OUR MISSION:
To provide opportunities for self identifying women and nonbinary of color to develop socially conscious art while forming sisterly bonds.
Flawless Brown is an artist collective and sisterhood for self identifying women and nonbinary of color. Our sisterhood exists as a network for women of color seeking hands-on experience and artistic collaborations within their fields while fostering a supportive and healthy environment where every voice is valued. There are currently five departments: Flawless Sisterhood, Flawless Stage (performing arts), Flawless Writes (writing and publishing), Flawed Comedy (comedy troupe), and Flawless Radio (radio show). There is also an online alumni chapter and an affiliate chapter in Los Angeles.
History
FEBRUARY 2014
FLAWLESS BROWN FOUNDED BY NYLA WISSA
Flawless Brown was to started as theater troupe for women of color at Emerson College that was based on sisterhood. Wissa felt that women of color didn't have enough opportunities, especially in predominantly white spaces. The majority of plays put on at Emerson during this time did not offer any lead roles to people of color. One month after the initial meeting, the group had written a full piece and five of the seven original members put on their first show.
Fall 2014
FLAWLESS BROWN GROWS
By the fall, Flawless Brown grew to thirteen members. Practicing in empty hallways and classrooms, the women began to build the first fall showcase, consisting of short scenes, individual and group spoken word pieces, and movement pieces. The fall showcase remains a staple in Flawless Brown's annual line up to this day. The fall showcase was held in Emerson College’s Multipurpose Room, which filled the room to capacity.
Spring 2015
FLAWLESS PICTURES FOUNDED
After creating a short documentary on the organization for a class, Taylor Jett had the idea of creating a section of Flawless for Visual & Media Arts students like herself. By the end of the semester, Flawless Pictures (originally Flawless VMA) had written and shot an original screenplay, Full Card, with a crew entirely consisting of people of color. Full Card is currently in post-production.
Fall 2015
FLAWLESS WRITES FOUNDED
Flawless decided to expand even further, offering a chance for other majors to work in their field. The section was founded by Lissa Deonarain who planned and lead the new department with the help of Alexandria Ellison. Writes posted four articles to their blog and created Flawless Mag, Flawless Brown's print publication. The magazine was nominated for "Outstanding Print Publication" at the 36th Annual EVVY Awards and has been featured in both ISSUU's and Harper's Bazaar's list of must-read feminist publications.
Spring 2016
FLAWLESS MARKETING FOUNDED
After working with Flawless Writes, Allie Martinez and Kala Slade saw the potential and need for another new department: Flawless Marketing. The department has since evolved into one that creates and manages marketing campaigns, advertising and social media for each section of Flawless Brown while building the members skills in various areas.
Fall 2016
FLAWED COMEDY FOUNDED
Flawed Comedy was founded in 2016 by Nina Rodriguez to combat the predominantly white male dominated comedy scene at Emerson. Founding members are Nina Rodriguez, Ashley Dixon, Rochely Zapata, Indigo Asim, and Natalie Torres.
Fall 2020
FLAWLESS RADIO FOUNDED
Flawless Radio was founded by Emily Cardona and Shruti Rajkumar to create a safe space for students to discuss and learn about issues of race and intersectionality, both within and outside of Emerson.