February 2019

FEBRUARY 2018

The Baddest Black Women of the Past

3Black Feminist

You Should Know

10 ways

To Honor Black History Every Day

5 Fictional

Career Women We Love

Boss Women

Playlist

$109 BOX VALUE www.izzyandliv.com WWW.IZZYANDLIV.COM

“Her”story

INSIDE YOUR FEBRUARYBOX This month’s box has a $109 retail value!

These next two months are important in that they celebrate Black history and Women’s history. So for this box,

01

02 BLACK GIRL POWER SHIRT (RETAIL VALUE $28) Strike a pose. Vogue. Paying “Listen to black women”. We got the juice, we got the knowledge, and we got the power.

Let the world know it’s time to put some respect on our name with a shirt that symbolizes the power of the black woman.

- 100% ringspun cotton - Machine wash cold. Never iron directly on print.

URBAN INTELLECTUALS BLACK HISTORY MONTH CARDS: VOL 2 (RETAIL VALUE $25) 52 cards of black girl magic. Get empowered and get informed. Center your black history and women’s history on learning about the black women who have impacted our culture and the world.

Brought to you by the folks at Urban Intellectuals.

- Learn more and get a special deal on Vol 1 for Brown Sugar Box subscribers at: urbanintellectuals.com/brownsugar. Find them on facebook @urbanintellectuals.

05

we decided to celebrate Black HERstory with a focus on a few of the many things we as Black women love.

NATURALICIOUS HEAVENLY HYDRATION GRAPESEED HAIR MIST (RETAIL VALUE $14) You had me at heavenly. This hydration hair mist by Naturalicious is packed with all the good vibes. Full of nourishing ingredients like grapeseed and avocado oil, a few sprays is all it takes to get your tresses together.

- Instantly softens hair for a touchable, luxurious look + feel - Grapseed oil strengthens your hair every time you spray - Avocado oil thoroughly conditions + protects each strand - Add shine with no greasy buildup * Find more amazing haircare products at www.naturalicious.net social: @naturalicious_beauty

One thing we love is our ability to be diverse with our hair. No matter the length or texture we are infamous for setting trends, trying new styles and purchasing hair care products by the billions. The haircare product in this months box is not only from Naturalicious, a Black woman-owned business, but it will give your hair a nice boost of moisture no matter the texture or style. Plus, your new satin sleep cap will help lock in the moisture and stylishly protect your hair while you rest.

Another thing that we love is our body, and the power it possesses. When we walk in confidence, we have the ability to do so much. This months’ tee will certainly show off your “black girl power”. Plus, we also love to dance.

Doesn’t it look like homegirl is busting a major move.

Yessssss honey get it!!! (If you need some ideas to add to your music playlist check out the boss lady playlist feature in this months issue.

We absolutely love empowering and uplifting each another and celebrating the women who came before us.

The deck of Black history cards from Urban Intellectuals

03

AFRICAN INSPIRED SATIN BONNET - ASSORTED PRINTS(RETAIL VALUE $18) Who said satin bonnets can’t be cute? Well, today is a new day. Sis, throw that beauty supply special away and tuck your kinks, coils, and curls away in a bonnet that’s just a cute as you.

www.izzyandliv.com

04 PHENOMENAL BLACK WOMEN NOTEBOOK - (RETAIL VALUE $14) For the Lena’s, Tina’s, and Nina’s of today, keep your ideas, hopes, and dreams alive in a notebook dedicated to the phenomenal women who paved the way.

For me, for you, for us.

- 100 gray ruled sheets

06

will allow you to educate yourself and others about powerful women who’ve helped further solidifying Black women’s mark in history.

Although we would love to put every single thing that

GOLD FEATHER PEN (RETAIL VALUE $10) Write the vision. Make it plain. And keep it cute. We added that last part but, everything’s better when it’s done in style.

Add a little chic to your thoughts with this cute feather pen.

- Real natural feather, dipped in gold paint

we as women love in this months box, there’s no way we could fit it all in. But we definitely, don’t want you to give up dreaming. Crack open the pages of the notebook paying homage to more Black HERstory greats, and use your gold feather pen to fill the pages with good intentions and more beautiful things that you love.

www.izzyandliv.com

THE BADDEST BLACK WOMEN FROM THE PAST ByNeenah Mari

E

very day, there are more bold, black women using their voices and living their truths out loud. And though we have a long way to go, breakthroughs have granted countless women the opportunity share their true authentic selves and inspire a generation. However, before the bad gals and the queen bees, there were black women who were doing what they wanted, dressing how they felt, and telling their truth. Here are some of the baddest black women that have walked this earth.

