Upscale Feb-Mar 2026 Full Issue

DISCOVER THE ART SCENE IN BERMUDA upscale

Super POWER SKINCARE

THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE

FOR YOUR SHOWER! 18

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Visible Skin Benefits • HYDRATES • FIRMS • SMOOTHS • BRIGHTENS

THE BEST HOME OFFERS FOR RETAIL FURNITURE THE BEAUTY OF AGING

ON HIS AMAZING RISE TO TELEVISION STARDOM

FEBRUARY-MARCH 2026

© P&G 2025

• EVENS

Michael Bolwaire

SEXIEST MAN ALIVE

FEBRUARY-MARCH 2026

INSPIRED BY OLAY’S #1 SERUM upscalemagazine.com

CONTENTS

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THE ART OF BEING MICHAEL BOLWAIRE Sex symbol, family man, and man of faith—inside the evolution of BET+’s most captivating star.

By Mo Clark

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THE BEAUTY OF BECOMING

Six icons remind us that aging gracefully is not about chasing youth. It is about claiming your glow with intention.

By Dr. Thelá R. Thatch

WOMEN WHO BUILD WHAT LASTS Legacy, leadership, and lives of purpose

By Sherry Ann Dixon

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THE ART SCENE OF BERMUDA Just waiting for you to discover it

By Roshae Hemmings

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IMAGE AS INHERITANCE

The Cultural Gaze of photographer James Hicks

By Dr. Courtney A. Hammonds

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AGING AS A GIFT

From a video vixen to actress and author, Ivonnah Erskine shares her signature formula for looking timeless at 40+—from skincare and movement to peace.

By Cataanda James

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RITE AT HOME

A Design Destination Rooted in Culture, Craft, and Community.

Dr. Johnecia L. Mason

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HAPPY FEELINGS

Giving loved ones in your life lovely gifts for various occasions.

By Leslie E. Royal

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Cover and this page: Jakeem Smith of Jay Productions Agency

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GUTTER CREDITS

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CONTENTS UPDATE

pdate Opener/ The Enduring Struggle for 08 / U Reading Equity By LeKeisha Edwards

10 / O n the Shelf/ Spiritual Hygiene; Hygiene The Voice

in My Head Is God; God From Ashes to Anointing By Dr. Johnecia L. Mason

11 / Must-See TV/ Zombies 4: 4 Dawn of the

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Vampire; Relationship Goals: Vampire Goals Prime Video; Rejection

By Dr. Johnecia L. Mason

12 / A genda/ Trinidad Carnival; South by Southwest Conference; NCAA Final Four

14 / M useum/ Walking Nantes: Where France’s Slave

Ships Set Sail--and Memory Now Lives By Annita Thomas

COLUMNS 18 / Business/ Adria Marshall’s Journey from Stress to Success By Tash Van Doimen..

19 / Chef/ Philly G Steaks Expands into Georgia

By Jonell S. Whitt

20 / Hair/ Dr. Dorinda introduces her amazing wig

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collection By Leslie E. Royal

22 / Media/ Jennifer Valentin on Transitioning Careers in a Modern World By Tash Van Doimen

23 / Film/ 9 Films that Shaped Black Representation

By LeKeisha Edwards

24 / Travel/ Princess Senses the Mangrove offers an exotic getaway to relax and rekindle romance. By Leslie E. Royal

SPOTLIGHT 62 / Spotlight/ Nigerian Fashion designer

Ebubuchukwu Agapetus By Leslie E. Royal

ET CETRA 64 / L ast Word/ Pharrell Williams rewires luxury

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CEO Bernard Bronner talks owning the Stage, Defining with Michael Bolwaire has mastered the art of being both. From commanding sold-out stages to building a lifestyle rooted in discipline, presence, and evolution, he continues to redefine what longevity looks like in entertainment.

Known for his undeniable charisma and athletic precision, Bolwaire has transformed his platform into something deeper: purpose-driven performance, leadership, and legacy. In this conversation, he opens up about growth, reinvention, and what it truly takes to remain relevant while staying authentic. pg 26

Bernard Bronner Publisher

Ceobernardbronner Bernardbronner Bernardbronner

Jay Productions Agency

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

BB: You’ve built a reputation around high-energy performances and discipline. What does preparation look like for you now compared to when you first started?

Preparation has evolved for me. Early on, it was about proving myself — making sure I was the sharpest, fastest, strongest person on stage. Now it’s about sustainability and intention. I train smarter, not just harder.

I focus on recovery, mental clarity, and making sure every performance feels fresh, not forced.

There’s a maturity that comes with experience. I understand the responsibility of delivering excellence consistently. Fans don’t just come for movement — they come for connection. So preparation now includes mental presence, leadership, and protecting my energy so I can give 100 percent every time I step out there.

