ESSENCE PRESENTS THE LEVEL UP & THRIVE VIRTUAL EVENT SERIES

ESSENCE closes out 2020 with two free virtual events to help entrepreneurs and business professionals put those 2021 career goals in motion with the launch of the ESSENCE Level Up & Thrive Virtual Event Series!

The first part of the series kicks off today, Thursday, December 3, with ESSENCE E-Suite: The Art of the Pivot, presented in part by Chase, Walmart and Shea Moisture. Streaming on ESSENCE.com beginning at 7PM EST, this latest virtual edition of the ESSENCE E-Suite will host some of the most brilliant minds in the corporate space who will talk us through what’s ahead for business professionals planning for career changes in 2021. Whether you’ll be venturing into a new industry, getting back into the workforce after spending several months on unemployment or just looking to level up on your current job, this event is sure to have something for every business professional.

The second part of the series will feature the return of the virtual ESSENCE Entrepreneur Summit on Wednesday, December 9, where you’ll have the opportunity to access unforgettable conversations, interactive sessions and more. Together with Chase, Aveeno and Microsoft, ESSENCE will unite business owners of all ages to weigh in on what their plans are for carrying their brands to higher success in 2021 despite coming off of a difficult year. It will stream on ESSENCEStudios.com.

For more information and to register for both events, visit our official ESSENCE Level Up & Thrive virtual series event page HERE 

Holiday Prep and Onecklace Gift-Giving

The holiday season is right upon us.  I don’t know about you but there are specific details that need to be checked off the list in preparation for seasonal celebrations.

In previous years, I would take down the decorations and get straight to work.  This isn’t ideal because I would enter the new year with frozen meals and closets filled with miscellaneous items.  Thankfully, I learned from my unorganized ways and began to structure my home to truly ti’s the season.

Featured Photo Style:  Tweed Blazer: Express | Heels:  Jimmy Choo | Bow Ring:  oNecklace

#4 Lessons for Holiday Prep:

Lesson #1: Start de-cluttering before the new year. This is not up for debate!  If you wait until after Christmas, this will include gifts and leftover household items.

Lesson #2:  Clean the freezer prior to Thanksgiving.  This simple task will make room for extra food and potential freezer meals.  The holiday season can get busy, having freezer meals on hand eliminates the question, “What’s for dinner?”

Lesson #3:  Put up the Christmas tree prior to holiday festivities.  The longer you wait, the more stressful the holiday season will become.  I like to gather my entirefamily and pull down the tree at least two weeks before cooking the turkey.

Lesson #4:  The previous lesson leads me into the next one.  If the month of November is your busiest season in business or civic engagments, consider ordering the turkey.  There are several delicious options and this can be a time-saver (and energy-saver.)

Oh, in terms of gift-giving, check out oNecklace for one of a kind, personalized pieces.

The Sideways Letter Necklace and Bow Ring has been a elegant addition to my jewelry collection.  Both of the pieces are timeless. 

What are some personalized gifts that you will be giving this year?

Sideways Letter Necklace

Collaborative Post with oNecklace

PÜR x Barbie Holiday Gifts For The Makeup & Skincare Lover

This inspiring limited-edition 15-piece collection features dreamy skincare, highly pigmented complexion products and collectible makeup tools, all set in playful, luxe packaging and are sure to channel anyone’s inner Barbie.

Celebrate your own, unique beauty with fierce colors, bold pigments and high-performance beauty products that are sure to elevate your look – and confidence – with good-for-you formulas this holiday season (all available on purcosmetics.com or ulta.com!)

Barbie™ Lips & Tips Duo in Trailblazer/24K ($32 on purcosmetics.com)

Barbie™ Lips & Tips Duo in Innovator/Icon ($32 on purcosmetics.com)

Barbie™ Lips & Tips Duo in CEO ($32 on purcosmetics.com)

 


PÜR X Barbie™ Magical Eyes Signature Mascara & Primer Collection ($20 on purcosmetics.com)

PÜR X Barbie™ Doll Lash Signature Cruelty Free PRO Eyelash Collection ($16 on purcosmetics.com)

 

PÜR X Barbie™ Endless Possibilities II Signature 15-Piece Eyeshadow Palette ($34 on purcosmetics.com)

 

PÜR X Barbie™ Malibu Blush Signature 6-Piece Blush Palette ($32 on purcosmetics.com)

PÜR X Barbie™ Skin Essentials Signature 3-Piece Skincare Sampler ($29 on purcosmetics.com)

