Source: CBS Photo Archive / Getty

When you see Gabrielle Union these days, the beloved actress turned beauty boss is proudly flaunting her natural hair in curls or corn rows. But she didn’t always love her hair the way she does today. Union is like many women, who’ve had to relearnt the beauty of her hair the way it grows from her scalp.

“When I was younger, I hated everything about [my hair]. I wanted it to be anything but what it was,” Union told PEOPLE in an interview. “I wasted so much of my youth in my twenties, thirties and certainly my teens wanting to be someone else. I was inundated with images and messages saying, ‘You’re just not as pretty as so-and-so.'”

It took Union 40 years to “empty her bag of f*cks.” But better late than never! Ever since she embarked on a journey of self-love she’s discovered her true essence and been able to instill in her daughter, Kaavia Wade, that same confidence and space to grow into herself. She also launched a beauty line to help other women care for their natural hair.

Flawless by Gabrielle Union is a budget-friendly collection of products created to nourish your natural hair and get it to its healthiest state. She and Flawless collaborated Larry Sims, recently taught a masterclass on how to achieve the a flawless two strand twist out in partnership with Sally Beauty’s DIY University, a platform that gives everyday women access to haircare professionals.

Shoutout to Gabrielle’s new growth *pun intended*.

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Last night’s Golden Globe Awards was filled with memorable gowns and perfectly groomed hair. On the list of must-have styles, was Angela Bassett and of course Tiffany Haddish. We already gave the deets on Haddish’s blonde buzz cut, but it we wouldn’t be playing fair if we didn’t share the lowdown on Mrs Bassett’s thigh-length braid done by celebrity hairstylist, Randy Stodghill.

Angela Bassett set the red carpet off in a single-shoulder purple Dolce & Gabbana gown with a thigh-high slit up one leg and feather accents. To not overwhelm her look, Randy opted for a chic, extra long braid that dangled over one shoulder. To achieve the look, he used a products from the Phyto collection.

Source: Todd Williamson/NBC / Getty

Source: NBC / Getty

Regina King has been trending on Twitter ever since she first graced the 78th Golden Globes stage (virtually) in a gorgeous Louis Vuitton gown that she admits made her feel like a “bottle of champagne.” Even her dog Cornbread, who simply rested in the background while she presented an award live, made headlines.

While King didn’t take home the Globe for her directorial debut One Night In Miami, she’s at the top of the best-dressed list. Her face, her hair, her gown were all flawless and it all begins with her glowing skin.

Source: MML PR / UrbanSkin RX

“I wanted to create a look that complemented the strong, bold style of Regina’s Louis Vuitton dress,” said Latrice Johnson, celebrity makeup artist behind Regina’s healthy skin. Latrice prepped Regina’s skin with Urban Skin RX’s Even Tone Cleansing Bar and Even Tone Resurfacing Peel Pads.

“The skincare regimen I used was perfect in creating a fresh canvas by removing any imperfections and revealing a smooth, hydrated and radiant complexion that glowed.”

1. Cleanse the skin using the Even Tone Cleansing Bar to improve the look of an uneven skin tone and dark marks, followed by the Even Tone Resurfacing Peel Pads.

2. Using the ring finger, dab the Vitaleyez Retinol + Vitamin C Complex underneath and around the eye area to brighten the under-eyes.

3. To lock in moisture, apply the HydraBalance Instant Moisture Infusion for youthful, plump complexion.

4. To prep the lips for lipstick, apply the Hydrating Lip Treatment for a smooth, luscious pout.

5. Lastly, I mixed the NEW Reti Glow Gentle Resurfacing Night Oil with Regina’s foundation for “glow from within” skin.

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Tiffany Haddish’s Blonde Buzz Cut Won The Golden Globes

Source: Todd Williamson/NBC / Getty

Tiffany Haddish’s buzz cut got a makeover for the 78th Golden Globes. The Girl’s Trip comedienne debuted a new blonde do on the virtual red carpet and fans are all in agreement, issa win!

The hair mastermind behind Tiffany’s look, celebrity hairstylist Ray Christopher, opened up about working with her stylist Law Roach to create a cohesive red carpet look that proved to be one of Tiffany’s best.

Christopher executed the flawless look using the Bevel Trimmer to shape up her lines and the Bevel Curl Creme to define her curls.

HelloBeautiful: What was the inspiration behind Tiffany‘s cut for the Globes?

Ray Christopher: As soon as she told us that she was attending the Golden Globes, I immediately started thinking. Her stylist Law came to me and said “what if we color her hair?” That’s how it all started.

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Hb: We love a fresh line-up, what’s the key to getting the sharpest hairline?

RC: Always wash your hair before your haircut.

HB: Why is the Bevel your go-to blade?

RC: My go to blade is definitely the Bevel T-blade because it’s super precise. I also love having it for award shows and on set because it’s cordless with a long battery life so it’s perfect for touchups.

HB: What is the key to a healthy scalp while rocking a buzz cut?

RC: Even though you don’t have a lot of hair, conditioning is key to keep your scalp healthy and moisturized.

Tiffany took a more untraditional route when it came to celebrating after hitting the Golden Globes stage. Tiffany shared her choice of afterparty, which was low key family backyard boogie in the “projects.” It included tacos, good music and chill vibes.

In related Tiffany news, the “She’s Ready” star showed off her 30-day transformation just in time for award season. And when she isn’t in the gym, she and boyfriend Common are engaging in some social media PDA.

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Source: Marta Skovro / Marta Skovro

I thought I knew nail art until I came across the Gracie J, master of all things bedazzled and extravagant. Her skill for sculpting beautifully designed nails that leave a lasting impression is what makes her one of the top sought after nail techs in her industry. If you have a vision, her imagination can bring it to reality with her experience, expert eye, and attention to detail.

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In other words, Gracie J is a beast when it comes to executing intricate nail designs. She’s literally taken the lifestyle and fashion of nail art and turned it into a thriving business that speaks to people across the globe. Gracie uses her platform, The Editorial Nail, to show off her talents and inspirations. What’s most intriguing about her page is that although she shows range with her aesthetic, you can tell most designs are rooted in the authentic history of nail art. Think Florence Joyner, Salt N Peppa, and SWV with a side of Cardi B and Lizzo. Catch my drift?

Amazed by her work, I sat down with Gracie to learn more about her thought process behind her designs, her most memorable campaigns, and the importance of supporting Black nail techs.

What was your most memorable campaign?

“Oh my, I’ve done quite a few, but to be fair my most recent and memorable campaign is “The Blueprint” series. Last summer I launched merch for the first time, and it went so well. I sold out in my t-shirts twice and I also have a print version currently available in the TEN Shop. The Blueprint is an ode to the black girls that were too ghetto, centering nail art culture.

This was specifically close to me because in an industry where black women has made countless artistic contributions, we’re either left out of the conversations or non black artists are given the platforms to claim credit for the existence of hood aesthetics. I think that’s hella whack.”

What attracted you to this kind of work?

Source: Gracie J / Gracie J

“I wanted to be a nail artist because I realized it was something I was really good at even at a novice stage of my career, but I truly saw potential in an industry that was undercredited. We were, and still are the underdogs. I wanted to challenge myself to try something unexpected and be the best at whatever I do and not compare myself to anyone else.”

Where do you draw inspiration from?

“I draw inspiration from everywhere! My Haitian culture, African-American culture, from art my environment, my moods. I don’t limit myself, the least attractive thing can be the most beautiful inspiration that pushes you to create your best work.”

How do you feel the nail game has changed? Where do you think its going?

Source: Tres Bros Productions / Tres Bros Productions

Source: Gracie J / Gracie J

“I think it’s being commercialized even more than before and being capitalized by those outside of the industry and culture. As a business minded individual I understand the infatuation, it’s cool, it’s marketable and profitable. I know there is room for a massive resurgence before nails being trendy ever dies out.”

Why is it important to patron with Black nail techs?

“It’s important to patron black businesses PERYÒDT *Haitian voice* But black nail techs preserve the culture. We are the cool kids, the blueprint, we are the reason why your favorite mainstream trends exist. We are the culture!”

Source: Gracie J / Gracie J

Any interesting upcoming projects?

“Come spring, I will be launching my extended press-on line. I don’t have a definite date yet, but definitely be on the lookout! I want my art to be easily accessible to nail art enthusiasts that are restricted either by location, finances, allergies to certain enhancement products. I want my art to be easily accessible to talent, content creators, and influencers on the go. I’m SUPER excited to be taking this next step. It’s going to be an interesting journey, I’m ready for it!”

You can keep up with Gracie J by following her Instagram page. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

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Source: Dimitri Hakke / Getty

Last night was a Verzuz to remember as R&B and hip hop greats joined D’Angelo for a celebration of Black music at Harlem’s Apollo Theater. As DJ Scratch set the stage for the legendary evening to come playing hits from Jodeci, Usher, and plenty of 70s soul records, viewers flooded Twitter and the Instagram Live comment section with signs of approval, making the audience forget that the Verzuz hadn’t even started yet. When it was finally time for the main event, D’Angelo took the stage ready for the night of soul to begin however, before he could even play his first song, his fashion choice the whole show! He seemed to float on stage in true neo-soul fashion and, with a cigarette in hand, he rocked an ankle-length black mink coat, a wide-brimmed tan hat, and matching tan boots.

Fans immediately began tweeting their appreciation of D’Angelo’s coat, noting that his outfit set the tone for the night and took the vibe to a whole new level.

And of course, no Verzuz would be complete without a few jokes.

Although his coat started off as the topic of the evening, D’Angelo quickly reminded fans that he’s still got it after first informing the audience that the night would be more of an intimate concert rather than the traditional “versus” format the audience is used to. He then kicked off the night performing his early classics like “Lady,” “Me and Those Dreamin Eyes of Mine,” and the Smokey Robinson cover “Cruisin” before Method Man and Redman took to the stage, joining him to rap on the Voodoo classic, “Left and Right.”

The night continued with D’Angelo performing more fan favorites including  “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and “Send It On” before R&B singer H.E.R. tapped in to perform her hit Daniel Caesar collab “Best Part” with D’Angelo. He then went on to remix the chorus to his Lauryn Hill collab “Nothing Really Matters” before finally performing the full version of that song to top off the night.

While the audience generally loved D’Angelo’s Verzuz and swooned over his songs, vibe, and grown-up sex appeal, the winner of the night was still D’Angelo’s ankle-length mink coat!

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Source: Allen Berezovsky / Getty

One thing about Mama Tina, she’s going to support her daughters and you better believe that she’ll look good doing it!

