January 2022 Brown Sugar Box Mini Magazine

JANUARY 2022 $104 RETAIL VALUE

SIS, You

Black Wealth Building Podcasts

Are that Woman!

to Get Ahead in 2022

Positive Affirmations

N EW AT TI TU D E

BL AC K GI RL AN TH EM S Pl aylis t

TO CARRY INTO 2022

Attitude edition

Advice From Three Women ON A MISSION TO BRING EQUITY TO THE WORKPLACE FOR BLACK WOMEN

Inside the

THE NEW

Attitude H

ey, girl, hey! We made it!

The New Year is so lucky to have you. 2022 is the reset you’ve been waiting for — it's your time to shine! As opportunity awaits your arrival, pace yourself. Go forth with discernment and a plan of attack. Karyn White said it best, "I'm not your superwoman." Sis was right. It's impossible to do it all, so ask for help this year. Take breaks as often as you need to, and don't feel guilty about it (use your PTO, Sis)! Rest is an essential component of growth. Be aligned with your purpose this year and eliminate anything that distracts you from being your very best self. New Year's resolutions might not be your thing, but we like to manifest around these parts!

This New Year’s edition of the Brown Sugar Box celebrates all things new. New money.

New goals. New looks. New vision. New you. Evolution is key. You'll find tips inside to improve your emotional and financial wellness, as well as affirming thoughts to create the life you want. Be committed to learning new skills. Celebrate your wins, both big and small. Aim higher than in years before. Go to war for everything you believe. You're becoming the woman you were created to be. We love to see it. Ready, set, glow!

Dream, Believe, Do Vision Board Kit, $22

Vision boards are a staple of the New Year!

This is a sacred space for visualizing the life you want. Add a little razzle dazzle to your 2022 ambitions. This kit comes with a blank board, stickers, markers, and a how-to guide for maximizing the board.

Goal Digger To-Do List, $12

You’re bursting with ideas and ready to hit the ground running with your new goals.

Not so fast! Did you write them down? To keep your big ideas from slipping away, you’ll receive a set of two notepads: one ready to hang on your fridge; and one for your desk.

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JANUARY 2022 We Promise You: 5-6 Items at an $85 value

This month’s value:

$104

Protect Your Peace Tee, $25 (1 OF 4 COLORS)

Peace is non-negotiable. Protect it at all costs. Say it with your chest in the Protect Your Peace tee. Layer it under a blazer or cardigan. Dress it up with a layered necklace and your favorite hoops. You’ll get 1 of 4 colors: White, Green, Blue, or Charcoal.

Tech Diva Laptop Sleeve, $25 (1 OF 4)

Accidents happen. Protect your investment! Laptop sleeves are a lifesaver. The lightweight design makes for easy carrying by itself or inside a bag. The double-way zipper closure provides convenient access and helps to reduce damage and scratches. The artful details add a pop to your workflow. It’s 100% neoprene and fits any laptop up to 15". You’ll receive 1 of 4 styles: Sunset Beauties, Bubble Gum Sis, Queen Confidence, or Girlfriends.

Cashin’ Out Budget Envelope Planner System, $20

Are you ready to make money moves or nah? This is the year of saving and getting our finances in order, sis! Your new budget planner helps you plan every step of the way. This compact money organizer has convenient card slots, clear envelopes, pen loops, and tabs for easy organization. Budgeting never looked this good.

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SIS,

You Are that Woman!

By Saeeda Ruffin

S

is, you are unique. There has never been and there will never be another woman like you to walk the face of this earth. What makes you special is not simply defined by what you wear or how you style your hair. The fact that you were created for the sole purpose of living YOUR LIFE, from the inside out, is what drives your individuality. Your life is a compilation of experiences that have guided your journey to being the best you possible. You owe it to yourself to stay true to who you are because, Sis, you are THAT woman.

Living for you is a daily commitment.

As you enter this New Year, here are a

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few ways to make sure you’re keeping the personal promise to be fully and authentically you.