 

PÜR X Barbie™ Brush ‘n Sparkle Signature 5-Piece Cruelty Free Brush Set with Bag ($48 on purcosmetics.com)

 

 

EMMY-WINNING ACTRESS+ACTIVIST ZENDAYA ON ESSENCE’S NOV/DEC COVER

Zendaya is undoubtedly one of Hollywood’s brightest young stars – and one of Black Hollywood’s wildest dreams. At just 24 years old, the actress has led two successful series on two of the biggest networks in TV land; costarred in a huge blockbuster Marvel film; and become the youngest woman ever to win the Emmy for outstanding lead actress in a drama, Euphoria. As much as the actress and activist has broken barriers in her past, it’s her present and future in Hollywood that’s winning.

For ESSENCE’s November + December issue, Zendaya graces the cover with stunning and picturesque black and white imagery that pays tribute to icons of the past while squarely establishing her as a leading force in the present and an icon of the future. The special issue is part of the brand’s ongoing 50th anniversary celebration and also features Zendaya on three bonus digital covers (with fashion styling and creative direction led by renowned celeb stylist Law Roach.) In her cover story, A Work of Art, Zendaya talks to writer Sylvia Obell about everything from her historic Emmy win, speaking truth to power and carrying our legacy forward. She tells ESSENCE:

ON WHAT WAS GOING THROUGH HER MIND RIGHT BEFORE HER HISTORIC EMMY WINNING: “There’s a video of me that a family friend took while I was waiting, and you can see my leg shaking. In my head I was like, ‘Dude, just chill out. What will be, will be.’ I remember taking a deep breath, and then hearing my name, and then my family screamed. I was worried that if they kept screaming for too long, I wouldn’t have any time to actually say anything—but I didn’t want to stop them, because they were having a great time. It was a very special night. I’ll definitely remember that one forever…”

ON RECEIVING SUPPORT FROM OTHER BLACK WOMEN AFTER HER EMMY WIN: “I’m honored to have that support, especially from my fellow young Black creatives. Through this Emmy’s period, especially, I felt a strong sense of support within our community, which I’m really grateful for. I think what’s slowly starting to happen is, artists like Issa Rae and Lena Waithe have created opportunities that have resulted in more of us being in these rooms. That’s such a special feeling, and I think it’s definitely changing the idea that there can only be “one at a time,” which is false. I love to see that genuine love and respect for each other’s work. I hope that we continue to expand that in all kinds of beautiful ways, because I think we’re on a really good path…”

ON LAW ROACH’S CREATIVE + FASHION DIRECTION: “I also felt very excited that ESSENCE allowed Law [Roach] and me to be a part of the creative team and do something a little bit different. I had so much fun on this shoot paying homage to Donyale Luna, the first Black supermodel. A lot of what I do, specifically within fashion, is a tribute to fashion icons who came before me—many of whom are Black women. I love the way it turned out. I’m very proud of it. It’s one of my favorite cover shoots I’ve ever done.”

ON FILMING “MALCOLM & MARIE” WHEN THE PANDEMIC FIRST SHUT DOWN: “It was a dream, because I’ve always wanted to be able to just strip everything away. I love what I do—and like most people, I was finding ways to stay inspired and stay creative, and luckily I know people who are the same way. It was great sitting in a room with John David Washington, Marcell Rév and Sam [Levinson], literally writing scenes as we went, coming up with ideas as we moved through the characters, and finding new things every day. That was the coolest part. That is why I do this.”

HER NEW YEAR’S WISH FOR BLACK WOMEN: “For us to continue to fully realize our power and harness it to do great things, because we are incredibly powerful. We’re often convinced that we’re not, and taught to shrink—but we have to believe in our collective power. I always think of that Beyoncé song, ‘They’ll never take my power, my power, my power.’ Let’s take that energy into the new year…”

ESSENCE’s November + December issue also includes a special Election 2020 package featuring a History Maker profile on Vice-President Elect Kamala Harris and her historic run for the White House. In the piece, News & Politics editor Tanya Christian details her year-plus coverage of the Senator—including her live appearance at the 2019 ESSENCE Festival of Culture in New Orleans during her presidential run. The issue also features The Black Women Behind the Biden-Harris Campaign, an article showcasing key movers and shakers who helped drive the campaign to victory.

ESSENCE’s November + December issue hits newsstands on November 24th. For more on this issue, visit ESSENCE.com. (Photo, AB+DM) Also join the conversation @Essence. 

