A night at the “DOLLHOUSE”


On Saturday June 23rd 2012 as I was getting dressed to hit the streets and enjoy the first weekend of the summer I noticed that I had new neighbors.  I’ve inquired about the construction – but unfortunately no one in the area really knew what was behind the covered windows.  By surprise this day an awning was up entitled “Dollhouse” which struck my curiosity even more…and…they were open for business.  Once I gathered myself together I went on over and had the pleasure of meeting with the young owner by the name of Chyna.  As it seems “Dollhouse” is a new cosmetic line and the brick & mortar location is her flagship beauty bar.  Very impressing coming from such a youthful looking young lady – and by the looks of things the entitled name complimented the interior design dearly.




When I reached the establishment there was a lot going on.  The crowd was growing thick and owner Chyna was very involved greeting the people who came out to support her grand opening.  Although amongst all of the activity she was able to squeeze in a quick interview so that we could get a glimpse of what “Dollhouse” is all about.

With recorder in hand, camera in other and my business partner Lady Tae to my left we got to chop it up a little with Chyna and get some insight about the establishment .



Neek La Fierce:  What was your inspiration behind Dollhouse?



Chyna:  “Well I was a former party promoter and have always been into fashion.  Art has always been an inspiration of mine BUT the color behind art is what intrigued me…the things I realized I could do with color was amazing to me.  I worked for numerous cosmetic lines and as a woman of color I felt like most of them did not cater to our skin types and tones.”


Lady Tae:  What services will Dollhouse provide?


Chyna:  “Mink lashes, facials and glamovers…a little girls lip gloss line is in the works which I will be naming “Jewels” inspired by my daughter.  I am bringing makeup like a pair of shoes …we need it.  I see it as a part of life…It’s not just a choice we’ve got to be glamed up”.


Neek La Fierce:  I am excited that I do not have to look very far for my makeup now [high fives Chyna]


Lady Tae:  Where do you see Dollhouse 5 years from now?


Chyna:  “I see Dollhouse literally everywhere.”


Lady Tae:  Which products are you most excited about?


Chyna:  “I love all of my products but if I had to choose, I would have to say my brow kit…it’s amazing.  Concealer – amazing.”


{Neek La Fierce:  I sure could use a reliable concealer.}


Lady Tae:  What are three things you cannot go without?


Chyna:  “I will not go anywhere without my eyebrow kit, mascara or my concealer.  A woman should not be without concealer …raccoon eyes are not what’s up.”


Lady Tae:  You have a very interesting philosophy about a “not popping” brow?


Chyna:  “Never trust a B*%@# with bad brows.”


{we all laugh}


Neek La Fierce:  Well I must say your brows are laid tonight…I love it.  How would you rate my brow?


Chyna:  “They are alright…but seriously though eyebrows are everything.” 


 {Lady Tae:  I would agree that they put a smile on your face}. 


Chyna: I snatch my brows [snaps fingers]


Lady Tae:  I think she may have some trust issues.


[We all chuckle]


Lady Tae:  What satisfaction do you get most?



Chyna:  “I want for every client that leaves my chair self esteem to go up.  I want for my clients to walk out of my establishment with their heads held high.  That means more to me than the money.  It’s an amazing thing to be able to make someone that happy.  My art is therapy to me as well…I just love what I do.  I am not just selling make up – I take care of my girls…I give them 100% of me because this is in my heart…I live it.”


Thank you Chyna!  Both Lady Tae and I just thought that interview was absolutely amazing because every word spoken ooooozed with sincerity and passion!


During the mix Lil’ Mama arrived on the scene and I must say I thought her get up was absolutely adorable.  She was very responsive to her fans.  She took the time out to take pictures with everyone who put in a request and she worked the crowd with confidence, swag and a whole lot of class.  Her personality was very inviting and her aura screamed blissful serenity.  Although this was not my first time being in her immediate presence it was not hard to notice her graceful maturity.  Lady Tae and I worked the event like thieves in the night “get in and get out fast” *lol* – although we knew that 5 minutes seemed like an eternity (especially when others were eager to catch up with the starlet as well) she was able to give us just enough time to check in with her.




[Chyna (left) Lil’ Mama (right)]



Lady Tae:  So Mama what’s new?


Mama:  “What’s new…hmmm…let’s see.  Well I just finished working on America’s Best Dance Crew and I have been in the studio working on some music.  I am feeling real grownup.  I am just happy with being where I am at this point in my life.” 


{Lady Tae: You look happy}


Mama:  “Thank You…I am here today showing my support.  I love to see people grow and move forward.”



Neek La Fierce:  You look really cute.


Mama:  “Thank You”


Lady Tae:  So what inspired your new look?


Mama:  “A few years ago I decided to go natural and part of going natural meant embracing the look.  Full head weaves required most times for pressing of exposed hair and I did not want to do that so I played with various natural looks.  Tonight I am sporting braids, a little kink with a touch of blonde.  As far as my wardrobe…I am trying new things for the summer and giving color with the pastels I want to lighten up days and you know we have to lighten up the future.”


Neek La Fierce:  So what exactly are you wearing?


Mama:   “Well I am wearing a mixture.  Top from Zara – I caught the coming for spring fashions in the fall.  My shorts are vintage and as Lady Tae would say the “jean panty” look [Mama quotes]. ..[laughter]…spiked out Jeffrey Campbell shoes a pastel mint colored patent leather SS 2012 Epi Edition Louis Vuitton bag and silver body chain jewelry.”


Neek La Fierce:  You look GORGE’.


Mama:  “Thanks”


Lady Tae: Not one for labels but if you had to give one…. What would you call your look?


Mama:  Avant-Gardáe {Lady Tae: I love it, love it, love it!}


Lady Tae:  How do you know Chyna?


Mama:  “We grew up together.  I have known her since very young. Her mom and my mom were close.”


Lady Tae:  Last question and it’s a beauty question.  If you had to choose only 3 cosmetic products what would they be?


Mama:  “I definitely need a lip.  I definitely need my mascara and foundation …I naturally have long lashes and the mascara helps the eyes POP and I prefer  for my  foundation to give me a tanned looked as opposed to a matted look.  With those three I have a full face.”


Thank you Mama.  You looked Fab Cunt! I am sure Chyna was delighted that you were there to support her.






I could not catch up with the woman behind the interior design [Le-Toi Parker] but I did take some pictures to showcase her amazing work.  The powder pink, black and white theme was phenomenal.  I think the zebra striped rug was a really cute accent and the lollipop jar made it oh so very sweet =)  I have seen some of Chyna’s artistry and apparently she does take her line of business serious…I am sure any girl is liable to walk into this cute flagship a “plain Jane” and walk out a DOLL.













Well from the looks of the “Dollhouse” grand opening supporter showmanship was a success.  The large group of supporters made for getting familiar with the products & services and created a breezy platform for socializing. 

DOLLHOUSE:
Located 421 Marcus Garvey Blvd btw Halsey and Macon
INSTAGRAM : @dollhousepretty
FACEBOOK : Chyna Dollhouse


I Say That to Say This… with being born and raised in Brooklyn, growing up in this New York borough imparted me with the opportunity to witness its transformation.   It’s a place where businesses are breeding with young owners whose dreams are to not only be successful but to provide goods and services that we all want conveniently right in our own backyards.  To say the least, new businesses have flourished the neighborhood with visual substance, made some things a little more convenient and has inspired others to believe that it is possible to accomplish almost anything.









Interior Design of Dollhouse provided by Le-Toi Parker – visit www.opulentambiancedesignfirm.com for more of the design teams work.