Press Releases

An Officer and Gentlewoman, LLC An Officer and Gentlewoman, LLC

New Artist Maria Raquel Drops Album 1 Am Has Family Ties To Jackson 5

Maria Raquel's new album, "1 AM" unveils the depth of her musical prowess. A mesmerizing blend of alternative grit and ethereal vocals, the songs take listeners on an emotional journey of heartbreak and self-discovery.

Introducing Maria Raquel, a musical prodigy whose soul resonates with the timeless melodies of her ancestry. Born into a lineage of legendary musicians, music is more than just a passion for her – it's a legacy that courses through her veins like an eternal rhythm.

NEW YORK - Sept. 14, 2023 - PRLog -- Maria Raquel's new album, "1 AM" unveils the depth of her musical prowess. A mesmerizing blend of alternative grit and ethereal vocals, the songs take listeners on an emotional journey of heartbreak and self-discovery. Her ability to convey emotions with subtlety and depth is captivating. Behind her mellifluous alto chords, bold synthesizers paint a vivid backdrop, transforming her music into an immersive experience that leaves an indelible mark on the heart.

Her musical roots stretch back to her great-grandmother, the incomparable
Shirley Cartman, whose stage name, Sheila Carr, adorned marquees alongside the biggest names in the industry such as Tina Turner. An enchanting violin virtuoso with a multifaceted talent, Sheila's prowess extended to the keyboard, alto sax, and drums. As fate would have it, she later assumed the role of a mentor and music teacher for Tito Jackson of the Jackson 5, during their early days in Gary, Indiana. Shirley Cartman's influence on the Jacksons was profound, as she recognized their exceptional talents and had the foresight to put them on one of their first talent shows.

Maria Raquel's grandmother, Nita Riley, emerged as a maestro, mastering the piano, drums, and keyboard. Her band, the Sweethearts of Soul, ignited stages with their soulful performances. Continuing the rich family heritage, Maria Raquel's own mother, Raquel Riley Thomas, proved to be an accomplished violinist and drummer during her teenage years. Maria Raquel's father Ron Thomas played the drums in church at a young age, adding another layer of brilliance to the family tapestry.

Now, Maria Raquel stands as a resplendent, independent artist, ready to make her own mark on the world with her unique sound.

But it's not just the music that sets Maria Raquel apart; it's her commitment to uplifting and inspiring through her art. Eschewing the use of curse words in her songs, she aims to create music that can be cherished and enjoyed by audiences of all ages and backgrounds, transcending cultural boundaries and spreading love globally.

"When I sing…. I sing in a world where there is no judgement. I want people to vibe off my music in their own manner, yet we still connect with one heart," states Maria Raquel.

Maria Raquel's impact on the music industry will be extended beyond her music, influencing fashion and cultural trends. As she follows in the footsteps of her illustrious forebears, the world can now hear the crescendo of her musical journey – a journey destined to leave an indelible imprint on music history.

For interviews, contact L. Nelson | pr@aoagwllc.com

Read More
An Officer and Gentlewoman, LLC An Officer and Gentlewoman, LLC

15-Year-Old Founder of Cosmetic Brand Partners with Miss DC Teen USA

15-Year-Old Founder of Cosmetic Brand Partners with Miss DC Teen USA.

An exciting partnership has been made!

Maria Raquel Thomas Cosmetics has partnered with Miss Teen DC USA.

“Founder and teen entrepreneur Maria Raquel Thomas embodies everything we desire for the girls who come through the Miss District of Columbia Teen USA Pageant. Her company works to empower and uplift girls by providing products that enhance their natural beauty and build upon their self-confidence. And that’s not all, Maria Raquel Thomas Cosmetics gives back to the community. A portion of the company’s sales goes to a nonprofit organization that provides aid and resources to homeless youth. So, it’s a no brainer that we wanted to partner with this teen who is a Queen in her own right,” states Chelsey Rodgers, esq, Director of Miss DC Teen USA and owner of Brains & Beauties Productions.

Miss DC Teen USA is produced by Brains & Beauties Productions. The production company is a Washington DC-based pageant and lifestyle consulting and productions firm. The owner and Executive Director, Chelsey S. Rodgers, is a former Miss District of Columbia USA and has been involved in pageantry as a contestant, judge, pageant coach, consultant, and volunteer for more than a decade, so she understands the importance of empowering young women to share their community passions and professional aspirations while teaching them healthy self-confidence and public speaking skills.

Maria Raquel Thomas Cosmetics is a minority-owned cosmetic brand that supplies a quick and easy solution to the way girls apply and wear cosmetics. Today's girls are balancing their personal, professional, and community lives at a faster pace and their makeup application should not slow them down. By using Maria Raquel Thomas Cosmetics plus using this formula, glamourous looks are now easier and quicker.

“I look forward to working with the Miss Teen DC USA organization. Our goal is to uplift and support these young women coming up just like myself. With us uplifting each other, we can create more unity than division and my company is here for it!” states Maria Raquel Thomas, Founder of Maria Raquel Thomas Cosmetics.

Follow the brand on Instagram at @mrt_cosmetics. You can also shop products at www.mariaraquelthomas.com!

For interviews with Maria Raquel Thomas, please contact pr@aoagwllc.com.

















Read More
An Officer and Gentlewoman, LLC An Officer and Gentlewoman, LLC

15-Year Old Cosmetics Brand Owner Pays Homage to Rock Bands With New Lip Shine Collection

9-1-2021 Atlanta, GA Maria Raquel Thomas, a 15-year-old cosmetic brand owner, has launched a new collection of lip shine cosmetics. The lip shine collection is entitled “RockStar”, giving ode to her parents musical background and to rock bands all over the world.

9-1-2021 Atlanta, GA  Maria Raquel Thomas, a 15-year-old cosmetic brand owner, has launched a new collection of lip shine cosmetics. The lip shine collection is entitled “RockStar”, paying homage to her family’s musical background and to rock bands all over the world.

“Music runs in my family. My mother, Raquel Riley Thomas, was a drummer in an R & B band when she was a teenager. My grandmother was a drummer in a band and a piano player. My great-grandmother, Shirley E. Cartman was a violin virtuoso, a piano player, and a music teacher. She actually was the music teacher of Tito Jackson of the Jackson 5, in Gary Indiana” states owner, Maria Raquel Thomas.

The Rockstar lip shine collection includes five highly pigmented, long-wear lip shines for girls and women of all skin tones. They are called: Lead Singer, Piano Player, Guitarist, Bassist and Drummer. Each lip shine retails for $7 and are sold at www.mariaraquelthomas.com.

The Maria Raquel Thomas Cosmetics brand has been worn and loved by celebrities. Tony Award-winning actress, Anika Noni Rose, the voice of Disney Princess Tiana, wore Maria Raquel Thomas’ Girl Power Collection. Also, teen influencer, Brooklyn Queen wore her cosmetics and shouted out how she loved it. Several national pageant queens have given the products lots of positive feedback to include Ebony Acton, Miss DC for America 2021, Lakeisha Brown, Miss DC for America 2020, and Chelsey Rogers, Miss DC USA 2008.

To shop the products, visit www.mariaraquelthomas.com and sign up for emails and text messages for new product launches.

Read More