 

Spiced + Spiked Mini Donuts You’ll “Fall” in Love With From BlissBomb

BlissBomb, a New York City company specializing in baked mini donuts, has recreated the “feels” and flavors of fall in baked mini donuts shipping nationwide and for sale locally in NYC.

BlissBomb launched three limited-time fall flavors today:  Spiked Pumpkin, Blueberry Pecan Pancake, and Chocolate Gingerbread. The flavors were conceived and hand created by BlissBomb executive pastry chef, Tarran Hatton, formerly with Milk Bar. Availability will last through December.

“While summer is a place – the beach, the lake, Disneyworld – fall is a feeling,” said Hatton. “Blueberry Pecan Pancakes feel like breakfast on a cozy Sunday morning. Each of our new flavors brings to mind a moment of autumn bliss with a few surprise twists we’ve baked in.”

 

Fall Flavor Descriptions

 

SPIKED PUMPKIN:   A spiced pumpkin and Mexican hot chocolate donut spiked with Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum.

BLUEBERRY PECAN PANCAKE:  This mini donut is stacked with house-made blueberry compote, toasted pecans, and maple brown butter.

CHOCOLATE GINGERBREAD:  Valrhona chocolate and Barrow’s Intense Ginger Liqueur make this the most festive gingerbread house on the block.

BlissBomb will host a fall flavor tasting party at Barrow’s Intense Tasting Room in Brooklyn’s Industry City on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 7-9 p.m. Barrow’s Intense Ginger Liqueur, used in the Chocolate Gingerbread donut, is made at this facility.

BlissBomb’s Beginnings

 

In May BlissBomb launched its nationwide ecommerce offering, shipping mini donuts in luxe gift boxes ($48) and DIY donut decorating kits ($40) anywhere in the U.S. NYC wholesale, delivery (GrubHub, DoorDash, Postmates, ezCater) and catering are also available.

BlissBomb believes donuts have not reached their full potential. Most are soft and sweet with undistinguishable flavors. Or they’re piled high with common household cereals, cookies, and candy bars with no thought to flavor balance or creativity.

BlissBomb chops, squeeze, zests, toasts, and crushes real fruits, nuts, spices, flowers, and other ingredients to infuse its donuts, glazes, and toppings with full-bodied flavor. Beyond their indulgence-encouraging mini size – 3-to-4 bites each – BlissBomb donuts are baked, which allows the flavors to blossom instead of being masked by frying oil. Nearly 25% of a fried donut’s weight comes from oil.

Evolving Ecommerce Treats

 

BlissBomb is bringing complete customization to the ecommerce treats category. Unlike most online treats that come in pre-set assortments, BlissBomb gift boxes can be customized with any flavors on the menu to create a more memorable gift or occasion. Customers can further personalize the gift with one of nine greeting cards exclusively designed and illustrated for BlissBomb.

 

About BlissBomb

BlissBomb is a baked mini donut business located in NYC’s Garment District. The company set out to make a better donut and to help people create moments of joy connecting with those who enrich their lives. The ecommerce site is located at www.bliss-bomb.com offering gift boxes and donut decorating kits with nationwide shipping. Locally BlissBomb mini donuts are available through delivery apps, online order pick-ups, catering, and wholesale. The brand can be found on Instagram and Facebook at @BlissBombJoy. Contact BlissBomb at customerservice@bliss-bomb.com or at 917-936-6251

Boss Vibes: Self-Esteem, Success, and The Art of Etiquette Book Review

Are you ready to awaken the BOSS inside of you?  With the emerging entrepreneurial spirits and new business endeavors, there’s a vital need for personal branding.

Author, Nita Patel shipped me a copy of the book Boss Vibes.  The title alone was intriguing; it immediately sparked my interest.

Boss Vibes Background Details:

Boss Vibes takes a witty look at every aspect of etiquette (or what author Nita Patel defines as the meaning behind the manners), and why it’s better to do things this way than that, how behaving appropriately makes you a better person and improves the world around you, and why perfecting your brand will help you get ahead without sacrificing your authenticity—or benefiting at someone else’s loss.

In an authoritative and humorous style, Patel will make you think, as she covers some of the following topics—
• How what you wear brands your image for better or worse
• Building a public profile that will boost your personal confidence
• Workplace wisdom to boost your career
• The dual arts of conversation: talking, listening, and body language

What did I learn from reading Boss Vibes?

