Press Releases
Akilah Love and Douglas Johnson to be Honored at the Prestigious 2023 HEIRrow Honors Ceremony
Akilah Love and Douglas Johnson have been selected as honorees for the distinguished 2023 HEIRrow Honors. As part of the third class of HEIRrows, Love and Johnson will join a league of exceptional individuals and entities who have left an indelible mark on their communities and the world at large.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Akilah Love and Douglas Johnson to be Honored at the Prestigious 2023 HEIRrow Honors Ceremony
8-22-2023 Atlanta, GA —Akilah Love and Douglas Johnson have been selected as honorees for the distinguished 2023 HEIRrow Honors. As part of the third class of HEIRrows, Love and Johnson will join a league of exceptional individuals and entities who have left an indelible mark on their communities and the world at large.
The HEIRrow Honors, aims to celebrate and recognize outstanding contributions made by remarkable individuals and organizations. Each year, the HEIRrow Honors shine a spotlight on visionary leaders who have exhibited innovation across diverse domains, while also embodying the spirit of selfless service, community engagement, and honorable endeavors.
Akilah Love and Douglas Johnson are the visionary co-founders of the DNA Brand Group. With their diverse talents and shared commitment to making a positive impact, they have revolutionized the business world and community. Akilah's philanthropic endeavors and entrepreneurial spirit complement Douglas's achievements as a former athlete and dedicated philanthropist. Together, they are leading the DNA Brand to new heights, inspiring others with their innovation and empowering vision.
"I'm genuinely thrilled about receiving this award and the cultural impact that this brand fosters. It's a true privilege for me to be selected as a recipient, and I eagerly anticipate contributing to and observing the significant community expansion driven by HEIRrow and its mission," expresses Akiliah Love.
The grand ceremony, scheduled for Wednesday, August 30, 2023, will take place at a private location in Georgia. The event will commence with a Hors d’oeuvres Hour at 7:30 pm, followed by the HEIRrow Shoots at 8:30 pm, symbolizing the official commencement of the ceremony.
For interviews, please contact L. Nelson | pr@aoagwllc.com.


From Boot Laces to Beautiful Faces: Army Vet Launches New Cosmetic Line
Raquel Riley Thomas, a former Army Officer turned beauty and fashion expert, has started her own cosmetic line! Raquel launched her new signature Raquel Riley Thomas Beauty Line using her 3GL Concept. The first of the line to launch is her Virtuoso Lash Collection.
6/3/2020 Washington, D.C. Raquel Riley Thomas, a former Army Officer turned beauty and fashion expert, has started her own cosmetic line!
Raquel launched her new signature Raquel Riley Thomas Beauty Line using her 3GL Concept. The first of the line to launch is her Virtuoso Lash Collection.
"I have been working in the beauty and fashion business for many years and the one thing I have learned is that today's women want simple, easy steps to their makeup routine. I came up with a new concept called 3GL: Glamour Lashes, Glamour Lids and Glamour Lips. They are cosmetic tools formulated to help women reach their ultimate glamour look quicker!" Raquel states.
The first of her collection to launch are eye lash extensions. This exclusive design was formulated to make lashes extremely lightweight and comfortable to wear.
Raquel Riley Thomas has worked in the beauty and fashion industry for 20 years. She is the owner of An Officer and Gentlewoman, LLC, a media and entertainment company, headquartered in Washington, DC. She is also a re-occurring expert on television morning shows.
Raquel is a decorated military veteran, having served nine years in the U.S. Army (5-years Enlisted photojournalist; 4-years Ordnance Officer). When making the cosmetic brand, she used military concepts to achieve her goal of simple yet efficient products.
Raquel is an alumnae of Hampton University. She graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate from the Reserve Officer Training Corps at Hampton. She simultaneously graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. She also has a Mastery of Negotiation certification from Harvard University.
Raquel's accomplishments have been noted in both her military and civilian career. In the Army, she was awarded the Army Commendation Medal (2x) and the Army Achievement Medal (3x). Raquel was selected as the "Veteran of the Year" 2011, by Women Veteran's Rock. She was recently inducted into the Library of Congress under the "Veterans History Project" where her military history is now stored in video and pictures. Raquel was also titled a "Leader of the Future," by Ebony Magazine and Washington Business Journal "People on the Move."
A portion of her company's proceeds have benefited non-profits such as: Luke's Wings, Vet Sports, Operation Renewed Hope, Victoria's Voice, Standup for Kids, and No Kids Hungry, to name a few. She started Queen V Day, a day in which she brings businesses together to pamper a deserving Veteran. In November 2019, she and other business owners in the community gave over $7,500 of self-care services to a deserving Veteran.
Raquel is married to West Point graduate Ron Thomas, Esq. with four children, a cat and six robots in their blended family.
For interviews, please contact pr@aoagwllc.com