SwagHer Magazine
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SwagHer Magazine
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Acknowledgments Contributors
Dr. Mya Smith Edmonds’s Inside Photos:
Consuela Allen Sabrina Espere Carrington Kim Cross Janet Downs Francheska “Fancy” Felder Obsession Jasmyne Seed Christina Woodard
Photographer: Justin McDowell
Makeup:
Shareece Gregory
Other Photography Alessandro Biascioli
Cover Photo Photographer: Adam Opris
Makeup:
Yaneli Darsys Makeup and Hair
Stylist:
Shareece Gregory
Marketing
Francheska “Fancy” Felder
Editor-in-Chief
Jarmel Roberson
VP of Marketing
Porsche Gregory
Jr. Communications Manager
Francheska”Fancy” Felder
Copy Editor
Andrew Horton
Copy Editor
Belle Kadiry
Layout Design
Briana Brown
Social Media Cousin
Letter From the Editor
Greetings, Welcome back to a new issue of SwagHer Magazine. If you didn’t know New Year’s is one of my favorite holidays because I love the opportunity to start fresh, and that’s just what we are doing here at SwagHer Magazine. We have some exciting things planned for this year and this is only the start of them. I know this because I know that both the mag and I are favored. I cannot count the number of times God has come through for us and showed me that my work was not in vain just as I had begun to lose faith. So that combined with the fact that our cover story, Dr. Mya Smith-Edmonds, whose story reveals she is also highly blessed and favored is what inspired the “favor” part of this issue. Of course, with it still being close to the start of the year, we thought we would incorporate fitness because many people set fitness goals as new year resolutions. We wanted to assist you with those, so we tied in “fit” for fitness, and we have some great features and spotlights to share. We’re also publishing a corrected, updated version of our interview with wealth-educator SunshineSmith Williams. Plus, Happy Skin Formulatorat Zhi Bath
& Body, Kim Cross, joins us talking about all things skincare. I’m also excited to share that we are running the Favored & Fit Selfie contest with this issue. If you are reading this, you are already one step closer to possibly winning a $200 Amazon gift card. Here’s how it works: Take a selfie with our “Favored & Fit” issue. Share it on Instagram and tag @swaghermagazine and #swagherfavorednfit Be entered into our Favored & Fit raffle which will take place March 1, 2022, at 11 AM. The winner will be notified via DM so please be sure to follow @swaghermagazine. I hope to see some of you online. Until next time….. From Fancy w/ Love
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The Greatest You - Moving Forward in ‘22 Janet D. encourages readers to keep pressing forward in this inspirational piece.
Founder of Bijou Health, LLC Discusses Healthcare, Business, and Authorhood Brittany Oliver of Bijou Health LLC shares her entrepreneurial journey.
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Cute ‘Fits to Stay Fit In Jasmyne S. shares a listing of Black-owned athleisure brands that are SwagHer approved.
Author Spotlight: LaTroya Bishop Author and activist LaTroya Bishop talks about her latest book, “Life Doesn’t Have to be Perfect to be Wonderful: A Survival Guide on How to Thrive After Divorce”.
It Is Never Too Late to Be Successful Consuela A. reminds you that success can happen at any age in this gentle reminder.
Wealth Educator Sunshine Smith-Williams Talks Life Before & After Incarceration, Police Reform, & More Wealth educator Sunshine Smith-Williams sits down 1-on-1 with Fancy to talk incarceration, police and prison reform, and money. Reprint.
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Share Your Story Winner Spotlights winners from our Clubhouse events. In this issue, we have Lady Tiffany Nicole.
Love Me My Way Writer Obsession breaks down the different love languages.
All Things Winter Skin Care with Kim Cross Back cover story feature and Happy Skin Formulator at Zhi Bath & Body, Kim Cross dishes on all things skincare for winter.
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6 Girl Boss Tips for 2022
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Sit Down with an Empath, Denay Dominic
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Fast-Food, Favor, & Fortune: Dr. Mya Smith-Edmonds
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5 Tips for Moving On After a Divorce
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Meet the Ladies of Besties That Travel
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Deeper Than Fitness
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SwagHer Beauty Trends for 2022
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SwagHer Spotlight: Cheron Crouch
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Fitness Is NOT Just About Exercise - These Influencers Prove It
Fancy enlists six girls bosses including herself to share tips for business success in 2022.