BB: You’ve transitioned from entertainer to entrepreneur. What shifted your mindset toward ownership and longterm legacy?

The shift happened when I realized talent alone isn’t enough. You can have the spotlight, but if you don’t own anything around it, the moment fades quickly. I started thinking bigger — building equity, building partnerships, building systems that extend beyond a single show.

Legacy for me means creating opportunities that outlive the applause. It’s about control, strategy, and vision. I want to inspire other creatives to understand their value early. Don’t just perform — position yourself. Don’t just participate — build.

From the desk of Bernard Bronner 1

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18 Gifts to cheers you up for the spring season.

Discover the vibrant Art Scene in Bermuda.

The Beauty of Becoming: How Icons Age with Style and Grace.

Women Who Build What Lasts. Legacy, Leadership, and Lives of Purpose..

Last Word: Pharrell Rewires Luxury From the Inside Out.

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Bernard Bronner Millie Y. Harrell

Founder / Publisher Chief Operating Officer

VP / Editorial Director P. Nigel Killikelly Art Director Michael A. Chester Senior Editors E. Monique Johnson, Leslie E. Royal Digital Editor Christina Bronner Senior Fashion Editor Dr. Courtney A. Hammonds Associate Editors Utamu Belle, LeKeisha Edwards, Jonell Whitt Editors at Large Sherry Ann Dixon, Tash Van Doimen Senior Writers Linda Day, Hal Peat Writers Kitty J. Pope, Pat Ramanou Senior Contributors Michelle Elliott DeShields, Annita Stokes Thomas Contributors Tyesha Hooks, Cataanda James,

Mya-Camay King, Dr. Thela Thatch, Dr. Adia Winfrey Correspondents Terry Allen, Nicole Baskins, Kadeem N. Killikelly,

Errol McCollin, Steven McMillan, Tara Merchant

Senior Account Manager East Coast Sales and Promotions Newsstand Sales Director Digital Manager TIKTOK Agents and Special Events Coordinator Cover Reveal/Networking Team Administrative Assistant

Armenious Patterson Jr. Jai Ellis John Blassingame Mo Clark Marie-Antionette Tichler Dana Lee, Karla Daniel Isabelle Cheresewright

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VOLUME 36 ISSUE 1. Periodicals postage paid in Atlanta, Ga., and additional offices. Copyright © 2026 by UPSCALE Communications Inc. Printed in the U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photography or illustrations without written permission from the Publisher is prohibited. UPSCALE assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations. Views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the magazine. ABC membership applied for. Subscriptions are $14.99 for six issues in the U.S.A. Postmaster: Send address changes to upscalemediagroup@aol.com

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Update iStock

A PE E K in t o t he F RE SH a n d T RENDI NG P EOP L E, P L A CES and T HI NGS

BEYOND COVID: THE ENDURING STRUGGLE FOR READING EQUITY Years after classrooms reopened, the literacy crisis continues to shadow Black students nationwide. Reading scores have not fully rebounded, and disparities that predate COVID remain stark. The pandemic exposed what communities have long known: unequal access to early literacy resources, experienced teachers, and culturally relevant curriculum widens achievement gaps.

Yet solutions are emerging. Grassroots tutoring programs,

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church-based reading circles, and state investments in evidence-based phonics instruction are helping students regain ground. The urgency now is sustainability. Closing the literacy gap requires consistent funding, community partnership, and a commitment to ensuring every Black child reads confidently, competently, and competitively in a knowledge-driven economy.

—LeKeisha Edwards

GUTTER CREDITS

As I paint for you, Live your life in full color

404-735-2259

wenjartist.com

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THE VOICE IN MY HEAD IS GOD

UPDATE

A Memoir Penned by 2 Chainz Instagram @2chainz

The Voice in My Head Is God is a bold, intimate exploration of faith, creativity, and selfawareness from Grammy Award–winning artist 2 Chainz. Known for his sharp lyricism and cultural impact, 2 Chainz uses this book to peel back the layers of fame and bravado, offering readers a more vulnerable look at the internal dialogue that shapes his life, choices, and purpose. One of the book’s greatest strengths is its authenticity.