Grace Jones Move over Lady Gaga because Grace Jones was one of the first to rock quirky ensembles without giving a damn. You may know this Jamaican singer because she created the song “Pull Up to the Bumper”, a nightclub hit popular in 80’s and 90’s. Grace was also known for her peculiar features, she looks androgynous which made her even more interesting!

Nina Simone Singer, songwriter, composer, and activist Nina Simone isn’t the woman to play with. She was born in a very religious home, as her father was a preacher, but desired to expand her talents to more than just gospel. To ensure her strict family didn’t know her intentions, she changed her stage name to Nina Simone. Eventually she ended up doing music in the jazz, classical, folk, r&b, and pop genres including her hits “Little Girl Blue” and “I Love You, Porgy”. Her interest in activism exponentially grew after giving a killer audition for a music school and not getting accepted due to the color of her skin. www.izzyandliv.com

Pam Grier Pam was the poster child of what was called “the foxy lady” during the 1970’s. The 70’s was the era of the disco; when people wore bell bottoms and platform shoes. This was also a time when black women were becoming more successful in showbiz. Pam often played the ever so sexy disco queen who touted a gun around in case she needed to teach someone a lesson.

You may know her from her roles in Foxy Brown and Coffy. She has also recently played roles in shows like “The L Word” and “Law & Order”.

Angela Davis At a time when America seemed to be most brutal for African Americans, Angela Davis brought hope. Davis was a master scholar who studied various topics including philosophy. As a young girl she would gather the teens in her neighborhood in order to bring change and as an adult became one of the most notable activists of her time.

Josephine Baker Ms. Baker was loved because of her raw talent but even more so; her carefree attitude.

Women weren’t always placed at the top of the pedestal as they are today, in fact, they were expected to act extremely ladylike and looked down upon many times. “I wasn’t really naked, I simply didn’t have any clothes on” is one of her famous quotes when asked about a nude photo/performance; as if people were overreacting. She was known for jazz and pop dance performances most notable were her roles in “Jazz Cleopatra” and “Black Pearl”. Rihanna gets some of her inspiration from Josephine. www.izzyandliv.com

By Alexandria Daniels

10 WAYS TO HONOR BLACK HISTORY EVERY DAY

03

Watch blaxploitation films on Netflix- Netflix has a selection

out classic feminists authors such as An-

to be contained to one month of the year.

Black history is our history and embracing

of B-Movies that do make an awesome

Walker, Toni Morrison, and Zora Heale Hur-

it every day is necessary for us to grow

movie marathon. They may not be exactly

ston.check out a few? Even if it just to give

and preserve our culture. If you’re look-

Oscar worthy but 70s blaxploitation plays

you a great laugh.

ing to infuse black history into your daily

a big role in film history. Why not check

life, we’ve put together a list of 10 unique

out a few? Even if it just to give you a

things you, your family, and friends can do

great laugh.

Celebrating black heritage isn’t something

to pay homage and live black history every day of the year.

01

04

06

Donate to or join a black organization/Become a patron of the arts Look up any black organizations

Cook African food and/or your favorite “soul food” meal- You can’t go wrong with food! Spice up your home by hosting a dinner for your family made with food that has African origins.

09

continues to make big money at the box

National Black Caucus, and the NAACP are

Watch documentaries about the African American experience- Watch documentaries that

office beating out La La Land as the high-

all great places to start. If you want to help

discuss the black experience past and

historical figure you want to learn more

est grossing Best Picture Oscar nominee.

the arts, support your local arts center or

present. You can still catch Ava DuVer-

about. Then once you pick your historical

If you haven’t yet, go see the film to learn

any programs that gear towards helping

nay’s newest documentary The 13th on

figure, learn and read everything about

about these three black NASA mathe-

artists of color.

Netflix. The empowering documentary Par-

them. Find out why that person is signif-

maticians. If you want to know more, go

icant to our history, even if you disagree

read the biography written by Margot Lee

with politically. For example, I’m currently

Shetterly.

Focus on learning about a specific historical figure- Pick a black

Go see Hidden Figures.

Then, read the book! Hidden Figures

08

gela Davis, Bell Hooks, Audre Lorde, Alice

learning about Malcolm X.

02

help contribute to. Black Lives Matter, The

is is Burning is also available. I highly rec-

07

Go visit an exhibit at your local museum If you can, go to the Nat-

05

Relearn the teachings of

you feel you want to be a part of or want to

Dr. King-Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s mes-

Read books written by a black feminist author- Feminism,

sage of peace and civil disobedience is

particularly

ommend The Black Power Mixtape 19671975 which is also available for streaming on Netflix.

ural Museuam of African History and Culture in Washinton D.C. Can’t make the trip?

