A Bed-Stuy Humble Abode Rooted in Black Girl Magic
Nestled in the historic neighborhood of Bed-Stuy Brooklyn, New York, three young ladies have created an abode that emanates Black Girl Magic upon entry. Brittney Winbush, Skylar Marshai and Chandler Lewis have a three bedroom, two floor paradise that reflects the endless possibilities that are created when Black women share spaces - Apartment 3C.
Brittney is the founder of Alexandra Winbush, a company that pairs candles, teas and playlists for the ultimate self-love experience.
Skylar is the founder of As You Are Intimates, an intimates brand designed to provide handmade lingerie that loves your body as much as you do.
Chandler is the founder Bangin Girl, an online platform that explores love, sex and relationships for all women no matter where they are in life.
Brittney, Skylar and Chandler aren’t just roommates. They’re friends, personal cheerleaders, accountability partners and more. They understand that hard work is required if they want their entrepreneurial ventures and individual passions to prosper. These ladies make it a point to collaborate with one another to ensure everyone wins. It’s inspiring to watch. “Our connection is a God thing. These types of relationships don’t just happen by chance,” Skylar shared. And she’s right. The bond these ladies share is unique. It’s one of those things you’d just have to witness for yourself.
With just one visit to their quaint apartment, I left feeling inspired, motivated and encouraged by three women that are dedicated to leaving their marks on this world.
Brittney Winbush is the daughter of entrepreneurs. The Atlanta native was born with entrepreneurial bones in her body so it’s no surprise that her company , Alexandra Winbush, is flourishing. In December of 2017 Brittney came up with the concept for her company and worked tirelessly on bringing it to life. In May 2018 she officially launched the platform designed to provide pairings of tea, music and candles for a self-love experience unlike any other. In just four months, Alexandra Winbush experienced enough growth that Brittney took the leap of faith to become a full-time entrepreneur. She hasn’t looked back since. She also hasn’t had a reason to. “This is the most money I’ve ever made. I told myself, ‘If it works out, it works out. If not, I can always look for a full-time job.’”
Now on her second collection, Brittney can’t wait for the world to experience her new creation. “I’m really excited about this Fall collection,” she shared. “I think people are going to really like it.” Lucky for us, the fun doesn’t stop there! “I’m also already planning for another project to be released around my birthday in early December. I want it to be my birthday gift to the world with a portion of the proceeds going to mental health awareness for people of color.”
Brittney’s desire to shine light on the importance of self-love and mental health is evident and Alexandra Winbush is her proof.
“My passions are fashion and entrepreneurship. My purpose is to uplift, empower and stand up for women. This lingerie brand is where my passion meets my purpose,” Skylar shared. As the founder of As You Are Intimates, Skylar has a burning desire to see women win.
As You Are Intimates is a lingerie brand providing handmade items that allow for intimate comfort. The brand’s goal is for women to embrace who they are, as they are, from any shape, shade, or size. “I wanted to create something for women - especially women of color,” Skylar shared. And thus, As You Are Intimates was born.
In addition to being an entrepreneur, Skylar is a student at Parsons School of Design where she studies Strategic Design and Management. Skylar also serves as a Social Media Strategist for BuzzFeed where she provides direction for social content weekly. When asked about her busy schedule she simply credits the support of her friends and family for remaining organized and focused. It also helps that each and everyday she gets to come home to two women who are cheering her on every step of the way.
“Living with these two has completely changed me. They’re also entrepreneurs so they get it. They understand patience. They understand vulnerability. They understand the hardships and they support me wholeheartedly,” she explained. “Living with two Black women who are creatives, women of God and who are open to collaboration is an amazing feeling.”
What’s next for her? “My goal right now is to start producing items in bulk instead of all items being made to order. I want women to have that option,” Skylar shared. “I’m also looking to start an event series that will provide intimate gatherings and spaces for women - a space that resembles what this apartment is to me.”
“I’ve always wanted to explore sex and relationships through my writing while I was in college but I was too guarded. I was too in my head about what others would say. So I didn’t do anything. When I got to New York I heard God say, ‘It’s time,’ and that’s when I knew it was time to put in the work and make something of my passion.”
Chandler is the founder of Bangin Girl, an online sex and relationships platform for women who are bangin’ in all aspects of her life. “I like dating. I like talking about sex and I’ve always freely expressed myself in this area." Bangin Girl is her outlet to express herself exactly her way.
Earlier this year Chandler wrote an article titled, “The Art of Ghosting” that garnered a lot of attention for her honesty in admitting, she may have been a victim of ghosting. “‘Did I say something so weird that ended it all?’, ‘Did I fuck up the lyrics to his favorite song unbeknownst to me?’ I don't know WTF HAPPENED…” she writes. “What truly is the art of ghosting?” And while I’m not sure anyone really has the answer, people loved the piece. “Even up until today, people are still talking about that article. I think people really enjoyed it because it was real! Ghosting is real!”
As for the future, Chandler looks to continue to release content that provides authenticity and rawness to dating in the 21st century. “I just really want to push content and possibly explore ways to get people interacting around the topics of sex and relationships,” she shared. “There’s so much to explore, so much to talk about. So if you don’t want to talk about sex and relationships, you’re at the wrong place.”