2 Chainz does not attempt to sanitize his journey or present himself as spiritually perfected. Instead, he acknowledges contradictions—confidence alongside insecurity, faith alongside questioning—and allows those tensions to exist without apology. www.2chainz.com

ON THE SHELF

By Dr. Johnecia L. Mason

SPIRITUAL HYGIENE

A Practical Path for Clean Living, Inner Authority, and Divine Freedom Penned by Iyanla Vanzant Instagram @iyanlavanzant

In Spiritual Hygiene, Iyanla Vanzant offers readers a necessary reminder: just as our physical bodies require daily care, our spiritual lives demand consistent attention, honesty, and discipline. With her signature blend of compassion and truth-telling, Vanzant invites readers to examine what they are carrying internally— and what needs to be released in order to live fully, freely, and authentically. One of the book’s most impactful themes is the idea that neglecting our spiritual hygiene affects not only us, but everyone connected to us. Our unhealed wounds shape our relationships, our leadership, and our ability to love well. By tending to our inner lives, we create space for clarity, peace, and alignment with our purpose. Ultimately, Iyanla Vanzant reminds us that spiritual cleanliness is an act of self-respect and self-love. When we commit to tending our spirit daily, we make room for healing, wisdom, and a more intentional way of living. This book is not just meant to be read—it is meant to be practiced. www.iyanla.com 10 UPSC ALE M AGA Z INE / u p s c a l e m a g a z i n e . c o m

FROM ASHES TO ANOINTING A Testimony Penned by Andrew O. Jones, Jr.

From Ashes to Anointing is a powerful and faithfilled exploration of transformation—one that speaks directly to readers who have walked through loss, adversity, or seasons of deep refining. With honesty and spiritual depth, Jones invites readers into a journey that reframes pain not as the end of the story, but as sacred ground where purpose is formed. www. fromashestoanointing.com.

UPDATE

MUST-SEE TV

These Shows Are Taking Over Our Screens

By Dr. Johnecia L. Mason

RELATIONSHIP GOALS: Prime Video

ZOMBIES 4: DAWN OF THE VAMPIRE Disney+

Relationship Goals, starring Kelly Rowland and Cliff “Method Man” Smith, as Leah Caldwell and Jarrett Roy both vying for the same position as a morning show host! This movie is a heartfelt and relatable exploration of modern love, emotional maturity, and the work required to build healthy relationships.

Rowland delivers a grounded and sincere performance, bringing warmth and authenticity to a character many viewers will see themselves in — or recognize from their own relationships, while Smith complements her with his charisma and charm that viewers can feel through the screen. The supporting cast complements her well, adding layers that keep the story balanced and engaging. Overall, Relationship Goals is a meaningful watch for anyone navigating love, healing, or selfdiscovery. It’s less about fairy-tale romance and more about intentional partnership, making it especially resonant for adult audiences seeking substance over spectacle.

ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires keeps the franchise alive by leaning fully into what it does best: catchy music, big dance numbers, and a message about acceptance that still hits. Adding vampires to the mix was a smart move—it freshens up the world of Seabrook while keeping the same heart fans love. The movie balances fun and conflict well, using the vampires not just as a new supernatural group but as a way to explore fear of the unknown and prejudice from a different angle. The performances are energetic, the choreography is sharp, and the soundtrack is easily one of the strongest in the series. A few songs feel instantly memorable, and the dance sequences are pure Disney Channel spectacle.

Overall, ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires is a fun, high-energy continuation of the franchise that knows exactly what it is and embraces it. It’s not trying to reinvent the series—but it doesn’t need to. For fans of ZOMBIES, it’s a thrilling and entertaining new chapter that proves there’s still plenty of life left in Seabrook.

REJECTION Tubi

What begins under the glow of admiration descends into terror when a celebrated actor is hunted by an obsessed fan, culminating in a horrifying kidnapping. We follow Nelson J. Davis as he tries to outsmart his deranged captor in a tense race against time, or risk being engulfed by the darkness threatening to consume them both. Starring Thelma Brown as Ava Lee, Rejection is a gripping thriller exploring obsession and the dire effects of unrequited love. In a world where admiration turns lethal, an acclaimed actor is pulled into a dark spiral of obsession that ends in a terrifying captivity.

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UPDATE

Agenda

Cou r t esy of Goog le Imag es

Feb-Mar 2026

MUSIC

Jazz in the Gardens

CARNIVAL

THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH

02.16-17

03.07--08 MIAMI

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

FILM

SUMMIT

Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit

03.11-14

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03.12-18 AUSTIN, TEXAS

SPORTS

NCAA MARCH MADNESS

03.15-04.06 LUCAS OIL STADIUM

LAS VEGAS

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SXSW South by Southwest Conference

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GUT TER CREDITS

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UPDATE MUSEUMS

A PERSONAL JOURNEY Walking Nantes: Where France’s Slave Ships Set Sail—and Memory Now Lives

BY ANNITA THOMAS

Chateau des ducs de Bretagne (Castle of the Dukes of Brittany)

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NANTES REVEALS ITS HISTORY slowly, if you’re willing to walk it. I did—along the Loire’s broad quays where ships were once built, outfitted, insured, and sent downriver toward the Atlantic. Today it feels peaceful, even elegant. But in the 18th century, this riverfront was the beating heart of Reggie Hammonds France’s slave trade.

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Nantes was not a peripheral port.

