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Tag: Confidence

  • Chance The Rapper’s Confidence Boost After “The Big Day”

    It’s tough when you pour your heart into something, and the reception isn’t what you hoped for. Chance The Rapper recently opened up about a period where his confidence took a serious hit following the release of his debut studio album, “The Big Day,” back in 2019. Despite the album charting well, the online reaction was overwhelmingly negative, and it clearly left a mark.

    The Impact of “The Big Day” Backlash

    In a candid conversation with Shannon Sharpe, Chance admitted that the intense criticism, primarily from the internet, did indeed affect his confidence. He explained that as an artist, you create with the hope that people will connect with and love your work. When that doesn’t happen, especially for the first time, it can lead to serious self-doubt.

    He described the feeling as intensely critical and something that made him second-guess his own creative instincts. It’s a vulnerable moment for any artist, and Chance didn’t shy away from sharing how deeply this experience impacted him.

    Finding a New Creative Path

    So, how did Chance navigate this creative funk and regain his footing? He found a new avenue for his creativity: filmmaking. By diving into learning about cameras, film, and cinematography, he essentially put himself through a “fake film school.”

    This shift proved to be exactly what he needed. He started working on the music video for his song “The Heart And The Tongue.” The positive reception to the video, with fans praising both the visuals and his rapping, helped reignite his passion and reminded him why he loves making music.

    Fan Support and New Music

    The support from his fans hasn’t wavered, even through the “The Big Day” controversy. Many took to YouTube comments to express their continued belief in his talent, citing his earlier acclaimed projects like “Acid Rap” and “Coloring Book.” It’s clear that his core fanbase recognizes his genius and hopes for his continued success.

    This journey of rediscovery has culminated in his latest project, “Star Line,” released in August. This album, six years after “The Big Day,” features an impressive roster of collaborators, including Jay Electronica, Jazmine Sullivan, Lil Wayne, Smino, TiaCorine, Vic Mensa, and Young Thug, showcasing his renewed creative energy.

    A Resilient Artistic Spirit

    Chance The Rapper’s story is a powerful reminder that setbacks can often lead to new discoveries and growth. By embracing a different creative outlet and staying true to his artistic vision, he’s not only regained his confidence but also delivered new music that continues to resonate with fans.

    What are your favorite Chance The Rapper tracks, old or new? Let us know in the comments below!

  • September Affirmations for Black Women by Maui Bigelow

    Happy September, sis! As we step into a new month, let’s embrace it with positive vibes, good intentions, and powerful self-affirmations. Influencer Maui Bigelow reminds us of the profound impact of speaking life, love, and positivity into ourselves, especially as Black women navigating a world that often tries to diminish our magic. Let your affirmations be your anchor and your light, guiding you to choose yourself, even—and especially—when the path gets challenging.

    1. Beauty Unboxed: Embracing Your Authentic Self

    Your beauty is not defined by the world’s standards. You are the standard. You set the tone and make the rules for yourself, unapologetically. You do not shrink, you do not beg, and you damn sure do not ask for permission to be all of who you are. You were born with everything you need—power in your presence, purpose in your steps, and divinity in your DNA. The world may try to box you in, but you were never meant to fit—you were made to cause shift. When you walk in a room, you bring legacy, light, and liberation with you.

    Society often tries to convince us we are ‘too much’—too loud, too dark, too bold. But the truth is, we are exactly that, and those who feel diminished by our fullness are simply not enough. Embrace every curve, every scar, every strand of hair as a reflection of resilience and divinity. That reflection in the mirror is power, legacy, and love—it is glorious.

    2. Crowned in Confidence: Your Brilliance is Your True Worth

    Every strand, scar, every lesson, every loss is a blessing and a part of my beauty, my brilliance, and my grace. My confidence is my crown, and I wear it boldly, I wear it unapologetically and without one excuse—because who gone check me? My brilliance is not just beauty but one of the things that make me beautiful. It can’t be measured by the length of my resume, education, or the mistakes I’ve made. I am brilliant because I were born that way; I get it from my mama; she got it from her mama. And my grandma got it from her great grandma. LEGACY.

    Confidence is your true crown, not just your hair. You don’t need to shrink or dumb yourself down for acceptance. Your brilliance speaks volumes, and it’s on your terms. When you stand in your truth, you give other Black women permission to do the same. Your hair is an extension of your spirit, shifting with your mood, rising with your power, and reflecting your culture and creativity.

    3. Skin Like a Sermon: Honoring Your Melanin

    My skin tells stories of resilience and royalty. I honor the brilliance in my Blackness by showing up with the understanding that I am her. I don’t have to play small because as a Black woman, I’m always the biggest and baddest in the room. Our melanin is history, power, poetry, and ministry—it’s richness and divinity. Our glow comes from generations of survival, joy, and brilliance, proving we are greater than any weapon formed against us. Every shade we embody is a blessing—deep, radiant, and undeniably sacred.