→ LIVE IN THE MOMENT It’s way too easy to get distracted from really immersing yourself in the task at hand. There are so many other things on your mind. Regardless of what you’re doing, try your best to maximize that experience by being present. Just be you in the moment. If it’s a meal, savor each and every bite. If it’s time with a loved one or friend, stay engaged and truly connect. Of course, if it’s an activity that you paid for, Girl, get your money’s worth and do that thang all out!

JANUARY 2022

→ KEEP YOUR VILLAGE REAL Everybody knows iron sharpens iron.

Your village can be mad instrumental in helping you get where you want to be personally, professionally, or even spiritually. That’s why it’s so important to surround yourself with positive people who uplift and support you. When it comes to Sista-friends, be sure they are people you can trust. After all, you share who you are with them, and they are a part of your world. Your village should know, accept, and love the REAL you. If they do all of those things, then count them as a blessing — and you all can rise together!

→ PROTECT YOUR PEACE AND PURPOSE Sis, your peace is worth more than gold.

As you work to realize your purpose in life, it can seem like you’re being tested like crazy. There may be some who question you, who don’t believe you have what it takes to be successful, and unfortunately, even those who may try and block you. Bypass the negativity, push forward, and overcome challenges with integrity and determination. Live your life in peace knowing that you have done your best to fulfill your own destiny. Whenever you need to remind yourself (or the world), just slip on your Izzy & Liv Protect Your Peace tee.

→ BE ACCOUNTABLE TO YOURSELF Every day, ask yourself if what you are doing or plan to do is aligned with your purpose and values. If you are truly going to be who you say you are, then everything you do should align with that. Your Izzy & Liv Vision Board Kit is a perfect way to map out how you envision your life’s journey. Along the way, be resolute in the things that mean the most to you and hold yourself accountable to live your truth. It doesn’t matter how other people feel about you or what they say. You need to be comfortable with yourself and how you are pursuing your goals. If you find that you are not 100% feeling what you’re putting out, reevaluate things, rethink your intent, then let your full potential be manifested in your actions. Above all else, that is what you are most accountable for in this life.

Sis, the true you is worthy of success, able to make a positive impact, and valued by others whose lives you enrich.

Strive every day to live a life that is representative of those things and make serving authenticity your norm. The real you is fabulous! Let the world see her and know her. May this New Year bring you even more opportunities to live your purpose with peace and prosperity!

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Black Wealth Building Podcasts

to Get Ahead in 2022

By Girl Tyler

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D

id you eat your greens and black-eyed peas on January 1st? The belief that these soul food dishes bring prosperity and good fortune in the New Year is alive and well.

Maybe you missed out on the good eats or never believed in it in the first place; either way, you deserve a whole lotta money this year and beyond.

Wealth building is a hot topic, and you need to be in on the conversation.

Money talks can be super awkward, even among your loved ones and closest friends. You don't have to say a word — just listen up. We've rounded up a few podcasts which are hosted by financial coaches and educators that provide wealth-building advice that will be music to your ears.

JANUARY 2022

1. Earn Your Leisure @earnyourleisure

2. Brown Ambition Podcast with Mandi & Tiffany @brownambitionpodcast

3. Journey to Launch @journeytolaunch

4. The Clever Girls Know Podcast @clevergirlsknowpodcast, @clevergirlfinance

These experts have countless episodes with tips to alleviate debt, boost your credit, and move closer to your financial goals.

Ready to purchase your first home? Budgeting for a significant purchase? Interested in learning about pathways to generational wealth? They got you.

It all starts with an eagerness to learn and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone.

Develop healthy money habits, financial strategies, and a realistic action plan. The future is now.

It's never too late to give your finances a checkup. Get thine coin with guidance from these pros!

5. The His and Her Money Show @ hisandhermoney

6. Black Wealth Renaissance @blackwealthrenaissance

7. Redefining Wealth @seekwisdompcw

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Advice From 3 Women ON A MISSION TO BRING EQUIT Y TO THE WORKPL ACE FOR BL ACK WOMEN

By Girl Tyler ew year, new career goals. The month of January ushers in 365 pathways to exciting professional opportunities. While many people will opt for entrepreneurship or “The Great Resignation,” the mass exodus of employees voluntarily leaving their jobs, millions of others will continue climbing the corporate ladder. For Black women, fighting the good fight along the pathway to an executive role may be met with adversity, and a unique set of barriers called sexism and racism.