It was France’s leading slave-trading harbor, responsible for more than 1,700 slave voyages—nearly 40 percent of all French expeditions in the Atlantic system. From these docks, ships sailed carrying textiles, weapons, metal goods, and alcohol—the currency of human exchange. Nantes’ merchants, shipbuilders, and financiers turned this river into a launchpad for empire.

Layout of Château des ducs de Bretagne

As I walked the waterfront, I couldn’t help but think of other places where I’ve stood—on Gorée Island at the House of Slaves, looking through the Door of No Return, and in Ouidah along the Route of Slaves, walking the long road where enslaved Africans were

Walkway to the memorial with hundreds of spaceship names places along the path

marched to the coast. In Senegal and Benin, the story is told from the shore where people were taken. In Nantes, it is told from the port where the ships departed. Different sides of the same violent equation.

Historically, Nantes’ ships sailed first to the African coast— particularly Ouidah in present-day Benin and the Loango Coast of West Central Africa. There, captive Africans were forced aboard for the Middle Passage. The ships then crossed to the French Caribbean, especially Saint-Domingue (modern-day Haiti), along with Martinique and Guadeloupe. On the return voyage, they carried sugar, coffee, indigo, and cotton—goods produced by enslaved labor and consumed across France.

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UPDATE

Signage for Slavery Abolishment Memorial

Street Signage

Inside the memorial

Specific voyages give this history a chilling clarity.

Nantes shipowner René Montaudouin outfitted vessels such as L’Hercule and La Concorde for repeated slave voyages. The ship Le Duc de Bretagne departed Ouidah in 1709 with 592 captive Africans. Perhaps most haunting is La Marie-Séraphique, whose surviving drawings and logs show exactly how Nantes’ ships were organized—how people were packed, transported, and monetized. These are not abstractions. They are documents.

That documentation is confronted head-on at the Château des ducs de Bretagne, where you can spend hours moving through exhibits that lay bare France’s participation in slavery. The museum does not soften the story. Ship records, merchant correspondence, maps, and artifacts make clear that this was a national enterprise, not the work of a few rogue traders.

Stonewall from the historic port

Outside, along the river, the Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery stretches quietly beneath your feet.

As I walked among the names of ships, dates, and ports, I felt guided to move through the facts step by step, noting the many, many names of ships leaving this area. After Senegal and Benin, this walk felt painfully familiar. Different geography. Same story.

To visit Nantes is to understand that France’s slave trade sailed from here—from these quays, from these shipyards. And to Nantes’ credit, the city has chosen not to hide that truth. Walking its riverfront today is both an act of tourism and, most of all, an act of remembrance—one that connects continents, histories, and human lives across the Atlantic world.

Slavery Abolishment Memorial can be seen from across the Loire River.

The wooden port and glass covers the memorial placards.

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Business

MOVING FROM STRESS TO SUCCESS Adria Marshall’s journey to a multi-million-dollar CEO, mentor and author

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By Tash Van Doimen

A CLASSIC RAGS-TO-RICHES storyline, Adria Marshall transformed her home-based business idea into a multimillion-dollar global sustainability movement. As the founder and CEO of Ecoslay, a plant-powered hair care brand rooted in sustainability, community and empowerment, Adria seeks to uplift entrepreneurs, fight homelessness and promote purposeful living.

Ecoslay was birthed for personal use in her search for products for her hair type. Hailing from a family of gardeners, she started mixing her own recipes at her kitchen sink after discovering that natural products worked best for her. “I founded Ecoslay really by accident… not really setting out to create a brand, but really to create a product that worked for me.”

As an engineer and a software developer by profession, she started testing her products online, recruiting the help of others, and the business skyrocketed. She had to quickly learn successful business strategies and management, from long-term planning and manufacturing to marketing and team management.

“Because of [the] lack of transparency in ingredients and in manufacturing processes [in the hair industry], we want to control as much of the supply chain as possible. So we are working with Georgia farmers [to] actually grow the ingredients that we use inside of our products”.

Their ultimate goal is to grow 90% of their ingredients. A goal they are close to achieving with their new permanent location, which will host a farm on site.

But what truly drives Adria is not profit but purpose. She was able to combine her deep passion for technology, project management and hair care. While striving for ingredient integrity, Adria also seeks to share this knowledge; she mentors everyone from college students to new entrepreneurs.

Her business model involves a myriad of initiatives to take these goals forward. From her recycling club, to Ecoslay Foundation, the Ecobator program and the farm to pouch

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mission; each aspect of her business prioritises purpose.

She affirmed, “…one of the pitfalls that entrepreneurs can fall into is being far too focused on their finances, which can create [a lot of] stress for their business and for their families.”

Although her company discusses finances and generates profits, Adria shared that she also prioritises their corporate social responsibility, volunteer hours, donations, recycling and community.

