Meet Angelique Scott | Jewelry designer & Artivist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Angelique Scott and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Angelique, how does your business help the community?
The 489 Collection is an accessory line designed to celebrate the black woman for all she is and what she brings to the world. As the founder and CEO I myself being a black woman in America know that in a lot of spaces and places we are asked to “tone it down.” in regards to self-expression especially concerning our hairstyles.
To be told that the hair that naturally grows out of your head is “wrong” or “unprofessional” is demoralizing and unfair.
In 2020 passed The Crown Act “This bill prohibits discrimination based on a person’s hair texture or hairstyle if that style or texture is commonly associated with a particular race or national origin.” This legislation came on the heels of several lawsuits from black professionals who were banned, fired, or reprimanded in the workplace simply for refusing to straighten or cut their hair from it’s natural God-given state.
Much of our jewelry features afros, the continent of Africa and the colors of the Pan-African flag in our designs.
We want the black women that purchase our products to feel empowered and beautiful in their skin. We want to produce jewelry that reminds the world that “different” or “minority” does not equal “wrong” or “inferior”
We would also like to thank those outside of our demographic who purchase our products. We thank you for joining our fight for equal representation. We honor your desire for us to feel seen and accepted. You are very appreciated.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
One of my favorite aspects about The 489 Collection is that all of our jewelry is one of a kind. We never replicate. When you purchase a product from The 489 Collection you have our guarantee that no else will have one just like yours. Another fun fact is that all of our signature collections are named after real women in my life. Professionally speaking, I feel like I sat on the thought of entrepreneurship for so long because I didn’t think I could be a self-starter. I felt like once I “got everything together” then I could take the leap. Then I realized there is no “perfect time”. I changed my focus from what I couldn’t do to what can I do to make this happen.
I am really proud of my journey thus far. It hasn’t been easy. There was definitely a learning curve but in staying the course I realized that there is more inside of me than I ever imagined.
A lesson I’d like to share is don’t stress yourself trying to be like another entrepreneur or business. They are them and you are you. Even if you produce the same thing your interpretation will be different and worth sharing with the world. There’s room for everyone at the table.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Okay who is in charge of these questions?! I love it here!!! hahahahaha

A hike at Garden of the Gods is a must. Then we are on are way to Downtown Colorado Springs and we are eating at T’ Byrds Tacos because they are the best! (Can you say avocado taco anyone?) Downtown Colorado Springs is a good place to walk off the three…. or twelve tacos we just ate. This a no judgement zone.
Now we got to get on that I-25 and head up to Denver. Selfie museum. Aquarium. Welton St. Cafe. 16th St Mall. Yes please. Final destination Union Station for a late night train ride to Glenwood Springs. Seriously who doesn’t want to take a sleeper car through the Rocky Mountains for an overnight stay at a hot spring hotel.
Then guess what… we going to do this all again in reverse. Come through Colorado!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh man what an amazing question! Absolutely, I would love shout out my son Joshua. I am a stage four cancer survivor and I was diagnosed when he was only seven years. I had a beautiful community that showered me with love and support and their efforts along with the grace of God is the reason I’m here today. No one was more faithful, loving, supportive & encouraging than my one and only child. Thank you for taking care of mommy. You are wise more thoughtful than a lot of individuals double and triple your age. I am a better me because of you. I love you son..

Website: www.the489collection.com

Instagram: the489collection

Facebook: The 489 Collection

Image Credits
@AmberBleyBoudoir ‘@NicoleSanchezMua