Category: Black Womens Empowerment and Lifestyle

Get ready to meet the new leading ladies of “The Magic City”! OWN is expanding its popular “Belle Collective” franchise with its first-ever spinoff, “Belle Collective: Birmingham.” This new series promises to spotlight the powerful sisterhood and entrepreneurial drive of trailblazing women in Birmingham, Alabama.

A New Chapter in ‘The Magic City’

Following the success of the original series in Jackson, Mississippi, “Belle Collective: Birmingham” heads to a new Southern locale to showcase a fresh group of women building brands, shaping culture, and redefining modern Southern bellehood. The series is set to premiere on Friday, April 10, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on OWN, immediately after the flagship show, before moving to its regular 8 p.m. slot later in the month.

At the heart of this new installment is Stormi Steele, the powerhouse founder and CEO of the multimillion-dollar beauty empire, Canvas Beauty. Steele, who previously exited “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta,” is now leading the charge in “Belle Collective: Birmingham” and also heads Canvas The Agency, a platform focused on helping brands and creators scale in the digital economy.

Meet the Belles of Birmingham

Exclusive first-look photos and a trailer shared with BOSSIP offer a glimpse into the lives of these dynamic women. The cast includes:

• **Stormi Steele:** The beauty industry disruptor and founder of Canvas Beauty, known for her record-breaking million-dollar TikTok livestreams.
• **Amber Jones:** Stormi’s trusted CFO and “business soulmate,” who brings financial strategy and influence from Birmingham’s social and business circles.
• **Tiffaney Jones:** A vibrant entrepreneur and devoted wife, centered on faith and traditional values, passionate about strengthening marriages.
• **Funmi Ford:** A Nigerian-American marketing strategist and fashion influencer, known for her business acumen and unfiltered honesty.
• **K’la Inman:** A talent manager, entrepreneur, and mother of four, embracing reinvention after divorce and tapping into her bold alter ego, “Zayla.”

The series promises to explore their journeys as they build brands, nurture families, and forge lasting legacies. Viewers can expect to see Stormi reflecting on Canvas Beauty’s humble beginnings, Funmi highlighting her influencer platform, K’la showcasing her talent management skills, Amber balancing her role as CEO with being a wife and mother, and Tiffaney focusing on bringing women together and serving her community.

Sisterhood, Success, and Southern Charm

The trailer teases moments of camaraderie, including the ladies wearing traditional African garb and engaging in fireside chats. Motherhood and business are central themes, with scenes showing Stormi in meetings and K’la connecting with her daughter. The series is produced by Kingdom Reign Entertainment for OWN, with Carlos King serving as executive producer.

Patti LaBelle isn’t just a singer; she’s a force of nature, a culinary queen, and a beloved icon. With a career spanning decades and accolades too numerous to count, the “Godmother of Soul” remains as vibrant and relevant as ever. From her incredible vocal talent to her business savvy and unwavering spirit, there’s so much we can learn from this living legend.

A Legacy of Excellence

Patti LaBelle’s list of achievements is truly astounding. She’s a two-time Grammy winner, has received a BET Lifetime Achievement Award, seven NAACP Image Awards, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her voice has earned her spots in the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and Rolling Stone recognized her among the 100 Greatest Singers. Beyond music, she’s graced Broadway stages and earned Emmy nominations for her film and television work, including her memorable role as the no-nonsense mom on “A Different World.”

But Patti’s influence doesn’t stop at entertainment. Her famous sweet potato pies became a cultural phenomenon, selling out year after year. She’s also a best-selling cookbook author, sharing soulful, Southern-style recipes, often with healthier twists to address common wellness concerns.

Wisdom Through the Years

At 81 years young, Patti LaBelle shares profound insights on life, aging, and resilience. She encourages embracing age with confidence: “81 is wonderful, okay?” she declared while celebrating her birthday. Having experienced the early loss of her sisters, she finds wisdom in each additional year, noting, “With age comes calm and wisdom.”

Her approach to criticism is equally inspiring. Instead of shying away from negativity, she uses it as fuel: “I love criticism. Anytime someone says something negative about me, it pushes me forward because I know I can do. Let them keep talking.”

Style, Performance, and Business Acumen

Patti LaBelle is known for her impeccable style, always looking polished whether at the airport or on stage. She expresses her love for dressing up, stating, “I’m always dressed. I love to dress up.” Her dedication to performing is evident, as she acknowledges the blessings of still having audiences flock to her shows after 65 years in the industry. Her collaboration with Kelly Rowland during the 2025 “The Boy Is Mine” Tour was a heartwarming moment, celebrating the impact she’s had on younger artists.

As a businesswoman, Patti emphasizes meticulous financial management. She advises, “When you’re managing a growing business, you have to keep track of everything… Having a system for organizing, paying and evaluating business expenses helps ensure nothing falls through the cracks.” Her approach involves setting financial goals, creating a budget, and utilizing tools like accounting software.

Love, Faith, and Health

Reflecting on love and relationships, Patti speaks fondly of her late husband, with whom she remains friends. She emphasizes finding personal happiness, stating, “I’m too good to be solo.” Her unwavering faith is the cornerstone of her life and longevity. “The key to my longevity is Jesus. I am truly blessed,” she shared.

Patti LaBelle’s dedication to health, particularly managing her diabetes since 1995, and her support for causes like cancer and HIV/AIDS research, further highlight her commitment to well-being. A research laboratory at the University of Miami even bears her name.

Patti LaBelle is more than just a performer; she’s a testament to a life lived with passion, purpose, and grace. Her presence at the 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture is sure to be a highlight!