She further spoke about maintaining a work-life balance, ensuring that one finds time for oneself. One of her hacks is to add everything to her business schedule, from gym time and date nights with her husband to business meetings and commitments.

In her book, Unstoppable: A journey to Supernatural Productivity, she outlines tips for living a purposeful life, marrying concepts such as neurology, productivity, and spirituality.

She addresses burnout in her book and on various forums, insisting that it’s important for us to prioritise ourselves, “I think when we are experiencing burnout, a lot of that comes from prioritising other people and other things before ourselves.”

Adria believes that aligning your work and your relationships with your purpose leads to a more energised, driven outlook and ultimately productivity, by making the most use of your time, your energy and your finances.

She spoke very passionately about finding this purpose through reflection and self-assessment, asking yourself deep questions about your likes and dislikes, priorities and heartbreaks.

As Adria expands her business, prioritises herself and lives a purposeful life, she also aims to build her community by combating homelessness in Atlanta through the Ecoslay foundation, where they not only donate to homeless organisations but hires from them as well.

Chef

PHILLY G STEAKS

Founder Gordon Brown Expands His Legacy in Georgia

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By Jonell S. Whitt

WITH NEW LOCATIONS IN EAST LAKE and Snellville, Gordon Brown isn’t just opening restaurants — he’s building a lasting culinary empire in Atlanta, one Philly G Steak at a time.

The East Lake Publix shopping center and the growing Snellville market now stand as the newest locations of Philly G Steaks, marking a significant milestone in Gordon Brown’s Georgia expansion. For Gordon, it’s about scaling with intention, precision, and a franchise-ready vision — proving that excellence, not shortcuts, is the real currency.

Born from Philly roots and sharpened by years of hustling through the tri-state’s uncompromising standards — Philadelphia, Jersey, Delaware, and New York — Philly G Steaks arrived in Atlanta determined to raise the bar. “Everything is first class,” he says without hesitation. “Instead of cutting corners and using flank or skirt or sirloin like a lot of my competition, we use 100% ribeye.”

That commitment to premium ingredients is more than culinary pride — it’s philosophy. Atlanta has been watching him build for years. Before cheesesteaks became the headline, Brown introduced himself to the city through Philadelphia Italian Water Ice, strategically placing carts and pop-ups at community hubs across the city — from YMCA locations to school events and hightraffic neighborhoods.

He’s even studying a program to transform Atlanta’s “waterboys” into what he calls the Philly Water Ice Boys — professionally trained, food-safety certified, and brand-present.

It sounds cinematic, but to Brown, it’s community economics.

Philly G Steaks in East Lake marks a pivotal business evolution. The location began as a partnership tied to the

Chattahoochee Food Works operation on Atlanta’s Westside. The original vision was a 10–15 year multi-unit growth strategy. But when his partner shifted a lifestyle change direction to pursue national expansion in another industry, Philly G Steaks saw opportunity.

“I got together with some friends and family, put together a strong investment pool, and bought him out,” he says. Now the official owner, backed by investing partners, Brown is focusing on something many food brands ignore: SOPs — Standard Operating Procedures.

“That’s what allows you to franchise,” he explains. “That’s how you take your playbook and drop it in Hawaii or Chicago or New York — and it can be replicated.”

His blueprint is clear: proof of concept dominance across Atlanta, expand regionally into the Carolinas and Florida, then scale nationally — while mentoring younger entrepreneurs along the way.

Brown remains hands-on. “Me and my brother made the first 15–20,000 cheesesteaks,” he says. Mastery now lives in muscle memory — built through repetition, discipline, and pride.

With five locations now in operation and more on the horizon, Philly G Steaks is no longer just a transplant brand from Philadelphia. It’s a growing Georgia institution — built deliberately, seasoned intentionally, and expanding one ribeye cheesesteak at a time.

Follow @phillygsteaksatl on all social media platforms upscalemagazine.com

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UPDATE

Hair

Crown of Rose Legendary gospel superstar, evangelist, talk show host, and entrepreneur Dr. Dorinda Clark Cole introduces her stunning wig collection on Ashro.com.

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BY LESLIE E. ROYAL

THE “ROSE OF GOSPEL”, Dr. Dorinda Clark Cole, is internationally known as a member of the iconic group called The Clark Sisters. Under the exceptional tutelage of their legendary mother Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, they became the highest grossing female gospel group in history. The lives of she and her sisters were chronicled in the Lifetime biopic called The First Ladies of Gospel.

While her award-winning career has spanned decades, she has been introduced to a new legion of fans.

Audiences of all ages and stages can find her on The Dorinda Show on the TCT Network, Gospel According to Dorinda on the Word Network, and of course, in live performances either solo or with The Clark Sisters.