Mrs. Tina Knowles-Lawson took to Instagram this morning to show off her latest drip from daughter Beyoncé’s most recent Adidas x Ivy Park collection and reminded us all where Bey and Solange get their beauty from! The proud mama modeled the patterned mesh brown crop top and matching leggings in a short IG video as she hit them angles and swayed back and forth saying, “I’m feeling icy in my Ivy Park!” And if she looked how she felt, the 67-year-old mother, grandmother, and wife was right – she was absolutely icy in her Ivy Park!

Mama Tina uploaded the video to her IG page with the caption, “Ivy park sexy but classy !!! I love how high the pants come up !” and we definitely couldn’t help but to give her a double tap and a few heart eye emojis for still looking that good. 

This isn’t the first time Mama Tina has shown off her Ivy Park drip. In fact, she’s known for being her daughters’ biggest supporter and finds a way to show them off on her Instagram account every chance she gets. Most recently, she shared a quick snippet of granddaughter Blue Ivy swinging her hair back and forth after inserting herself into the latest Ivy Park campaign. “My grandbaby Blue Ivy working it out swinging her hair , looking like a beautiful little super model! ,” the proud grandmother captioned the video while nine-year-old Blue danced around and showed off her long, healthy locks while rocking her mama’s Ivy Park collection.

Then there was that time last fall when Mama Tina looked super fly in her green Ivy Park crop top, matching mesh leggings, and full-length jacket and modeled the whole look in front of the gorgeous flower backdrop that Beyoncé was sending to all of her famous friends and family. “Where is your park????” she captioned the photo, as she gave us a pose that had us all wanting to run and cop a few sets ourselves.

She also posted a short video showing off the flower box that the drip originally came in, right before she had her super cute IG photoshoot.

Nothing like a supportive mama!

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Source: MediaNews Group/Bay Area News via Getty Images / Getty

Making big diet changes can be challenging at the beginning, but when you finally find something that works for you and your family it becomes a piece of (plant-based) cake!

That’s what happened to Ayesha Curry and her family of five when she decided to make the switch to dairy-free eating after being inspired by her youngest son, Canon. She told ESSENCE that the two-year-old has a few intolerances and allergies and that going more plant-based instead of having dairy has helped with his asthma and eczema. After making the switch for her son, she started to see real benefits in her own health as well. “I started to see a shift in my skin and acne, and my gut health, and just feeling lighter,” she explained to ESSENCE. “I noticed a huge shift and didn’t really realize until I switched over how much dairy I was intaking. You don’t really realize until you make the switch and what a difference it makes.”

At first, the lifestyle entrepreneur found it hard to be comfortable with the dairy-free life because, like most of us, she loves cheese and found cooking without it to be challenging. Then, she began finding cheese alternatives which, according to ESSENCE, led to her new partnership with So Delicious Dairy Free.

In line with the partnership, the brand has just released a new line of cheese alternatives causing the New York Times best-selling cookbook author to redo some of her most popular recipes like the Chicken Parm Burger, the Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich, and a Butternut Squash Cheesy Mac with Edamame using the new dairy-free line.

Now that the wife and mother of three has figured out how to remix her most popular dishes and make them dairy-free, she says that her whole family has jumped on the dairy-free train, even though it wasn’t easy at first. But when it comes to getting your loved ones on board, she recommends just doing it. “Put it on the table and watch everyone in shock when you make the announcement once the plates are empty,” she explained to ESSENSE. And with Ayesha’s new remixed, dairy-free recipes, I’m sure you won’t even notice the difference!

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Source: ANGELA WEISS / Getty

Chloe x Halle just dropped a fashion-forward music video for the title track from their hit album “Ungodly Hour” and it’s honestly everything.

The video immediately takes us straight to the future, opening with a scene of the sisters dressed in futuristic-looking blue vinyl outfits that resemble some sort of future utopian paradise. They’re in what looks like a dark, scientific laboratory while electric currents float around as they pose, dance, and sing the song’s popular lyrics. The Bailey sisters then shift into a super sexy scene where the ladies are laying in a shallow pool, wearing leather bedazzled nude bodysuits as they roll around and remind us all that they are indeed grown up now.

Chloe then transitioned into possibly my favorite look of hers ever, wearing a long, waist-length braid, a shoulder-baring sparkling bodysuit, and a headpiece that served as earrings, nose rings, and jewelry all in one.  She posted a few BTS pics from the shoot to her Instagram page, captioning the photo, “what should my villain name be?”

Meanwhile, Halle got to serve face and body during her solo shot, wearing a crop top and matching skirt while she danced in a red-light backdrop. She also shared a BTS photo from the shoot to her Instagram page, where she struck a model pose, captioning the image, “silently judging you … ”

The sci-fi style visual first debuted earlier this week on an episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and has been the topic of discussion ever since. Check out the Alfred Marroquín-directed video below.

A new “Chrome Edition” version of the “Ungodly Hour” album was released on Friday, February 26. A vinyl version of the album is also available now.

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Source: NBC / Getty

What is there not to love about Halle Berry? As one of the most beautiful, talented and praised women in the world, you would think she’d be unapproachable, disconnected or “Hollywood weird,” but oh to the contrary. Halle Berry has always shown nothing but grace, her solidarity with the movement and never hesitated to celebrate her fellow Black queen.

Whether it’s sharing a rave product review for her celebrity friend Taraji P. Henson’s haircare collection TpH by Taraji, mentoring other up-and-coming thespians or letting us into her personal life — she’s always been a girl’s girl. And in true melanated glory, sis does not age.

Berry sent Twitter into a throwback tizzy this week after she reposted a fan’s tweet about her sexy and memorable “purple dress” from a back in the day appearance on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno.

I was https://t.co/pVHJBVBut5

— Halle Berry (@halleberry) February 25, 2021

In 1998, Berry was promoting her role as Zola Taylor in “Why Do Fools Fall In Love” when she appeared on the famous nighttime talk show wearing the sultry magenta dress with plunging neckline that captured viewers (and Leno’s) attention. It’s safe to say this look lives rent free in our heads.

Absolutely beautiful woman inside and out! I sold her a pair of boots at Nordstrom’s in the MOA. I’ll never forget how kind she was to me. We didn’t have her size a 6.5, so she bought the display one a 7. I would later see her wearing those boots on David Letterman. Real woman!

— Gigitina66 (@gigitina66) February 26, 2021

@halleberry whatever happened to that dress?

— Jonte Porche (@jonteporche) February 26, 2021

i need you.. pic.twitter.com/7fCEmPuJgM

—  (@jtoles_) February 26, 2021

pic.twitter.com/5YfongoOTl

— Miguel Perez (@EternoTuzo_Heat) February 26, 2021

In other Berry news, the Academy Award-winning actress recently launched “Bad & Booshy” with her friend Lindsay Flores. When she’s not spilling tea on the array of topics their comfy talk show covers, she’s staying fit with intense workouts that keep her aging like fine wine!

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Source: Melissa Munro Boyd / Dr. Melissa Munro Boyd

Dr. Melissa Munro Boyd is a wife, mother of three, HBCU-grad (Hampton, whoop whoop!), and a clinical psychologist in the US Army. Like any Black mom, she wanted to make sure that her children felt seen in the media they consume. That is why she embarked on a journey of writing children’s books. Her latest book, Hair Day is the perfect addition to any library, particularly when it comes to little girls with coily hair who are still learning the rites of passage when it comes to hair days and learning to love themselves. 

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In other words, diversity is still king. Let’s break that down. 

Diversity has become a buzzword lately but it shouldn’t be trendy, it should be viewed as an action word. What that means in this case, is we actively need to work toward making sure that all children see themselves in the media they consume. When it comes to children’s books, that is especially important. In 2019, the Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC) surveyed 3,716 books to get a sense of who the typical main characters in children’s and YA books were. The break down goes: 

• Black/African: 11.9%
• First/Native Nations: 1%
• Asian/Asian American: 8.7%
• Latinx: 5.3%
• Pacific Islander: 0.05%
• White: 41.8%

That’s a small sampling of books sampled. However, it still speaks to the fact that we still have more work to do. That is why it’s important to bring attention to Hair Day. Munro Boyd wrote the story with her 8-year-old daughter (and with illustration by Adua Hernandez) about a little girl who goes with her mother to get her hair done at the salon for the first time.

“Writing Hair Day with my daughter, Bryanna, was such a wonderful experience. The time spent putting our ideas together and the great conversations we had about confidence, emotions, self-esteem, and hair will be memorable,” Munro Boyd tells Hello Beautiful. “Hair Day is a fun, colorful book about a young girl’s experience of going to a hair salon, embracing her hair, and finding beauty in the many hairstyles she can wear. The book shows a lovely bond between a mother and daughter and the importance of self-care and learning to love your hair.”

Hair Day’s protagonist ends up getting cornrows with pink and green beads (a nod to Munro Boyd’s Alpha Kappa Alpha sisterhood) but feels unsure of her decision after she walks past another salon and sees girls her age with straight hair. 

Ultimately, the little girl’s mother, father, and brothers assure her that she made the right decision and that her uniqueness should be embraced. It’s a sweet story that celebrates the power of affirmation and familial bonds. 

“As a psychologist and African American mother of three, I see the importance in having books that promote healthy messages about health, confidence, and self-esteem. It is also important to have images my children can relate to and that depict their beauty and diversity,” says Munro Boyd. “My first book, B is for Breathe, promotes social-emotional learning, positive coping skills and also includes diverse images to allow children to see themselves in a book. I hope my stories continue to reach many children and that they become a part of many homes, schools, libraries, and communities.”

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I know tons of mothers can relate. As the mother of a precocious 4-year-old with lots of hair, we are still getting into our routine of hairstyling. She loves it when her hair is styled but hates the process. I haven’t taken her to a professional salon just yet but I have been trying to come up with other ways to help make the process fun and to instill pride in her. This book is the perfect cherry on top of an ongoing self-love journey I am trying to establish with my little girl. 

Hair Day is available on Amazon. 

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Andra Day went into full method acting to play Billie Holiday for Hulu’s The United States v. Billie Holiday. The Rise Up singer who’s pin-up style and soulful voice made her the perfect candidate to portray Holiday lost 40 pounds to get into character. She even took on Holiday’s smoking habit, drank all day and cussed a whole lot to really capture the beloved blues singer’s essence.

In a recent interview with W Magazine, Day revealed the extreme lengths she went through to go from 163 to 124 pounds.

“There was the drastic weight loss—I wanted to have a body that looked like that period in time,” she explained. “Starving myself made me very weak on set and slowed me down in a way that really helped with the scenes with heroin. Then I started smoking cigarettes; it made me feel like Billie. I’m very fast, and she’s like molasses. Smoking helped to drop me into those dark places.”

