Noire Women's Wellness Mag | Eat, Drink And Be Merry | December 2022/January 2023

DECEMBER / JANUARY 2023

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS YONI STEAMING… WHAT IT IS AND WHAT IT AIN’T! BLACK WOMAN. BLACK COFFEE. THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR?

ICONIC SUPER MODEL FINDS BEAUTY IN ALL Photography by: Michael Letterlough, Jr.

ISSUE NO. 3 | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2023 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kaye-Ann Sadler

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Shanille McIntosh-Suckoo

COPY EDITOR Jennifer Knauf

PUBLICATION CONSULTANT Clifton Camp, Esq.

EXECUTIVE BUSINESS CONSULTANT Dr. Michelle Mitcham

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Olivia Heyward

FOLLOW US FOR MORE Q @noirewomenswellnessmag E @noirewomenswellnessmag VISIT OUR WEBSITE

www.NoireWomensWellness.com

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For advertising & subscription inquiries, visit NoireWomensWellness.com, call (844) NOIRE-01, or email ads@NoireWomensWellness.com NOIRE WOMEN’S WELLNESS IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF AND PUBLISHED BY NOIRE WOMEN’S HEALTH, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, ©2022 PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. NOIRE WOMEN’S WELLNESS is published bi-monthly with combined issues.

Send all editorial, business, and production correspondence electronically to info@noirewomenswellness.com or call 844-NOIRE-01. PRINCIPAL OFFICE: Noire Women’s Wellness 575 Pharr Rd Ste 52284, Atlanta, GA 30355.

Dr. Trudy Wright Dr. Trudy Wright is the CEO and Pharmacist in Charge of John’s Creek Pharmacy in Suwanee, Georgia. Dr. Trudy has 17 years of experience, and has worked every position from cashier, to owner-operator. Her journey to become a pharmacist began when her mother was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Dr. Trudy’s mission became seeing her name on her mother’s pill bottles. After undergrad and pharmacy school, Dr. Trudy began her career as a pharmacist at Concord Drugs. In 42 years of business, she became the first Black, male or female, Pharmacist in Charge hired by Concord. After five short months of unprecedented professionalism, she bought the Suwanee location and has added a holistic component to the practice. Her independent pharmacy specializes in compounding, a process by which drugs are combined and or tailored in a way that meets the needs of each individual patient due to allergic and or various other restrictions.

Dr. Michelle Mitcham Dr. Michelle A. Mitcham is thrilled to empower women, teams and individuals with strategies for success in both the workplace and relationships.

As CEO of Courageous Conversations, a counseling, coaching, and consulting practice, Dr. Michelle Mitcham executes solution-focused success coaching for relationships, mindfulness, divorce, wellness, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), effective leadership, communication, conflict-resolution, and collaboration. Dr. Mitcham believes that “With taking some risks and having courage, you CAN redefine the possibilities in your life.” She was honored to once be a featured guest on Oprah Winfrey show. She is the President and Publisher of the Tallahassee Woman Magazine.

CONTRIBUTORS

Nicole Paradise

D. Scott D. Scott is an author of six books and counting. She also had a column in the Artvoice called, “Dear Auntie”, where she offered advice on topics from dating to dress codes. Additionally, she has a podcast on iTunes called, “Stay in Your Lane with D. Scott”, that has over 350 episodes and has been on air for almost nine years. D. ghostwrites and edits for local and budding authors, as well as publishes books through her publishing entity. She has ran several businesses throughout the years and sits on several boards in her city of Niagara Falls, New York.

Anatola Araba

The Walk & Talk Life Coach and Author raising awareness for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) commonly known as Seasonal Depression. An honors graduate of Virginia State University with a B.A. in Sociology whose main objectives are helping women improve their mental health habits, crushing their goals in every season and walking boldly into their purpose.

Anatola Araba is a storyteller and futurist from New York City with a focus on building more equitable, sustainable, and inspired futures through film, visual art, emerging technology, and journalism.

Her films have screened across the globe including at the MoMA and Lincoln Center in NYC. She has created content for ELLE, Harper’s BAZAAR, Snapchat, and more.

Anatola graduated from NYU Tisch School of the Arts. Her passion is to innovate, inspire, and reimagine the world as it could be.

Suze Pierre-Francois

I am a forty-four year old mom of boys. I began my fitness journey in 2017 after having two C-Sections within two years, with two large babies resulting in Diastasis Recti. I learned how to heal myself and I now take pride in showing others how to do the same.

I teach free group fitness, Zumba, and strength training classes at Precision Athletic Corps in College Park, GA. My goal to get as many women as I can who suffered the same to heal using lots of love of self, healthy food, and exercise.

December / January 2023

Erlinda Denise Erlinda Denise is daughter of the Seven Sisters. Certified Vaginal Steaming Practitioner, Birth Witch (aka Doula) and Dir of Operations at Sovern LA a non profit intersectional community space.

She has a deep passion for supporting women and creating a space for vulnerable discussions and honest topics that generate healing and self love. Her steaming journey started over 5 years ago as a personal self love practice. She created Girl Gang Steaming after completing the Certification classes with with Steamy Chick. She has expanded her journey by becoming a Full Spectrum Birthworker with Birthworkers Of Color supporting birthing folks transitioning into Parenthood. ‌

Noire Women’s Wellness | 5

Shaniqua Matthews Creative, versatile and passionate about style, Shaniqua has been able to successfully establish herself as a Stylist.

This Brooklyn born, Trinidadian ‘fly girl’ was able to turn her love of fashion from a hobby into a career.

Leslie Salmon Jones Leslie Salmon Jones, Alvin Ailey trained dancer, yoga teacher, wellness coach, CEO, and co-founder of Afro Flow Yoga®. In 2008, along with her husband, multi-instrumentalist Jeff W. Jones, the couple developed a new integrated embodied practice, combining dances of the African Diaspora, yoga, and live healing music. For 30 years, Leslie has been speaking, writing, coaching, and teaching classes, retreats, and trainings internationally. Leslie has been featured in O Magazine, Essence, Black Enterprise, and a recent New York Times article.

“Dark Girls 2,” a documentary produced by Oprah Winfrey’s OWN network, features the healing aspect of Afro Flow Yoga®.

Having both of her parents embody fashion she was well aware of style at a young age. From regularly carried around fashion magazines in her book bag to now working at the world-renowned Fashion institute of Technology (FIT), she has been catapulted in the world she has always adorned.

With her unique mix of styles, ruffles, and sass she has been able to create a lane of her own.

Shaniqua also known as @niqniqfromcovertst has not only created fashion vision boards, upcycled clothing, directed fashion shows, styled dance videos, taught Sustainable Fashion Stylist classes for NYC Public School students, help run a success non-profit Fashion organization giving out dresses to the NYC Department of Homeless, she is also an author of “Keeping it Cute” a guide to being a fashionista on a budget.

Shaniqua currently lives in NYC with her two children and appreciates watching models on the runway, scrolling through fashion magazines, and growing her plant collection.

Regina Lynch- Hudson

Autumn Vassell Autumn Vassell, founder of Fall For Your Travels LLC, is a Verified Travel Consultant from Detroit, Michigan. While working full-time as a process engineer, Autumn also decided to open her own travel agency in 2022 named Fall For Your Travels LLC based on her love of travel. Fall For Your Travels offers clients a variety of different services like travel consultations, itinerary planning, and booking travel to enhance your vacation experience. Trips stemming from affordable solo/group vacations to high-end luxury vacations can be booked through this flexible travel agency. With her experience in structure as an engineer and her avid travel journeys, being a travel agent is Autumn’s entrepreneurial dream come true.

6 | Noire Women’s Wellness

Great-great-granddaughter of museum-recognized mountain medicine woman and herbalist Mary Louisa Stepp, veteran publicist Regina Lynch-Hudson exhales at healing sites and explores wellness experiences including spas, meditative sanctuaries, healthy eateries, soul-reviving resorts, and nature reserves. Wellness is a lifestyle for the world-trekking 64-year-old, formerly licensed esthetician, pescatarian, water aerobics aficionado, and shade-tree-seeker. Contact MadameXhales: thewritepublicist@earthlink.net

Dr. Cree Scott Dr. Cree Scott is the founder and CEO of Serenity Psychological Health & Well-being, a boutique consulting firm specializing in human-centered leadership development and coaching. She has a 15 year career as a consultant, executive coach, and clinician. Her blended approach is grounded in cognitive-behavioral and positive psychology and focuses on strengths-based solutions that empower professionals to reach their full potential. Dr. Scott partners with her clients utilizing evidenced-based practices to help professionals stay fully engaged, discover new perspective and illuminate insights for development and growth. She is known for her ability to connect with her audience and turn complex concepts into digestible, actionable strategies that support behavior change.

Her customized workshops are geared toward addressing specific business challenges within the areas of employee well-being; diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB); and effective leadership. She has worked with a number of Fortune 100 companies and across a number of industries. Dr. Scott holds a doctorate in Psychology and an MBA certification from Xavier University.

She also holds a Project Management Professional certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Arianna is a certified health education specialist with a passion for promoting health and wellness within the black community.

She graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with both a Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in Public Health. She has several years of experience Arianna Siler, MPH, CHES® working within the non-profit sector as a health educator. Through her role as a health educator, she learned the importance of helping clients create practical health goals to optimize their overall health and wellness.When working with clients, she leads with compassion, shares evidence-based tools and resources to help them achieve health goals, and encourages her clients to celebrate small changes. In addition to her experience as a health educator, she also has experience leading the patient recruitment and retention strategies for a cancer research study.