Get ready, Las Vegas! Culinary superstar Chef Kwame Onwuachi is bringing his incredible talents and vibrant flavors to the Strip. If you’re familiar with his work, you know that wherever Chef Kwame goes, amazing food, rich culture, and lively conversation are sure to follow.

Maroon: A Taste of Afro-Caribbean Excellence

The James Beard Award-winning chef is making his West Coast debut with his highly anticipated Afro-Caribbean steakhouse, Maroon. Officially opening its doors at SAHARA Las Vegas on Friday, April 24, this isn’t just another restaurant; it’s a culinary experience designed to ignite your senses.

Maroon masterfully blends the comforting familiarity of a classic American steakhouse with the bold, electrifying traditions of the Afro-Caribbean diaspora. At the heart of the restaurant is a custom jerk pit, which serves as the inspiration for the entire menu. Prepare for perfectly cooked cuts of beef, incredibly fresh seafood, and sides bursting with the layered, spice-forward flavors characteristic of Caribbean cooking – a unique offering on the Las Vegas Strip.

A Legacy of Freedom and Resilience

The name ‘Maroon’ itself carries significant weight. It honors the Maroons, descendants of enslaved Africans who escaped captivity starting in the 17th century and established sovereign communities in Jamaica. This legacy of freedom and resilience is the foundational inspiration behind Chef Onwuachi’s vision for the restaurant.

An Immersive Dining Experience

Designed by the New York City-based firm Modellus Novus, the interior of Maroon is as ambitious as its culinary concept. The main dining room accommodates 125 guests, with private spaces for more intimate gatherings and a bar-lounge designed to be a destination in its own right. The live-fire kitchen and central jerk pit create an atmosphere that aims to make you *feel* something from the moment you step inside.

Chef Onwuachi has been a prominent figure in American dining for years, and Maroon represents his most ambitious project yet. Launching in one of the country’s most competitive culinary landscapes, he’s shining a spotlight on a rich culinary tradition that deserves it. Maroon is envisioned as more than just a place for dinner; it’s a space where food, music, and the spirit of the Caribbean come alive together.

You’ve hit your 40s, and suddenly, your trusty skincare routine isn’t delivering the same results. Serums seem to just sit on the surface, and your skin feels thinner and drier. While aging is a natural part of life, the culprit behind this sudden shift might not be just chronological age—it could be hormonal changes, particularly the impact of cortisol during perimenopause.

How Hormones Reshape Your Skin After 40

Dr. Michelle Sands, a naturopathic doctor and author, explains that perimenopause, typically starting between ages 35-45, involves fluctuating and declining estrogen levels. Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining skin collagen, hydration, and elasticity. While Black women often have a natural advantage with higher melanin and collagen density, delaying visible wrinkles, they are not immune to these hormonal shifts.

This hormonal transition can lead to gradual skin thinning, loss of firmness, changes in pigmentation, and increased dryness. Furthermore, as women age, they can experience loss of muscle and bone density, which affects the facial structure, leading to sagging and jowling as the skin loses underlying support.

Understanding Cortisol and Its Skin Impact

Cortisol, often called the “stress hormone,” is essential for survival, regulating metabolism, immune responses, and blood sugar. However, chronically elevated cortisol levels—common during perimenopausal sleep disruptions, metabolic changes, and life stressors—can directly harm your skin. Studies show excess cortisol can break down collagen, slow skin repair, inhibit collagen production, and increase inflammation.

This is why chronic stress is linked to dull skin, delayed healing, and premature aging. It’s not just cortisol alone; declining estrogen during perimenopause can make the body more sensitive to cortisol, amplifying its negative effects. So, while collagen loss is a known factor, hormonal imbalances like elevated cortisol often secretly accelerate this process.

What is a ‘Cortisol Block’?

The term “cortisol block” is more of a marketing concept than a medical one. You can’t, and shouldn’t, completely block cortisol. Instead, focus on stress regulation through lifestyle practices: establish a consistent bedtime routine, increase physical activity, manage blood sugar levels, consume nutrient-dense foods, and consult your doctor about managing hormonal changes.

Retinol and Vitamin C: Use With Caution

While powerful ingredients like retinol and vitamin C are effective for photoaging and pigmentation, they can cause irritation if your skin barrier is compromised or thinning—a common issue after 40. This irritation can lead to inflammation, further exacerbating skin fragility and dryness. Dr. Tiffany Libby, a board-certified dermatologist, recommends prioritizing barrier support first with gentle cleansers and products containing niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides.

Once your skin barrier is healthy, retinoids can sometimes be reintroduced at low doses. And, of course, daily sunscreen use is non-negotiable.

Navigating the Menopausal Beauty Slump

A “beauty slump” occurs when your usual skincare strategies suddenly seem ineffective. This is incredibly common during perimenopause. Thinner skin, increased dryness, and more wrinkles are normal physiological transitions. The key is adapting your routine to support your skin’s changing needs. Many women continue using products from their 30s, but their skin now requires more structural and hormonal support.

Sync Your Skincare to Your Hormones

Since skin is a hormone-responsive organ, syncing your skincare routine to your hormonal fluctuations can be more effective. During your menstrual cycle, skin changes based on estrogen and progesterone levels. In perimenopause, as estrogen dips, focus on hydration and barrier support. Use clarifying ingredients when skin is oilier and calming ingredients during inflammatory phases. This approach respects your skin’s natural biological rhythm.

• Support your skin barrier with gentle cleansers.
• Incorporate ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides.
• Use sunscreen daily.
• Consider retinoids at low doses once the barrier is healthy.
• Adapt your routine to hormonal shifts throughout the month.