10

Visiting your local museum is just as good.

is

Most museums will hold exhibitions and

Like Izzy & Liv, there are many other black-

worth revisiting in today’s current political

making another, but necessary, wave in

events that celebrate African American

owned businesses out there. Let’s support

climate.

our country. Open yourselves to learning

culture.

our peers for the work they do. So for this

intersectional

feminism,

Support black businesses

about other black women’s experiences

month, take a break from the mainstream

whether they be from America, Africa, or

for a bit and try out products from black-

other parts of the world. There are many

owned brands that cater to your style.

books written by black women who write about the black female experience. Check www.izzyandliv.com

www.izzyandliv.com

Black Feminist You Should Know

By Tyshia Ingram

Feminism has become somewhat of a buzz word as of late. With our current political climate, the microscope on gender discrimination and inequality, and the countless women who are rising up to make their voices heard, it’s become a normal occurrence for feminism to become the rule for women—and men—instead of the exception.

Whether you’ve been following the feminist movement from the very beginning or are just now starting to settle into your newfound feminism, these are three black feminists that you should be following along with book recommendations from each.

Bell Hooks If you’re new to feminism, start here. Bell Hooks is a legendary feminist, activist, and author. She’s written countless books on the intersection of gender and race, spoken on these topics across the nation, been featured in multiple documentaries, and continues to be a voice for black women in the feminist space. Her first major published work Ain’t I Woman?: Black Women and Feminism was written when she was just a college student and published in 1981.

If you’re interested in learning more, Feminism is for Everybody is a deeper look into these topics and a must read for everyone.

Patricia Hill Collins A prominent Sociology professor and feminist author, Patricia Hill Collins is the woman behind the nationally recognized book Black Feminist Thought: Knowledge, Consciousness, and the Politics of Empowerment. This introspective work tackles the specific trial of being both black and a woman and all the issues that come along with that identity.

Collins is an author to over 40 published works across fields with a center on gender, race, and class.

Renina Jarmon

www.izzyandliv.com

If you’ve ever come across the phrase “black girls are the from the future” you were looking at the creation of this author and feminist. Jarmon’s breakout book Black Girls Are From the Future, is a selection of essays that explore race, creativity, and pop culture. She’s also the author of a children’s book Niama’s Adventures, the story of a little black girl adventures through time and travel. www.izzyandliv.com

fictonal Career women we love

w

Joan Clayton of Girlfriends, was a great friend, caring girlfriend, and amazing lawyer. She worked hard from the beginning to make a splash at her law firm. As one of the few female lawyers and a woman of color, it was extremely difficult for her to find her footing at first. However, as the show progressed, you could see Joan resisting confrontation and making her voice heard. Joan proved that it is possible for a woman to succeed in a male-dominated industry, which eventually led for her to make partner at her law firm, at a very young age.

Gina Waters-Payne of the sitcom Martin is a sweetheart at home but a firecracker in the workplace. Throughout the show, you could find her starting at the bottom as an assistant, and slowly working her way up the public relations ladder. www.izzyandliv.com

e all know a career woman we admire. There’s just something special about a seeing a Girl Boss do her thing.

And when it’s a black woman?

Well, that’s just the icing on the cake. We’re believers that representation is everything and there’s something to be said when you’re able to see so many positive examples of black women in business on the big screen and small, past and present. Here are five fictional career women we love.

Annalise Keating, is a powerful lawyer and professor. She is brilliant, passionate, and the person you want on your case if you get into trouble. Throughout the show you can see her running a practice, winning every case (she has yet to lose one on the show), and being a tough professor. Along the way, Keating might have some trouble balancing her personal life, but in the end, it always works out.

She is a great example of a black woman doing her thing and we love her for that!

By Abby A

A fan favorite, Dr. Miranda Bailey is an intelligent surgeon at Seattle Grace Hospital. She started as a resident, learning quickly and slowly making her mark as the best of the best. Dr. Bailey shows that it is possible for a woman to have a thriving career and a personal life. Her hard work ended up paying off when she was named Chief of Surgery in Season 12.

Jessica Pearson is one-third of the powerful law firm Pearson-Darby-Specter, who runs the show. She is a prime example of a black woman who knows how to play the game.

Throughout the show you can see her negotiating with clients, interpreting complicated contracts, and leading her team to remain the best law firm in New York City.