She currently resides in Atlanta where she serves as a public health program evaluator. ‌

December / January 2023

Noire Women’s Wellness | 7

CONTENTS

10

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 12. WHO SAID IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR? 13. #NOIREPOWER LIST 14.THIS TIME NEXT YEAR 16. COURAGEOUS CONVERSATIONS: PRIORITIZING THE "I" IN THRIVE 18. RESOLUTION 20. 5 THINGS YOU CAN DO ON A RAINY VACATION DAY TO RESET, RELAX AND RELEASE 22. WINTERFIT: GET INTO THIS NYC STREET STYLE

28

ON THE COVER

ICONIC SUPER MODEL FINDS BEAUTY IN ALL PHOTOGRAPHY BY: MICHAEL LETTERLOUGH, JR. PHOTOGRAPHER ASSISTANT: MICHAEL ALEXANDER WARDROBE STYLIST: JASMINE GIBBS MAKEUP ARTIST: JUANICE REED HAIRSTYLIST: JANNE KELLY

8 | Noire Women’s Wellness

12

24

24. MADAME XHALES

46. DIASTASIS RECTI

IN THE LOFTY PEAKS

HEALING FROM THE

OF PERÚ

INSIDE OUT AND FROM

38. BLACK WOMAN.

THE OUTSIDE IN

BLACK COFFEE.

48. GRAND OPENING

36. ACHIEVING

OF EYE CANDY

PRACTICAL WELLNESS

CREATIONS' 2ND FLAG-

42. YONI STEAMING...

SHIP LOCATION

WHAT IT IS AND

50. THE ON CLOUD

WHAT IT ISN'T

RANDOM WHINE GALA

44. PRIORITIZE YOUR

51. KITCHEN TALK WITH

SELF CARE ACCESS

KIM GARRETT BROWN

48

YOUR BIRTHRIGHT!

22

WINTERFIT: GET INTO THIS NYC STREET STYLE

December / January 2023

Noire Women’s Wellness | 9

LETTER FROM EDITOR

C

ongratulations! If you’re reading this, you’ve officially made it to the end of 2022. It’s so hard to imagine we are two years “post-COVID,” the year that seemed like it was never going to end. Now, it seems as though time is on fast-forward. Since then, we’ve all had more ups and downs than the Dow Jones. But you know what?

We’re still standing!

Our holiday cover model needs no introduction, but she deserves one. We are elated to have the trailblazing beauty Beverly Johnson, the first African American model to appear on the cover of American Vogue Magazine, to close out an amazing year for Noire Women’s Wellness mag. In her interview, Beverly dishes on the value of self-love, self-care, and self-worth. Her 40+ year career took off with her breaking barriers, but what’s more impressive is how she continues to pay it forward to Black women when it comes to health and wellness.

Everyone has a different outlook on the holidays — some positive and some negative. This issue shares some encouragement for those who may be struggling with the holidays. We could all use a little inspiration from time to time! Regardless of how you feel about the holidays, December marks the end of a year, and it’s a good practice to use this as a time for reflection. It’s a time to reflect on all that went well and how to improve things that did not go so well.

10 | Noire Women’s Wellness

I personally do not believe in making resolutions; however, I do set my intentions for the upcoming year. For the past few years, I would choose a word and use that word to guide my actions and reactions for the following year. This year, my word was vulnerability. In the first issue of NWW, I talked about finding and using my voice and how publishing this magazine is a means for me to do so. This publication is also a form of vulnerability. For 2023, I chose GRACE to guide me through the year. We do so well with giving other people grace in their actions, but we tend to be extremely hard on ourselves.

So, give yourself a little grace, and while you’re at it, give yourself a pat on the back! You did the absolute best you could this year.

For now, it’s time to eat, drink, and be MERRY! Cheers!

Kaye Sadler Editor-in-Chief Q @kayeannsadler

PHOTO CREDIT: HOWELL DESIGN STUDIO | MAKEUP: YANIQUE DOWNER

To all the ladies in the place with style and GRACE!

The Perfect Gift Idea

PHOTOGRAPHER: NICK NELSON FOR BRANDPRENEUR | MAKEUP ARTIST: SHARRI BURKE | WARDROBE STYLIST: MORGAN WIDER | DRESS: TRACY NICOLE CLOTHING

JULY/AUGUST 2022

CBD or not CBD Everybody’s Homegirl

RASHAN ALI SISTERS COMBATTING STRESS

Give a gift subscription for only Br00klynbetty’s

SUMMER ABS

THE POWER OF CONVERSATION WHAT’S IN YOUR SUBCONSCIOUS? BREAKING BREAD

with Chef Tregaye

$24.99!

SUMMER STREET STYLE

Order Your Gift Subscription Online At www.NoireWomensWellness.com/subscribe Noire is published 6 times per year.

MIND

WHO SAID IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR?

By Dr. Cree Scott

F

or many of us, the holiday season is a time for merriment, festivity, and sharing and connection with our friends and family. We attend holiday parties, decorate our homes while listening to “This Christmas” by Donny Hathaway, and think about creative gifts we can buy.

But what happens when the holidays bring on feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression instead of the cheerfulness you might see in our beloved Hallmark movies?

everyone else that we forget we are actually human, and most importantly, we forget to check in with our own needs.

There can sometimes be a dark side to the holidays that is often overlooked or not discussed, especially in the Black community, where the topic of mental health is stigmatized. The holidays can be a reminder of what’s missing from your life or trigger memories that you’ve been actively avoiding throughout the year. If you have lost a loved one, experienced financial difficulty, are unable or unwilling to be with family, or are simply overwhelmed with all of the to-dos the holidays can bring, you may be dreading this time of the year. What’s important to know is that you are not alone.

The better you know yourself, the more effective you’ll be at handling stress and, sometimes, avoiding it altogether.

According to the American Psychiatric Association (2021), Americans are more likely to admit they feel increased stress during the holidays. This number is even more staggering for the Black community. Black adults are more likely to report emotional distress regardless of the season (National Alliance on Mental Illness). The sheer expectation to feel joyful because “it’s the most wonderful time of the year” comes with a price when you are already dealing with the struggles of everyday life.

While it may not be possible to completely remove stress, here are three things you can do to reduce the impact of the stress you may experience during the holidays.

1. Honestly evaluate your needs.

It’s no secret that we are living in a fast-paced society, which can often lead to feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from ourselves and others. While we all may be guilty of moving too fast, doing too much, and burning the candle at both ends, Black women, in particular, are silently suffering as we proudly wear the badge of “strong Black woman.” As Black women, we have become so used to being superwoman to 12 | Noire Women’s Wellness

When was the last time you intentionally focused on yourself? Are you fully in tune with what you need to be content, or dare I say, happy? If you are experiencing uncomfortable emotions associated with the holidays, that is your body telling you to stop and pay attention.

Here are a few steps to become more in touch with your needs: • Practice deep breathing or meditation to connect with the present moment.

• Imagine that you are engaging in the things that bring you joy, removing the people and things that bring you down, and are no longer engaging in activities, beliefs, and behaviors that do not serve you. What does that feel and look like?

• Ask yourself the following questions: o What are the top three things that bring me joy? o What and who creates angst or anxiety for me? o What activities, beliefs, and behaviors am I saying yes to that I’d actually like to stop or say no to?

2. Adjust goals and manage expectations.

The idealized persona that is portrayed in the media during the holidays often has us believing that we should be engaging in activities and experiencing emotions that are impractical and unrealistic. Who said that you have to cook a traditional holiday dinner, roast chestnuts on an open fire, decorate your home, or even spend time with your family during the holidays? We set ourselves up for failure when we focus all of our time and effort on creating the perfect holiday experience, especially when that perfect holiday experience is based on someone else’s representation.

It’s easy to justify making sacrifices to attain our

goals if we expect that they will result in feelings of happiness and bliss. But what happens when they don’t? What happens when your sacrifice to spend hundreds of dollars on gifts or your willingness to spend the holidays with dysfunctional family members leaves you in despair instead of the blissful state you thought it would?

Our expectations are so powerful that they can cause us to be elated when something surpasses our anticipations or depressed when it’s not as good as we thought it would be. You can manage your expectations by ensuring they’re realistic, understanding that things are going to happen that are outside of your control, and by having an open mind. This will allow you to be fully present in the moment without the pressure of living up to preconceived notions.

Simplify your goals and be honest about the bandwidth you have to reach your goals. Instead of hosting the holiday dinner, consider a potluck or catering. If the family gathering you usually attend drums up resentment or traumatic memories, skip it and do something else that brings you joy.

3. Set healthy boundaries.

While the holidays are about giving, boundaries help ensure that our emotional and financial health are protected. When you have healthy boundaries, you are more likely to have healthier relationships because you are able to clearly communicate your needs to others and help them understand what’s most important to you.

However, sometimes what we really need is to set holiday boundaries with ourselves. The aforementioned Black superwoman badge tends to get us into trouble because we take on too much responsibility for other people’s holiday happiness. We feel selfish if we pass on family traditions and accept offensive behaviors just so that we don’t make others uncomfortable.

It’s okay to be clear about your needs, communicate your boundaries, and stick to them. There may be a few who will give you a hard time, but those who care about you will always come around.

Remember, you don’t have to buy into the hype of the holidays. If you choose to do anything, choose to take care of your psychological health. Finding joy during the holidays could just mean finding yourself. It’s the best gift that you can give during the holidays.