Empath Denay Dominic discusses being an empath and the relationship between an empath and the narcissist.
McDonald’s owner/operator, Dr. Mya Smith- Edmonds, details her story of perseverance and favor in business while explaining the reason behind her philanthropy.
In this guest submission, divorce coach Matecha Pounds shares tips for life after divorce.
Meet Gabrielle Profit and Trina Craft Trifilo, owners of Besties That Travel.
Fitness and wellness coach, Beverly K. Johnson, talks about the mental work she does with her clients outside of fitness.
Journalist Sabrina C. shares beauty trends and predictions for 2022 while spotlighting Black-owned brands.
In this spotlight, behavioral therapist Cheron Crouch explains how she helps those battling mental disorders and the inner critic.
Kim C. recognizes five fitness micro-influencers.
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7 Wellness and Black Mental Health Podcasts to Watch in 2022 Tahyira S. spotlights Black-hosted podcasts for better mental health.
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Cute ‘Fits to Stay Fit In By: Jasmyne Seed
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hether you’re staying true to your new fitness resolutions and hitting the treadmill or just running those errands that mostly consist of a Target run, throwing on your athletic apparel can motivate you to crush your goals and maintain a healthier lifestyle (or at the very least, add to your convenient and cute athleisure looks). And let’s face it when you look good, you feel good! I rounded up a few brands giving household brands like, Nike and Lululemon a little competition that offer workout outfits that serve as both functional and aestchically pleasing, with all sizes in mind. Check them out below:
2. Actively Black - Black Camo Performance Tights 1. Simi Sienna - Love Thyself Yoga Leggings, & Camo Performance Prosperity Surrounds Me Hoodie & Inhale Positive Energy Sports Bra Crop Hoodie The NY based athleisure & wellness brand provides fun and funky apparel, footwear and accessories to complete your entire workout look. Stamped with positive affirmations the gear exercises your mental and physical health, grounding and centering you with gentle reminders to keep pushing for your wellness goals and “Own Your Magic”. The one stop shop offers tons of outfit inspo so there’s no shortage of style options. Available in standard and plus sizes. Photo Cred: Simi Sienna
SwagHer Magazine
Seeking to remind us “There Is Greatness in Our DNA”, the unisex athleisure wear brand, Actively Black is a source of empowerment and premium apparel. Founded by former NBA player turned entrepreneur, Lanny Smith he took his aspirations into his own hands and has relentlessly pushed to make the brand a success, being sported by the likes of athletic greats like, Steph Curry. The women’s Black Camo Performance Tights are squat proof with a convenient pocket to store your phone and pair perfectly with their matching moisture-wicking.
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Camo Performance Crop Hoodie, available in XS-3X.
4. Body By Raven Tracy Basics Pants & Hoodies
Photo Credit: Actively Black
Voluptuous model, Raven Tracy is inclusively repping for the gwrols and serving BAWDY with her line, Body by Raven Tracy. The contoured material in the, Basics Pants and Basic Hoodies sets hug and embrace your curves while giving you comfortable stretch, going up to size 3x. Perfect for yogi’s, those taking up pilates or an at-home workout. Photo Credit: Body By Raven Tracy
3. Jolie Noire - Theme Noire Sets Athleisure meets pretty shades of melanin brown in the, Theme Noire Sets. The unisex sweatsuits and short sets designed by gospel songstress, Keyondra Lockett and her sister Kimberly, maintain a mission of Black pride and beauty while providing essential wear one can rock to tone their body or accentuate their Pretty Black tone with a stylish, casual ensemble, available in standard and plus sizes. Photo Credit: Jolie Noire
5. Joie in Life Joie In Life Sets Fitness & health enthusiast, Joie Chavis took her passion the extra mile offering athletic apparel along with her workout program. The signature, Joie In Life Set’s include matching leggings and sports bras in flirty fuchsia, grey and black along with long sleeve set options to get that body-ody and health in tip-top shape. Photo Credit: Joie In Life
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Love Me My Way Loving your partner
in their language By: Obsession
Words of affirmation- “You’re beautiful,” “You’re so good at this!”, “You’re amazing,” “You’re a genius!”, “You make me a better person,” “You’re so handsome” is all this group of people needs to make them feel important and loved. Words hold much weight with these individuals, so if anything negative or less than pleasant needs to be said, make sure the delivery isn’t harsh, aggressive, or offensive.
