible stress reliever, and its fun,” Grant said. “I would definitely recommend others to do at least try yoga, because not only does it have physical and mental benefits, it’s a great hobby or something to do on your down time, plus it’s something fun to do with your friends.”
Some see yoga as a hobby, and others view it as a way of life. Either way, yoga can be helpful to college students.
Yoga meditation has eight classical steps that can help manage stress, including yarma, which means ethical restraints; and niyama, which is necessary for internal balance.
Whether for fun, sport, health and spirit, yoga meditation is more than just a trend. It is a way of life for many people.