#noirepower Alex Elle @Alex

Laila Ali @thereallailaali

Alex Kaufmann @bahayogi

Lita Lewis @followthelita

Lisa Arrindell @lisaarrindell

Dr. Chelsea Roberts Jackson @chelsealovesyoga

List

Jenna de León @jenna.deleon

Frantzcesca Casimir @frantzcesca.casimir

We curated a list of influential women in the fitness and wellness space. They made a significant impact in their community this year and continue to motivate Black women to show up as their best selves.

Rashan Ali @rashanal Jeanette Jenkins @jeanettejenkins Maya McClean @mayamcclean

December / January 2023

Halani Lobdell @mrs2weeksout Tifani “Lu” Scales @lueffect_ Santia Deck @trackbaby001

Page Turner @pageturnerunlimited Nischelle Turner @nischelleturner Monique Billings @monique.billings

Noire Women’s Wellness | 13

THIS TIME NEXT YEAR

s r e e h C

to all the resolutions we just knew we would stick to this year.

By Nicole Paradise

January 2022: Recap

1. Put Me First 2. Lose Weight 3. Quit Job 4. Start Business 5. Make More Money

I AM

I WILL

I AM GOING TO

Remember those? The goals set, the plans put in place, and the changes we wanted to implement at the beginning of the year. What happened to them? What happened to you?

No one is exempt from pain. Life gets hard, times can become challenging, and mental health struggles can get in the way, but when did giving up on ourselves become okay?

Resolutions have become an exciting and fun ritual to kick off the year. They are the promises we make to ourselves with every intention of keeping them. We start off fired up and moving with tenacity. We experience the excitement that comes along with starting something new, but then we find ourselves more committed to the preparation rather than the process. We purchase new notebooks, colorful calendars, pretty planners, and organizers, most of which are titled “New Year, New Me.” Sound familiar? We make everything pretty and glamorize the takeoff. Then we check a couple of things off our list, and dopamine, the reward chemical, kicks in. Now we have the gusto to keep going, but somewhere in the midst of everyday life, we lose our mojo. We stop working, the clock keeps ticking, and we end up here again, at the end of the year, prepping and planning, putting everyone first but ourselves. While winter is brewing, a new year is on the horizon, and the champagne is on chill, waiting for the toast.

14 | Noire Women’s Wellness

But this time around, prepare your year before breaking out the bubbly. Before the ball drops and the fireworks blaze a new trail through the sky, create a vision for your life that lights you up from the inside. Proclaim that this upcoming year will be one of distinction. This will be your intentional year.

Make this the year you push past the pain and come out on the other side of everything that is holding you back. No more quitting. No more excuses.

The beauty is you can always start over.

The truth is, if you stop quitting, you won’t have to.

New Year Countdown 10. PRIORITIZE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH. This is a year-round obligation, but during the holiday season, our mental health and wellness can decline severely for many reasons. It can go from one extreme to another. From the demands of the busy season to the sadness associated with the holiday blues. Some are exhausted from the holiday hustle, which can include increased crowds, long lines, retail shopping, and jammed-up traffic, while others are grieving loved ones or suffering from seasonal depression. Finan-

cial strains can also increase during this time, and there can be a high amount of pressure put on being happy and joyful. Nonetheless, putting yourself first is still a priority. ‘Tis the season of giving, so give yourself permission to take a mental break. Self-care is not selfish.

Talk to a therapist or medical professional if needed. Find locations to volunteer and help the less fortunate. Seek out support groups.

Gather with family or friends. Create new memories and traditions. Engage in physical activity. Exercise, walk, meditate, practice yoga, pamper yourself, and don’t forget to rest.

9. ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR LIFE. Only you can keep the promises you make to yourself year after year. You get one life, no do-overs, and every day, you are writing your story. You are the author of each new chapter from beginning to end. You own the rights to your narrative. If you are unhappy, miserable, or not where you want to be, it is your responsibility to change that. No more blame games. Acknowledge where you are now and move forward. Accept your failures and learn from them. Most importantly, understand that the decisions you make daily are designing your destiny. The power belongs to you to create happiness, abundance, and a life worth living. Nobody’s coming to

save you. It is on YOU to get yourself where you want to be.

8. ENVISION YOUR LIFE THIS TIME NEXT YEAR. Be still and visualize. What do you want your life to look like this time next year? Your vision is what your resolutions should be based upon. Paint a picture of your life that is unambiguous. Immerse yourself in the feelings of achieving your goals and becoming the person you foresee. Once you evoke and identify those emotions, hold onto them and bring yourself back to them anytime you are struggling. Revisiting your purpose will continue to propel you forward.

Once your purpose is undeniably clear, write it down. Be detailed and specific, as if everything you write down at that moment is about to manifest.

7. WELCOME CHANGE. There is a need for change that lives within us all, attached to the challenges that demand growth. When you begin to change, everything that is unauthentic inside of you and around you must die because it will not be able to survive alongside the depths of truth it takes to change your life. Let go of your old ways of doing things and release the version of you that you believe you have to be in order to survive.

6. DETOX. Creating health boundaries is crucial in the pursuit of reaching your goals.

Let go of anything that does not align with your vision. Declutter your mind and protect your energy. Cut ties with toxic people.

The transfer of negative energy from person to person can be detrimental to your development. Stop allowing people to drain your energy. Be conscious of what you are feeding your mind and your body. Monitor what you are watching and listening to, who you are talking to, and who you are getting advice from. Pay attention to how your food intake is affecting your mood, energy, and progress. Get rid of bad habits. Stop aimlessly scrolling through social media and let go of instant gratification. Free yourself from anything that hinders your progress and leaves you drained, down, or depressed. Take technology breaks and remember “unfollow” is always an option.

5. BE INTENTIONAL. Do away with general resolutions, and get personal and intimate. Then detail what it will take for you to accomplish these goals. Create a to-do list comprised of structured and strategic actions that will increase your ability to succeed.

December / January 2023

Start with small steps. Incorporating small goals each day will help you build consistency. Keep your goals visible and measure your progress daily. Once you achieve a goal, check it off to acknowledge your success. Be deliberate when taking the necessary steps to excel. Find a mentor or coach whose vision you connect with, and make sure they are action-oriented and can hold you accountable. Be intentional with your time, energy, and focus. Spend time learning and growing.

Now that you have detoxed, find more people who motivate and inspire you. Follow their social media, read their stories, learn about their journey, or listen to their podcast. Be selective about who and what you are allowing back into your space. Practice positive thinking and speaking, and make sure your actions are aligned with your affirmations.

4. SPEAK LIFE INTO YOURSELF. I got this! I can do this! I am getting through this! Words have power. They can affect your mental and emotional health. Be conscious of your conversations. Take control of your speech and breathe life into yourself. The stories you tell yourself navigate your pathway to success. Practice positive self-talk. It is a key component to building confidence.

Words can build you up and have the power to guide you to greatness. They can encourage change and inspire people to achieve great things. Words become part of who we are. They create our reality. Use words that are encouraging, inspiring, and uplifting. Everything we say out loud and to ourselves has the power to manifest, so choose your words wisely. Be grateful and show gratitude. Exude onto others the energy you want to receive in return. Allow others to speak life into you as well. Do not seek but humbly accept praise and validation. And continue to speak the language of love over your life as you proceed to level up.

3. QUITTING ON YOURSELF IS NOT AN OPTION. The guarantee that comes with quitting is that the change you are craving will never come to fruition. Every journey to greatness includes trials, delays, and disappointment. How you persevere when discouraged will be the foundation of your testimony. Nothing will be more gratifying than reaching your goals, raising your glass to a new year, and knowing that you never gave up. For this reason alone, make meaningful resolutions. Meaningful goals help you push through hard times when you want to throw in the towel. Do not force yourself to

achieve goals that you are not sincerely connected to. When times get hard, take time to rest. When you are discouraged, revisit your purpose. Allow yourself to go back to the moment you envisioned what your life would be like a year from now. Tap into those emotions.

Take inventory of your progress, reevaluate your plan, and maybe even change course.

Do what is needed, but do not give up on the life you are working hard to create. Once the option to quit is utilized, it becomes a hard habit to break. Therefore, you must learn to rest when you want to quit. And never stop believing that you are meant for greatness because there is a new year with a glass half full waiting on you.

2. REST ROUTINELY. Give yourself grace. When you are tired or overwhelmed, implement resting as opposed to quitting.

Rest is vital for your mental health. For your brain to recharge, it is important to give it downtime throughout the day. When you find yourself frustrated, unable to concentrate, or mentally shutting down, that is an indication that your body and mind need rest. Rest helps you to feel more energized. It increases your focus and concentration and may also reduce stress. Making it a part of your daily routine helps to avoid burnout. Giving your brain breaks is essential in creating and achieving long-term and short-term goals. It can improve your mood and boost your performance. In order to create a healthy balance between resting and your resolutions, give yourself permission to disconnect. Take breathers away from your work or your to-do list to relax. Create a recharge routine prior to feeling overworked. Recharging can consist of simple tasks: a few minutes of stillness to clear your mind, a quick phone call to a friend, a short walk, a nap, reading a few pages of a book, or listening to music.

1. CELEBRATE YOUR WINS. This is a happiness hack. Dopamine, the reward chemical, is a release in the brain that is stimulated by completing a task, achieving goals, being praised, and celebrating success. With hard work comes reward. Staying consistent and committed does not always come easy. It can take a lot of sacrifice and discipline, so be proud of yourself. Achieving goals can also build confidence, which is why it is imperative to celebrate your wins. Celebrating small wins will encourage you to attain additional goals while keeping you motivated and inspired. But above all else, you worked hard, so YOU DESERVE IT! Noire Women’s Wellness | 15

Courageous Conversations: Prioritizing the “I” in THRIVE

By Dr. Michelle Mitcham, LMHC, NCC, CCMHC

C

onsider your life as carefully as you would your favorite plants. Are your roots grounded in soil of nourishment?

