Now is an interesting time for the retail industry. People are being more cautious about going into physical stores and commercial rent prices remain sky high. It’s a recipe for hard times, and people aren’t shopping the way they used to. Times have undeniably changed and amid that, people are looking for items that are… read all

In the stillness of your mind, think of your goals and aspirations. Don’t fill your thoughts with past regrets or disappointments. This is about looking to your future and seeing clearly what you need for the upcoming year.

Big respect to the beauty and hair vloggers out there, shining a light on the range of our beautiful skintones and hair textures and body types on YouTube! I have nothing but admiration for the creators who are doing their thing via video. It’s such a different kind of grind. I’m a firm believer in knowing… read all

The end of an old year. The beginning of a new one. A blank, first page to scrawl your annual aspirations on. It’s the time of year to start journaling, creating your year-end exit interview, writing your resolutions. It’s the time to get your planner and get to planning. But which planner do you plan… read all

In most of the USA right now, the weather outside is FRIGHTFUL. The weather report is talking about all kinds of negative degrees and wind chills. Christmas is in 9 days and the time for gift shopping is yesterday NOW. I’m here for you, with some natural hair gift suggestions you still have time to… read all

Last year I wrote an extensive list of 101 Independent Black Owned Businesses to support for Blackout Friday. It proved to be amongst the most popular posts I’ve ever written. In 2014, I wrote that post in response to the Blackout Friday movement that arose from protests in Ferguson, Missouri. This year I had already planned to… read all

Even though Chicago weather is playing games with my heart, it’s technically just about summertime in the Chi. The weather vacillates between high heat and humidity, to rain and wind and even hail the other day. In June! Sometimes it hails in JUNE. Anyway, no matter what, it’s the season to switch up your makeup…. read all

For me, baths are a luxury. Making the time to clean my tub, light some candles, put on my bubblebath playlist – all of the things I need to do to prepare for the experience – takes time and effort. It’s an intentional exercise in relaxation and self care. So it better be worth it… read all

If you haven’t yet realized that I’m an unabashed Lupita stan, now’s as good a time as any. I think she’s absolutely gorgeous, and so classy and elegant. Lupita Nyong’o came to SLAY the red carpet at Cannes, resplendent in custom Gucci chiffon. Her makeup was by Nick Barose for Lancôme, and I had to… read all

We’ve got a long way to go in terms of full diversity in fashion and beauty, but I sincerely feel that there’s been real, necessary change in the beauty product development world. Most smart major American brands have gotten the memo that multicultural beauty (and multicultural hair) isn’t a trend, and it isn’t going away… read all