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hat is a love language? Love language is how a person expresses and receives love. Understanding and communicating your partner’s love language plays a massive role in making you both feel valued in your relationship. Some people have no problem simply saying I love you to their person, while others, on the other hand, struggle with verbalizing their feelings, so they make an effort to show their love instead. This applies to parenting as well, but that’s a whole other post. First things first, to communicate effectively in your relationship, you must understand your partner’s love language and your own. How do you like to be loved? What makes you feel acknowledged and appreciated? According to Gary Chapman, a relationship counselor and author of the best-seller “The 5 Love Languages”, it’s scarce that both individuals share the same language in a relationship. I’ve learned that some people, such as myself, have more than one love language.
Quality time- It’s all about time, attention, and simply being together with these individuals. It could be something as simple as Netflix and chill or a midday stroll in downtown Chicago; these people often need to be in your presence. A long-distance relationship is a big no-no for this group because they have a strong desire to be up close and personal with their partner. Acts of service- The worst thing you can do to this group of individuals is leave them to do everything themselves. These people love to work as a team with their partners and to receive help without asking. For example, your partner will love you to the moon and back if they never have to ask you to take out the trash, or cook dinner some nights, or even get the kids ready for bed. They appreciate when their partner tackles tasks and jobs without reminders, hints, etc. It boils down to relationships having a greater chance of longevity when you know and respect your partner’s love language. Here is the link to Gary Chapman’s “The 5 Love Languages” https://www.amazon.com/Five-Love-LanguagesHeartfelt-Commitment/dp/8186775099/
Per Mr. Chapman, there are five love languages: physical touch, receiving gifts, words of affirmation, quality time, and acts of service. Here’s a breakdown of the languages. Physical touch- This is for the huggers, the kissers, the hand-holders, the cuddlers, the ones that like random slaps on their bums or unexpected strokes of their cheeks and hair. Affection means everything to them. Neglecting this group will cause them emotional turmoil. Receiving gifts- It’s simple; gifts make this group extremely happy. Word of advice, it would be a mistake to only present them with gifts on special occasions like their birthday or Christmas, these people love ‘Just because I love you’ gifts; gifts that are random and unexpected. SwagHer Magazine
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All Things Winter Skin Care with Kim Cross By: Francheska “Fancy” Felder
beginnings of a skin condition that progressively got worse over 20 years. When I first started looking for options, natural skincare products that smelled fantastic and didn’t agitate my skin were hard to find. In the twenty-plus years since, I’ve honed my craft of being a hairstylist--where I also learned to formulate. Couple my experience in haircare with being too stubborn to quit trying to find a solution for my skincare, I began crafting my own products. I was a disaster at first, but the lessons were priceless. I’m now 16 years into formulating and crafting natural skincare and home fragrance...I’m soooo excited about the future of Zhi Bath & Body! Fancy: Since you are former military, did you ever think that you would be working in this industry? Kim: Absolutely...for the most part. I knew I would be in the beauty industry at seven years old when I braided my doll’s hair myself for the first time. I did all my friend’s hair throughout middle school and high school (and in the Navy). I tried it, had it, duplicated it, messed it up, and everything in between if it was a fun, funky style.