Are you surrounded by enough light? Are you watering the seeds that you planted?

Sometimes we must confront the nature of ourselves and others so that it is conducive to an environment of growth. We need to engage in courageous conversations with ourselves to thrive.

Rihanna said, “Just live your life. Ain’t got no time for no haters.” What type of life do you want to live? What is your dream? Sometimes, even with the people closest to us, our dreams, ideas, hopes, and plans may not always feel supported.

Although not intentionally, we tend to put people in boxes. Whether you are trying to step outside of your box or somebody else is doing so, be kind and allow them to expand into that transformation. If you feel as though the people around you are stifling your expansion, consider moving in silence and sharing your milestones after they have been achieved. This is not selfish or secretive because your energy is yours. All that you aspire for is an extension of your energy.

Sometimes we put ourselves in boxes, overindulging in Instagram and other social media. While social media can be very inspiring, it can also create a very scattered and cluttered mind. Taking a step back from your online presence can help connect you to a blank creative canvas of your mind, a place to go back to the drawing board and revisit your own creative ideas and passions. Some people lose a sense of their own identity when bombarded by the attachments they have to social media. It becomes second nature to compare and consume from the outside world, leading to an overshadowing of what’s within. Taking a break is like turning a light on inside your brain and refocusing energy, tapping into your

16 | Noire Women’s Wellness

own voice and hearing it a little louder.

Let go of who you think you should be and embrace who you are today. As Lewis Carrol wrote in Alice in Wonderland, “I can’t go back to yesterday because I was a different person then.”

You are the inventor, creator, and captain of your life. Step into your power.

HERE ARE FIVE TIPS FOR YOUR “I THRIVE” GAME PLAN: 1. A response to declining an engagement or event may simply be, “I am so sorry, but I already have a prior commitment.”

It is okay if that commitment is with yourself to recharge and regroup.

2. Give yourself permission to choose your company and with whom you share your space. This may be challenging with long-term relationships and friendships. One way to set boundaries with your space is to not overexplain your reasoning. It may seem curt, but you do not owe anyone an explanation. Whether you are having a self-care day or choosing to be alone, that’s okay.

3. Discussing your boundaries can improve your relationships. Being open with these conversations will show you who is for you. True friends respect healthy boundaries. This may be your time, space, habits, and more.

4. Schedule your time to include self-care and utilize the do not disturb option on your phone, even if this is simply time for journaling and gathering your thoughts.

Consider it a routine self-check-in.

5. If you feel that any of the above tips will create turmoil or put you in a risky situation, therapy may help you navigate your thoughts and actions. Reach out to psychologytoday.com for help.

December / January 2023

Noire Women’s Wellness | 17

Resolution

By Dr. Trudy Wright

S

ay goodbye to 2022 and hello to 2023.

If you’re like most people, you’ve taken the time to create a New Year’s resolution.

There are plenty of things you need to stop or start doing, but through it all, don’t forget to enjoy the journey. Strive to be the best you can be without being too hard on yourself or taking yourself too seriously. Learn to appreciate the beauty of being in the moment. This can’t be done while trying to get the perfect pictures to post on social media.

It can only be done when you slow down and acknowledge everything around you.

Close 2022 out strong, and be ready to hit the ground running in 2023. Set SMART goals for yourself, and don’t be distracted by anyone who’s not in your inner circle.

I believe you must be brutally honest with yourself while establishing goals. If your New Year’s resolution includes tasks that you could easily accomplish right now, you aren’t setting the bar high enough. Consult your close circle of friends and begin an accountability group. One word of caution though, your accountability partners shouldn’t have the same weaknesses that you do. How would you be able to help each other when discouragement comes?

In short, don’t mistake activity for accomplishment, and make every day count in 2023 by living life to the fullest. However you spend your holiday season, I hope it’s productive and prosperous, physically, mentally, and spiritually.

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Courageous Conversations Life Coach, Facilitator & Counselor Dr. Michelle Mitcham, LMHC-QS, NCC, CCMHC, CFM

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Dr. Michelle A. Mitcham is thrilled to empower women, teams and individuals with strategies for success in both the workplace and relationships. As CEO of Courageous Conversations, a counseling, coaching, and consulting practice, Dr, Mitcham coaches on leadership, workplace resilience, emotional intelligence, imposter syndrome, relationship building, women’s empowerment, diversity, equity and inclusion, conflict resolution, mindfulness, and team building.

December / January 2023

Noire Women’s Wellness | 19

LIFESTYLE & BEAUTY

5

THINGS YOU CAN DO ON A RAINY VACATION DAY TO RESET, RELAX, AND RELEASE

By Autumn Vassell

H

ave you ever been on vacation, and it rained unexpectedly? Not many people like it when it rains during their trip, especially if you’ve gone to an exotic destination hoping to relax on the beach or by the pool.

Although it’s not ideal, the whole point of a vacation is to relax, take a breather, and unwind. Instead of allowing the rain to be a burden, use the time to find alternate rainy-day activities that will, in essence, slow things down.

Here are five activities to do during your vacation if it rains:

HAVE A GAME NIGHT.

This is a perfect way to do something fun and stay indoors. Card games are a favorite since they are small and can fit into your luggage easily. For group vacations, look up interactive games on your phone and use apps like Heads Up to guarantee a night full of competitive fun. You can never go wrong with the traditional board game, either. Monopoly will keep the group entertained for hours!

GO TO A COOKING CLASS.

The quickest way to deep dive into a new culture is through their food.

It doesn't matter if your skills are already at champion levels of gourmet or you barely know how to boil water.

Cooking classes are all about making delicious food and then eating your

20 | Noire Women’s Wellness

concoction. Ask your local resort or hotel for the nearest cooking classes.

Even Airbnb has a ton of experiences that allow you to cook with a chef.

Not only will this be a good change of pace, but it will also give you the best souvenir to share with others—a recipe. Lastly, this is a way to treat yourself and others to a nice meal—if done correctly.

HAVE A SPA DAY.

Make the most of some quality time you may not have planned for. You can splurge on an appointment at a bougie spa or set up your own DIY activity. Either way, a self-care day will leave you feeling rejuvenated. Just slap on a hydrating eye mask and let the pitter-patter of the rain act as your personal white noise machine. Have a self-love party where you paint your nails, do a mud mask, and maybe even find a place to get a massage!

No massage? Soak in the tub and add a little Epsom salt for those muscles.

Do the things you never have the time to because you are always focused on something external.

HAVE MOVIE NIGHT.

Go to the local movie theater and take in a matinee of that new movie everyone is excited about. Matinee prices are lower, and it may be something your family doesn’t typically do when at home. If you’re looking to stay in, there are always a ton of movies on your favorite streaming app to watch in your room or condo for an afternoon

movie marathon. Get your typical movie theater treats to enjoy together with your group. There’s nothing better than hearing the rain coming down on the roof while snuggled inside with some hot buttery popcorn and a good flick about to come on.

WATCH THE RAIN FALL.

Water is energy. Tap into it. If there’s a covered porch or window for your viewing, even better. Take deep breaths. Consider meditating, praying, stretching, or sitting and taking in your surroundings to calm yourself.

It’s a great way to still your mind and quiet your body. Maybe even read a book or write in a journal. Rain, as a water form, can help you get in touch with your emotions. If you want to do something for stress relief, try some hip-opening exercises or some vinyasas. Since water is fluid, it reminds us how to navigate the landscape we travel through. Get into a place where you can enjoy the view and go with the flow!

These alternate rainy-day ideas while on vacation are perfect for keeping everyone happy when all of the outdoor activities get rained out. You don’t have to miss out on a great time just because there is a little rainy weather in the forecast. Vacation isn’t just about going out to activities but about relaxing away from home, releasing the stresses from day-to-day, and resetting for better alignment post-vacation

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WinterFIT: Get into this NYC Street Style

By Shaniqua Matthews

F

ashion impacts my day-to-day health and wellness from the moment I wake up to the moment I go to sleep. The start of my daily routine is making sure I am fashionable and weather appropriate. I make sure my high schooler is prepared for his day as we run out the door. I make my daily check-in call to my college student. On my daily boat ride into NYC, I slide through my favorite fashion influencers’ pages.

I enjoy people-watching. I observe New York-

Style I Black jumper - Boohoo Silver Patent Puffer - Kourtney Kardashian/Boohoo Purse - Prada Boots - Prada

22 | Noire Women’s Wellness

Style II

Floral puffer - Asos Off white blazer - Kahlana Barfield Future Collective/Target White joggers - Kahlana Barfield Future Collective/Target Periwinkle slingback shoes - Zara Periwinkle bra - Old Navy Olive green hat - Gap

Style III Sequin set - Kahlana Barfield Future Collective/Target Black patent pumps Saint Laurent Purse - Balenciaga

ers' creativity and style on the streets as if it were a runway. I work daily on my Instagram page, creating fashion content, and I’m currently working on my second book, “How to Be Fashionably Fit on a Budget.”

I enjoy what I do, and it keeps me mentally stable. As a lupus survivor and a mom of two (with one away at college), it’s not an easy task.

Living a healthy lifestyle is extremely important, but aside from the usual recommendations for remaining healthy (balanced diet, water intake, exercise, etc.), I recommend surrounding yourself with positive people and focusing on things that make you smile. Styling and working with creative minds allow me to be fulfilled, which maintains my health!

