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Tag: iOneDigital

  • HelloBeautiful x MadameNoire’s Women To Know Breakfast

    On a recent overcast Wednesday in New York City, the heart of Manhattan was buzzing with style and inspiration. HelloBeautiful and MadameNoire joined forces to host their highly anticipated 2026 Women To Know Breakfast, celebrating remarkable Black women who are making significant waves in their respective fields.

    This year’s honorees – beauty mogul Danessa Myricks, entrepreneur Janell Stephens, and celebrity makeup artist Ashunta Sheriff – were showered with well-deserved recognition. The event, held at the elegant EDITION Hotel in Times Square, brought together beauty editors, industry tastemakers, influencers, and insiders for an unforgettable morning.

    A Celebration of Style and Sisterhood

    The venue was transformed with lush, woven foliage, creating a beautiful ‘garden chic’ atmosphere that perfectly complemented the dress code. Attendees arrived in stunning flowy dresses, vibrant pastels, eye-catching prints, and bold spring colors, showcasing the diverse fashion sense within the beauty community.

    Guests were treated to delicious family-style meals and custom cocktails featuring ice cubes branded with the ‘Women To Know’ logo. The morning was filled with engaging conversations, valuable networking opportunities, and a palpable sense of sisterhood.

    Honoring Trailblazers

    The event kicked off with opening remarks from Cliché Wynter-Mayo, Director of Sponsor & Affiliate Content at iOneDigital, and Allison McGevna, SVP of Content. The highlight of the morning was the presentation of honors to the incredible women of the year.

    Krystal Holmes introduced Danessa Myricks, who accepted her award with a heartfelt and humbled speech. Ashunta Sheriff was introduced by MadameNoire’s Managing Editor Danica Daniels, while HelloBeautiful’s Editorial Director Shamika Sanders presented Janell Stephens with her bouquet. Shamika also returned to honor Chi Chi Ebiru, the founder of Juvia’s Place, for their generous sponsorship.

    Attendees also enjoyed a ‘beauty confessional’ photo booth by Juvia’s Place, set against a textured green backdrop and produced by Renae Bluitt. Upon arrival, guests were greeted with Juvia’s Place products and deluxe gift bags filled with items from the founders and other participating brands.

    Who inspires you in the beauty industry? Share your thoughts and who you’d love to see honored next in the comments below!

  • Disney Cruise ‘Destiny’ Caters to Adults

    Think Disney cruises are just for kids? Think again! Disney’s latest ship, ‘The Destiny,’ is proving that adults can have an equally magical, if not more luxurious, experience at sea. This new vessel seamlessly blends beloved Disney characters and stories with top-notch entertainment, dining, and activities specifically curated for adult travelers.

    A Celebration of Black Culture and Voices

    From the moment you step aboard, the influence of ‘Black Panther’ is palpable, setting a powerful tone with a statue of T’Challa greeting guests. The ship’s heroes and villains theme is intentionally infused with a strong Black Panther aesthetic, creating an immersive atmosphere. What makes ‘The Destiny’ truly special is its commitment to showcasing Black culture and talent, a vision brought to life by top Black voices involved in the ship’s creation, from performances to decor and musical dinners.

    Yolanda Cade, Vice President of Communications for Disney Signature Experiences, highlighted this intentionality, stating, “Black voices are being told like never before.” Disney actively listened to Black consumers, resulting in an experience designed to be celebrated and enjoyed by the community.

    Adult-Only Havens for Relaxation and Indulgence

    The adult-only areas on ‘The Destiny’ are far from an afterthought. They are meticulously designed to provide a true luxury experience. My personal journey began at the Senses Spa, where I enjoyed a fantastic facial and explored the state-of-the-art Rainforest room, complete with saunas and an ice room – perfect for ultimate relaxation and restoration.

    The 13th floor houses the adult-only pool area, a tranquil oasis featuring hot tubs, a quaint coffee shop, and a bar. Corey Bradford, who stars as Hercules in the ship’s phenomenal Broadway show, praised this space for its tranquility. “Where the adult area is, especially on the Destiny, they also have Cove Cafe. I just love to be out there and just have tranquility,” he shared.