This musical icon is the founder and CEO Lifeline Productions, Cole Enterprises, Harvestime Ministries, and an annual event called the Singers, Musicians and Arts Conference (SMAC). Other business ventures include The Grace House, “Dorrin Beauty”, “Dorrin Beauty” Men’s Collection and “The DCC Rose Collection.” The latter features elegant clothing selections including dresses, suits, hats, and other ensembles for church and special occasions.

It’s only natural she would segue into the hair care industry. She has done so in her partnership with Ashro, a premier clothing and accessories company for Black women. Ashro.com has partnered with celebrities such as Simone I. Smith, wife of LL Cool J, with a jewelry collection, Ayesha Curry, wife of basketball great Stephen Curry with a home goods collection, and actress and producer Vivica A. Fox with the Vivica A. Fox Hair Collection.

Dorinda Clark Cole Wigs, a specially curated wig assortment, is an extraordinary addition to the celebrity line. These gorgeous, imported wigs available in fabulous hues, are made of heat-resistant synthetic fiber. Day or night, casual or dressy, they are ideal for any and all occasions.

STUNNING Dorinda Clark-Cole Harmony Lace-Front Wig Golden Amber or Off Black $54.99

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CLASSY Dorinda ClarkCole Tyra LaceFront Wig Dark Brown or Honey Blonde $64.99

EXQUISITE Dorinda Clark-Cole Paris LaceFront Wig Off Black or Off Black Honey Blonde $79.99

SASSY Dorinda Clark-Cole Niecey Lace-Front Wig Off Black or Medium Dark Brown Copper Blonde $84.99

Keep up with Dr. Dorinda Clark Cole by visiting her website DorindaClarkCole.com and following her on social media @DorindaClarkCole. Leslie E. Royal is an international lifestyle journalist covering fashion, beauty and culture.

Follow her on social media @LesliesLane.

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Media

HER LEGACY LIVES ON

Career Transitions in a Modern World

By Tash Van Doimen

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CAREER TRANSITIONS can be a challenge; however, with clear goals and a positive mindset, to the outside observer, it can look like a breeze. This is the case for Jennifer Valentin, who moved from news reporting to public relations in the music and entertainment industry and now, book publishing.

Jennifer has become an inspiration for young, black women, as she describes her transition as a natural progression of her background in music and entertainment by continuing to elevate culture and bring impactful stories to the forefront through a new medium.

According to Jennifer, “I have always felt that there was a shift happening in public relations. So for me it was important to stay on top of that shift”.

She shared that after COVID, that shift was more visible and with her versatile background, working in the past with companies like Al Jazeera America and Newsweek Magazine, among others, she felt she was on the right trajectory.

“I feel that it is a good trajectory for me because I want to be in a field that feels classic, but also [is] moving with the times”.

A notable shift in mindset was her time with a record label, where she gained creative control over a web show for a YouTube channel. She was the executive producer and director for the show, and that enlightened her on the possibility of having creative freedom in her corporate nine-to-five job.

How did she do it? She advised that it’s important to remain on top of trends, to be informed, and to be knowledgeable in several fields and companies in the industry. She also attributed her success to being a part of a community, mentorship, not being

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afraid to reach out to others and lending a helping hand when you can and most importantly, “being aware of yourself and what you can handle”.

A critical point, as she, too, had to overcome hardships and work on a positive mindset. She shared her experience with layoffs.

“Unfortunately, media and entertainment come with a lot of ups and downs when it comes to job stability. I’ve had to navigate that by making sure I have a strong network and being active on LinkedIn to ensure I am able to quickly bounce back.”

But these challenges made her a better person, she said; they allowed her to look for jobs that better aligned with her goals and were a ‘better fit’ for her. Jennifer has a passion for the arts, music, books, travelling, fashion and storytelling, “anything that has to do with storytelling is important to me.”

This passion for storytelling, connecting the dots, also springs from her faith. As a Christian woman, she believes that individual testimonies also played a big part in her life, “I’m so much further than where I was 10 years ago. And I know I’ll be so much further in 20 years, you know, every day is a beautiful day.”

Jennifer is excited to celebrate the power of black storytelling and ensure diverse voices are heard across the literary world in the coming months. She will be working with traditional and non-traditional media, as the world adjusts to artificial intelligence, a growing trend she feels should be incorporated in innovative ways. “There are smart ways to use it, and then there are ways that aren’t so smart. So I think knowing how to balance it is really important,” she shared.

Film

A LEGACY IN MOTION 9 Films That Shaped Black Representation in Cinema

By LeKeisha Edwards

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Cinema has long functioned as both a reflection of society and a record of its contradictions. For Black artists in America, the medium offered opportunity and obstruction in equal measure. At a time when mainstream narratives marginalized or erased Black life, pioneering actors and filmmakers used cinema to assert presence, humanity, and authorship—laying the groundwork for generations to follow.