Fancy: Welcome back, Kim! We are excited to have you. What is new with you? Kim: I’m so glad to be back with you. It’s been an amazing four years with SwagHer Magazine, and I’m stoked to see where we’ll go next! Zhi has blossomed since our last conversation. To compliment my goat milk skincare & candle line, I’ve started teaching soapmaking and candlemaking classes as well as landed in a new store in Collinsville, VA (Gourmet Keto Express). I write e-books that coincide with my new membership program that allows me to help others be intentional with practicing selfcare through encouragement, accountability, and outstanding products. Did I mention I designed a coloring book, started business coaching, and I write self-care articles? There’s so much-we’d have to sit another day to cover it all. Fancy: What inspired your skincare brand, Zhi Bath & Body, for those not as familiar with you? Kim: Zhi was inspired by my need for skincare products that did not agitate my skin. I left military service with the SwagHer Magazine
I also came from a military family, so service was also engrained pretty deep. There was something so normal about being in JROTC that being in the military was just right for me. Thinking on my time in the Navy, I can say with certainty that it prepared me to be the dedicated formulator and business owner I am today. I’m unafraid of hard work, tough working conditions, dumb things going wrong, and even pushback for being a woman. I have no doubt that the drive to succeed came from serving in the military. It changes you...makes you better. It feels amazing being back to my first love with know-how and drive to keep going. Fancy: So we know that you are all things skincare. What are some reasons for winterizing our skin? Kim: It’s simple really...so much so, that most of us don’t even think about it. Look at your skin as your house. If your home has drafty windows, you either seal them or take measures to keep winter out, right? The same is so with your skin; you keep winter out by moisturizing, sealing, and protecting the skin. Cold weather is very drying to the skin. It zaps the moisture right out of your summer glow, causing everything from cracks that can get infected to acne breakouts. Skin cracks as it dries and produces more oil to accommodate and, in turn, creates breakouts. It is all preventable. As the seasons change, so should your skincare routine. Your skin is just as stressed as we are when colder weather enters, so being purposeful with your skin routine is key. Page 29
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6 Girl Boss Tips for 2022 By: Francheska “Fancy” Felder
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e reached out to some of our favorite girl bosses to see what business tips they would share for 2022, and here’s what they said….
“You can’t make withdrawals from accounts you’ve made no deposits in. Build relationships before you need them and understand life is a relationship game, in order to win at it, focus on building authentic, mutually beneficial ones.” - Alechia Reese | @alechiareese
Yolanda Keels Walker
When building business credit, get started as soon as possible. Do not delay as the credit and funding industry is always updating. What methods and access to capital might have worked 6 months ago, may no longer be available. So here at BCA Culture, we believe in having a sense of urgency when it comes to getting business credit and funding. - Darbi of BCA Culture | @dominatewithdarbi
Darbi of BCA Culture
Alechia Reese
Incorporate Done For You (DFY) and Private Label Rights (PLR) digital products into your brand to help you create more passive income in your business. These products can save you weeks of time, reduce your outsourcing costs, and provide immense value for your clientele. Branding them as your own, sets you above those in your field and helps you to increase sales because they’re digital; you’re literally making money in your sleep! - Yolanda Keels Walker, Founder The Business Babes | @thebusinessbabes SwagHer Magazine
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hen asked how it felt to receive the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, she exclaimed, "Oh my God, it was extraordinary! To God be All the Glory! I was completely blown away. When you think about the President giving you an award, it's like, 'whoa, wow.' I know that the award is based upon my accomplishments, servant spirit, and leadership in which I influence and impact the lives I’m entrusted to inspire. The reward also takes into account the ability one has to bring hope and relief. But by this being what I live and love to do, I’d do it without any recognition or award. It just feels good to be honored and recognized [for these qualities] in the highest fashion,... the highest honor you can get representing the US." Smith-Edmonds further recalls, “Whenever you receive the award, the organization does a welcome, and then you get the letter from the President. The letter talks about individuals standing in the gap during unforeseen times of struggle and distress. In reading that, it made me think about what it is to be selfless. When you think about giving all of YOU as a service, God just continues to fill you up and just bless you in different ways. It’s not about you or satisfying yourself, but it's all about serving others.”
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eing both a boss and blessing can be a lot of work, but Smith-Edmonds says she keeps her mind strengthened by the word of God. "I continuously saturate my mind with God's word, making sure that I stay focused on knowing that He's always here to make sure that I don’t fall, that I come out on top, and that He is ready to bless me exceedingly, abundantly above all that I could hope, ask or think! So, when those negative thoughts come in, I just cast them down and I begin to speak out loud God’s Word. To me, that's my biggest form of self-care: Strengthening My Mental Health," she declares.
