We reunited with Eric Jones, CEO and lead designer at LFLS shoes. He started his business in 2016, after graduating and mourning his late mom and dad. He pulled through and continued building his empire, making his late parents proud, building his life with the goals he in-visioned.

His mother in particular was a big part of designing LSLS shoes. She helped him create the first designs of LFLS’s 1st collection while he was finishing up college. Unfortunately, she was not there to experience the launch of his collection or witness his graduation. She passed away a few weeks before he graduated. Eric’s first collection was very important to him, as he was holding a piece of his mom in his creations.

We asked Eric how life changed since the first year into entrepreneurship.

”My life has changed tremendously, it is literally like comparing night and day!” 

” My slow success has allowed me to build so much character and it has molded me into an individual that has the influence, courage, resilience and story to inspire a nation. I’ve had the chance to experience so many things that I couldn’t have imagined. I worked with people that I never thought I would be able to work with MJ Harris ,Tasha Page Lockhart, Anthony Anderson and Desi Bank just to name a few.

I achieved goals that exceed my wildest expectations. I also, recently took a huge leap of faith and relocated to Los Angeles, California a little over a week ago. Coming from Helena, AR, these are things that I could have never imagined doing in my life! ”

Eric’s life changed tremendously in just 24 months!

Exposure – he has been recognized my national and international media and has been featured on Global Grind, Because of them We Can, Melanin Wonder, Voyage LA/Dallas, and a host of other platforms! New friends, gaining MJ Harris as a friend and mentor.

Building his CV, booking multiple speaking engagements and also speaking on panels across the country to share my story. Recognition, being recognized by my Alma Mater and moving to Los Angeles, just 2 weeks ago!

Are your shoes as dapper as you are?

It’s a guarantee because you can’t find shoes like these anywhere else. I have added my own unique touches to each shoe and they have become a high demand for special occasions like weddings, galas, proms, graduations and red carpet events. The shoes are the representation of a lifestyle that many individuals want to live. A lifestyle of modern luxury with a sprinkle of good old classic vibes.

How do you test the product quality?

I test the quality of my products by having a sample developed of a specific shoe that I have designed and want to send into production. Based on how the sample comes out will determine what changes are needed or if I will work with that particular factory or not. 

What was the main reason you chose to start making women’s shoes as well?

I decided to start making women’s shoes because so many women would ask me about shoes for them or if I made kids shoes that they could fit. I tested the market to see if women would actually purchase the pair of flats that I ended up designing. It turned out that they liked them a lot and at times purchased more than my customer base of men would.

So to circle back around on the question, the main reason I chose to start making them is to please the ladies hahaha. But then it also became bigger than that because I made sure the women’s flats matched the men’s loafers, which lead to our his and hers collection. My late mother Gloria also loved shoes a lot, I plan to design a women’s shoe dedicated to her in the near future.

What’s the next up-and-coming trend Eric?

”I’m not much of a trendy person, I tend to create them versus keep up with them!” 

If you weren’t making shoes, what would be your craft today?

Branding and social media strategy for sure, along with still inspiring people through my journey! I love everything about branding and how a business conveys its story to their potential customers, whether that be through visuals or strategy. This is one reason why I started offer branding/business development consultations. I also love styling too, so I’m sure I would also still be dabbling in that industry even if I wasn’t a shoe designer!

You recently moved to LA, how will this impact the LFLS brand?

” This move will take the brand to the next level!” 

Being in this environment around celebrities, stylist, red carpet events, influencers and a host of other entrepreneurs/creatives is all I could ask for plus more! You never know who you will meet here in LA, so many doors will be opened for myself and the brand that could have never been opened back in Arkansas. I’m thrilled to be here and just honored to be able to have the faith, courage and resilience to take such a huge leap of faith and sacrifice for my future.

Get you a pair of LFLS shoes to look just as dapper as Eric

https://www.lflsshoes.com/
GIVE AWAY - GIVE AWAY - GIVE AWAY - GIVE AWAY
P.S. Eric is doing a give-away in collaboration with Melanin Wonder. 
Comment under this article and repost it on your socials. 
Send us a screenshot of you comment under this post + 
your repost on any socials (email: info@melaninwonder.com) 
Winner will be announced in the third week of september.

Who are you for those who don’t know?

Hello my name is Randall Holloway, and I am originally from Milwaukee Wisconsin the Home of the Brew. I have five older brothers and I am the youngest of the tribe. My brothers had a major influence in my life.  When people see strong and educated black men standing together in numbers that is the most powerful image that can be displayed to the world.