Among the earliest architects of Black film history was Oscar Micheaux, a visionary filmmaker and actor whose 1920 silent film Within Our Gates confronted racism, violence, and historical distortion head-on. Created in response to deeply harmful portrayals of Black Americans, Micheaux’s work represented one of the first instances of cinematic self-determination, establishing an enduring blueprint for independent Black storytelling.

In the early 1930s, Paul Robeson emerged as a commanding force on screen. His performance in The Emperor Jones (1933) was a departure from the era’s limiting stereotypes, offering psychological depth and emotional authority rarely afforded to Black actors. Robeson’s work demonstrated that Black performers could anchor dramatic narratives with intellectual and artistic gravity.

The mid-century period brought incremental yet significant breakthroughs. Dorothy Dandridge’s star-making role in Carmen Jones (1954) earned her a place in history as the first Black woman nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress.

Her performance expanded Hollywood’s narrow view of Black womanhood, presenting elegance, vulnerability, and star power in equal measure.

Sharing that cinematic moment was Harry Belafonte, whose career seamlessly bridged film, music, and activism. Belafonte’s presence in Carmen Jones underscored the growing recognition

that Black artists could achieve commercial success while maintaining cultural and political purpose.

Few figures altered the trajectory of American cinema as profoundly as Sidney Poitier. His Academy Award-winning role in Lilies of the Field (1963) offered audiences a Black protagonist defined by moral authority and quiet strength. Poitier’s success was not symbolic—it reshaped industry assumptions and expanded the possibilities for Black leading roles.

The 1970s introduced a new emotional realism through Cicely Tyson. In Sounder (1972), Tyson portrayed Black family life with tenderness and resilience, centering stories that had long been overlooked. Her commitment to dignity and nuance became a standard for future generations.

Modern cinema continues to reflect this lineage. Denzel Washington’s performance in Glory (1989) echoed the gravitas of his predecessors while ushering in a contemporary intensity that resonated with new audiences. His success affirmed that historical narratives could remain powerful when led by Black actors.

That same year, Samuel L. Jackson’s work in Do the Right Thing captured the urgency of urban Black life with unapologetic honesty, while Angela Bassett’s performance in Waiting to Exhale (1995) centered Black women’s emotional depth and lived experiences with authenticity.

The continuum is unmistakable in Viola Davis’s portrayal in Fences (2016). Her performance stands as both inheritance and evolution, underscoring that the foundations laid by early pioneers continue to shape modern storytelling.

Together, these nine films represent more than cinematic milestones—they document progress, persistence, and artistic excellence. They remind us that Black representation in the arts has never been incidental. It has been vital, transformative, and essential to the story of American cinema itself. upscalemagazine.com

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Travel

TRANQUIL GETAWAY

Princess Senses The Mangrove, having magnificent Over Water Villas, truly offers lovers an exotic paradise to relax, rejuvenate and rekindle romance.

Courtesy of Pr incess Senses The Mang rove

By Leslie E. Royal

i

IN AN EXTRAORDINARY sphere of the universe where time stands still and picturesque white beaches meet the lush greenery of Green Island Jamaica, you and your love will find the ultra-luxury, adults only resort called Princess Senses The Mangrove.

Having 415 exceptionally beautiful ocean view suites and villas, you’ll revel in this glorious escape while becoming lost in luxury. You and your partner can bask in the majesty of the O’Club Experience, All-Inclusive Services, Platinum Services, and several additional elevated encounters.

Most prominently there are overwater villas. The Over Water Villa with the Infinity Pool offers a divine experience. The 12 24

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stunning, oceanside retreats have 582 square feet of living space, 280 square feet of outdoor terrace relaxation space and a 151 square foot Infinity Pool. Enjoy the Platinum Club benefits, unlimited complimentary access to Hydrotherapy in the SPA, a complimentary Romantic Culinary Beach Experience, and a one-hour complimentary massage per person per week in the SPA. You’ll revel in the private check in and check out of your villa.

Arrive to premium liquor bottles in your villa and an exclusive welcome gift as well as daily amenities. Step into heaven as you behold your beautiful king size bed with Glass Bottom Floor. Your scenic and relaxing terrace boasts two sunbeds and a wonderful view. The Infinity Pool gives you direct access to the sea.

Additional features encompass a rain shower in the bathroom, Balinese shower on the terrace, a pillow menu, and luxury premium amenities such as bathrobes, slippers, and bathroom niceties.

The world is your oyster as you sit back, relax, and bask in the experience of complimentary 24-Hour Butler Service, 24 Hour Room Service, VIP Club Mobay access at the airport, entrance to the VIP Departure Lounge, and Private Premium MBJ Airport Round Trip Transfers.