Black Herstory Thank you to each woman who paved the way for us

www.izzyandliv.com

boss lady

W

Playlist

By Alexandria Daniels

ho run the world? Girls. For all the boss women holding it down in their careers, homes, businesses, and lives, this playlist is for you. These songs will help you tap into your inner goddess and OWN your day no matter what it brings.

Beyonce- Formation Aretha Franklin- Respect Beyonce- Run The World (Girls) Rihanna- Work Missy Elliott- Get Ur Freak On! Salt N’ Pepa- None of Your Business Lauryn Hill- Doo Wop (That Thing) Mary J. Blige- Just Fine En Vogue- My Lovin’ (Never Gonna Get It) Missy Elliot- Work It Ciara- Like A Boy TLC- No Scrubs Donna Summer- She Works Hard For The Money Janet Jackson- Rhythm Nation The Supremes- You Can’t Hurry Love Destiny’s Child-Independent Women pt.1 Alicia Keys- Girl Is On Fire Destiny’s Child- Say My Name Diana Ross- I’m Coming Out Whitney Houston- I Am Every Woman

www.izzyandliv.com

1

Can I change my size preference for future boxes?

Yes, you can do so inside your Brown Sugar Box account on izzyandliv.com, or you can email us at support@izzyandliv.com to update your preferences for you.

2

When will I be billed for next month’s box?

You will be rebilled on the 25th of the month prior to the next box. So you will be billed for the May box on the 25th of April; for the June box on the 25th of May and so on...

You will not be billed for the next box until after the box from the current month has been shipped/ delivered.

3

What is your cancellation policy?

Your subscription can be cancelled at anytime in your Brown Sugar Box Account Settings at izzyandliv.com.

If you’ve already been billed for the next box (25th of the month), your cancellation will take affect the next billing cycle.

To cancel your subscription, login to your account and click on the Subscription tab, then click “edit” next to your subscription. You can also email us to request that we cancel for you.

FREQUENTLY Asked Questions

4

Can I exchnage or return items in my box?

We cannot accept returns at this time for Brown Sugar Box items, but we welcome your feedback to improve. Email us at support@ izzyandliv.com to share your thoughts. We value your feedback and our mission is to make every Brown Sugar Box more than worth your while! Your feedback will help us to make sure we make this box amazing and valuable as it can be.

As far as the item(s), you can always gift them to a friend, coworker, or family member- these items make GREAT gifts!

5

Can I skip a month without cancelling?

Yes, you can skip a future month delivery and not be billed for it, without having to cancel your entire subscription. Once logged into your Brown Sugar Box account at izzyandliv.com, you will need to open the “Delivery Schedule” tab.

There you will see all upcoming deliveries for your subcription. To skip a delivery you just need to clcik “Skip” to the right of each relevant delivery.

This will only skip that one delivery, to skip multiple deliveries you will need to click “Skip” next to each relevant one.

Alternatively, email to have us skip deliveries for you.

6

How can I share photos or unboxing videos with you?

Yes! We live for customer feedback & reviews! Just post your pics or video on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube etc. and hastag #brownsugarbox, #izzyandliv and @ izzyandliv.You can also leave a photo review on the Brown Sugar Subscription page! If you make a blog post email us with the link. If your social media is private we will not be able to see your post, so feel free to email us to let us know where to check it out!

7

Something went wrong with my order/ delivery what should I do?

Should you have an issue with your box items (damage, received wrong size, etc) you must notify us at support@izzyandliv.com, with photo(s), within 7 days of receipt of your package. After 7 days, we will not be able to process requests related to this months box.

8

I have feedback on questions, who do I contact?

We can be reached at support@izzyandliv.com

www.izzyandliv.com

// BE A U TI E S\\ Izzy & Liv customers truly are THE BEST! We LOVE seeing your social media posts sharing your boxes each month.

Here are a few highlights from last month’s box.

Congratulations to last month’s WINNER! @divaerykah was randomly selected from among everyoe who shared their January box on social media to WIN her next box FREE.

Thank you to everyone who shared! We appreciate you!

Don’t forget to share this month’s box using the hashtags #brownsugarbox #izzyandliv for your chance to win next month’s giveaway BONUS: Join our Facebook Group: The Brown Sugar Lounge, for a SECOND CHANCE to win a free box. www.izzyandliv.com

www.izzyandliv.com

www.izzyandliv.com

Magical Things Are Happening In Our Facebook Group. You Should Be There...

MEMBERS ONLY LOUNGE >>>

www.izzyandliv.com

https://www.facebook.com/groups/izzyandliv