Randall Holloway

Do you know anything about your ancestors?

That is a great question.  Our family definitely comes from West Africa.  I have got a little bit of European blood, but I would have to dig a little deeper.

“When people see strong and educated black men standing together in numbers that is the most powerful image that can be displayed to the world.”

 

How did you become a Filmmaker?

When I was younger, I was always writing stories and scripts and “doing it the Holloway”.  Since coming to New York I have been acting and partnered with Bric TV and Harlem Fusion Studio. That led to being a producing handling tasks like location scouting, social media management, casting  and now I am one of the executive producers of the Curvy Girls Rock Series. It is all Gods Plan.

Harlem Fusion Studios is a Production Company that was created by Shakesha Williams with the mission to tell honest stories to voice of the voiceless. So we are not afraid to push the envelope. Like Nina Simone said in an interview back in the day; “An artist’s job is to reflect the times.” So if we are not creating conversations with our art than what are we doing?

How long have you been acting?

Watch Randalls acting skills.

My parents started me off in the performing arts so I have been playing characters my entire life. I am currently developing my website, but if you follow me on instagram @itsrandallholloway and look up my name up on IMDB that will give you access a lot of my upcoming projects.

One of the shows I am currently in production with is called Miles & Associates an action packed legal crime series created by Frank Deniro that centers around a black attorney named Ray Miles and brings awareness to a corrupted broken system and sheds light on the ups and downs of black attorneys in America.  I am also in production for a new series called Bubbly Brown Sugar, a love story about two soulmates meeting in their dreams navigating the ups & downs of life until they are destined to meet.

When did you start singing? 

I started singing at the age of 10 with a choir that performed for high profile leaders, and political figures throughout the United States. I continued my training in classical voice at Milwaukee Highschool of the Arts. My parents always pushed for my brothers to go to Historically Black Colleges so I went on college tours and got accepted into Howard University “The Real HU”.

Randall Holloway packed in a suit

Who is your favorite actor and who would you love to work with in the future?

OMG I have so many, that I look up to and find inspiration from, but if I have to choose.  I really would love to work with Sterling K. Brown, Viola Davis, Michael K. Williams, Samuel L. Jackson. So hopefully the Universe will listen.

How do you combine these three things and still manage to have a social life (acting, singing, directing)?

We make time for the things that are important to us. Successful people have the same amount of time like everyone else they just learn how to properly manage it.

Randall Holloway

“So if we’re not creating conversations with our art than what are we doing?”

Do you have a girlfriend or wife? 

I recently got out of a relationship so at this point of my life I would rather just stay single until God sends me my better half to complete my life.

What do you think of all the Melanin in the social media now a days? Do you think its, real or a trend?

This is not a trend this is definitely real. I love the skin that I wear.  There is so much pride, and beauty in the black community because we are the Kings and Queens of the world. With movies like Black Panther idolizing black culture I feel people are finally waking up and owning their magic.

Randall Holloway

How do you feel about light skinned men saying that they would never date a woman that is darker than them or a dark skinned woman?

Women are beautiful. If a light skinned man doesn’t find a dark chocolate woman attractive he’s dealing with his own insecurities, and you need to leave him alone.  Keep in mind there is someone for you so don’t waste your time and energy with scrub that doesn’t see your beauty for what it is.

How would you advise others that want to pursue a career in acting, singing or film-making?

First think longevity.  So many of us just accept whatever is handed to us not realizing how it could hurt us in the long run. So starting of; take on projects that speak to you as an artist.

Second find you tribe its imperative to find people that you surround yourself with that you can comfortably to bounce ideas and knowledge off of.

Be ready to sacrifice your time, money, and your relationships. Sometimes the industry has to create room for you so get ready for a lot of rejection and ups and down because it’s not an easy road to success.

Have u ever considered participating in a talent show like Idols for example?

I auditioned for American Idol three different times and X- Factor when they had their first season in the United States. For those shows what they don’t show is the amount of times you have to audition before you make it to the televised round of auditions. 

The contestant that was in my final group was told by one of the producers of the show to change her audition song to something more popular at the last minute. I started teaching the girl how to sing this Alicia Keys song, and when it came time for me to audition I got eliminated, but she end up making it through all the way to the Top 10 for that season.

What is your favorite place to eat out?

