WCW: Rosa Armstrong-The Project Chick

Rosa Armstrong is an accomplished interior designer whose expertise is in the field of “Do it Yourself” (DIY). Coined herself, “The Project Chick” she travels the country teaching people to take the old and tarnished and turn it into new and fabulous.  She is today's Women Crush Wednesday! 

I knew Rosa from 7th period earth science from high school and had the pleasure of doing PR work for her for her e-store The Bombshell Bodega.  I always admired her entrepreneurial spirit and sense of humor, it wasn't a surprise to me to see her drive get her a show on HGTV/DIY channel "Kids can Build”.

What makes Rosa's show unique to me is that she's a city gal, most of the DIY shows are shown in the suburbs, that's refreshing for a fellow city gal!  Rosa brings her Brooklyn flava collaborating in projects with her daughter Melania. 

In between projects, Rosa and I had a chance to catch up, check it out:

O.C.O: What inspired you to start The Project Chick? When did Melania get involved?

R.A: The inspiration behind the Project Chick really was just an evolution to who I’ve become in this arena. I found myself not knowing what to call myself like am I a carpenter, a upholsterer, crafter I tried so hard to peghole myself into a niche that I ultimately was like I can and do, do it all. I do projects I am a Project Chick! Melania was pretty much forced into this life I can always use a second set of hands when working and she became my unofficial apprentice. Thank goodness she enjoys building!

BEFORE

AFTER

O.C.O: Where do you do most of your work on your DIY projects?
R.A: I do most of my DIY projects in my workshop. I have a space that I rent so I don’t have to worry about being messy

O.C.O: What was your first “big tool purchase”?
R.A: My first big tool purchase was a skill saw all magnesium circular saw I did so much research on it and was afraid to use it because I heard how much power was in it and afraid I’d get hurt. But I’m still here with all 10 fingers!

O.C.O: Who are your style icons? 

R.A: Right now my fave style icon has to be hands down Tracy Ellis Ross omg she is giving me life. She’s all about street and chic fun and stylish feminine and masculine.

 O.C.O: Is there a specific project that you'd consider a favorite? 

R.A: As far as my favorite project to this day I consider it my daughter’s bed. It was my first build and With all the experience I’ve gained since then it’s pretty unimpressive as far as skill set but it gave my the feeling of empowerment that I needed to start this journey of becoming who I am today and who I strive to be in the future a can do can learn conqueror

Follow Rosa on Facebook and Instagram for the latest DIY projects and show announcements!

xo

Kos

 
 

All the Wellness Thangs at The Project Beauty Expo

Fall is here! When I think of fall it’s usually: Flannels, Pumpkin Spiced Lattes, and Leather Jackets. However in the last days of summer, I had the opportunity to attend the Project Beauty Expo and pick up a few items to jump start my fall beauty routine right!

 The Project Beauty Expo (PBE) has been in existence for three years and was launched by Brittany Brown. The expo features wellness, personal care, and cosmetic brands founded by women of color.  I was inspired as an aspiring entrepreneur seeing 40 brands showcase their product.  The expo provided a space were women of color could gain additional knowledge in band wellness and connected with fellow beauty enthusiasts. 

As soon as you entered Cosmic Juice was there offering a refreshing beverage (It was hot af that day) The Aura Tonic stood out to me as the ingredients are also good for the fall to treat the common cold: Ginger, Lemon, Pineapple, Watermelon. I plan to add to the protein shakes I drink in the morning :)

My skin does very weird things when the seasons change..does this happen to y’all? So much so that I am careful of what type of soap I use. I think the universe heard my concern because I ran right into Kim Waldropt of Terra Tory’s products. The artisan-soap line is hypoallergenic and inspired aerial landscape photography.

Me being a sucker for anything lavender scented opted for the Milk and Lavender soap. I am going to try the Cocoa, Coffee,Oatmeal Bar next!

Blade and Bloom offers 100% natural skincare products that do good while making you feel good. Their products are handmade in Chicago packaged in recyclable / reusable containers. I stopped dead in my tracks when seeing (drumroll please) A JADE ROLLER!

I have been wanting to try the facial roller trend for sometime now…again the universe coming in to play. I used the summer to improve my skin routine (pores no more) and drink more water. The results have been astounding. Why not step it up with the benefits of a JADE ROLLER:

Issa Vibe
Various crystals are speculated to offer different benefits, the rollers are no diff. Rose quartz is said to improve anxiety, reduce negative energy, and aid with romance and self-love. Amethyst is said to promote healing and balance, including sleep and the nervous system, and jade (the one I purchased) is meant to be calming.

Anti-inflammatory
They make great tools for calming the skin, reducing inflammation and puffiness, and providing a cooling massage to tired facial muscles.

Adding the essentials kit to the Jade Roller purchase was a smart move. I use it a few hours before bed time. Tip: put the roller in the freezer for 10 mins it wakes your face right up. I know I just said I use it before bed time but on top of the essentials oils that are meant to “calm” you down for me it works better ;)

The gift bag was BOMB, thank you so much: KIND PROTEIN BAR, HUM, CURLS, CONSCIOUS COCONUT, FOREVER WILD ORGANICS, KREYOL ESSENCE, ART NATURALS, COOLA, NATURALS OF ALKEBULAN, BLK _ GRN GIFT CARD, MOVITA

Check out Fashion Edits the week of October 1st as I highlight more brands from the Project Beauty Expo!

Follow PBE on INSTAGRAM and sign up for their newsletter, they are expanding (get on it!)

xo

Kos