December / January 2023

Noire Women’s Wellness | 23

IN THE LOFTY PEAKS OF PERÚ

BY REGINA LYNCH-HUDSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY COURTLAND BIVENS III

24 | Noire Women’s Wellness

After trekking many famous wonders of the ancient world, the legendary Machu Picchu summoned my inner sojourner. The historical fortress looms monumental in the mountains of Perú, on an isolated mountain ridge where the Andes Mountains meet the Amazon Rainforest.

Few places around the globe boast the dramatic elevations of Perú’s multitude of majestic peaks.

Stately mountain ranges, like Machu Picchu, showcase soaring summits that hug the heavens, acting as divine channelers of peace. For centuries, the Incas and their successors have worshiped Perú’s mystical peaks. The higher the mountain the more sacred it’s believed to be.

Cross-country exploration unfolded unparalleled beauty: Lima, Perú’s stunning ocean and cliff top views; captivating Cusco (over 11,000 feet above sea level); the “Sacred Valley of the Incas,” a succession of panoramic Andean towns flaunting rugged slopes and snow-capped glaciers; the giant crests of the Urubamba mountain range, providing a spectacular backdrop for the town of Maras; and the breathtaking environs of Lake Titicaca, with its jaw-dropping surface elevation of more than twelve thousand feet.

Enchanting Machu Picchu is rated as the top tourist highlight of Perú, and South America. On a lofty ledge, perched some eight thousand intimidating feet above sea level, I sought to become comfortable with soaring altitude and soul-encompassing space. The steep trek up isn’t for the faint hearted.

I felt like a lone bird fumbling to find her wings. And then, finally—I believed I could fly.

A sacred mountaintop ritual with a Shaman was intensely transformative —and by far the most epic experience of my journey.

The powerful encounter radiated the ancient wisdom of indigenous people—an incredibly profound connection and authentic cross-cultural interaction.

Abar, my Shaman and spirit guide, hailed from Qeros, a remote highland community of Perú, where there is no electricity, roads, hospitals or schools or gas. For thousands of years, people of the Andes and the December / January 2023

Noire Women’s Wellness | 25

Amazon have relied on shamans and their herbal medicines to treat common ailments. Shamans are also adept astronomers and forecast the weather and planting calendar by peering into the sky. They revere the moon, sun, stars, planets, mountains, earth, spirits of their ancestors, and Creator of the universe.

When Abar blew his conch shell (representing water) into my abdominal wall it was an emotionally penetrating transmission that shook me to my core. To be cast in an atmosphere of absolute purity, quietude, fresh air, and revitalizing peaks—a cocoon of tranquility and peace not commonly found in today’s world—is ethereally uplifting.

I donned a pendant depicting my great-great-grandmother, a medicine woman-healer, during my cherished time with Abar.

Women wear many hats across cultures: healer, herbalist, nurturer, teacher, cook, caregiver, consoler, even livestock herder. And, no

matter our roots, women are natural nonverbal communicators—a welcoming smile, a reassuring nod, a gesture inviting a walk hand in hand through a village. In the wee Village of Maras, a humble shepherdess shared her skill, cracking her mighty whip to wield mighty control of sheep. Native inhabitants of the Amaru community demonstrated weaving techniques passed down for generations. Fabric designs and symbols became a way to save and pass down stories, local history, and thoughts and ideas to future generations and other communities. Indigenous women are the centerpiece of their villages, where caring for family and community are paramount.

Our National Geographic-style adventure included a boat excursion from Puno, Perú to the Uros “floating” Villages of Lake Titicaca— the highest navigable lake in the world. There are 45 floating islands in total, constructed by typing together totora reeds, which sprout in the lake, forming the base of the islands, and used to build huts, boats, and furnishings.

Great-great-granddaughter of museum-recognized mountain medicine woman and herbalist Mary Louisa Stepp, veteran publicist Regina Lynch-Hudson exhales at healing sites and explores wellness experiences, including spas, meditative sanctuaries, healthy eateries, soul-reviving resorts, and nature reserves. Wellness is a lifestyle for the world-trekking 64-year-old, formerly licensed esthetician, pescatarian, water aerobics afficionado, and shade-tree-seeker. Contact MadameXhales: thewritepublicist@earthlink.net

26 | Noire Women’s Wellness

ATLANTIC STATION

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December / January 2023

Noire Women’s Wellness | 27

28 | Noire Women’s Wellness

SEES BEAUTY IN EVERYTHING The first African-American woman to grace the cover of American Vogue is setting a new standard for health, well-being, and love.

By: Anatola Araba | Photography by: Michael Letterlough, Jr. | Photographer Assistant: Michael Alexander Wardrobe Stylist: Jasmine Gibbs | Makeup artist: Juanice Reed | Hairstylist: Janne Kelly

December / January 2023

Noire Women’s Wellness | 29

I

f Beverly Johnson never said yes to the possibilities, she would never have become a model. The fashion icon shattered glass ceilings and made history by being the first African-American female to grace the cover of American Vogue in 1974. But before pursuing modeling, the legend who changed the face of fashion had an entirely different plan.

Beverly had her heart set on becoming a lawyer. She enrolled at Northeastern University to study criminal justice. Since her family couldn’t afford to buy her new clothes for school, she worked in a little boutique in Buffalo, New York, the summer before she went away to college.

At the boutique, she quickly became the top clerk. Her manager often suggested that she should become a model. Each time, she would chuckle and reply, “That's so sweet.

Thank you very much, but I’m going to be a lawyer!”

Everything was going according to plan. Beverly moved to Boston to attend university.

She was working to earn some extra money to spend on the weekends. Then, everything changed when her part-time job at the YMCA was cut off at the last second. She suddenly needed a new way to provide for herself. She recalled the comments from her manager and friends about becoming a model and recognized the possibility.

Johnson was always a high achiever. “I was born with a fire under my belly,” she says.

Throughout school, she was an honor roll student and champion on the swim team. So, when she came across an opportunity to model for Condé Nast, she gave it everything she had.

She and her mother went up to New York City against her father’s wishes to pursue her first modeling opportunity. Beverly dazzled Condé Nast and was invited on a 10-day trip for Glamour Magazine. A buzzing 30+ year career took off, and the rest is history. “It was difficult,” she says. “Everybody in my family went to college…but I chose possibility. I keep myself with my hands open. That way, you can receive what the universe will give you.”

Over 500 magazine covers, two books, a memoir, and multiple companies later, it’s fair to say this philosophy has done her well.

Johnson sits down with Noire Women’s Well-

30 | Noire Women’s Wellness

ness to talk about where the possibilities are taking her now.

Since setting a new beauty standard as a model in 1974, Johnson Beverly has continued to break barriers and advocate for change. From addressing inequalities in America's healthcare system, to partnering with a neuropsychologist to investigate the scientific benefits of self-love, to designing groundbreaking tools for personal development, at 70 years old, she is just getting started.

Johnson’s innately kind and joyous spirit becomes abundantly clear during our conversation. She is the aunty I never knew I needed.

Despite being tasked with navigating a notoriously toxic industry, the model, actress, and entrepreneur sees beauty in everything.

“Even in the ugly,” she says. “I always try to look for beauty. I always try to look for God in everything.”

While she is known for a list of accomplishments that runs longer than the Nile, Johnson always puts her health first and foremost.

“Without our health, it doesn’t matter how much money you make. It doesn’t matter what position you have in the world. It doesn’t matter,” she says. “All of the things we think matter so much don't matter without our health.”

Black women today face unique inequities when it comes to health in America. People of color are diagnosed with diabetes, heart disease, and other illnesses more than their white counterparts. At the same time, they are disproportionately uninsured.

The average cost of healthcare in the United States stands at an unethical monthly rate of $456 for an individual and $1,152 for a family. This creates a huge barrier for many Americans, especially people of color. Still, Johnson urges us to explore our options.

“Whether it’s Medicaid, Medicare, or whatever,” she says, “go get that health insurance.” Only then can we take our health into our own hands.

Beverly also serves as an advocate for increasing the number of Black patients included in clinical research studies. When doctors research a new type of cancer, for instance, studies are often done on white patients, leaving Black data and experiences out of the picture, particularly in hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes.

We can start to combat these inequalities simply by paying more attention to our health.

“What you give attention to grows,” Johnson Beverly says. “When we give our attention to our children, plants, or relationships, those things tend to fly.” For women who often put others before themselves, it is especially vital to remember to look inward and tend to what our body needs.

It’s time for Black women to become advocates for our health. That means going to the doctor, asking for an explanation, and understanding what it means. “I go to that yearly check-in,” she says. “I go and get that mammogram.” Getting the blood work is important. Knowing your cholesterol levels is important. Educating yourself about your body is important.

Aging is inevitable. “We all know that if you live in a house, things are going to break. The car is going to get old, and it’s going to need to go in for a tune-up”. Johnson believes too many of us are afraid of what we may find when we take a deeper look at our health. But she reminds us, “Most of the time, it's not the boogeyman at the door. That's just the wind.”

Beverly has long been passionate about giving women the tools they need to thrive not just physically but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Recently, she partnered with world-renowned neuropsychologist Joseph McClendon III to develop practical tools to help people realize what is stopping them from reaching their full potential.

Her investigations have identified one key ingredient that is pivotal in helping us overcome what gets in our way. That ingredient is love. As cheesy as it may sound, love, selflove to be exact, has tangible scientific benefits for our health and well-being.

We all yearn to be loved. However, Johnson reminds us that the love we give ourselves is the most powerful form of love there is. In partnership with neuropsychologist McCLlendon III, Johnson found a way to tap into the transformative powers of self-love.