One of my favorite places that I love to eat in the Brooklyn area is MangoSeed. I am addicted to their Oxtail and Grits so make sure you all check out www.mangoseedbrooklyn.com

MangoSeed delicatesse

Favorite song at the moment?

I just wanna put this out there first the navy has been waiting Rihanna so I’m gonna need you to drop that album, but in the meantime Kendrick Lamar All the Stars ft SZA is my jam, and I really like Majesty from Nicki Minaj.

Your favorite place in Brooklyn?

I like to go on long walks in Prospect Park and sit by the Waterfall.  That’s when I feel that i’m truly connected to the Earth.

Do you ever think of changing your community? How do you plan on doing that?

Me and God got big plans. I eventually wanna open up my own Performing Arts School and help minorities get into college.

Tell us about Curvy girls rock and where can people watch it?

Curvy Girls Rock is a new scripted series about confident plus size women living their best lives in New York City. It’s not about fat shaming, and depressing narratives that were used to seeing.  Its pulls from shows like Sex in the City, and Girlfriends the only difference is all the leading actresses are plus size women. Were hoping to that a major distributor in Hollywood will see it and pick up the series so that we can get syndicated.  As of right now we have a few people interested, but if its not the right deal we’re not going to take. It’s only fair to the cast,crew, and our audience that have been rocking with us for so long.

“There is a missing voice in Hollywood”

 

There is a missing voice in Hollywood and here at Harlem Fusion Studios we are giving these women more of a narrative on television. Sixty-seven percent of the women in the United States are plus size, but Hollywood only pulls from the two percent. We are not holding back, so the audience better get ready because it’s about to go down.

Where can people donate or support your cause?

We still need help with editing some of our future episodes, and all that requires time and money so every dollar counts.  If you would like to donate to our series please go to our website www.cgrseries.com and follow us on instagram @curvygrilsrockseries

Any last words?

Stay Humble People…PEACE

The founders of Momsdadslife

Ehinomen is 23-years-old and kelvin is 24-years-old. Kelvin has always lived in the Netherlands and Ehi was born in Nigeria (Benin city).

“I came to the Netherlands at the age of 12” Ehinomen says. Integrating into a foreign country was one of the biggest challenges Ehi had to face and deal with as a young child.

While studying in the Netherlands Ehi met her fiance Kelvin who was studying to be a nurse. There was a connection from the first day we met. The sparks were genuine and we started dating in no time!

Ehi and Kelvin shared had similar goals and imagined what their future would be like. They knew exactly what they wanted.

“We are like two trees blended together by their roots”

Ehi with her daughter

What are your views on interracial couples?

Kelvin: Dating someone outside your race can be challenging. People have their own meaning/opinion on who you should love. The first day I saw my woman was the day I knew she was the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.

Ehinomen: Dating outside my race made love even more exciting, we learned so much about each other’s cultures. It made us appreciate life, it made us realize that there is more to life than just our little bubble. We are like two different trees blended to each other by their roots.

“LOVE IS LOVE”

Ehinomen, Kelvin and little Rosie holding hands

What do you do to help (single) parents with your platform?

Most of the questions we get from our single parent followers is “how they want to do better”. We tell them not to worry so much, the most important thing is to LOVE your beautiful child. A child needs LOVE and ATTENTION. The child can never be a victim. We tell them not to think like a victim but to think as a solver.

MomsDadsLife

How does it feel to be a young parent, did you expect to be parents at this age?

Ehi: I always knew I was going to be a young mother just because I love babies but I underestimated the work raising a child. It is DAMN hard and especially with school, but I am blessed with the support I have from our family. Seeing my daughters smile makes every decision all worth it.

Kelvin: For me I never knew I would be a dad at the age of 23. I never thought of it being a problem. I knew if it happened I would always be there for my child even if I became a dad at 16. Seeing my daughter growing up gives me the greatest joy in life. Wouldn’t want it any other way.

Kelvin with his daughter

Which follower inspired you the most during your philanthrophic work within Momsdadslife?

Our Momsdadslife followers all inspire me. Without them we wouldn’t be doing half of what we are doing right now. We receive all kinds of messages that sometimes make us cry our eyes out.

Ehinomen with her daughter Rosie – Art by Kelvin

Where do you see yourselves in 5 years’ time?

We see ourselves starting up our own family care farm. A place where the elderly can come to have a great time. Married with children and that our platform branches out in Africa.

Where can our readers follow you?

• Facebook: Momsdadslife
• Instagram: Momsdadslife