According to the McKinsey & Company “Women in the Workplace 2021” report, Black women tend to face more obstacles in workplace advancement than other employees. The study found that for every 100 men promoted to a leadership position, only 58 Black women are promoted. The issue of allyship also plays a role in workplace marginalization. Workplace bias, pay disparities, and microaggressions are just a few reasons why approximately 15% of Black women in the study reported not feeling support from their manager. And, of course, social issues come into play. Only one in three Black women said their managers expressed support during the heightened racial violence of 2020 and 2021.

The good news is, you’re not alone.

In recent years, Black women have spoken out about the lack of diversity, equity, and inclusion at every level in

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professional spaces. We’ve seen it play out in many TV shows, from Being Mary Jane to Insecure. Podcasters tackle these topics on their platforms, and every day women speak out about their experiences on social media.

Although you may feel isolated, even ostracized in your pursuit of excellence, go forth with confidence, knowing that countless women have your back.

Three equity advocates, driving progress for Black women in the workplace shared their best piece of advice on success and defying advancement obstacles in 2022.

In the new year, I would encourage women of color to show up in their most authentic ways. They get to define what authenticity means to them. This will enhance their career journey, and that requires them to be acutely aware of how they are conveying information that demonstrates equity that might be helpful to their career growth. We can no longer let people opt into equity; it has to be mandatory. It's time we center ourselves and let our colleagues know what "good" looks like to us."

-Minda Harts, author of Right Within: How to Heal from Racial Trauma in the Workplace and The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table Follow Minda on Twitter: @mindaharts

JANUARY 2022

Women need to leverage their communities in 2022.

We no longer have to endure hostile workplaces in isolation.

We must own our power to transform environments and ensure that all women are safe in spaces that may not have been designed for them.”

-Dr. Monica Cox, Authenticity Coach & CEO, STEMinent LLC and author of Excellence: Why Being Average is Never An Option Follow Dr. Cox on Twitter: @drmonicacox

KNOW where you're going.

Not defined as a role, but as an impact destination—a point of arrival where purpose meets passion and turns into power for you.

FLOW in your differentiated value - that thing (or things) you're distinctively good at that comes easily and sets you apart.

GO toward your power destination

by identifying the 5 "bridge-building" materials you need to get there: skills, knowledge, experiences, behaviors, and relationships. If you have gaps between where you are and where you want to be, fill them with intention. As you do, you'll gain not only competence but confidence to step into your future like the gift to the world you are. There is no one like you. Learn to respect your own giftedness and stop looking over your shoulder. Our fear of who might step on our heels slows us down, chips away at our confidence, and trips us up. With your eyes forward, spirit settled and mind fixed, gather yourself and go do the thing you "can't not" do.”

-Tara Jaye Frank, equity strategist and author of The Waymakers: Clearing the Path to Workplace Equity with Competence and Confidence along with Say Yes: A Woman's Guide to Advancing Her Professional Purpose.

Follow Tara on Twitter: @TaraJFrank

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Positive Affirmations

TO CARRY INTO 2022

by Girl Tyler

W

ords have power. You wouldn't say nasty things to that one colleague you despise or even be rude to a stranger for no reason. So why do it to yourself? How you speak to yourself is crucial. Negative thoughts can damage your self-esteem and create a toxic version of yourself. Shift your mindset this year. Free yourself from past failures, negative emotions, and crippling insecurities. Your inner monologue needs a new script—time to evict any lingering negative talk from 2021.

Affirmations have the power to improve not only your mood, but your life. This list of New Year’s affirmations will help you speak life over your circumstances in 2022 and beyond. Write these affirmations on sticky notes and post them on your bathroom mirror or refrigerator. Repeat every word during your morning ritual.

