Deuce and a Quarter

Detroit

Photography by Christina Holmes

Writing by Nelson T Sanders Jr.

Copy Editing by Jared Evans

July 2022

 

 

Deuce and a Quarter

 

The inspiration for me getting this specific car stems from my dad. Before I was born, he had an Electra, also known on the street as a “deuce and a quarter.” He always talked about that car and how much he loved it. If memory serves, he had the 2-door limited edition, which came with all the luxury bells and whistles, and it was a cream color of sorts—at least according to some of my older cousins. He told me he paid around $7,000 for it and drove it right off the showroom floor. 

 

Once I became an adult and developed a liking for old cars, I naturally gravitated toward the late ’60s and early ’70s GM cars. The lines, shapes, and attention to detail were insane to me. Being in the tailored clothing industry, I’m naturally attracted to thoughtful, well-made things. Clothing, cars, accessories, food and beverage, and home decor are all things I love, and they naturally coincide. 

 

Aside from being the direct inspiration for the car, my dad also played a role in me getting into the suiting game. When I was a kid, he’d always give me advice on how to take care of the things I had, and to always buy quality if I could. He taught me how to tie a tie, shine my shoes, and where to buy a hat or a watch. As I began to come into my own, I remembered the things he taught me when I was a kid and put my own twist on it. 

 

He’d show me photos of Detroit from when he was in his 20s and younger. Back then, people seemed to care a lot more about how they dressed. Wearing a suit was not just for a specific occasion—it could have just been a Tuesday. Suiting has seemingly gotten lost. With Dandy, I want to be a part of bringing that mindset back to the city.  

 

Detroit has, and will always have, a fashion identity. I want to think about the things and people I was inspired by and refine them. In a sense, Detroit is pretty country—bold, vibrant, and sometimes in your face. I dig that and respect it, but I think it’s time to take things to the next level. I’m continuing to learn as much as I can so I can properly educate my clients and people I come across on a daily basis. 

 

My Buick represents me, my brand, and my city.

 

– Nelson T Sanders Jr. , @dandy.detroit

 

 

Sheffy's Art Haven

Detroit

Photography by Christina Holmes

Writing by Sheefy McFly

Copy Editing by Jared Evans

August 2022

 

 

Sheefy's Art Haven

 

Welcome to my first art studio. It’s a little rough around the edges, but it’s right in the middle of my childhood stomping grounds on the east side of Detroit. I look forward to creating memories and paintings here; I hope to make a painting in this studio that will change the rest of my life. I’m learning how to separate my art studio from my living space—even as a child, my home has also been my studio. My good friend Alex connected me to this new space early this winter, as my previous apartment had gotten to the point where I couldn’t even walk around because I had so many paintings; the clutter was clouding my mind.

 

Recently, I had just gotten back from a meeting and was in the midst of a photoshoot—and also cooking dinner—when a few collectors came by to buy paintings. Even though it was a lot going on at one time, I felt a breeze of serenity. I’ve been finding peace in the eye of the storm, and having this art studio is the first step toward my growth. I hope to build better habits and strengthen my attention span toward my art and music. I focus on corporate deadlines and my growing demand so much that I’ve been neglecting creating things simply because I love to create. I want to get back to that feeling I had when I was a kid, dreaming about being where I am now as an artist, and to feel that spark of wonderment to give me the inspiration I need to reach new heights.

 

I’m just settling into the new space, but my art studio has become my home away from home. My art haven. A true blessing. 

 

– Sheefy McFly , @sheefymcfly

 

 

 

Beniteau

Detroit

Photography by Christina Holmes

Writing by Jennyfer Crawford

Copy Editing by Jared Evans

July 2023

 

 

Beniteau

 

When you live in a house and neighborhood for 18 years, it definitely has an impact on your life. That’s how I feel about 2569 Beniteau, located on the eastside of Detroit. In this small three-bedroom, two-family flat, my family of five saw some tough times. When I was growing up, there were only seven houses and three open lots on our street. Kids would play sports in the open lots, but my front porch was the place to hang out. I lived in that house with my mom and dad and my older brother and sister. My sister and I shared a room—she is just six years older than me, but back then it seemed as if we were many more years apart. We shared so many secrets in that tiny room. We talked about what we wanted to be when we grew up; I shared with my sister that I didn’t think I had any talents and only God knew what was in store for me.

 

Life was hard. Our family struggled, but living there at that time gave me the strength and the tenacity to get through all the hard times that I would face later in life. It helped me discover me. I would think about those conversations I had with my sister. I would think about all the people I grew up with and how we sat on my porch and talked about our dreams—where we wanted to live and how we wanted to just get off the block. But how? By taking a chance and betting on myself. So, at 32, I started my business, Ask Jennyfer, where I create platforms to help uplift and promote other people’s talents.

 

We do work in the community as well because that community, where I grew up, is why I am where I am today.

 

– Jennyfer Crawford , @askjennyfer