While we don’t recommend staving yourself to lose weight (and Day doesn’t either), she’s been enjoying her svelte new frame and taking plenty of nudies to capture her new body.

Day has been praised for her performance in the Lee Daniels directed film that depicts Billie Holiday’s battle against the US government, which sought to stop her song “Strange Fruit” from being played. Trevante Rhodes stars as agent Jimmy Fletcher.

In the same interview Day reveals she was horrified when she first accepted the role but was encouraged by Lee Daniels. “Lee believed in me enough to take a chance that even he was terrified about. And so was I. But here we are…

And the rave reviews for Day’s performance haven’t stopped coming in. She also scored a Golden Globe and Critics Choice nomination for best actress.

The United States v. Billie Holiday hits HULU February 26, 2021.

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Today’s starlets stand on the shoulders of legendary icons like Nichelle Nichols, who inspired little girls and women alike when she was featured on Star Trek: The Original Series. Her portrayal of Lieutenant Nyota Uhura was particularly groundbreaking because it was one of the first times a Black actress was featured on a major television series. Her presence on the screen allowed many others to dream and aspire to Hollywood stardom. That’s the power of representation.

Despite the blond hair, blue-eyed standard of beauty that dominated mainstream culture, these Black women strutted through in all of their glory, indulged in some good trouble, and created space for other Black women to follow in their footsteps. Thanks to their efforts and unabashed pursuit of success, we now have icons like Viola Davis, Halle Berry, Kerry Washington, and many more actresses who are coming up after them.

It’s why we have to give these legendary Black beauties their flowers. We will love and celebrate for many years to come.

Pearl Bailey

Source: Walt Disney Television Photo Archives / Getty

The gorgeous and dynamic Bailey took Broadway by storm after making her debut in St. Louis Woman in 1946. She was a tall and buxom beauty with a rich, sultry voice that could easily lull you to sleep. In 1968 she won a Tony Award for the title role in the all-Black production of Hello, Dolly! 

Josephine Baker

Source: Elisabeth Andanson / Getty

Born Freda Josephine McDonald, the iconic dancer and performer first began to make a name for herself in vaudeville theater, and then became an instrumental figure in the Harlem Renaissance. Baker famously refused to perform for segregated audiences in the United States which eventually led to the integration of many performance venues around the country (most notably in Las Vegas). Aside from her undeniable talent and effervescent personality, Baker was also considered to be a stunning beauty. Ernest Hemingway reportedly called her “the most sensational woman anyone ever saw.” Her famous act in the 1920s, “Danse Sauvage,” in which she danced topless in a banana skirt, became a cultural reference point for decades to come.

Diahann Carroll

Source: Ron Galella / Getty

The Bronx-born actress was beauty personified. In the 1950s she captivated audiences in Broadway shows like Carmen Jones and Porgy & Bess. Then in 1968 she was cast as the lead in the TV series Julia, making her the first Black actress to star in a television series — and not in a domestic role. Her talent was astounding, and so was her enviably high cheekbones. Carroll also wasn’t afraid to test the limits when it came to makeup, donning winged eyeliner and bold eye shadows that only complemented her natural features.

Dorothy Dandridge

Source: Archive Photos / Getty

The stunning Dandridge began her career as one half of the Dandridge Sisters, costarring with sister Vivian. She continued performing on stage and in films from the 1940s through the ’60s. Dandridge most notably became the first woman of color to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Carmen Jones in 1954. Her life and legacy were portrayed by Halle Berry in the made-for-cable biopic Introducing Dorothy Dandridge in 1999.

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Lena Horne

Source: Hulton Deutsch / Getty

The sultry singer and actress broke barriers for Black women in entertainment, and is remembered as a beauty icon. Horne opened up about the criticism she received for being too Black for White people and yet too light for Black folks. She rose to prominence during WWII, becoming the object of Black servicemen’s affection. “The whole thing that made me a star was the war,” Ms. Horne said in 1990, according to The New York Times. “Of course the Black guys couldn’t put Betty Grable’s picture in their footlockers. But they could put mine.” After a successful run with MGM Studios from the 1940s to the ’50s, Horne became a staple on several TV variety shows. Today, she is revered for her effortless style and classy demeanor.

Eartha Kitt

Source: Bettmann / Getty

With her wide smile and cat-like eyes, the petite singer, actress, dancer, and activist was a face that was hard to forget. Even more difficult to forget was her bold and fiery personality. The dynamic Kitt spoke four languages (English, Dutch, French and German) in her distinctive voice, and was an outspoken proponent of civil rights. Her 1953 rendition of the holiday novelty song “Santa Baby” is considered by many to be a classic.

Nichelle Nichols

Source: CBS Photo Archive / Getty

This Hollywood beauty is best known for her portrayal of Lieutenant Nyota Uhura in Star Trek: The Original Series, which was produced from September 1966 to December 1967, and its film sequels. The gorgeous actress made history as one of the first Black women featured in a major television series. Though she was tempted to leave the show in order to pursue a career on Broadway, she was reportedly persuaded by the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., to stick it out so that Black women and children could remain inspired.

Hazel Scott

Source: Joe Schwartz Photo Archive / Getty

Nicknamed “Darling of Café Society,” Scott became the first Black American woman to host her own TV show when The Hazel Scott Show debuted in 1950. She was as fearless as she was beautiful. Like Josephine Baker, the jazz pianist and actor was one of the first Black performers who refused to play in front of segregated audiences. She was also a pioneer for Black actresses in Hollywood, demanding equal pay and proper credits in films.

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When it comes to fitness and healthy living, tennis champion Sloane Stephens doesn’t play games. As the fourth Black woman to win a Grand Slam singles title, she knows that what you put inside of your body is just as important as the stress you put on your body during a heavy workout. On the court, Sloane is a beast and is a U.S. Open champion as well as a member of the U.S. Olympic team. And off the court, she’s taking on a new business venture as an ambassador and strategic investor in Quantum Energy Squares.

“Whether it’s training for the Australian Open or leading my foundation to create the next generation of athletes, my life takes energy. Unlike other energy products I’ve tried, Quantum Energy Squares taste good — and they’re good for you,” Sloane said in a statement. “I’m an advocate of the brand and the way the bars energize me in workouts and competitions. The science is solid and the team is on-point, so it was a no-brainer to invest in the company.”

The plant-based energy bar powered by organic caffeine and balanced macronutrients is an alternative to coffee crashes and sugary snacks, making it perfect for long-lasting energy. Because it was created by a sports dietitian, food scientist, and professional pastry chef, Quantum Energy Squares are ideal for those high-powered workouts, just like the ones Sloane gets in as she trains for a big match.

We recently had a chance to chat with the tennis superstar on her new business venture, her workout routine, and how she stays in shape during the off-season. Check it out below:

HelloBeautiful: What are your thoughts on the new partnership with Quantum Energy Squares, why did you partner with them, and how do you hope this will help consumers’ health? 

Sloane Stephens: At Quantum Energy Squares I’ll be a strategic investor and member of the Athlete Advisory Board. I hope to help the brand expand nationwide and educate consumers about balanced energy options for their busy lives. I discovered the bars in 2019 and was an avid consumer before becoming an investor. That is a really important part of my decision-making process when it comes to any new partnership, and particularly an investment – do I love the product enough to buy it and recommend it? Not only does Quantum have a sports dietician and food scientist on board, but they also have a pastry chef to make sure the products actually taste great. Once I built a relationship with the team and learned all of the science that goes into the bars, I knew I wanted to become more involved.

HelloBeautiful: Describe your at-home health regime? Any tips our readers can do at home?

Sloane Stephens: I know this isn’t a secret quick fix (sorry!), but there really is no substitute for consistency. Find something you like to do and increase the time every day. This summer, I worked out on Zoom every day with the kids I serve in Compton through the Sloane Stephens Foundation and we got really creative with using regular household items like chairs and books for challenging workouts. My diet is also very important, especially while spending so much time at home this past year. Quantum Energy Squares provide me with the balanced protein, carbs, and fats I need to be my best. I keep a few of the Coconut Almond Chocolate Chip bars in my training bag so I’m always prepared and properly fueled.

HelloBeautiful: What do you do to prepare for your big matches? 

Sloane Stephens: The night before a match, I sit down with my coach and we walk through the game plan for that specific opponent. Once I wake up on match day, I’m focused on fueling my body and staying relaxed. My match day rituals and warm-ups are always the same, so I know I can rely on that preparation no matter where I am in the world.

HelloBeautiful: How do you stay healthy when you’re not playing? 

Sloane Stephens: Every trainer and nutritionist I’ve worked with has given me the same piece of advice: hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. You can make things interesting by adding some lemon or fruit flavors, but there is no substitute for drinking water. Being hydrated helps keep your skin moisturized and glowy, helps you sleep better, and helps your body recover from workouts. Self-care is an important part of mental health, and it is so important to be kind to yourself during these stressful times. I like to incorporate essential oils, body scrubs, and face masks into my recovery routine and take those moments to unwind.

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Source: Jim Spellman / Getty

K. Michelle has been an open book when it comes to her reconstructive surgery journey after going under the knife to remove silicone from her body. The musician turned reality TV star underwent 16 surgeries and “almost died” from the procedures in an attempt to get to a more healthy state, which included a smaller bottom.

She recently appeared on IG Live where fans noticed loose skin where her buttocks meets her thighs that left fans leaving disparaging comments in the comments section. K took to Twitter to remind her fans (and haters) that her buxom booty is still a work in progress and she will soon undergo skin removal surgery. Either way, she’s not ashamed of her flaws, because she’s come a mighty long way.

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“so the video of me dancing is sad that I even have 2explain. I walked y’all through how difficult this process of removing silicone from my body for 3YEARS/16 surgeries Did we not forget I almost died due 2this?????? Now i’m in the process of 3 reconstruction steps,” she wrote on Twitter.

The All Monsters Are Human singer went on to say how happy she is with a “faja and extra fat.” and uses her platform to document her healing process and encourage any other women who may be going through similar health issues.

I got on live yesterday and didn’t care that I wasn’t perfect, I knew I had excessive fat left over but I said FUCK it i’m not going to hide nothing in my house. I don’t think people truly understand i’m just happy to be alive. I’ve come so far with this and i’m proud of myself

— K. Michelle (@kmichelle) February 24, 2021

We haven’t heard much from K. Michelle after she took a step back from the spotlight to focus on her health and well-being. When a fan asked why she isn’t on this season of Love & Hip Hop, she responded, “Chile now you know I wasn’t going on there that’s way to much for me at this point in life.”