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o how would Smith-Edmonds describe her swagher? What makes Dr. Mya, Dr. Mya? “My heart, my dedication and commitment to the things of God; my willingness and desire to give. That's what makes me, me. That's basically it." Digging deeper, she explains, “The rest of it--the hard work and the being successful, that's easy for me. But I think that the core ingredients are those three things: my heart, me keeping God first in my life, and my desire to give… Those three things are why I am where I am today,...completely.” SwagHer Magazine
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7 Wellness and Black Mental Health Podcasts to Watch in 2022 1- Live Hangouts Tahyira Keeps It Too Reel with Tahyira Savanna
Tahyira was prematurely diagnosed with bipolar disorder after being placed on a 5150 hold in Los Angeles, California back in 2017. She had only been living there for six months and had never experienced a psychotic break from reality. It was scary. This podcast is Tahyira’s second run at podcasting. She launched another version of the pod in 2019 when she was in group therapy in New York City. Realizing she was too fragile of a patient to share anything, she scrapped the podcast in place of continuing her live Instagram-hosted show Live Hangouts with @iletthegoodtimesroll. Then in 2020, the pandemic hit the world and mental health seemed like the only thing to talk about. Especially, after the very public death of George Floyd. She put out the first episode, Anger vs Woke, as a way to be there with her fellow Black Americans. Where is there space to be loud about our mental health and how we feel about being Black in America? She produces the show independently, and it is now in its second season. Her goal for the podcast listeners is to seek solutions, find advocacy, and build community. Black Americans are suffering silently and Tahyira is too loud to be quiet about it. You can find the podcast here (insert link) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/livehangouts-tahyira-keeps-it-too-reel/id1517815801
community and used her platform for good. Lawson has worked with Fortune 500 brands such P&G, BET, and DELL under her own marketing company, Joy Collective. If you’re looking for a safe space, this is one. You can find the podcast here https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/ a37708847/sonrise-project-podcast-kellirichardson-lawson-interview/
3- Mind Body Wealth with Lauren Simmons
2- The SonRise Project with Kelli Richardson Lawson Sponsored and distributed by Oprah’s OWN network, Kelli Richardson Lawson launched a companion podcast under the same name as her nonprofit organization, The SonRise Project. The organization intends to empower Black families in the areas of mental illness through transparent story sharing. Lawson’s son was diagnosed to her and her husband’s surprise in 2018. She claims that her life on the outside looking in seemed, picture-perfect, but behind the scenes she was a mother feeling scared, lost, and helpless.She found SwagHer Magazine
Lauren Simmons made big financial headlines back in 2017 becoming the youngest stock trader at the New York Stock Exchange at the age of 23. Her podcast, as she says in her own words, is not about what stocks to invest in or how to Page 66
get rich quick ideas, it is a space where Black wealth empowerment meets real financial realities. Simmons promotes a mind, body, and wealth mantra where money finds its way onto the table without starting with silver spoons. New episodes are available here Mind Body Wealth with Lauren Simmons
4- Be Well Sis with Cassandre Dunbar
Created to amplify the plight of Black women, Jae and Marley launched JungleRose to be a pipeline to address the false narrative.Be Well Sis: The Podcast on Apple Podcasts Most of the stories told about Blacks in America are through the lens of white males. That has totally got to change. The co-stars brag about being Black and excellent all the while creating a community that deals with real-world issues like personal growth and spirituality. New episodes are available every Wednesday JungleRose Podcast on Apple Podcasts
6- Battle Fatigue with AJ and Dalin
Produced by a white women-run brand Larj Media, we find AJ and Dalin the two Black males at the helm of this very on-time perspective on male mental health. The two pride themselves on keeping it real, discussing Black pop culture as they exist in a climate that tells them their skin is a threat. The show hopes to foster community as we discover more about our self-identity. New episodes are released every week Battle Fatigue on Apple Podcasts With the tagline, ‘Get Inspired to Live Your Best Life!’ Dunbar’s passion and education collide on this medically inspired Black woman wellness podcast. Through her experiences as a doctor and as a mother, Dunbar says she realized the lack of knowledge readily available to other women who look like her. She says the underrepresentation and alienation of Black wellness spaces are what triggered her to get involved. It always starts with a true WHY. Dunbar, like the other pods on our list, curates a safe space. Wellness has been too long synonymous with Whiteness and White privilege. Be Well Sis: The Podcast on Apple Podcasts
7- Theories and Thoughts with Arnya and Fancy
5- JungleRose Podcast with Jae Sumone and Marley Launched as a companion podcast for Black media site, SwagHer Magazine, the brand’s CEO Fancy, and CEO of the Ladi CEO brand, Arnya T.M. Davis, host this thought-provoking podcast. It is all about Black girl magic as the two candidly discuss tough topics like mental health, student loan debt, and Covid-19 as it relates to the Afro-American community, and supporting Black-owned businesses. You can find the podcast here https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ theories-thoughts-podcast/id1499649554 SwagHer Magazine
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