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

Hi Seshat, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process, derived from my pure Intentions to create products that add on to one’s greatness, positive images and messages that one could be proud of. Also, having autonomy was very important. I always felt when it comes to artistic expression, the more freedom to express is the true joys of creating. Borning ideas that allows one to grow outside of the box is vital.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have always had a love for writing and performing, whether it was oratory, dance, and even writing a play at the age of 10 for my grade school talent show. As the years went on my, love grew into writing and performing spoken word. Life is poetry, so with understanding the dynamic of my surroundings it is pure therapy every single time I would create.
I want to be sure that I latched on to the ideas that spoke to me.
In 2016, I launched my L.L.C Melanated Masses. The first product under the brand was T-Shirts and hoodies with positive affirmations, bridging the gap between being products of the diaspora and connecting all of our greatness through fashion.
As my thoughts continue to bloom, I added Master Teacher lecture led events, which included bringing some of the greats to my hometown of New Brunswick, NJ to speak such as: Queen Afua (2017) and Kaba Kamene (2022).
In 2019, my world shifted when my beloved mother lost her battle with cancer. I had to make a decision on how my life would be, will I gravitate to the grief, or will I do what I know best: CREATE. I chose the latter, I chose to create a children’s book centered around my mother’s life lessons she taught me and my brother. The book series was born and I must say it was saving grace in the midst of a storm.

As far as challenges go, starting a business is definitely not for the weak or distracted. I made the decision to start and not look back, only to see how far and how much I have created since launching the brand in 2016. With no large financial backing, just sacrifice, budgeting, and saving for the most part, I have been able to create more and more content and quality products. I am striving to continue to grow in various areas and I claim all will work in favor of the brand. All gain has been centered around providing quality service and products for our customers. I am excited for what the future holds for the brand.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Usually when I have a friend visit, I usually make a welcome meal for the first day, especially with traveling in I want to ensure they are met with comfort, laughs and a good meal.

Definitely would go to the comedy club (Stress Factory) in downtown New Brunswick.

Enjoy some live entertainment at Wilson’s in South Jersey.

The love of books and reading, definitely would go to one of my favorite bookstores in Jersey which is The Source of Knowledge in Newark, NJ. The Source of Knowledge was one of the places I frequent the most when I was in college, now my children’s book is carried there.

Restaurants: Cuzins Seafood, Cool Runnings in New Brunswick, NJ, Rhythm & Spice (Somerset, NJ), Swahili Village (Newark, NJ)

Balance it all, definitely will hit some trails and/or meditation.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to extend a shoutout to all who have declared and maintained the highest levels of intentions for themselves and others. The village of EQUALITY seekers, basically no matter what life throws your way, you still strive to want the best for others as you want for yourself!! Also, I have to shoutout my children’s book series: The Adventures of Patty B and all the wonderful people who supported and continues to support the series.

As well as my immediate village, and wellness warrior tribe.. Love & Gratitude always!

Website: www.Theadventuresofpattyb.com

Instagram: @theadventuresofpattyb and @melanatedmasses

Facebook: The Adventures of Patty B

Image Credits
Illustrator: Ibeliz Guadalupe
Children’s Book Layout WM Graphics
Picture of Author w/book: Najawan

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.