We hear that. We hope K. Michelle doesn’t let the negative comments get to her.

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Source: Glow By Daye / Glow By Daye

As someone who’s been #teamnatural for years, I’ve learned the importance of what it means to keep your mane moisturized. Aside from keeping your hair hydrated and maintaining the style you worked so hard on, moisturized tresses play a major role in your hair growth journey. While some naturals are content with the TWA or shoulder-length fro, I’m determined to grow out my hair as long as it can get.

So, when it comes to prioritizing a moisturizing regimen in my routine, I like to make sure that my products of choice and accessories match up. I decided to step up my hair game by adding the Glow by Day Deep Conditioning Hair Cap ($39.99, Glowbydaye.com) into my lineup.

While there are plenty of deep conditioning caps on the market, Glow By Daye’s design came out on top for multiple reasons. For starters, this number is made with soft microfiber cotton, nylon, and cotton which ensures that my strands and edges will be left intact. This cap boasts a cordless construction that doesn’t require me to stay stagnant during the day. And inside of the cap is made with flaxseed which has the ability to hold and retain heat with ease.

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And while most people would only use a tool like this one time, I put it to the test on three separate occasions so I could get a true sense of what this deep conditioning cap brings to the table. With each use, I kicked things off by applying a pre-poo mixture of peppermint, lavender, castor and a few drop of tea tree oil to my hair. I let it sit for two hours, then rinsed. Next, I followed up with my go-to shampoo and conditioner duo — the Rucker Roots Smoothing Sulfate-Shampoo and Detangling Conditioner ($27.00, Ruckerroots.com).

Once my hair was washed to perfection, it was time to add a deep conditioner to my mane. I’m particularly fond of the Mielle Organics Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner ($13.99, Mielleorganics.com). It’s deeply enriched with fatty acids, natural oils, and complex amino acids that go the extra mile to nourish your hair. After applying a generous amount to my strands, it’s time to pop my deep conditioning cap in the microwave. After warming it up for two minutes, I placed a plastic cap over my hair and followed up with the conditioning cap.

After letting the deep conditioner sit on my hair for 20 minutes, I rinsed out myself strands. And as I washed the product from my hair, I noticed how soft, moisturized and manageable my strands felt. No static or frizz at all! And even as my hair air dried through twists, my hair looked plumped with hydration. I was even able to skip my hair moisturizing routine, since the hydration held up so well.

While it can be a pain to find the right deep conditioning cap, Glow By Daye’s offering is definitely worth it. Your dry hair days will be officially behind you and you’ll feel good knowing that your money was well-spent on a product that lasts.

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]]> https://hellobeautiful.com/3299723/glow-by-daye-deep-conditioning-cap-review/feed/ 0 Glow By Daye Purple Deep Conditioning Cap Glow By Daye Purple Deep Conditioning Cap https://hellobeautiful.com/3300940/megan-thee-stallion-coach/ https://hellobeautiful.com/3300940/megan-thee-stallion-coach/#respond Thu, 25 Feb 2021 15:46:59 +0000 https://hellobeautiful.com/?p=3300940

Source: Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty

In real life, Megan Thee Stallion is anything but a mean girl. According to her latest brand ambassador promo video for Coach, Meg channels her inner H-Town Baddie to give us the modern-day hot girl version of Regina George’s character from the pop culture movie, Mean Girls.

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In her post she wrote, “The Htown Hottie aka the Hot Girl @coach aka Thee Black Regina George Coach Tv Fall 2021 watch now on @coach ‘s IG #coachforever2 #coachny”

Honestly, Megan Thee Stallion can definitely be the Black Regina George. She has become the object of most people’s affection and women everywhere are inspired by her work ethic, position on protecting Black women, and most obviously her music. While she isn’t necessarily a mean girl, she is a strong Black media figure using her influence for good.

This Coach promo video is one of many done by the ambassadors. Our beloved Michael B Jordan has a hilarious 70’s-inspired clip of him walking through the streets of New York City to a remixed version of the Shaft theme song.

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The brand captioned, “Right on, it 𝘪𝘴 that ‘70s movie you know and love. The one starring leading man #MichaelBJordan (with a cameo by rapper and songwriter #Cordae). Volume up for the full experience.

Presented on Coach TV and created in collaboration with #FrancesFrances and the #CoachFamily, this vignette is part of our #CoachForever2 series.”

Who ever runs Coach’s creative and marketing team is doing a great job at keeping the brand fresh, while reaching all generations. I can see people of all ages relating to these promo clips because they tie in so many iconic eras. I mean, Michael B Jordan as a modern-day Shaft? Genius! Megan Thee Stallion refining the Regina George character? Again, genius. What do you think?

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Source: Kendria Strong / Kendria Strong

African Pride products have been a pillar in the Black community for ages. The household brand is known for nourishing both natural and processed hair textures through their various shampoos, conditioners, oils, leave-ins and more. Although their products cater to people of color, a 2016 acquisition by Godrej Consumer Goods reshaped the C-suite staff, making it company operated and controlled by Black Women and Brown People of Color.

Among the sea of Black and Brown staff members is Kendria Strong, the Executive Vice President and Head of Marketing and Innovation for Godrej U.S. Since 2017, she’s created African Pride’s new Moisture Miracle and spearheaded the reformulation, repackaging and relaunch of the legacy’s brand full portfolio. With a strong team of 20+ employees, Kendria has dedicated lots of time and energy into  reviving products to keep them fresh and relevant to today’s generation.

We sat down with Kendria Strong to learn more about the hair care brand with a long-living legacy in the Black hair industry.

What inspires you about your current position in the hair industry?

Source: African Pride / African Pride

“What inspires me the most is the ability to provide delight and helpful solutions to millions of women yearly. Knowing that my day to day work is putting a smile on someone’s face that I have never meet gives me eternal joy. I believe my purpose in this world is to be an catalyst of opportunity to black women. Whether it’s providing the opportunity to conquer washday and breakage with our Moisture Miracle Pre-shampoo or ensuring black women are represented and promoted at every level of leadership in the company; making a difference and having an impact is what keeps me motivated.”

What is the most rewarding part?

“The most rewarding part of my job is innovation. I love ideating and solving complex problems, so seeing a product go from a concept to shelf is very rewarding. It’s similar to an artist putting out a song and everyone singing along, I get that reward when consumers are raving about products me and my team have created.”

How do you feel about the growing number of Black women becoming entrepreneurs?

“We are natural innovators and  our ingenuity is unmatched; turning that into financial independence and having ownership in the trends we create is priceless.”

What has been your biggest challenge? How did you combat it?

“Where do we start – From mischaracterizing our passion for combativeness to classifying us as the resident “homegirl,” or executor and ignoring our intelligence, there are many challenges that we face being black women in the workplace. There can be a tendency to pigeon-hole women in general into particular roles, keeping us in entry level positions longer than men or not being able to break the invisible ceiling into executive leadership roles. Fortunately, through mentors, and the support of my current company,  I have been blessed to break down many barriers that most black women confront daily and I strive to continue holding the door open for others.”

Source: African Pride / African Pride

Do you plan on expanding? If so, how?

“From the beginning of the Black Hair Care industry direct to consumer has created scale, when pioneers were unable to receive retail distribution. In the early 1900s, Annie Turnbo Malone, the Mother of the Black Hair Care Industry and  1st Female Millionaire, distributed her product door to door with a sales force of 45,000+ agents. Today, digital partners like Amazon real-time online opportunity to provide consumers with niche and best selling products. Being always shoppable online and integrating point of purchase with social media, is a low cost way to scale quickly without losing much margin.”

There is so much power in being a Black woman. As we swap Black History month for Women’s History month, I am left inspired by every woman who has explored an idea, started a business, or simply entertained a thought that sparked change. We are living during a time where Black women are recognizing their power to shift conversations, uplift each other, and make a difference in this world. As we steer this modern-day Black Renaissance, art, music, fashion, film, and businesses continue to thrive at an explosive level. What a time to be alive.

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Source: Kurt Krieger – Corbis / Getty

Who do you know that can create a vibe better than Lizzo? Via her Instagram page, she seems like the friend every woman needs in their corner. She’s the homegirl that will hype you up with positive affirmations and encourage you to flaunt what your mama gave you in the name of self love. Everyone needs a Lizzo in their lives!

Today the singer gave around-the-way-girl vibes when she debuted an extra long kinky ponytail with a set of grills in her mouth on her Instagram page. In the post she wrote, “NEW L.ZO MAGAZINE PRESENTS: From the mind of @THESHELBYSWAIN… “PONYTAIL LONG AF”

creative direction & hair @theshelbyswain shot by @bonnienichoalds $$ makeup @iwantalexx $$ nails @erierinailz $$$ styled @romansipe produced by @chawntamarie ps WE AINT ADD THAT SPARKLE THAT WAS THE SUN FRREAL ”

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Celebrity hairstylist Shelby Swain, also known as the “Beyonce of baby hair”, is usually the person behind Lizzo’s gorgeous, elaborate hairstyles. This extra long ponytail is such a vibe that I feel inclined to recreate the look for summer-time brunching. I mean, how could you not love this chic, kinky goodness?

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Lizzo also displayed a set of diamond and gold grills with her name encrusted on the front. Accessorized with oversized earrings, extra long nails, and jeweled hair clips, our girl is ready to shut it down in the bare streets of California.

A mood!

What do you think? Are you loving Lizzo’s new look?

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Skin care and beauty lines just might be the new money maker! Over the last year we’re seen an increase of celebrities stepping into the chemistry lab to create their own magical beauty potions. This trend is reminiscent of the 90’s and 00’s when stars dabbled in fashion by launching their own clothing lines. With brands like Fenty Beauty dominating the industry, it’s not obscure that other celebrities would want to follow suit.

If you can’t keep up with the latest celeb launches, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of 5 skin care collections made by your faves.

1. Ciara

Last week Ciara hinted at creating her own line of skin care products that she’s been working on during the pandemic. Although no real details were given, the singer says she’s been developing the product for the past year and it should be able to speak to various skin types.

2. Jada Pinkett Smith – Hey Human

Joining the list of celebrity beauty brands is Jada Pinkett Smith. In an Instagram post, the actress and Red Table Talk host announced her latest project.

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She wrote, “Hey Fam As a lot of you may already know … self care is a major passion of mine. Well today, I’m introducing you to a brand I’m Co-founder of called @heyhumansofficial. We produce naturally derived personal care products packaged in aluminum and paper which are both recyclable materials that help keep our oceans and landfills more healthy.

