What’s in a name? Clearly a lot. Charlotte’s Cleo Jones has gained a lot from her stage name. Born Tamara (Aquiyla) Lytch, Cleo was named after Tamara Dobson who played in the 1970’s Cleopatra Jones movie; so, it was it was only natural to choose her stage name as Cleo Jones.
Raised in Heidelberg, Germany this military brat soon found herself in Charlotte, NC. She remembers being a teen with a passion for art and a eye for detail who was strong. Her skill (she’s fluent in many artistic mediums from sketching to piano) and strength lead her on a mission to fight against all odds and against discrimination of women in the entertainment industry and abroad.
She is the owner of Venus Phli, a clothing and accessory line that has graced many including celebs such as Drew Sidora, Alicia Keys, Fantasia, and Yazarah.
Never wanting to leave any of her talents behind, Cleo Jones decided to broaden her career in 2001 as a powerful lyricist, a female emcee mentored by Chuck D of Public Enemy. She joined Chuck D in putting together an all female emcee group currently known as Crew Grrl Order under the SLAMJAMZ Record Label. She has shared the stage with legends such as MC Lyte, KRS-One, ICE T, Public Enemy, Kool Herc and many many more. Cleo Jones has toured venues all across the U.S. to include major events such as Women Who Jam, Hopscotch Festival, Go Green Festival and The Women of Hip Hop Awards. In the midst of it all, she managed to find time to work with many groups and camps to build up her lyrical delivery. Later she was joined by producer Demario Mcilwain to birth her first solo project “Freedom” which has reached into areas such as Russia, United Kingdom, South Africa, France and Australia. Now embarking on a new year and transition in her life she has become Queen Cleopatra more than a name. Her voice remarkable, her strength endless, her style undeniable, and her lyrics very touching. Inspired by life and main stream acts such as Diana Ross, Zapp Mama, Lauryn Hill, and Bahamadia she knows now the time has come for her to combine her talents of positive, uplifting music that soothes the soul and clothing and accessory designs that are works of art. For more info go to www.queencleopatraonline.com
1. How would you describe your style?
Eclectic I dress according to my mood but always with a cultural flare ex. african or indian inspired accessories
2. Who would you say inspires your style?
There are so many that inspire me from my mother to artist like Diana Ross, Zapp Mama and Les Nubians
3. Who is your favorite designer?
There isn’t one designer that I can pinpoint outside myself lol but just to name a few classics like B Micheal,Coco Chanel, Bongiwe Walaza , Carolina Herrara, Micheal Kors, Thulare Monareng
4. What accessory do you have to wear every day?
Big Earrings I absolutely love accessories but earrings I never leave home without them.
5. What’s your fashion pet peeve?
When people are scared to take chances and don’t stay true to their own since of style.
6. What fashion tips would you like to share with others?
Do what looks good on you and fits your persona don’t be scared to step out of the box every once in a while. Fashion is fun and a extension of your creative self embrace it!
7. What’s your favorite color?
Right now my fav is pink but usually turquoise blue or bright yellow
8. If you had to describe your style in terms of music, what artists, genre of music etc would you say best describes your style?
Definitely african, cuban, etc.. like Zapp mama, Les Nubians, Sade, Erykah Badu I love how all the artist mix and match their colors, prints and style to create a very funky eclectic style.
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