“We are looking into the mirror, looking into our eyes, and looking into our soul and having a talk with ourselves about love.” Simply saying to ourselves, “I love you, I love you, I love you,” can lead to spiritual success, combat imposter syndrome, and help us reach our full potential.

That’s why “I try to surround myself with

love, whether it’s love of my dog, or love of beautiful places, or even love of my home. It sounds really corny, but I really like to surround myself with love.”

The key to bringing this kind of love into your life is by changing your thoughts. “Thinking is everything!” Johnson says. How we think about ourselves dictates what we attract and, in turn, what we become. Therefore, any shift we want in life begins with shifting our way of thinking.

Beverly maintains her own positive mindset by fostering a solid morning routine. In the first couple hours of the day, Johnson She drinks a gallon of water. “Most people don’t drink enough water,” she says. “Sometimes, people think they’re hungry when they’re really thirsty. And sometimes people think they’re tired, but they’re really thirsty.” Water has remarkable benefits for our skin, hair, nails, and overall health.

In addition to staying hydrated, Johnson Beverly also keeps a gluten-free diet and is a huge pilates enthusiast, working out at least three times a week. She blocks out time for herself on her calendar, telling her executive assistant to ensure that nothing interferes with her time for self-care.

Without advocating for her well-being, Johnson Beverly would not have been able to become the multi-hyphenate model, actress, author, and entrepreneur that she is today. At the age of 58, she found a new sense of urgency to turn her dreams into realities. She had been enjoying her beautiful home and the ability to travel, and she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do next.

Then, she experienced a serious wakeup call when a dear friend of hers passed away. She was only a couple of years older than Johnson and had not even reached her 60th birthday. “It was such a big wake-up call for me. That’s when I decided to have all these big, audacious, hairy goals.” It was during this ah-ha moment that she decided to go for it.

This rude awakening lead Johnson to write “The Face That Changed It All: A Memoir,” launch a new haircare and ponytail line at Target, and grow

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32 | Noire Women’s Wellness

“I’m still that little girl who got the Vogue cover.”

- Beverly Johnson

her product line Beverly Johnson Luxurious Lifestyle Brand. Since bringing these dreams to fruition, she says the last decade “has been a ball.”

With such a remarkable journey, Johnson Beverly takes pride in paying it forward by mentoring young women and opening doors for future generations. “I love paying it forward because somebody did it for me. I didn’t do it myself.”

Still, she takes nothing for granted. “I’m always so humbled when I’m acknowledged,”

34 | Noire Women’s Wellness

she says. “I am going to receive an award from the United Nations, a Pioneer Award for Women’s Entrepreneurship Day.” Johnson still smiles like a little kid when she hears such news and can’t wait to share it with her family. “I still get goosebumps,” she says.

“I’m still that little girl who got the Vogue cover.”

One of the most important lessons she shares is that “You have to stay around long enough to reap the benefits. You can’t give up. You have got to keep going. It’s ok to stop and rest, but it is very important to proceed. Giv-

ing up is easy. What’s more challenging is to keep moving when you don’t want to move.

That’s the challenge. Keep going forward.

Keep going.”

“Whether it’s love for my dog or love of beautiful places...

I try to surround myself with love.”

- Beverly Johnson

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December / January 2023

Noire Women’s Wellness | 35

“Keep yourself with your hands open so you can receive what the universe will give you.”

- Beverly Johnson

Models: Briana Williams, Beverly 36 | Noire Women’s Wellness

Johnson, Amari Dennis

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Noire Women’s Wellness | 37

HEALTHY EATING

BLACK WOMAN. BLACK COFFEE.

By D. Scott

A

s the holiday season approaches and the days get shorter, we all need a pick-me-up.

Coffee has done that for centuries.

In the 15th century, there were reports of people drinking coffee in Yemen. It was used to stay awake for their religious rituals. Americans and their “morning brew” have become a ritual in their own right.

Aside from the energy boost, we never acknowledge the benefits when considering coffee. According to Frank Hu, chair of the Department of Nutrition at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, “coffee has been more healthful than harmful in terms of health outcomes.” Hu states that those who drink two to five cups of coffee a day are less likely to show signs of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, Parkinson’s disease, and depression. Please keep in mind, a simple black cup of coffee is what we are talking about. There are also obvious digestive benefits to coffee. This holiday season, make sure you grab a cup to keep warm or to keep going as the days get shorter.

In the 1800s, coffee was used as a means to buy freedom in New Orleans. A woman named Rose Nicaud had the notion to sell coffee on Sundays. Rose was able to buy her freedom by selling coffee. She is a fixture that should be well-known in history, yet many people have never heard of her.

Rose Nicaud set up a cart in the French Market. She would provide coffee to people going to and from Mass at St. Louis Church, shouting, “Black girl! Black coffee!”

Although she was a slave, she was 38 | Noire Women’s Wellness

allowed to set up a coffee stand. In the spirit of entrepreneurship, she also helped other women set up carts to sell coffee. Where Café Du Monde currently sits in New Orleans is where Rose sold her coffee.

The irony!

According to New Orleans artist José Torres-Tama, there isn’t even a plaque in the French Market that honors Rose Nicaud or any other women who ran carts there. José did a series at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art in New Orleans called “Free People of Color.”

The series included Marie Laveau, Rose Nicaud, and Louis Armstrong, to name a few. His works can be seen and purchased on his website at torrestama.com.

As for the coffee, Rose has paved the way for many minority-owned coffee shops and cafes throughout the United States. From 1993 to 2019, Melba and Kenneth Ferdinand ran Café Rose Nicaud on Frenchmen Street in New Orleans.

A lot of those minority-owned shops may not have known she existed, but Rose’s legacy lives on through the recent surge of Black women sourcing, roasting, and selling coffee, and opening their own shops. We love to see it.

During this holiday season give the gift that reveres and honors Black women and minority entrepreneurs. Here are a few cafes to visit during the holiday season or have that “Black girl, Black coffee” delivered right to your door: Black Girl Black Coffee Unapologetic Coffee Black House Beignet Caribbrew Urban Grind Atlanta

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Achieving Practical Wellness

By Arianna Siler, MPH, CHES®

H

ave you ever decided to commit to new health goals and found yourself frustrated because things were just not working out for you? Maybe you decided it was time to take your physical fitness goals up a notch and pace the concrete for an early morning run before the sun came up. However, instead of tying up your laces when the alarm goes off, you hit snooze and get an extra hour of sleep. Or, maybe you decided it’s time to eat healthier, so you replace all of the foods in your kitchen with only high-quality produce.

Frustratingly, this left you unsatisfied and hungry. Certainly, creating goals to improve your physical fitness and nutrition is important and commendable, but it’s important to consider the practicality of those goals. For you, waking up with the roosters to work out may not be practical, and leaving out meat protein may not be the way to go. That’s okay. There’s no need to be hard on yourself.

This doesn’t mean that you can’t be active or eat healthier, but maybe this means that you can create specific goals that are more practical and convenient for you.

What is Practical Wellness?

Practical wellness is necessary. You can think of it as practicing healthy habits in a way that makes sense for you and your lifestyle. This approach not only helps you achieve health goals, but it can also help you sustain healthy lifestyle changes. Life changes all the time.

Schedules can change. Priorities can change.

Practical wellness can provide the flexibility that is needed for sustaining a healthy lifestyle despite these changes.

What Can Get in the Way of Achieving Practical Wellness?

Busy schedules layered with career respon40 | Noire Women’s Wellness

sibilities, and family and social obligations can certainly make achieving practical wellness a challenge. As women, many of us are juggling so many responsibilities at once, and sometimes putting our own wellness in the forefront seems like an impossible task. It’s difficult to create goals that will work with the chaos that can be our lives.

Another challenge is simply not knowing where to start. Have you ever walked into the gym and felt completely lost? Or, maybe you’re looking for a simple nutrition plan to follow, but the internet is so muddied with fad diets and unsustainable food trends that it’s difficult to know what will work for you. This may leave you feeling frustrated or even a little less motivated to continue your wellness journey.

Lastly, another challenge can be the subconscious commitment to harmful mainstream images and narratives that often center on health and wellness in our society. For some time, our media has told us what health and wellness should look and feel like. Mainstream media has led us to believe that successfully healthy people have specific body images and abilities. For example, the “snapback culture” has made many mothers feel that their bodies should look a certain way soon after giving birth. We may be subconsciously competing with these images and narratives, and as a consequence, this leads to practicing habits that create more harm than good.

Although these challenges can make it difficult to achieve practical wellness, it is possible to overcome these challenges and create goals in a way that fits you and your lifestyle.

Here are some tips to consider when creating

new practical wellness goals: 1. Make small S.M.A.R.T goals. S.M.A.R.T goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound. Maybe you desire to achieve at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week. A small goal to help you achieve this might be going on a 30-minute walk around noon at least five days a week.

Notice that the goal specifically focuses on walking and includes a time for when it can be completed, as well as how long you plan to walk. Maybe your job has a trail nearby, or you could walk in your local neighborhood, which helps make this goal realistic and achievable. Additionally, you’ve created some flexibility with this goal by leaving space throughout the week to go for a walk just in case your plans need to change.

2. Don’t be afraid to make adjustments. Remember that life changes, and it’s important to create goals that can be accomplished when these changes occur. Maybe your goal is to go to the gym after work one day, but you realize that you have to work late and the gym will be closed when you leave work. To adjust, you decide to walk around the office to increase your steps. This wasn’t exactly what you had in mind, and maybe you had bigger plans for your physical activity. In this scenario, what’s worth noting is the commitment to moving your body. Even when things don’t go as planned, you can still work towards your goals and make some progress.