Hey Humans is available at @target and all of our products are under 6 dollars. Not only did I want to help create quality personal care products that have recyclable packaging but I wanted it to be accessible to everyone. I hope you will join my family and I on our Hey Humans journey by using our personal care products that not only help us take care of ourselves but also help us to care for our planet and humanity at large

(Hey Humans is 99% plastic free excluding the toothpaste cap (made from plastic waste) and tube thread.)”

3. Pharrell Williams – Humanrace

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Late last year, Pharrell Williams announced his new line, Humanrace. Because he is known for his youthful glow, a collection of skin care products is right on brand for the rapper and producer.

4. Alicia Keys – Keys Soulcare

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Alicia Keys has always been candid with her adult acne struggles. When she took a personal stand to no longer wear makeup, people were shocked but inspired. A few years later she developed a self care platform that sells skin care products, wellness rituals, and personal chats with the singer.

5. Rihanna – Fenty Skin

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The Fenty Beauty brand has made some serious waves in the beauty industry. With the success of her first launch, Rihanna expanded to include skin care to her growing empire. In July of 2020, Fenty Skin was born.

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Source: Ann Lowe Glamour Shot / wikipedia.org

The Playboy bunny costume. Jackie Kennedy’s wedding dress. You’re probably familiar with both designs, but less well known is the fact that Black women created them. Zelda Valdes and Ann Lowe contributed greatly to a fashion industry that overlooked and undervalued them. As Black designers start to claim their rightful place in the fashion landscape — dressing Vice President Kamala Harris and covering magazines like Vogue — it’s time to reckon with the relative invisibility of their predecessors. Who were Ann Lowe and Zelda Valdes and why were they shunned as their designs were celebrated on the world stage?

“Ann Lowe and Zelda Valdes were highly skilled technical dressmakers,” says Elizabeth Way, assistant curator at The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology. “[They] took the skills passed down to them from their mothers and families and turned those skills into creative businesses — no easy feat for Black women during the early-to-mid 20th century.” 

Indeed Ann Lowe was the child and grandchild of seamstresses, and the great granddaughter of an enslaved woman who made clothes for the plantation mistress. Ann studied at S.T. Taylor Design School in New York — where she was separated from white students as per social custom — before opening her own shop in Harlem, Ann Lowe’s Gowns, where she designed for the white social elite. 

“The little fashion secret that’s not told is that Black women created couture work and custom gowns for society women for decades,” says Brandice Henderson, founder of Harlem’s Fashion Row, an organization that celebrates and empowers emerging Black designers. “We were creating and designing as slaves and not given proper credit, titles, or compensation for our work. For example, Ann Lowe’s grandmother and mother designed clothing for society women in Alabama. That’s the story of Black women all around the country.” 

Zelda Valdes’ mother, Ann Barbour, was a dressmaker at a family-owned atelier in Havana, Cuba, creating custom clothing for wealthy women. After Barbour, along with her Cuban husband José Valdes, moved to the U.S. where Zelda was born, they immediately noticed their young daughter’s eye for sewing and designing. In the 1920s, Valdes worked in her uncle’s tailoring shop in White Plains, New York, and in 1948, she opened a boutique in Washington Heights called “Chez Zelda,” the first to be owned by an African-American woman. 

“They were working in New York during a period in which we see a transition from dressmakers to ‘fashion designers,’” says Way, who co-curated an exhibition Black Fashion Designers featuring garments from Lowe and Valdes. “Although both worked outside of the industrialized ready-to-wear business that New York was known for, and both were women at a time when fashion design increasingly became associated with men, they were able to market themselves as elite fashion producers to their clientele while adhering to the high craftsmanship of made-to-measure, couture-like design and production. Both also made work that was highly visible: Wynn Valdes for Black entertainers and Lowe for white socialites.”

Alongside the Rockefeller and Roosevelt families, Lowe designed for one noted white socialite in particular: Jackie Onassis. In 1953, the soon-to-be First Lady chose Lowe to create her wedding gown, an ivory silk taffeta confection with a billowing skirt and a soft portrait neckline. 

But Lowe would face discrimination even during the delivery process. When she attempted to drop off the wedding gown in Newport, Rhode Island, along with the bridesmaid dresses that Onassis requested, she was told to enter through a service entrance in the back of the building. “Lowe reportedly countered, ‘I’ll take the dresses back’ if [I have] to use the back door — and walked through the front door,” writes Nancy Davis for The Natural Museum of American History. 

Source: Bettmann / Getty

Lowe felt the sting of racism yet again when the new Mrs. Jackie Kennedy was asked about her wedding dress designer in the media. “A colored dressmaker did it,” the First Lady allegedly responded. It’s a simple, dismissive statement loaded with racist connotations. Not only did Kennedy fail to address Lowe by name, choosing instead to emphasize her race in a condescending manner, but “dressmaker” was a term relegated to Black women while the esteemed titles of designer or couturier were reserved for white men. That erasure would become a theme throughout Lowe’s life — and tragically, it endured over the many decades that followed her death. 

Zelda Valdes’ clientele read like a Who Who’s of Black entertainers including Josephine Baker, Dorothy Dandridge, Gladys Knight, Eartha Kitt, Diahann Carroll, and Ella Fitzgerald. For the latter, Valdes had such imagination and skill that she could see a recent picture of Fitzgerald in the tabloids, note the singer’s body changes, and design custom gowns to fit, based on her eye alone. Valdes’ couture gowns could retail for up to $1,000, and she boasted a staff of nine seamstresses. Her boutique, which later moved to 57th Street, was considered a safe haven for Black shoppers facing racial profiling, an unconstitutional practice that still persists today. 

In 1960, Valdes crossed paths with Hugh Hefner who commissioned the designer to produce uniforms for his waitresses. Valdes technically didn’t design the Playboy costume, as Way is careful to point out, but she did bring the concept to life. “It was designed by the Bunnies themselves,” says Way. “[Valdes] produced the costumes, using her pronounced skills in making tight-fitting bodices to create the molded-to-the body silhouette.” 

Valdes’ role in producing these costumes was all but ignored, even though they are considered a timeless piece of American iconography. The Playboy bunny uniform continues to inspire Halloween costumes and performance outfits generation after generation. 

Source: Donaldson Collection / Getty (Performer Joyce Bryant wearing Zelda Valdes)

Nonetheless, Valdes’ career soared with the success of her boutique and the National Association of Fashion and Accessories Designers organization, which she founded to elevate Black women in fashion. One of her most notable contributions is her work with Dance Theater of Harlem, which spanned two decades and led to another great invention: dyeing dancer’s tights to match their skin tone. The ‘nude’ market, which now spans lingerie, makeup, and footwear, is still falling short of Valdes’ vision. 

With such enduring contributions to the fashion industry, it’s a wonder that Valdes and Lowe aren’t considered household names. But their relative absence from fashion history records is the result of several different factors. “[Since] they did not helm lasting Seventh Avenue companies that are still around to assert their history, they have mostly been forgotten like many American fashion designers,” explains Way. “Being Black women also added a layer of invisibility to their histories that is only now being amended.”

“African Americans were not allowed to have any voice in American history, including fashion,” Henderson adds. “So, our history is left out of fashion and most other industries as well. That is why we have to preserve and celebrate our history. People like Lois Alexander Lane tried to do just that by starting the Black Fashion Museum and Harlem Institute of Fashion. Her work is preserved in the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The Race and Fashion Database created by Kimberly Jenkins and the History Makers are also outstanding initiatives in preserving our history.”

Even if American history at large fails to acknowledge Lowe and Valdes, contemporary Black designers still stand on their shoulders. Brother Vellies founder Aurora James recently covered the September 2020 issue of Vogue, a watershed moment for a Black woman designer. She also used her platform and connections to launch the Fifteen Percent Pledge, urging retailers to dedicate more shelf space to Black-owned brands. Pyer Moss, Sergio Hudson, and Christopher John Rogers all contributed to — and were credited for — Vice President Kamala Harris’ wardrobe during the historic 2021 inauguration. “I believe we are working towards change,” says Henderson. “However, we would love to see more Black creative directors of fashion houses in Europe. There is also a lot of opportunity in the US for brands to appoint Black designers to leadership roles.”

Way agrees the tide is slowly changing, but there’s more work to be done. “There are major efforts to recognize and support current Black designers,” she says. But in forging a path ahead, we must also seek recognition for the Black design talent that was erased from fashion history. “The work of fashion historians in museums and universities is now to bring these forgotten stories to popular culture — and make them well known.” 

Jessica C. Andrews is the Deputy Fashion Editor at Bustle. As a freelance writer, she’s contributed to ELLE, Vanity Fair, The New York Times, and more. A graduate of Columbia University, Jessica hails from South Orange, New Jersey and currently lives in Jersey City.

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Source: Lars Niki / Getty

“Who is the cute girl with the platinum blonde hair?” I thought as the visuals for the late Notorious B.I.G.’s music video Juicy played before my eyes. I admired Misa Hylton before I knew who she was. It was her swagger that immediately caught my eye. She was so fly as she casually bounced one hand up and down to the beat, flashing gold jewelry while cradling a cute baby in her other arm. I eventually discovered she was the then-girlfriend of Uptown Records A&R Rep, Sean Combs or Puff Daddy (now known as Diddy). More importantly, I learned she was the stylist/designer for the music artists under the Bad Boy Record label. Years, dedication, resilience, and loads of hard work later, she’s now revered as the image architect who is responsible for cultivating the perfect fashion story to the 1990’s hip-hop and R&B soundtrack.

Misa has always had a knack for creating looks since childhood. She spoke gleefully about the inception of her love affair with style during a candid chat. “It’s so funny because I’ve been creating fashion looks for myself since I was about five years-old. I used to change my clothes and hairstyles several times a day. I went from playing around with my image and creating looks for myself to developing a unique style that other people loved. I used myself and others as a canvas, and that’s always been my gift,” she cheerfully explained.

At the youthful age of 17, Misa embarked on a fashion journey that influenced the fashion choices of an entire generation. The trends she created in the 90’s played a pivotal role in laying the foundation for what fashion is today. She altered the perspective on what female rappers and R&B singers should look like. Her fashion reel includes iconic styles like Lil’ Kim’s monochromatic looks in the Crush On You music video and her acclaimed 1999 MTV Video Music Awards purple pasty, one-sleeve jumpsuit.