The chapter titled, Sassy or Classy describes what your clothes say about you and how to dress appropriately for every occasion. A few tips included, “the little black dress is a legend for a reason:  It can always be dressed up or down.”  Also, the author discussed tips for men and added a piece about grooming.

Personally, I enjoyed the Boss Vibes Never-Evers because Nita addressed concerns that are often overlooked.  For example, when attending a conference, always admit if you can’t remember someone’s name or be sure to use the individual’s name twice in a conversation to make a connection.

Nita Patel wrote a chapter for Teens titled, Simple Steps Lead to Greatness.  One starter tip included, make eye contact when you talk to someone.  I couldn’t agree more with that statement!

Visit Amazon to order a copy of Boss Vibes for yourself, business bestie, or upcoming graduate.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nita Patel is a speaker, author, and artist who believes in modern etiquette as a path to becoming our best selves.

Schooled in London and a veteran of corporate America, she has 20+ years in technology leadership and nurturing teams toward confidence and impact.

Candace “Six-Figure Spa Chick” Holyfield hosted a “SOLD-OUT” Queen Spa Expo

Candace “The Six Figure Spa Chick”, Holyfield is the founder and the creative mind behind the Queen Spa Expo (specifically created for minority spa professionals) and The Black Spa Magazine. She is best known for her Award-Winning spa parties and her business instructional classes designed to empower millennial business owners. She has written over 30 e-books (for spa professionals) and has been invited to speak on mainstages internationally. A trailblazer in her own right, Holyfield has assisted over 500 spa owners not only to launch their salon but create a six-figure income while doing so.  Her work in the industry has not gone unnoticed.  She has graced the stages and pages of some of the most coveted beauty magazines and expos.  She has been the voice for African American spa owners b/c so many have been ignored or muted.  This prompted the development of The Queen Spa Expo and The Black Spa Magazine.

As a humanitarian and advocate for black women enterprises, Candace Holyfield has become the trusted voice within her generation.  Her raw style of communication, with her flair for marketing, has quickly made her an Instagram favorite. Candace Holyfield hosted the Second Annual “Queen Expo Spa” September 18 -19th at the W Hotel Midtown.  This event included premier minority beauty brands from around the country.  With great speakers, topics, and think tanks, Candace is designed an experience that will take her attendees to another level in business and in their mindset.  This event was completely sold out, with attendees from across the country.  Candace has expanded the Queen Spa Expo over 3 weekends.  Candace will host another iteration of the expo this weekend in Atlanta, Ga, and conclude in Las Vegas, NV the weekend of October 2-3.  The demand for The Queen Spa Expo pushed Candace to increase the offerings and locations for the expo.

The expo included cash giveaways, mastermind sessions, celebrity meet and greets, awards, and awesome networking experience.  Candace did not spare any expense; the expo was fully digital, and it implemented COVID-19 SAFETY policies.  The guests were able to learn, network, and maintain a sense of safety.

Some of the seminars offered during the 2nd Queen Spa Expo were:

  • Government contracts
  • How to get your products in Macy
  • Minority women certification
  • Marketing (online and offline)
  • pixel code
  • Facebook ads
  • 5 ways to market without social media
  • Client consultations
  • How to hire and pay a team
  • How to get celebrity clients
  • Operating a weight loss clinic
  • CBD skincare
  • Branding
  • Body contouring
  • V-steam
  • Lashes
  • Teeth whitening
  • Sugaring
  • Product launch
  • 7 figure mastermind and Business Credit, $40k months, opening salon suite, start your tour
  • 7 figure product line
  • Graphic Workshop
  • Systems to run your business
  • Airbnb

Candace also launched her new training program this weekend at the Queen Expo, entitled “Candyland University”.  She provided her guests with a sneak peek and early enrollment opportunities.  This program will provide real-time, digital training for spa professionals.  It will be open for enrollment to the public within the next 30 days. Stay tuned!

Through her countless efforts to be a driving force of change, Holyfield has been featured in national media platforms such as American Spa, Fox 54, BET, Fox 13, FOXSOUL, HELLO BEAUTIFUL, ROLLING OUT & The Essence Music Festival. 

 

 

 

5 Tips on Choosing Winter Outfit Jewelry for Beginners

With winter’s chill comes heavy layers—which can make your favorite pieces of jewelry seem a little impractical.

After all, you think, bundling up means barely any skin exposed. There’s no point in putting on rings when your fingers will be covered with gloves. And the edges of your necklaces cause fabric snags with your precious cashmere sweaters.