3. Consult with your healthcare team when creating new health goals. It can sometimes be frustrating when deciding what nutrition plan to follow or what exercises are appropriate for you. Consider asking your healthcare

providers for guidance when you feel stuck. It’s especially important to consult with your healthcare providers to ensure that you can remain safe while pursuing your health goals.

4. Commit to completing activities you actually enjoy. It’s impractical to commit yourself to things you don’t enjoy. For example, if you don’t enjoy running, you don’t have to run. There are other ways to increase your heart rate, such as dancing, kickboxing, and riding bicycles. When you commit yourself to activities you enjoy, you are more likely to create habits you can consistently follow.

5. Ask yourself why you created this goal. Did you create this goal because it seems like a trend that you should follow, or will this goal actually help you to achieve wellness? For example, if your goal is to eliminate meat and sugar from your diet to eat healthier, consider whether this goal will help you to achieve a healthier diet or if you should focus on a more well-rounded diet. It’s important to focus on goals that are consistent with achieving wellness.

In conclusion, practical wellness is not only necessary, but it’s also possible. Consider whether or not your current health goals are practical for you and your lifestyle. Don’t be afraid to create new goals or make changes to your current goals. Hopefully, this information can provide you with some general guidance and support your wellness efforts.

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YONI STEAMING...

What it is and what it isn't

By Erlinda Carter | @girlgangsteaming

F

irst things first, all POV shared here is mine, Erlinda Carter, and mine alone. With all things, take what you like and leave the rest.

Yoni steaming, or vaginal steaming, is an ancient wellness practice done all over the world — except in the U.S. The reason for this is a long list that starts off with white men becoming doctors and banishing our healers and holistic practices. If you were to ask your medical provider their thoughts on yoni steaming, you would likely get a bit of pushback or transparency. Our medical system has not studied vaginal steaming, so this practice and the data may not be provided in any medical journal. If you were to google yoni steaming, you would see several articles calling you names for even googling it or telling you your yoni dreams are about to come true. I walk in the gray area, and, for me, the gray area is LARGE. I have been steaming my vulva for seven years. I learned about this practice at a women’s gathering in my friend's living room. On folding chairs in the Mumu Mansion on a Friday night, I intently listened to Keli Garza of Steamy Chick talk about all the things I had been dealing with for what felt like my entire adult life: bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, postpartum healing, seven-day periods, blood clots, and intense cramps. Since I was little, all the things I was going through were normalized. The pain and discomfort was my lot in life for being born a girl, and there was nothing I could do about it. Then, right there, in that living room, the walls of the box I was put in all came tumbling down. I was SOLD! But I still had lots to learn about 42 | Noire Women’s Wellness

steaming and my body and how the two would work together. After five years of steaming, I became a yoni steaming practitioner, learning from Keli Garza. My ego loved the title, but I was quickly humbled.

In 2018, I met a dear business partner and friend who invited me to lead a steaming circle. She was gathering a group of womb-bodied women for a three-day fall retreat. I hadn't even steamed with one client, let alone a group. The first night of the retreat was led by Pamela Samuelson of Embodywork LA in her Taking Back the Speculum workshop. I can tell you right now I did not want the darn speculum!

But that offering changed my entire life! When I used the speculum on myself, I could see down my vaginal canal and my cervix. Around my cervix, I could see what I knew instantly but was in denial about was blood. I was on day 11 of my cycle. I stopped bleeding on day four.

Sitting there was old blood! That day I had an odor that was, as we all know, very embarrassing. I knew that night I would be taking back a damn speculum and cleaning myself up. I’d had no idea I would find old blood: humbling moment number one.

On my journey, I have met a handful of women who steam with their aunties and grandmothers. This tradition has been passed down to them. They took no class and got no title, but they know the benefits and risks and can speak of it just as well. I have sat in a circle with these women side-eyeing me and my “title.” Let’s take a quick moment to honor generational wisdom: humbling moment number two.

Before I get into the specifics of yoni steaming, I want to say if you have a medical condition of ANY kind, please find a medical provider that is aligned with you so that you can receive HOLISTIC care. This includes mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical care.

Please do not try to yoni steam alone to cure any medical condition. Women have lost their lives by not seeking proper help. In honor of them, I am going to tell you right now: Yoni steaming is not a cure-all. Yoni steaming is only one of MANY things we should all be doing to take care of ourselves.

Now let’s get down to the deets! Everyone wants to know the basics of the yoni steaming process. When? Where? Why? How? WHEN: You can steam for three consecutive days before you start bleeding. This will help break down the lining of the uterus, so when you bleed, your body does not have to work as hard, which tends to cause cramps and contractions. After your period, when there is no more fresh, bright red blood, you can steam for three consecutive days. This helps clean out the old blood (remember humbling moment number one). If you are no longer bleeding but are experiencing dryness and

discomfort, steaming can support you. Steaming is not only for bleeding bodies. Men and women who are dealing with hemorrhoids have also found comfort in steaming.

WHERE: There are yoni steam practitioners all over! After working with a practitioner once or twice, you can steam in the comfort of your home. Ideally, every woman would have a yoni steaming stool in her home.

WHY: If you bleed monthly, have a womb space, or are in a postpartum phase (abortion, miscarriage, or birth), steaming can support you.

HOW: For ease, I highly suggest a steaming box. If you are in a clutch, squatting or kneeling over a stainless-steel pot or ceramic bowl will do. Some folks put some sort of plastic bowl or a pot in a toilet — yes it works, but for me, the toilet is for holding things that come out. Generally, most will steam for 10 to 30 minutes. Sit with a practitioner to find the ideal steaming time for you.

self,” and it’s true. You're dealing with hot water — I have burned myself drinking a hot cup of tea — so yes, you must be careful.

Also, if the steam is too hot to sit over, GET UP! Like I tell everyone, this is not a workout ad or tampon commercial. We aren’t pushing past the pain to see results. This is a gentle, loving process. Ideal herbs for steaming are herbs that have volatile oil. Some examples of those herbs and plants include rosemary, rose, sage, orange and lemon peels, basil, and bay leaves. Each of these herbs supports different things going on with you. Never use essential oil; that is too strong for your vulva! Sitting down with a steaming practitioner to walk you through the process is easy. Of course, find someone who is aligned with you. If someone is saying that steaming is going to fix every issue in your body and restore you to your ultimate healthy, run and fast!

Sending each of you love on your wellness journey. You are worth it!

For many folks, there is a lot of fear around steaming, and the unknown for most of us is scary. Some will say, “You will burn your-

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PRIORITIZE YOUR SELF CARE Access your Birthright!

By Leslie Salmon Jones

W

hen a woman commits to self-care, she heals herself which, in turn, has a ripple effect to heal the world around her. ~ Leslie Salmon Jones

need to create healthy boundaries by knowing when to say 'YES' to honor your inner Queen and knowing when to say "NO' to things that aren't serving you.

Do you ever feel life is pulling you in different directions? Chances are, like me, you have many things on your plate, including work and family obligations.

Old habits can be hard to break, and for many of us, saying 'yes' too often can add to the years of ancestral trauma and burden of being overworked and depleted.

Sometimes a full plate can be a sign of abundance and it can be packed with a variety of choices; some that bring you joy, and others that will leave you depleted.

Trauma is a deep emotional wound which can impact the nervous system and can lead to shut down.

Learning how to discern those choices is a practice and an art.

Numerous studies have shown that self-care has been proven to increase happiness and well-being.

So, what is self-care? Self-care is putting yourself first, even for a few minutes a day.

There are numerous benefits to help balance and ground you, especially when things become stressful or difficult.

Taking care of YOU first may seem to be a foreign concept even though I'm sure you've heard it repeatedly. Having worked in the field of self-care for nearly 30 years, I've witnessed countless women who have prioritized everyone and everything ahead of themselves for generations.

Fortunately, there's been a shift over the past decade that has put women's self-care somewhere near the top of the list – no longer at the very bottom.

Recently, more Black women are reclaiming rest, rejuvenation as a BIRTHRIGHT! However, we still have a long way to go, especially as Black women.

Whether your self-care practice means carving out time to meditate, exercise, pray, read, or taking care of your emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being, chances are you 44 | Noire Women’s Wellness

The impact of colonization and deep conditioning has led Black women to ignore internal signals to self-regulate, nourish, and restore. Instead, the survival mechanism has been to "PRESS ON" despite the pain and trauma, leading to exhaustion, burn out, unhappiness, feeling overwhelmed, which, in addition, a weakened immune system.

This mechanism to suppress one's feelings and instincts was vital to the survival of many black women, which has and still does put us at high risk of illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and has robbed us of our joy for generations.

With more awareness, we now know that those internal mechanisms of survival are no longer serving us individually and collectively.

Historically, many cultures of the diaspora had, and in some cultures still have, healing traditions and practices deeply rooted in the well-being and care of individuals and the community. It was only after years of oppression that many of these practices were lost.

fear, stress, disease, or trauma. You can shift from a mindset of surviving to thriving!

Here are some simple practices to fine tune into your natural instincts and reclaim your BIRTHRIGHT: 1. Check-in with yourself, slow down and become aware of your breath (increase duration over time) 2. Set reminders to take a pause, do a body scan throughout the day. Notice how you are feeling and what sensations are arising.

3. Assess your stress! On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the highest) what level are you on?

4. Re-evaluate and re-prioritize your values.

Put self-care on the top of the list and choose behaviors that align with your values 5. Give yourself permission to feel your emotions and explore healthy outlets to express them (journal, talk to a friend, seek therapy, dance, nap etc.)