    Unique Themed Bars and Unmatched Dining

    The ship’s bars are a highlight, each uniquely inspired by different Disney movies. ‘The Rose,’ nestled on the 12th floor with stunning floor-to-ceiling windows, offers a ‘Beauty and the Beast’ vibe. The ‘Haunted Mansion’ bar provides a cool, ghostly experience with ever-changing visuals and special guest appearances. ‘De Vil’s’ bar, inspired by Cruella de Vil, features live piano music and specialty cocktails, sometimes even with Cruella herself making an appearance.

    The dining experiences were equally impressive. Shows like ‘Pride of the Lions’ (Lion King) and Marvel-themed performances complemented the culinary offerings. Paul Bryant, show director for ‘Pride of the Lions,’ spoke emotionally about the groundbreaking experience of seeing a cast that looked like him bringing the beloved show to life. “To put [Lion King] on stage with people who like me, sound like me, and have fun doing it was groundbreaking for me,” he shared, emphasizing the company’s growth towards inclusivity.

    Castaway Cay: An Adult Escape

    The journey continued to Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas. Here, adults can escape to Serenity Bay, an exclusive, adult-only beach located a good distance from the family beaches. Like other adult areas on the ship, it features a bar and restaurant with attentive staff who remember your name. Disney masterfully creates an environment where adults can embrace their inner child without judgment, all while enjoying the tranquility of an adult-only space.

    Would you consider a Disney cruise designed specifically for adults? What Disney-themed bar or dining experience would you be most excited to try? Let us know in the comments below!

  • Rashad Robinson: ‘Black In White’ Portrait Series

    In a world often filled with noise and complexity, sometimes stripping things back to the basics allows for deeper connection and understanding. iOne Digital’s new editorial series, ‘Black In White,’ aims to do just that – celebrating the beauty of Black culture and identity in its purest form. This series features individuals who are making significant impacts, and the latest to be highlighted is Rashad Robinson, a powerful force at the intersection of racial justice and democracy.

    A Strategist for Change

    Rashad Robinson exudes a calm yet direct demeanor, a testament to his two decades of experience as an organizer. He’s a nationally recognized thought leader and strategist known for his ability to cut through the clutter and drive meaningful change. Robinson has been instrumental in transforming corporate accountability, shifting narratives around the criminal justice system, and advocating for democratic reforms.

    His career has been marked by a commitment to building integrated strategies that overcome divisive forces. Before leading Color of Change, where he served as executive director and president, Robinson honed his skills at organizations like FairVote, focusing on electoral reform, and GLAAD, directing media programs. At Color of Change, he masterfully bridged organizing, digital strategy, and narrative work, earning a reputation for holding powerful institutions accountable and amplifying marginalized voices.

    Beyond the Resume: The Person Behind the Leader

    In a candid conversation for the ‘Black In White’ series, Robinson offered a glimpse into the person behind the impressive resume. He spoke about vulnerability, defining it not as a weakness but as a space that arises when one is caught off guard or unprepared. This honesty reveals a strategist who, despite his preparedness, acknowledges the human element of uncertainty.

    Defining Freedom and Sacredness

    When asked about feeling most free, Robinson described a sense of comfort found in simple things like family, good food, and pleasant weather, even amidst societal pain. However, he reframed freedom not as a destination but as a continuous practice – an ongoing process of work and an opening to new opportunities. This perspective highlights his commitment to continuous growth and engagement.

    He approaches the concept of ‘sacred’ with deep reflection, suggesting that what he holds most sacred is the ability to constantly interrogate his own assumptions, opinions, and learned beliefs. This commitment to self-reflection and the willingness to change his mind is central to his work, enabling him to guide others toward shifting their perspectives as well.

    Hope, Courage, and Community

    Defining himself, Robinson spoke of being a person full of hope and belief in possibility, possessing courage born from navigating a world not initially designed for him – as a Black, gay, and petite individual. This personal experience fuels his dedication to creating a more open, just, and fair society for all. He emphasizes living by his principles, practicing what he preaches.

    Community, connection, and belonging are vital to Robinson, but not for their own sake. He views them as essential tools for collective action – ways to come together to achieve goals and move forward. His vision of community is one that enables progress, justice, and freedom, aiming to make society truly operate on behalf of its people.

    What aspects of Rashad Robinson’s perspective resonate most with you? Share your thoughts on the importance of community and self-reflection in the comments below!