Believe them and honor your highest self.

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JANUARY 2022

1.

This year I will be gentle and kind to myself.

2.

I deserve a fresh start.

3.

Trust the journey.

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I am the engineer of the space between where I am and where I want to be.

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I will not allow failure to define me.

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I am always in the right place, with the right people, at the right time.

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I will only focus on the things I can control.

Today, I choose joy.

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I am worthy. Period.

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I will release anything that no longer serves me.

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My future is full of hope and brightness.

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I am patient. I am positive. I am doing my best.

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Everything is working out in my favor. My faith is stronger than ever.

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I will go with my gut. My intuition never fails me.

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Tomorrow is not promised. Today, I will live life to the fullest with no regrets.

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Abundance belongs to me.

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No one can stop the plans for my life. Greatness is within me.

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Every day I am evolving.

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My presence is a gift to the world. I belong here.

19.

I am thankful for my life and the people at my side.

The journey is beautiful.

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I will extend grace to myself and the people around me.

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Peace is non-negotiable. I will protect mine at all costs.

22.

Block out the noise. I got this.

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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 December 2021.

Congratulations to last month’s WINNER! Demetria was randomly selected from sharing Brown Sugar love on social media to WIN her free box.

Thank you to everyone who shared! Stay in it to win it and don’t forget to share this box using 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.

JANUARY 2022

WE WANT TO GET TO KNOW YA’LL BETTER! Hey Brown Sugar Babes! Throughout this year, we plan to highlight members of the Sisterhood in a new series: “Brown Sugar Babes: Her Story”.

Interested? Tell us a little about yourself, for a chance to be interviewed and featured in the future.

SCAN THIS CODE TO LET US KNOW THAT YOU’RE INTERESTED OR VISIT HTTPS://BIT.LY/BSBHERWORDS

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NEW AT TITUDE

Black Girl Anthems Playlist

By Girl Tyler

w

elcome to the first of many blank pages in the book of 2022. We know you will write one hell of a story and change the game in the best possible way. Every script deserves a fire soundtrack. This one hits different because it's a unique mix of bangers to support the dope moves you're about to make.

The New Attitude: Black Girl Anthems Playlist is a collection of empowering tunes from unapologetically bold and audacious artists with awe-inspiring lyrics to blaze your path to greatness. When you're at a crossroads, feeling uncertain about which direction to turn, blast these songs and you're guaranteed to pivot into a new lane where not a single soul can outpace you. Move differently without a single regret. Go to war for everything you believe in with style and grace.

Reintroduce yourself. Get brand new. Do you. Anyone who has ever slept on you is about to get a wake-up call in 2022!

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Amazing by Mary J. Blige ft. DJ Khaled Worth Ethic by Toni Jones Me by OSHUN I Am by Baby Tate ft. Flo Milli Dark Skinned by RAY BLK Binz by Solange Holy by Jamila Woods Where I'm Coming From by Lila Iké Self Love by Savannah Cristina Pressure by Ari Lennox Have Mercy by Chlöe Crown by CHIKA Blessed by Sevana Go Get It by Mary Mary God’s Favorite by Megan Thee Stallion Take Up Space Sis by Toni Jones I Like That by Janelle Monáe Woman by Nao ft. Lianne La Havas Formation by Beyoncé

SCAN TO LISTEN TO THIS PLAYLIST AND MORE!

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JANUARY 2022

Frequently asked questions

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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 1st of the month for the next box. You will not be billed for the next box until after the box from the current month has been shipped/delivered.

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What is your cancellation policy?

Your subscription can be cancelled at any time in your Brown Sugar Box Account Settings at izzyandliv.com. If you’ve already been billed for the next box (1st 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.

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Can I exchange 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!

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 subscription. To skip a delivery you just need to click “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, you can email to have us skip deliveries for you.

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 hashtag #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!

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 month’s box. If your box was returned due to consumer error, please reach out to customer service for reshipment at an additional cost.

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I have feedback or questions, who do I contact?

We can be reached at support@izzyandliv.com

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