    4. Worthy Without Validation: Your Value is Innate

    I am beautiful, worthy, and whole—even when no one is watching. My reflection is more than enough. I don’t need an audience to validate what I already know deep in my spirit. I am not defined by trends, opinions, or visibility. I am the standard, the muse, and the moment—on my own terms. Even in stillness, I shine. Even in silence, I matter. Every curve, every flaw, every inch of me tells a story. I will honor myself loudly or quietly, but always intentionally.

    Your worth doesn’t come from external sources like likes, compliments, or acceptance. It resides within you. You were born worthy, whole, and powerful, long before any accomplishments. Every stretch mark, scar, and lesson learned has shaped you, not broken you. Give yourself grace, speak to yourself with love, and remember your value is not up for debate.

    5. Centering Healing and Rest

    Self-care is not a luxury; it’s essential. For Black women, who have historically carried communities, prioritizing rest and self-care is a radical act. Feeding your mind, meditating, resting, and connecting with your inner Black girl—telling her you love her and are protecting her—is crucial. Whether it’s through nails, hair, massages, or girls’ days, make time to recharge. When Black women are free and take care of themselves, it creates space for everyone else to thrive.

    Which of these September affirmations resonates most with you? How are you prioritizing self-care and healing this month? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Woman’s Selfie Challenges Beauty Norms, Goes Viral

    In today’s social media-driven world, a single photo can spark a global conversation. That’s exactly what happened when Naomie Pilula, a lawyer from Zambia, shared a simple selfie in June. What started as a casual post quickly turned into a viral sensation, but not for the reasons she might have expected.

    From Selfie to Controversy

    Pilula posted a photo of herself with a caption celebrating her hair and skin. Within hours, the post exploded, garnering hundreds of thousands of comments and shares. However, instead of praise, the responses cruelly targeted her nose, with many calling her ugly and undeserving of being online.

    The intense negativity was overwhelming, and Pilula even considered a passive-aggressive response. Despite the pressure to delete the photo, she chose to keep it up, explaining her perspective: ‘I really, really want people to see God. I want people to see confidence. I am not aesthetically beautiful person. I’m not, and that’s okay.’

    Challenging Beauty Standards

    The harsh comments, particularly about her nose, highlight a persistent issue: how beauty standards continue to negatively impact Black women. Historically, features like a broad nose have been unfairly stigmatized, a prejudice that sadly lingers in media and even digital filters. Pilula’s experience is a stark reminder of this ongoing struggle.

    Pilula shared her personal connection to her features, stating, ‘It’s my father’s nose. Why would I want to remove a feature that identifies me with my father?’ She reached a point of self-acceptance, realizing that her own validation was the most important. ‘Once I arrived at that point, no one can take that away because they didn’t give it to me.’

    Inspiring Others Through Confidence

    While the negative comments were hurtful, Pilula’s message of self-love and confidence has resonated deeply. Her follower count has surged from around 1,000 to over 70,000, with many offering positive and supportive messages. She even noted that the most critical posts often led to the largest influx of followers.

    Pilula’s decision to embrace her authentic self and refuse to be defined by others’ narrow beauty standards has made her an inspiration. Her story is a powerful testament to the idea that true beauty comes from within and that confidence is the most attractive quality of all.

    What does confidence mean to you? How do you challenge beauty norms in your own life? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • 8 Surprising Benefits of Embracing Your Gray Hair

    As we age, gray hair often becomes a visible sign of time passing. While many women feel pressured to cover their silver strands, the decision to embrace natural gray hair can be a liberating and empowering choice. Beyond defying societal expectations, letting your gray shine can unlock a host of unexpected benefits.

    1. A Symbol of Wisdom and Respect

    Gray hair is often associated with wisdom and experience. When you embrace your silver strands, people may naturally give more weight to your opinions, ideas, and insights. Whether in professional settings, community gatherings, or personal interactions, gray hair can command attention and respect, signaling a life journey marked by valuable lessons learned.

    2. Natural Highlights and a New Color Palette

    For those who mourn the change in hair color, think of silver strands as beautiful, natural highlights! As gray becomes more prominent, it can beautifully complement your original hair color, creating a striking, highlighted effect. This also opens up a new world of fashion possibilities, allowing you to experiment with colors like navy, deep crimson, regal violet, or classic black and white that beautifully enhance your silver tresses.

    3. Enhanced Confidence and Self-Esteem

    True confidence comes from within, and embracing your natural gray hair can be a powerful act of self-acceptance. When you feel good about yourself, regardless of societal beauty standards, that inner radiance shines through. This self-assuredness, combined with the wisdom and experience gray hair can symbolize, creates a compelling and attractive presence that is truly timeless.