Overwhelmed by her impressive style resume, I solicited Misa’s help with pinpointing the “pinch me” moment in her career. She spoke prudently. “Hmmmm, I would have to say me becoming the Global Creative Partner at MCM and my Beyoncé MCM moment. I say that because growing up in this business, I would have never thought that it was possible for someone like me to work with a luxury fashion house. To see how the world has evolved and to have that moment with Beyoncé made it magical.” For those of you who have been under a rock when it comes to fashion, Misa is referring to the fierce MCM logo bustier-jacket-hat-and-earring combination she designed exclusively for Queen Bey which was artfully displayed in her and Jay Z’s Apesh*t music video.

Source: Emma McIntyre / Getty

The fashion industry has not always been a walk in the park for Misa. The lack of diversity and inclusion in the past has made her fashion expedition difficult to navigate at times. Nonetheless, Misa is still thankful for the incredible opportunities that were and still are bestowed upon her.  So thankful that she birthed the Misa Hylton Fashion Academy to pay it forward. “I reached a point in my career where I had experienced so much success, and I found myself at so many tables and rooms that I could have never dreamed of. So, it just made sense for me to give back to people who looked like me through education and mentorship. It was imperative to create a program and space for all creatives to have the same opportunities. I created a place that I wish was available when I was growing up.”

Misa’s career is on a roll. The Mount Vernon, NY native has gone from striving to carve out her place in the industry to landing major collaborations with prominent corporations like Macy’s Inc. Misa (among a few other talented, Black fashion creatives) was hand-picked by the Vice President of Macy’s fashion office, Durand Guion, to design an exclusive, seasonal collection that will drop this year. The purpose of this opportunity is to showcase black brands and introduce more diversity into Macy’s. “Durand offered me this opportunity after seeing The Remix collection I did with MCM. The first drop for my collection is in March, and I have three drops total for spring, summer, and fall. This is an amazing opportunity to give a different perspective of my style. It’s the feminine side of me. I look forward to seeing women wear my collection.”

Source: Mireya Acierto / Getty

Misa’s hard work has paid off, and she is grateful for the trajectory of her career. When asked what gems she could share that has helped her succeed she replied, “I live by believing in yourself and trusting the process. Everyone has a special gift. You have to nurture that gift and be self-aware. When you’re self-aware, no one can tell you who you are, and no one can take you off your path. Believe in what you want to achieve.”

Words to fashionably live by.

Learn about Misa’s upcoming projects here, and follow her journey on Instagram.

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Source: De Carvalho Collection / Getty

Somebody got it twisted when they said Black girls and blonde hair don’t mix. It does—unequivocally—and that’s on Joyce Bryant, a Black woman who became an iconic entertainer for donning platinum tresses and form fitting dresses in the 1940s and 50s.

Having such a pristine voice was an innate talent, however, Bryant’s unique style was born out of a competitive nature of sorts. Not to be outdone by the illustrious Josephine Baker, Bryant colored her hair with silver radiator paint, and paired a silver, low-cut gown with a silver floor-length mink when she discovered the two would be performing on the same bill. According to Bryant, her look was so stunning that even Baker was impressed.  

“She sort of smiled and tilted her head as if to say ‘touché.'” Bryant told ESSENCE in a 1978 interview.   

The moment was a significant one in Bryant’s career. It solidified a trademark look that catapulted her into stardom, and marked the singer as a showstopping sex symbol, often compared to white blonde entertainers of her time. Bryant was referred to as the Black Marilyn Monroe, but many would beg to differ. Bryant had natural talent, and her career was underway when Monroe was “learning” to be an entertainer at FOX studios in 1946. Monroe didn’t become a household name until circa 1952. Thus, it is more fitting that Monroe was the white Joyce Bryant. 

Source: Gilles Petard / Getty

Other titles credited to Bryant were “The Belter,” “The Voice You’ll Always Remember,” “The Bronzed Blonde Bombshell” and rightfully so. With a four-and-a half octave range, her vocal ability was nothing to sneeze at. Over the course of her career, she mastered and sang across several genres: jazz, pop and opera. She was a highly sought after performer and vocal coach to a few powerhouse divas, including Jennifer Holliday and Phyllis Hyman.  

Bryant lived up to the Bronzed Blonde Bombshell hype. Her curvy body, velvety skin and siren performance shaped her image. An assortment of semi-revealing, skin tight gowns by Zelda Wynn Valdes, an emerging African American dress designer, didn’t hurt. The glam and grandeur of Valdes’s gown complemented Bryant’s sexy silhouette and on stage sensuality. Each dress varied stylistically in color, material and imagination, but it was the infamous fishtail dress that transformed Bryant and outlined her body like a mermaid. It became her signature cut and style despite wardrobe difficulty. It is said that Bryant was “so tightly gowned that she had to be carried onstage.” 

Source: De Carvalho Collection / Getty

Jim Crow racism affected most aspects of Black of life, including the entertainment industry. Bryant’s bodacious beauty and audacious performance gave way to privilege her sienna brown skin may not have experienced otherwise. She performed primarily in white venues to white audiences and refused to play the race politics of the day. At the height of her success, Bryant was slated to perform at a Miami Beach Hotel and nightclub, where she would also stay as a guest. The venue had never hosted a Black performance, and certainly had not extended lodging services to Black people. The Ku Klux Klan threw a racial tantrum, sent violent threats and burned Bryant in effigy. However, in the spirit of Black women’s fearlessness, Bryant went on with the show, becoming the establishment’s first Black entertainer and bringing the house down.  

“I had already decided I’m going to do my show … we already said, ‘whatever you’re going to do, do it.'” Bryant said in a YouTube interview.  

Shortly after, Bryant exited stage left from entertainment and renewed her commitment to religion. She would reemerge in the 1970s as an opera singer. Before leaving, though, Bryant continued to break racial barriers in her industry and desegregated white venues that were the most notorious for racism against Black entertainers and Black audiences. With Black power and Black pride bursting at the seams of her fitted fashion, it is baffling that Bryant is considered a lost diva; so much so a long-awaited documentary that covers Bryant’s life is titled, The Lost Diva. Like anything else, particularly in Black spaces, IYKYK, and ICYMI, there are numerous references that show Bryant’s original flavor and influences—peep Tina Turner, Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Keyshia Cole, Eve, Etta James. I bet they all know who the queen diva is, and we should, too. As Bryant’s Instagram profile reads: “I’m still alive, I’m not dead, I’m 93 years old, so don’t count me.”   

 Joyce Bryant is Black History and Black presence. Get to know her.  

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Misa Hylton: From Bad Boy Stylist To Global Creative Partner For MCM

Source: Creative Services / Getty

It was the summer of 1999, and Lil’ Kim had returned to the studio to rerecord tracks for her long-awaited sophomore disc The Notorious K.I.M. after several songs from the haughty and critically-acclaimed project had been leaked online. Around the same time, famed photographer David LaChapelle launched his New Photographs exhibit at the Tony Shafrazi Gallery in NYC. Among the collection was a portrait of Kim posing nude with the LV monogram scattered across her flawless mahogany skin. It immediately caught the gaze of then Interview Magazine editor-in-chief Ingrid Sischy, who “demanded” LaChapelle pull the image and give it to her for the November cover of Interview Magazine. LaChapelle persuaded Kim to let Sischy use the image for the Andy Warhol glossy—a pivotal moment in Kim’s 27-year career that ultimately bridged the gap between Hip-Hop and high fashion. Lil’ Kim’s early collaborations with luxury designers like Giorgio Armani, Donatella Versace, and Marc Jacobs laid the foundation for every female rapper who has come after her.

It was only three years prior that Kim had become a fixture on the walls of grown men and teenage boys around the world. If you let Lil’ Kim tell it, she wasn’t “posing” in the iconic Hardcore leopard bikini, she just “dropped down into that pose naturally because that was just who I was,” the petite femcee revealed during a candid sit-down with host Aria Hughes on Complex Con(versations). The itty bitty bikini was a piece from contemporary costume designer Patricia Field’s NYC boutique, where Kim and longtime stylist and friend Misa Hylton shopped “every day.”

Kim’s Hardcore disrupted the 90s female rap landscape, with its sex-laced stanzas and risqué cover image. Fierce femcees like Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Salt N’ Pepa, and Roxanne Shanté—many from whom Kim drew creative inspiration—were all stylish in their own right, but we had yet to see a Black woman dripped in diamonds and fur while rapping about things we only bragged about with our girls. Kim’s sexy style offered a stark contrast to Queen’s patterned Kofi or Lyte’s bucket hat and loose-fit clothing.

“Salt-N-Pepa had the sexiness I knew I had,” Kim revealed about her musical muses during an interview with Talib Kweli on Uproxx. “See MC Lyte was always rough — she didn’t really care to be nothing else, but like look ‘I’m just a rough chick with a pretty face.’ That’s who she was and wanted to be. But Salt-N-Pepa had everything I kinda was. I was sexy with the rough edge but I knew I was different from both of them completely.”

Kim’s unorthodox approach to female rap resonated with Black women who sought to break out of the traditional feminist archetype.

“Her entry into the game was a turning point for women in rap where image became so much more of a focus, like showing sexuality and being stylish also,” explains Clover Hope, author of “The Motherlode: 100+ Women Who Made Hip-Hop.” In the series of essays, Hope deconstructs how each individual rapstress contributed to Hip-Hop. “It was aspirational. It was this coveting of luxury that she epitomized in a way that I think reflected a lot of young Black girls’ desire to be draped in some of these things. A lot of that, the ghetto fabulous philosophy, was young Black girls wanting to live the fantasy outside of what was expected of them.”

In her 1999 novel, When Chickenheads Come Home to Roost: A Hip-Hop Feminist Breaks It Down, writer Joan Morgan, who coined the term “hip hop feminist,” examined the complex duality of feminism.

“We need a voice like our music – one that samples and layers many voices, injects its sensibilities into the old and flips it into something new, provocative, and powerful,” she wrote. Kim’s salacious style and image, though crafted from the male gaze, offered a new version of feminism with a woman’s sexual prowess at the forefront. All of which contributed to the Queen Bee’s success and enduring legacy on fashion and Hip-Hop.

A Match Made In Fashion Heaven

Source: Theo Wargo / Getty

It’s impossible to talk about Kim’s influence on fashion without mentioning Misa Hylton, the style architect who is responsible for many of Kim’s iconic looks. The two first met at Misa’s Scarsdale home circa 1993-1994 while the Notorious B.I.G. was in the process of recording his debut album with Puff Daddy. “Kim came and she was hanging out at the house and she was so fly and her hair was fly.” Misa and Kim “shared the same taste,” which was the foundation for their effortless collaborations. They naturally made magic together.