Fortunately, there are a few simple tricks to finding the perfect winter outfit jewelry, no matter your style. Here’s how to display your bijouterie in the coldest months of the year.

1. Let It All Hang Out

Just because your ears are covered doesn’t mean your earrings need to be! Try a pair of dangling earrings under your winter hat to effortlessly jazz up a look, as long as you don’t forget to match it with your scarf as well.

Whether you like modern and bold earrings or options with more subtle and romantic details, a little bit of wind can make them look dashing. One caveat to keep in mind: in the worst of windy weather, save your earlobes with studs instead!

2. Add Some Silvery Shine

If you’ve considered buying jewelry online this winter, you’ve probably noticed the uptick in beautiful silvery pieces. Maybe it’s something about the hint of snow or the chilly weather, but silver is always in during the winter months!

You can choose substantial silver pieces to play up the drama of an outfit, or opt for delicate chains like the ones from Dreamland Jewelry. Add a sparkling pendant for a bit of shimmer, and you’re good to go!

3. Stop the Show

Did you know that Sri Lankan brides traditionally wear armbands to ward off bad luck? In the depths of winter, you should do the same—with a show-stopping cuff bracelet to add some flair to your look!

In general, winter is a good time to go big, as larger pieces are less likely to blow around in the wind like delicate pieces will. In addition, thinner bracelets may be drowned by chunky sweaters and oversized jackets.

Don’t forget to pick a cuff bracelet that allows you to adjust the size.

4. Add a Little Length

Longer necklaces look great in addition to your winter collection of turtlenecks, mock necks, and sweaters. When considering the length of necklaces, 18 inches or longer will do the trick. You can layer up for subtle, shimmering accents to a look or opt for heavier pieces to play well with heavier winter shirts and pants.

Make sure to pick smooth, flat necklaces to avoid fabric snags and save your favorite cardigans!

5. Play Peekaboo

It may be cold outside, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find stunning ways to display your ring collection! Even if you have a minimal winter outfit budget, consider springing for a pair of stylish fingerless gloves or flip-top mitten gloves to show off your rings.

The latter can keep your fingers warm outside while letting you pull back the fabric for a hint of style once you’re indoors.

Finding the Right Winter Outfit Jewelry

No matter your style, finding the right winter outfit jewelry is all about playing with your winter wardrobe and the pieces you love. There are always clever ways to display your favorite necklaces, rings, and bracelets—and clever ways to incorporate new pieces into your outfits.

We love talking about style and fashion, no matter the season. If you enjoyed these insights, check out our other blogs!

Collaborative Post

Lifestyle Alert: 8 Back to School Strategies and oNecklace Bead Bracelet

Life has been pretty busy but this is one of my absolute favorite seasons.  Fall is filled with pumpkins, football games, and trick or treating.

One aspect that has changed due to COVID-19 is the kids attending school.  Every family has made individual choices based on their household.  The similarity amongst everyone is the ability to adjust due to the circumstances.

I have implemented a few strategies to keep everyone’s sanity and wanted to share them below.

Back to School/Virtual Learning Strategies:

1.  Set-up a digital learning space with individual crates for each child.  Crates should be labeled.

 

2.  Create a school binder with all of the teacher information and print schedules.

 

3.  Know the log-in information for each child.

 

4.  Create a daily schedule and put it on a whiteboard.

 

5. Put snacks in a basket for individual grabbing.

 

6. Create a lunch schedule according to in-school lunches.

 

7.  Have a Chromebook/computer tutorial with each child to foster independence.

 

8.  Set alarms in a child’s cellphone for them to join Google Meets.

 

If there’s no homework, kids can do afternoon art projects or go outside!

 

Also, don’t forget that companies like Target, Publix, and Amazon are offering delivery services for various products!

 

oNecklace Circle Initial Bead Bracelet:

I adore a beautiful bracelet.  It’s a simple touch of sparkle that can pull an entire outfit together!

oNecklace shipped an Initial Bead Bracelet that was perfect for my current jewelry collection.  The company allowed me to personalize this particular piece and of course, I added the letter K.

This bracelet is high-quality and coordinated well with my cardigan, camisole, and high waisted jeans.

oNecklace Initial Bead Bracelet

Just like the style bloggers would say, “The bracelet is stackable.”  That means combining several bracelets of varying styles for one accessorized look.

oNecklace Bead Bracelet

Visit oNecklace to purchase a one-of-a-kind, personalized bracelet.  It’s the perfect gift idea as we celebrate the holiday season!