    4. Prioritizing Inner Worth Over Outer Appearance

    Constantly fighting the natural aging process through hair dye can sometimes distract from what truly matters: your inner self. Embracing gray encourages a shift in focus, valuing your contributions, intelligence, and character over superficial appearances. Surrounding yourself with supportive people who appreciate you for who you are, gray hair and all, is key to maintaining positive self-esteem.

    5. Significant Savings on Hair Care

    The cost of consistently coloring hair, whether at a salon or with at-home kits, can add up significantly. By embracing your natural gray, you free up discretionary funds that can be redirected towards activities you truly enjoy, reducing financial stress and freeing yourself from the constant upkeep of dyed hair.

    6. Realistic Aging and Self-Acceptance

    Trying to camouflage gray hair with dye is often an ineffective way to hide your age. Instead of chasing an unrealistic reversal of time, embracing healthy aging and focusing on overall well-being is far more rewarding. Celebrating your true self, including your natural hair color, fosters a more authentic and fulfilling approach to life’s stages.

    7. Healthier Hair Care Practices

    The chemicals in hair dyes can weaken hair strands, leading to damage and breakage. Prioritizing your hair’s health over superficial color changes is a more sustainable approach. By avoiding harsh treatments, you allow your hair to maintain its natural strength and vitality.

    8. Going with the Flow of Nature

    You can’t fight Mother Nature, and embracing your gray hair is a way to align with natural changes. Instead of viewing it as something to battle, consider it a beautiful transition into a new chapter. The benefits of rocking natural silver hair can include newfound self-acceptance, peace of mind, and appreciation from others who value authenticity.

    What’s your favorite benefit of embracing gray hair? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • HBCU Seniors Balance Eczema & Confidence

    Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition affecting millions, with Black individuals often experiencing greater prevalence, severity, and persistence. While eczema isn’t curable, managing flare-ups is possible. For college students, juggling classes, extracurriculars, and social life while managing eczema presents unique challenges. Here are three HBCU seniors who are mastering this balance with finesse:

    Briana Jones-Gill: The Broadcast Journalist

    Briana Jones-Gill, a senior broadcast journalism major at FAMU, spends significant time on camera and prioritizes looking her best. When eczema flares up on her legs and cheeks, she adapts her beauty routine. “When I’m going to be on camera, I want to make sure that I’m picture-perfect,” she shares. Her approach relies on a simple skincare routine with gentle products like Cetaphil Cleanser, toner, and moisturizer, emphasizing the importance of SPF to prevent sunburn on sensitive skin. Briana manages flare-ups with moisturizers and showers to keep affected areas clean, benefiting from a supportive family who also deals with eczema.

    Jayden Hall-Ingram: The Healthcare Advocate

    Jayden Hall-Ingram, a senior speech pathology major and psychology minor at North Carolina A&T, is passionate about healthcare advocacy. He experiences eczema flare-ups on his back and arms and has found the search for adequate dermatological care challenging, noting a scarcity of dermatologists knowledgeable about Black skin, especially in the South. “There aren’t enough good dermatologists for Black people,” he states. Jayden uses hypoallergenic products like African net sponges and Dove bar soap, followed by raw shea butter for moisture and PanOxyl cleanser with SPF for his face. He manages flare-ups with hydrocortisone but hopes his experiences will help improve outcomes for other Black individuals seeking medical care.

    Kaya Brown: The Business Major with a Gentle Routine

    FAMU senior Kaya Brown, a business and administration major, relies on prescription creams for her eczema, which typically flares on her face and elbow creases. She emphasizes the importance of a gentle beauty routine, using hypoallergenic foundation and avoiding heavily perfumed lotions, preferring Palmer’s Cocoa Butter and Lubriderm. While fragrances can be a guilty pleasure, she uses them sparingly, especially for her retail job with the Atlanta Braves, to avoid skin irritation. Kaya is looking ahead to grad school after finishing her senior year, all while keeping her skin clear.

    Key Takeaways for Managing Eczema

    These three HBCU seniors demonstrate that managing eczema while excelling in college is achievable. Key strategies include:

    • **Gentle Skincare:** Using hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products is crucial.
    • **Moisturization:** Regularly applying moisturizers, especially after cleansing, helps combat dryness.
    • **Sun Protection:** SPF is vital to prevent sunburn on sensitive, eczema-prone skin.
    • **Prescription Treatments:** Consulting a dermatologist for prescription creams can be highly effective for managing flare-ups.
    • **Seeking Support:** Leaning on family or peer support groups can provide valuable advice and emotional encouragement.
    • **Advocacy:** Patients must advocate for themselves in healthcare settings, ensuring their concerns are heard and addressed thoroughly.

    What are your go-to strategies for managing eczema? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below!