Misa is the mastermind behind Kim’s leopard bikini, her prismatic clothes in Crush On You, the Swarovski-embellished catsuit she wore to the 1999 Source Awards (inspired by Nija Battle’s furs), and the lavender pasty and jumpsuit she wore to the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards. The astonishing look might have been inspired by Missy Elliott, but it was carefully designed by Misa, who “wanted to make something really ornate and feminine and pretty, to offset the fact that she had one breast out,” she told PopSugar. A coloring mistake by Kim’s then-hairstylist Diane Alexander turned her typically-blonde wig purple, creating a look that has become one of the defining images of Kim’s career.

Source: Trevor Gillespie / Getty

“Her introduction of sexy and ghetto fabulous to the hip-hop culture of the ‘90s was groundbreaking and revolutionary,” said die-hard Lil’ Kim fan and celebrity creative director Paris Chea when asked about Kim’s fashion legacy. “Trends her and Misa Hylton created are timeless and still being copied ‘til this very day. To be iconic, one must always be consistent, and Lil’ Kim for sure has always been that.”

The Crossover

Kim’s work with David LaChapelle in 1999 also provided the framework for her high fashion relationships.

“I introduced Lil’ Kim to Giorgio Armani and it was a big, big deal when that happened,” LaChapelle told journalist Nadja Sayej in a 2018 Garage.Vice interview where he broke down the behind-the-scenes fashion moment that put Lil’ Kim on the radar of the Italian designer. “There wasn’t this connection between rap music and high fashion back then; it didn’t happen yet. Now, everyone works hard to be seated next to Anna Wintour at Fashion Week.”

Source: Ron Galella / Getty

Earlier this year, Kim recalled to HelloBeautiful what it was like being embraced by designers like Donatella, Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen, and John Galliano. “They embraced me quickly in my career and it was at a time where a lot of musicians were not being embraced by the major designers. I’m one of the first ones next to Diddy.”

The trendsetter joyfully reminisced about the first time she met Marc Jacobs and how he recited the words to her fan-favorite How Many Licks.

“The fashion world has always used music as their motivation because I know when I used to fit and me and Marc [Jacobs] would have lunch in his showroom while he was creating looks for one of his fashion shows, he would always be playing my music,” Kim told us. “He would be playing How Many Licks, and I would be like, ‘You know this song?’ He would be like, ‘Girl, please!,’ and that’s when I first met him. I was so shocked, but I was more shocked that he knew almost every song!”

“Lil’ Kim was an icon of the ‘90s and was a serious trendsetter, wearing Chanel runway, Dior, and Versace looks young artists continue to emulate to this day,” said Claire Sulmers, founder of The Fashion Bomb Daily. “She was partying with Donatella Versace and even rocking head to toe Louis Vuitton monograms in a time when our community was just getting familiarized with European design houses.”

Hair To Stay

Beyond using fashion as a means of expression, Kim’s daring hairstyles became an extension of her luxurious lifestyle, working with several hairstylists who helped craft her most memorable ensembles. In a 2013 interview with Vice, celebrity hairstylist Eugene Davis—who worked with everyone from Mary J. Blige to Aaliyah at the time—opened up about the inspiration behind Kim’s multicolored hair in “Crush On You.”

“The stages on set turned from blue to green to yellow to red and I saw that her clothes were like that too. I was like, “’You know what Kim, we need to do something crazy and different.’ I left Long Island City where we were shooting, went back to New York, bought some wigs, put them on her and recut them on her. That video became legendary.”

We also caught up with the colorful wig connoisseur, who described Kim’s approach to hair as “adventurous. “Kim was imaginative and was open and willing to trust her glam team. Did we always want to set the bar high? Yes and it went perfectly with Kim’s artistic vision of her unique spin on style, hence starting the whole “Crush On You” color hair trend. Which is still currently trending, Kim did it first.”

Kim’s hairstyles quickly became as equally iconic as her designer threads. The looks crafted by Davis, (think: Mary J. Blige’s updo in Not Gon’ Cry) became the poster image for hair in the ‘90s.

Her famous blue Chanel wig was a craft-store creation by Dionne Alexander, who told Complex, “That was a blonde wig that I dyed those colors with the brown and the black.” She added, “And don’t ask me how I knew to do this, because I don’t know. But I went to the arts and crafts store, I purchased some thick tracing paper, and I cut out the Chanel logo and then I used magic marker to put it on the wig. That’s my secret.”

According to Hylton, luxury branded hair was a natural progression on Kim’s fashion trajectory. “Colored hair and designer brands were really a part of Kim’s DNA, so this was a natural progression of combining those two elements. It was the manifestation of our work together from a place of authenticity and intuition,” she revealed in a 2019 Essence chat.

The Blueprint

Kim‘s ability to coexist as an exalted player in both the fashion and music industries provided the blueprint for today’s female rap stars, who understand the stratospheric effect of fashion. Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, The City Girls, Saweetie (and so many more) are all products of Kim’s pioneering foray into high fashion.

“She made fashion come to her,” explained Hope. “Her and Misa…Misa designing these custom outfits at that time, (some of what I cover in my book). I talked to stylists including Misa and Eve’s stylist and they talked about high fashion brands weren’t loaning to rappers. They weren’t readily being like ‘I want so and so to wear my clothes.’ It was harder to get those European brands. Now, fashion is falling over itself trying to get Cardi B to wear something. I think the role Kim played led to a place where high fashion wants to have the hip-hop name attached to it.”

Today, Kim is applying everything she learned about fashion into her collection with PrettyLittleThing. The queen teamed up with the fast-fashion retailer to create a collection that would resonate with her core fans.

Source: PrettyLittleThing / PLT

There’s a current petition with nearly 5,000 signatures calling for the CFDA to bestow Kim with the Fashion Icon award.

“My fans are beasts and I love you guys to the heavens. Whether that happens or not, I’m going to keep stepping and doing what I do in fashion and being fly. That’s never going to change. I love clothes,” she told Refinery29 in 2019.

Fashion hasn’t replaced Kim’s desire to release music. In 2019, she released 9, a nine-track album under her record label Queen Bee Entertainment.

When Kim isn’t recording and repping her borough BK to the fullest as the Brooklyn Nets and Budweiser’s newest ambassador, she’s lending her voice to BET+’s American Gangster: Trap Queens and enjoying the view from the throne; reigning forever as the queen of rap.

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Misa Hylton: From Bad Boy Stylist To Global Creative Partner For MCM

Source: Prince Williams / Getty

Can you imagine yourself being interviewed by living legend Mariah Carey? Looks like Cardi B got the opportunity of a lifetime when she sat down with the award-winning songbird for a chat with Interview Magazine.

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The two chart-topping divas talked about everything from a typical day in the life of Belcalis Almánzar to what it means to feel beautiful. In a conversation amongst two friends, we get to experience Mariah Carey and Cardi B have a genuine, informative discussion on things they have in common, like aspects of their upbringing. Here are some highlights:

When Mariah asked if Cardi B. felt beautiful growing up, she responded:

“Well, I’m from New York, right? And New York is a melting pot, especially where I grew up in the Bronx. I’m Trini and I’m Dominican, and there’s a lot of Dominicans that look a certain type of way. They have soft, pretty, curly hair. Growing up, guys would ask me weird questions like, “If you’re Dominican, why is your hair so nappy?” I used to dye my hair,  and people used to be like, “Oh, your hair’s so crunchy.” And it would make me feel so weird. I was also really skinny when I was younger, and in the Bronx, it’s about being thick and having an ass, so young boys would be like, “Look at your flat ass. You ain’t got no titties.” And it would make me feel so ugly and undeveloped.”

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A post shared by Cardi B (@iamcardib)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cardi B (@iamcardib)

Mariah agreed that she struggled with her hair growing up because although she is biracial, she was raised by her mother who didn’t quite understand how to groom her hair. Mariah asked if Cardi felt vindicated after going from the teased Bronx girl to a household name. She responded:

“I feel so vindicated. Even when I was 18 and became a dancer, I had enough money to afford to buy boobs, so every insecurity that I felt about my breasts was gone. When I was 20, I went to the urban strip club, and in the urban strip clubs, you had to have a big butt. So I felt insecure about that. It took me back to high school. So I got my ass done. And then I felt super confident. When I was younger, I didn’t really know how to take care of my hair. So now I make my own hair mask and take care of my natural hair, and it makes me feel better, like what people were saying about me isn’t true. My hair was not bad because it was nappy. My hair was bad because I didn’t know how to take care of it.”

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You can read more of Mariah and Cardi’s pep talk on the Interview Magazine website.

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Another day, another Rihanna headline. If our good Pisces sis isn’t making the news for turning Savage X Fenty into a billion dollar company, she’s breaking barriers by taking inclusivity to another level.

DC-based influencer Tamera McLaughlin announced on her Instagram page that she is the first Savage X Fenty little person ambassador. A win for both Tamera and Rihanna.

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When Rihanna first introduced her lingerie brand, diversity and inclusion, along with sexiness and comfort, was most important. During her initial show, she used models of all shades, shapes, and sizes. Much like her makeup brand, the serial entrepreneur wants to make sure she is able to represent everyone. As a matter of fact, last year she introduced men’s undergarments to her brand and included a host of men in diverse sizes to be part of her annual fashion show.

Source: Kevin Mazur / Getty

Rihanna might be onto something. Her love for inclusivity may be a direct correlation to her becoming a billion dollar business. Earlier this month it was announced that the fashion mogul will put her Fenty X LVMH collaboration on hold as they refocus on both her lingerie and beauty brands. Rihanna also has plans of extending Savage X Fenty to include activewear.

With the success of her businesses, it doesn’t seem like Rihanna will be releasing music anytime soon.  At this point fans have stopped asking! The star is clearly building an empire and music just might be another part of her legacy.

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The Real Housewives of Atlanta episode we’ve all been waiting for finally premiered last night and as expected, it did not disappoint! In a jam-packed event, we watched the Atlanta housewives enter into Kandi’s infamous “dungeon” where all bets were off and nobody was safe.

Led by mistress Kandi, the ladies tapped into their sexy alter egos to throw Cynthia a surprise bachelorette party, complete with sexy lingerie, whips, chains, and a male dancer by the name of BOLO, who instantly became the star of the night and absolutely won the bachelorette party! Rocking a knockoff Chanel leopard print stripper suit (which Marlo so effortlessly called out) and still somehow managing to bear it all, BOLO put on an intense show for the ladies that was full of flips, twists, and turns that didn’t end until 7 am the next morning!

But, just who is this mystery man underneath the “Chanel” costume and leopard print ensemble? Let’s be honest, we all want to know more! Here are five facts we dug up about BOLO, the man who stole the show on the best #RHOA episode of all time.

