Suited + Booted For Summer
A Glazed TV Moment, chat with Glazed Muse Elle Clay + June Gems
Glazed TV Mix 2
Featured Video: DJ Lovie performing a set for DJOON in Paris wearing the Soul Connection x Glazed NYC Mod Top
We made another special mini mix for you this month—Featuring excerpts of the Dance Theatre of Harlem’s 1977 Ballet “Forces of Rhythm,” an interview with the female titans of 90’s House Music, and some hot new chunes hyping us up as we step into summer.
You know, making these mixes got us thinking…should we bring back our 24hr Glazed TV channel on Locally Grown? It’s always a treat curating visuals for you that have either impacted our creative lens or simply bring us joy so maybe it’s time to run it back. Let us know your thoughts + enjoy Glazed TV Mix 2 in the meantime❣️
Glazed Muse: Elle Clay
This month we’re spotlighting our dear friend, LA-based writer and filmmaker, Elle Clay. We go way back will Elle who’s been supporting Glazed since day 1 so it’s an honor to feature her as our muse this month. Elle’s charismatic and raw approach to storytelling has captivated us for over a decade and we’ve even had the pleasure of being guests on her talk show back in 2017. We’ve definitely got history together but we’re super excited for Elle’s newest endeavor, making her directorial debut with a short film, co-directed with Leilah Weinraub, produced by Gilga and Gummy Films and starring Ajani Russell, Jonny-James Kajoba & Renee Harrison. “Seek No Favor” is about when an inconspicuous lesbian's anxiety transforms her into a neighborhood vigilante and she follows her heart to a showdown against a local menace. Keep an eye out for her film releasing in 2025—for now, get into our quick chat with Elle⊹ ࣪ ˖
What initially inspired your journey in the creative space?
I can’t really pinpoint what initially inspired me but my mom always exposed me to the arts/creative spaces growing up.
How do you believe your work stands out, and which creators have influenced your style or approach?
I think what makes anyone’s work stand out is their point of view. I’ve very observant. Most of my work starts from a general observation and curiosity that grows into an idea.
I love how J. California Cooper tells stories. I’m inspired by the originality of Jackie Ormes, Robert Townsend & Hugh Hayden.
What is a significant challenge you've faced in your process and how have you grown from it?
Rejection. I’m still quite early in my filmmaking career, but I have been working on my projects for at least five years.
Getting rejected countless times from competitions and residencies or even having unsuccessful pitch meetings was very difficult to deal with over the years. I felt like rejection meant my work wasn’t good enough, which made me question whether this was the right path for me. Thankfully, I continued to nurture my projects and myself — I took classes and sought advice from folks I admired. That really helped me build my confidence and learn to trust myself.
How do you engage in collaboration and stay innovative in your endeavors?
The best way to stay innovative is to listen and have a curious mind.
I engage in collaboration with a lot of humility. I am honest with myself about my strengths and weaknesses. I try to learn from everyone around me. I grew up playing basketball, so teamwork comes naturally to me.
What advice would you give the young visionaries looking to establish themselves in the industry?
Be original. You don’t have to have a lot of resources to execute a good, original idea. We can see flashes of greatness in DIY clothes, unmastered tracks, films shot on phones.. you know? Just make something that is additive and original.
Where do you see yourself heading in the next few years?
I’ll continue to make the projects that are important to me while collaborating and working with folks I admire.
Connect with Elle and view more of her work on Instagram @southernelle
June Glazed Gems
Serena Williams WYNs again…this time taking over the beauty space with a line of no frills makeup essentials. Inspired by the sporty lifestyle and made of clean, high-performing ingredients, WYN Beauty is the perfect line for girlies on the go. So far we’re loving the hydrating skin tint with SPF 30 that’s been developed with deeper skin tones in mind and available in 36 shades—it’s got really nice coverage but doesn’t feel heavy which is ideal in this heat. We’re also loving the “Big Vision” mascara which has such a good mix of length AND volume because the eyes deserve all the drama. In addition to wynbeauty.com, you can find WYN at ulta.com and select Ulta Beauty stores.
The quintessential mecca for Black history artifacts, BLK MKT Vintage holds a very special place in our hearts. BMV has been a community resource for folks to feel seen, pay homage and learn—truly a 1/1 sensory experience that excites our passion for preservation. When we had our Glazed Studio Pop Up at Cafe Erzulie in 2022, we sourced magazines, records, tapes and posters spanning decades from BMV that were available for guests to immerse themselves in during appointments and visits. This past weekend, BMV closed their Brooklyn brick & mortar on Marcus Garvey & Decatur with a final toast but thankfully will be opening up a new space in the near future. In the meantime, you can shop their curated materials and ephemera online. Big congrats to BLK MKT Vintage on their growth, we’re excited to see what’s next! x
To know us is to know that we’re huge fans of using what already exists to create something new, functional and, of course, beautiful. EDAS’s Sade Mims has cracked the code yet again with EDAS Home Volume 001, featuring this gorgeous, handmade recycled wood side table that has delicious pops of color and a harmonious collaboration of shapes that make our eyes oh so happy 😍