6. Do something every day that brings you joy 7. Connect with nature 8. Set healthy boundaries around toxic people and environments Learn to discern choices that nourish YOU. Slow down, take a deep breath and ask yourself the following 5 questions: 1. Does it resonate with your core beliefs and values?

2. Does the energy flow with ease?

3. Do you feel an overall excitement?

4. Does it take you beyond your comfort zone in a healthy way?

5. What is your body and gut telling you?

Recent studies suggest that we can access our ancestral memories through our DNA.We can receive loads of genetic memories from our parents, grandparents, and further ancestors.

In conclusion, prioritizing self-care by saying "yes" to YOU and letting go of the things that are no longer serving you, is not only nourishing to you, but also honoring your Ancestors and healing the legacy of trauma- for yourself and future generations.

With that knowledge, you can reclaim your natural instincts to self-regulate and be better prepared for difficult experiences, such as

Enjoy the ride to your health, happiness and overall well-being and allow your inner magic to re-emerge and shine!

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FITNESS

DIASTASIS RECTI Healing From the Inside Out and From the Outside In

By Suze Pierre-Francois

D

iastasis Recti is when your abdominal muscles (rectus abdominis) that are joined in the middle by fascia (connective tissue) split due to stress on the interior abdominal wall. This also affects the transverse abdomen, which provides support to the lower back, pelvic floor, hips, and the lower abdomen. This typically happens to pregnant women. As the abs split, you begin to stretch the fascia, which is the connective tissue that holds it all together.

After a C-section, the core, particularly the transverse abdominals, is impacted the hardest, as well as heavy loss of fascia. The transverse abdominals wrap around the back and belly of the body and connect at the stomach. It’s hardest to heal diastasis recti after a C-section because of the lack of communication due to the loss of nerves. In order to heal this area, you must follow a nutritious meal plan to grow back nerves and fascia. Next is to wake up the core by conditioning the body with exercise. This is how the body sends a message to the brain that says, “send help.”

After pregnancy, when you apply pres-

46 | Noire Women’s Wellness

sure to this area, you will see a bump that protrudes from your belly like a little cone.

This is the split. The first step is to change your diet to foods heavy in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, blood-building, and healing properties as they control body function via chemical regulation. The body must recalibrate. Please see a nutritionist and understand your blood type as it relates to mineral and nutrient absorption. What you eat is what will heal you.

What to avoid? Stress-like exercises, for example, sit-ups, crunches, or similar exercises. You don’t have enough support for those muscles, and it will cause the muscles to contract. This means discomfort or pain for you.

I started by focusing on strengthening all the areas that support the abdomen. Then when I FELT my body was strong enough to start the ab workouts, I began with ab routines.

The goal is to heal, grow, strengthen, build, and most importantly, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. Be sure to speak to your physician before starting your plan. Your incision must be healed before you do anything. When you get the go-ahead, it’s imperative that you do not do anything that causes pain. Stretches are very necessary after all routines.

Below is a list of low, medium, and high-im-

pact postpartum exercises that condition the body.

Starting Point: Low Impact — I would recommend this for new moms who have been given the ok to begin exercising by their physician.

• Low-impact dance routines are a great and fun way to strengthen the legs and hips and bring back coordination. You lose this ability with the loss of nerves. You also gain your confidence back because, as a new mom, you may forget the amazingness of who you are, but this will keep you on your toes.

• Walking is also a great way to get the heart going and the blood circulating, delivering all the nutritious food you just ate to the area that needs help. It also helps begin building a daily habit or routine.

• Floor routines involving strengthening the transverse abdomen muscle, like the stomach vacuum or heel lifts. This trains the muscles to pull together with the “suck-in” motion.

This is the part that needs help.

Middle Point: Medium Impact — I would recommend this for a mom who has done the low-impact exercises, want to take it to the next level, and is ready to face a new challenge.

• Medium-impact cardio, for example, a

Zumba class. Again, the focus is to strengthen the legs and hips and avoid putting stress on the abdomen.

• Floor routines that strengthen the back, like side planks with T-rotations and back kicks.

• The elliptical with low resistance.

• Medium-impact routines with weights.

Full Strength: High Impact — I would recommend this for someone who is 6-9 months postpartum, has consistently maintained a workout schedule, and can do all of the above routines comfortably.

December / January 2023

• Medium-impact HIIT classes, increasing the impact to full strength over time.

• Medium to high-impact Zumba or dance classes.

• Biking or cycle classes.

As you go through this journey, journal it, have patience, apply lots of love, feed your body well, rest when you need to, listen to your body, and most importantly, HAVE FUN! Remember that it takes time, so enjoy the moment. Make the journey an amazingly awesome memory.

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IN THE COMMUNITY CELEBRATING THE GRAND OPENING OF EYE CANDY CREATIONS’ 2ND FLAGSHIP LOCATION Owner Tiffany Mcintosh hosted the opening celebration on Thursday, October 20, 2022, at her newest location in Westfield Century City Mall, Beverly Hills, CA. This festive fete was also the backdrop for filming Big Freedia’s new reality show.

In attendance were Adrienne “Gammy” Banfield-Norris, “Red Table Talk” co-host and podcast “Positively Gam” host; Nikki Haskell, businesswoman, host of “The Nikki Haskell Show” on Amazon Prime; and Beverly Johnson, iconic supermodel and American Vogue Magazine’s first African

American cover model. Also adding a presence of Detroit Soul to the event were (RtMG) Rt Music Group’s Head of Business Affairs Clifton Camp; singer, producer, and actor Prince Damons; and soul sensation Dwele (not pictured). Le Kool Champagne; MarketingCamp, LLC; and Noire Women’s Wellness Magazine were presenting sponsors.

Invited guests enjoyed shopping with friends and were treated to music, Luxe Bites LA, and Le Kool Champagne.

TIFFANY MCINTOSH, BIG FREEDIA, CANDI MCGRIFF

ADRIENNE BANFIELD NORRIS, TIFFANY MCINTOSH

TIFFANY MCINTOSH, KAL WILLIAMS, CANDI MCGRIFF

48 | Noire Women’s Wellness

BEVERLY JOHNSON, NIKKI HASKELL

EMMA ROBERTS, MERCEDES BRUNELLI

TIFFANY MCINTOSH, KAREN LEWIS

CLIFTON CAMP, PRINCE DAMONS

MARIO JACKSON, DERECK SMITH, TIFFANY MCINTOSH

MARC BROGDON, BIG FREEDIA

REID MARTIN, CANDI MCGRIFF, BIG FREEDIA, TIFFANY MCINTOSH, WARREN MCINTOSH

ANATOLA ARABA, AMARI DENNIS

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Noire Women’s Wellness | 49

D'LAI, HOST

KAYE JACKSON, OWNER

KAYE-ANN SADLER, PUBLISHER/EDITOR, NOIRE WOMEN'S WELLNESS MAGAZINE

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A PARTY WITH A PURPOSE: THE ON CLOUD RANDOM WHINE GALA The Random Whine hosted a gala in October in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, with proceeds going to the Loving Arms Cancer Outreach organization. Owner Kaye Jackson, a breast cancer survivor, hosted this gala to commemorate breast cancer awareness month and to introduce the new varietals to The Random Whine. Noire Women’s Wellness sponsored this event alongside YSL Beauty, Millionaire Mindset Financial, Her Daily Guide, Talley & Twine, Reborn Resilient, Georgia Breast Care, MedCovPro, and Eagle Rock Distributors.

The gala, hosted by comedian D’Lai, was held at the Midtown Atlanta Crowne Plaza Hotel, and featured sounds by the sexy DJ Stormy and serenades by saxophonist Richard Shaw Jr. and band (not pictured).

RANDOM WHINE

50 | Noire Women’s Wellness

DJ STORMY

CFO TIRAN JACKSON, CHRISTAL JORDAN-JENNINGS

RANDOM WHINE

Kitchen Talk

with Kim Garrett Brown

Kimberly Garrett Brown

Kimberly Garrett Brown is the publisher and executive editor of Minerva Rising Press. Her first novel, Cora’s Kitchen, was a finalist in the 2018 William Faulkner – William Wisdom Creative Writing Competition and the 2016 Louise Meriwether First Book Prize. She earned her MFA at Goddard College. Her work has appeared in Black Lives Have Always Mattered: A Collection of Essays, Poems, and Personal Narratives; The Feminine Collective; Compass Literary Magazine; Today’s Chicago Woman; Chicago Tribune; The Rumpus; and elsewhere.

I

caught up with Kim Garrett Brown for some kitchen talk, shortly after her October 11, 2022 Detroit, Michigan stop on her national book tour.

Like many of her peers, author Kim grew up with a love for reading. Reading in her pre-teens led her to want to write. Her gateway into writing was journaling. Her path was not one with a straight line. Armed with a Bachelor of Science in psychology and two master’s degrees — written communication and a Master in Fine Arts in creative writing — she worked as an English professor in a local college in Illinois and recently published her first fiction novel, Cora’s Kitchen.

Kim found a way to marry her life work as both a teacher and writer by creating Minerva Rising Press. Minerva Rising Press is a women’s literary press and serves as a coach for women who want to learn how to write their own book.

Brown wrote Cora’s Kitchen with her legacy as a Black woman in mind. Racism, oppression, and slavery prevented Black women from pursuing their dreams and using their creativity, so Kim thought back to the 19th century and painted a picture of what she envisioned it would look like if they were able to become writers. Cora’s character was created as Kim was in search of a historic mentor.

Cora’s Kitchen can be found on Amazon or at kimberlygarrettbrown.com.

December / January 2023

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