1. His real name is Michael Bolwaire

Source: Randy Shropshire / Getty

BOLO might be the name that’s trending and still has the internet buzzing a full 24 hours after the episode’s premiere. But, BOLO isn’t even this mystery man’s real name. His real name is Michael Bolwaire, and he’s a 32-year-old entertainer from Atlanta.

2. He’s also an actor

Michael Bolwaire isn’t just a male dancer, he’s an all-around entertainer and has gotten some major acting experience over the years. According to his IMDB page, he’s appeared as a performer in notables like Chocolate City and in the 2018 series, Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G. He even made an appearance on The Steve Harvey Show alongside Vivica A. Fox to promote his role in Chocolate City.

3. He has an inspirational upbringing

Like the rest of the RHOA ladies, BOLO resides in Atlanta but is originally from Ohio. According to a Cleveland news report, he ran away from home at 14-years-old and entered the foster care system as a teen. While in college, he decided to pay it forward by helping other youth in the foster care system, similar to how he was supported during his time in the system. “It’s about love, and everybody wants love. Everybody wants that nourishment,” he said in the news report.

4. He’s a family man

Source: Randy Shropshire / Getty

Although Michael Bolwaire seems to keep his private life pretty private, he appears to be a very proud family man. He’s posted a few adorable throwback pictures on Instagram of himself with his own father and also given us a glimpse into his life as a father himself, sharing a few pictures of himself with his young son.

5. He’s an animal lover

Michael Bolwaire’s Instagram has three major themes: working out, entertaining, and animals. The entertainer appears to be a proud dog lover and often shows off his adorable pit bulls through pictures and videos on his IG page. He also seems to love all types of animals as evident by his IG pics showing off his trips to see more exotic animals like dolphins, pandas, and whales.

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Source: Shanita Sims / Shanita Sims

Name: Arnell Banahene

IG: readynelly

Agency: Multii Media Agency

Claim to Fame: Banahene has appeared in videos for Saint John, and T.I. She was also featured in an exclusive editorial series published at ESSENCE. 

Arnell Banahene began modeling as a favor. “I had a best friend and her older sister, she had a hair company and she just needed a model,” she said.

She began to take modeling more seriously following her graduation from East Orange Campus High School. She opted not to continue her education to pursue a full-time modeling career. Banahene moved to Brooklyn instead hoping that she would be able to build a career in Manhattan. 

She attended open calls and castings while seeking representation. She sent emails and signed up for mailing lists to get information about potential opportunities but she was disappointed to be held back by her lack of a social media following when she arrived at auditions.

“I wasn’t modeling full-time. I was actually, working as a waitress and honestly, just living on someone’s couch, it was a struggle,” she said. ”It still is.” 

Banahene was criticized about her height at runway castings and often suspected that she was facing colorism in certain commercial castings. She resented being placed in the “edgy box,” many models with darker skin have relegated to since the success of the first Black runway models to sport cropped cuts and futuristic makeup.  “It was just very hard to find work because there wasn’t really a lane for me, as far as me being dark skin or not really having that much followers on Instagram,” she continued. “I feel like with Black women, we don’t have, we don’t see in a variety of like ranges when it comes to us being models, you always see either a mixed race Black model or a light-skinned model.” 

She noted that there are “not really a lot of like different models that are dark skin that come in all shapes and sizes.” She referred to the near homogeneous aesthetics of darker models in the late nineties and early aughts that persists in high fashion. “We’re expected to shave our hair off,” she added.  “And look a certain type of way we’re just stigmatized.” 

 Banahene is still attending traditional castings but she pivoted to music videos in the hope to be able to land herself in a place with more leverage. She has appeared in projects for Saint John and T.I. and is actively being pitched for campaigns. She also chose to sign with a multidisciplinary agency that caters to all kinds of creatives and claims to have a mandate to reduce “oppressive industry norms.” 

 “I just want to break those chains,” she declared. “There’s a lot of people out here in the world, all shapes and sizes. So we need better representation.” 

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Source: Jerod Harris / Getty

I couldn’t think of a better time to be a Black superhero. Teyonah Parris’ role as Monica Rambeau in Marvel’s WandaVision is the representation needed in today’s world. It is unexplainable just how important it is to see a Black quirky character like Monica, play out on screen as a source of intelligence, ambition, and tenacity. After grieving the loss of her mother Maria, she decides to pick up the baton and crack the Westview code.

In both WandaVision and Captain Marvel 2, Teyonah will explore all the perks of a superhero lifestyle. It has been confirmed that she will star in the upcoming film, hitting theaters in November 2022. Marvel has done an amazing job at re-telling historic comics with a modern, accurate twist. Across the spectrum, representation has been a huge, consistent theme. In a conversation with Teyonah Parris, we discussed joining the Marvel family, the importance of having a Black glam squad, and her personal Black woman super power.

How does it feel to be part of the Marvel Family?

It’s truly an honor. I’m really excited by the opportunity I’ve been given. I think it’s so important to have a myriad of representation in diversity and so I’m really excited to be a part of the MCU during this phase where they’re making that huge stride and getting more diverse superheroes story into the world.

It’s got to be amazing to have this huge role and still be a Black, natural-haired woman representing for everyone else. Like you said, representation is very important. What would you say your hair and makeup experience has been on set?

Source: ©Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved. / ©Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved.

Honey, I wish I could have it everywhere I went. When I tell you Marvel has been so supportive in hearing my request and my concerns – that turned out to not be concerns because they handled it in such a beautiful and seamless way. It was important to me, and to them as well, to hire a diverse behind the scenes glam staff. And so when I express that to them to have women of color; Regina Little who does my make up and has done a beautiful job going through this; Nikkie Wright who is my hairstylist on the show; and for my wig, my wig was made by another Black woman, Cookie Jordan. Just having a team of a bomb ass Black women supporting me and Marvel supporting us in the vision and the image that we wanted to create has been a dream come true. I’m just so grateful to Marvel and the producers on the show that they empowered us and gave us the space and the freedom to tell the visual story that we also thought was important and making sure those stories blended together seamlessly that they may complement one another so it’s been a dream.

What would you say is your Black Woman Super Power?

Source: Jennifer Jones / Jennifer Jones

Black History Month wasn’t always the 28-day celebration of Blackness we know it to be today. Back in 1926, Black historian Carter G. Woodson proposed the second week of February be named “Negro History Month.” The idea caught momentum and by 1969 Black educators and students of Kent University advocated to make this a month-long celebration of our existence.

The first official celebration of Black History Month took place at Kent State from January 2 to February 28, 1970. Fifty-one years later, we’ve been uplifting Black pioneers within our community during the second month of the year. While it’s amazing to speak to the accolades of celebrities, politicians, and philanthropists who inspire us daily, there is a wide range of everyday entrepreneurs who are also worthy of recognition.

Black women are the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs. Underfunded and overlooked, we manage to persevere by carving out our own lane and starting businesses that position us for success. As part of a month-long series, I want to highlight 4 Black women who are making serious waves in the fashion and beauty industries. We kicked off the series with Mikaela Pabon, Africa Miranda,and Emijaa Jaaemil. We’re ending our series with none other than Jennifer Jones, owner of Cocobuttery.

Source: THEHIVECOLLAB / THEHIVECOLLAB

Jennifer’s journey to launching Cocobuttery began in 2000, when she noticed her 3 month old baby suffered from eczema. “I wanted to find an all natural alternative to soothe her skin relieve her from the appearance and effects of eczema and refused to put steroid creams on my infant. That said I was able to create this formula and provide a relief and after being exposed to so many other people going through the same situations either with their children themselves or someone else they love it became clear to me that Cocobuttery needed to be available for the world,” Jennifer explains to HelloBeautiful.

“My father also has suffered from cancer four times and each time that he has had to have chemotherapy his skin had serious adverse reactions when the chemo was coming back out of his skin. Cocobuttery was the only thing that provided him relief and again I was faced with the fact that there are others in the same situation without a solution so Cocobuttery has become their solution as well,” Jennifer continued.

Jennifer’s passion for helping customers explore healthy skin care options has put her in a class of her own. “The most rewarding part of what we do is hearing back from someone who has been searching for a solution and has not been able to find one and now after using Cocobuttery finally feel comfortable in their own skin without the daily irritations or dryness,” she says.

Source: THEHIVECOLLAB / THEHIVECOLLAB

“Our skin is our largest organ and so many people do not take care of it or only moisturize the parts of their skin that are going to be exposed throughout the day neglecting to provide it with the proper nutrients. If it takes 26 seconds for toxins that are in our daily skin care to get into our bloodstream it is also important to provide an all natural alternative to the traditional lotions which is what Cocobuttery is on a mission to do.”

The beauty market is currently over-saturated with skin care products. More and more, women are banning together to create safe, holistic butters, oils, and scrubs so that people can enjoy moisturized, healthy skin. The spike in Black-owned, woman-owned businesses has been inspiring to see. Jennifer agrees. “It is the most encouraging feeling to see so many women walking in their purpose on purpose and taking charge of what inspires them and turning it into profit. The network of smart, talented and multifaceted women that I’m surrounded by gives me a recharge every time I see one of them get closer to their dream,” she said.

Like many, Jennifer maintained a full-time job before pursuing Cocobuttery full-time. That plunge into entrepreneurship can be scary, but it’s proven to be worth it. Although Black-owned, woman-owned businesses are often underfunded, our resilience and perseverance keep us going.

“My biggest challenge was believing in myself enough to walk away from corporate America knowing that it was going to be a lot of work, while rewarding but all on me to make it happen. I combat it by not letting any fear of failure overwhelm my faith in God and the gifts that He has given me. I also stay humble and in constant learning mode when hearing about how someone else has scaled their business,” Jennifer said.

Source: THEHIVECOLLAB / THEHIVECOLLAB

Jennifer has dreams of joining the larger retail chains and beauty supply stores. Hopefully she can find a home in Target with other Black-owned brands like The Lip Bar and The Honey Pot. It is encouraging to see small businesses find their way into bigger stores. “I plan on expanding and having a Cocobuttery available in the big box stores, beauty supply shops, Beauty subscription boxes and my own brick and mortar locations once Covid is over and it’s appropriate to invest in a standalone location,” she said.

You can follow the Cocobuttery brand on Instagram and don’t forget to visit their website.

DON’T MISS…

Black Styleblazers Series: Meet Emijaa Jaaemil, The Designer Shaking Things Up In The Hair Accessories Industry

Black Styleblazers Series: Africa Miranda Is Changing The Beauty Game, One Product At A Time

Black Styleblazers Series: Mikaela Pabon Is Leaving Her Bold Imprint On The Fashion Industry