Jabou has been planning this beauty portrait session with me for MONTHS. I am so glad it was still able to happen, despite the global pandemic.
Jabou is a model based in Philadelphia, PA. Her sister, Fatima (aka Breanna), is her biggest hype woman. I believe that as long as Jabou has Fatima on her side, she will be unstoppable.
“I hope to enter the commercial beauty space and inspire black women to truly embrace and love the skin they’re in.”
“Initially, my biggest obstacle was really just allowing myself to get out of my own way and trusting myself that I was ready for this journey. ”
Jabou is Gambian and Senegalese. What I love about working with African women (besides them being absolutely beautiful) is the beautiful display of their colorful culture.
“I would say my style is influenced by my definition of my blackness — a play on Afrofusion. I love mixing patterns and textures. ”
Remember the Diallo Dynasty shoot I did last fall? Well, Fatima is still going strong. She made this amazing head piece. She added the finishing touches while Isabelle did Jabou’s make up.
“Fatima started Diallo Dynasty as a way to celebrate the beauty of blackness, in a regal and royal way! I was so excited to wear her beautifully made pieces. Her jewelry is an ode to the beauty within the diaspora.”
Doesn’t this last shot look like the cover of a magazine! All the heart eyes!!
“It shouldn’t be rare to see a women of deep melanin on the cover of a magazine or as the first black women to walk in a company’s runway fashion show in 2020.”
I am soooo proud of how this shoot came out. Working with these two has been a great experience. I hope we can work together again soon!
Model: @jabou.jpeggg
Photography: @graceportraitdesign
Creative Direction: @afriqueendom
Crown/Accessories: @diallodynasty
MUA: @derosebeauty
Hair: @slayedinbraids