For the ultimate experience, reserve one of two Princess Over Water Villas with the Infinity Pool. You’ll enjoy all the aforementioned villas offer but in a larger space. It features 668 square foot accommodations and a 410 square foot terrace. Sited at the end of the resort, the gorgeous villa offers panoramic view of the scenic ocean. This will be a retreat you and your significant other will remember for some time to come.

To learn more about this amazing property, visit the website www.

Princess.Hotels.com. You can also call (+1) 876-676-6001-3 or email reservation.Jm@princess-hotels. com. Leslie E. Royal is an international lifestyle journalist covering luxury travel and culture. Follow her social media @LesliesLane.

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THE ART OF BEING

MICHAEL

BOLWAIRE

Sex symbol, family man, and man of faith—inside the evolution of BET+’s most captivating star.

WORDS BY MO CLARK PHOTOGRAPHY: JAKEEM SMITH OF JAY PRODUCTIONS AGENCY STYLIST: MARQUON PAULING AT DAPPER IMPRESSIONS

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I

In an industry that often boxes talent into neat categories, Michael Bolwaire refuses to be contained. Known for his magnetic presence on Tyler Perry’s hit series All the Queen’s Men and Divorced Sistas, Bolwaire has emerged as one of television’s most captivating leading men—equal parts heartthrob, philosopher, and devoted family man From his early beginnings on Chocolate City alongside Vivica A. Fox to commanding screens across two of BET+’s most talked‑about dramas, Bolwaire’s journey is a testament to reinvention, discipline, and divine timing. In this exclusive conversation with Mo Clark for upscale Magazine, the actor opens up about fame, marriage, faith, legacy, and the man behind the mystique.

upscale: How did you first get into acting, and what sparked your passion for it?

Michael Bolwaire: I actually started on Chocolate City with Vivica A. Fox. Before acting, I was an exotic dancer, and someone gave me the opportunity to try something new. At the time, I didn’t know where it would lead, but I said yes. That moment changed my life.

Acting became another vehicle—just another way God was moving me to my next destination. upscale: What has it been like working on All the Queen’s Men while also being part of another hit series like Divorced Sistas?

Michael Bolwaire: Honestly, I feel blessed. To be trusted with two strong roles at the same time is something I don’t take lightly. It’s an honor to be able to show different sides of myself and grow in this craft. upscale: Both of these roles are definitely spicy. What does it feel like to portray a sex symbol on screen?

Michael Bolwaire: It’s fun. I enjoy it. But more than that, I’m excited to keep trying new things and show my range. I don’t want to be boxed into one lane. I want people to see that there’s more to me than just one type of role. upscale: Even with the steamy roles, we still get to see your emotional depth. How do you tap into those other characteristics?

Michael Bolwaire: I study the character and I bring a little bit of myself to the table. Life teaches you a lot, and I try to use those lessons when I’m building a role. Authenticity matters. upscale: You’re married and living a very public life while portraying such sensual characters.

How do you navigate that balance?

Michael Bolwaire: Thank God I have an amazing wife. She’s secure, she’s supportive, and she truly understands me. God blessed me with someone who really gets her husband. It’s not easy living your life out loud—on social media, in the public eye—but having that foundation at home makes all the difference.

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I want to leave a legacy people can learn from. It’s never been about one particular thing that I did.

It was always about who I was. I wish more people focused on who they are instead of just what they do.

What you do is just a fraction. Who you are—that’s everything. Character is what matters most.

upscale: With all the attention and temptation that comes with success, how do you and your wife maintain trust and healthy boundaries—especially with fans?

Michael Bolwaire: That’s easy. You just don’t take your behind outside. Everything that matters to me is in my house. I go out to work and I come right back home. I’m not going outside to be tempted. I’m going outside to handle business and get back to what I’m responsible for. upscale: Beyond the roles and the spotlight, who is Michael Bolwaire as a man?

Michael Bolwaire: I’m a father. I’m a husband. I’m a listener. I like to give people time, because a lot of people are lonely in this world. Nobody controls my time, so I choose to make time for people. I can’t give everybody all my time, but I can give you some time. I can lift your spirits. That’s who I am. upscale: What legacy do you want to leave behind—not your dance routines, but your life’s work?

Michael Bolwaire: I want to leave a legacy people can learn from. It’s never been about one particular thing that I did. It was always about who I was. I wish more people focused on who they are instead of just what they do. What you do is just a fraction. Who you are— that’s everything. Character is what matters most. upscale: Faith seems to play a big role in your journey. How has it guided your career?

Michael Bolwaire: Everything I have comes from God. I truly believe that. Acting, dancing—those were just tools. The real journey has been discovering who I am along the way. That’s where the growth happens. upscale: Before we let you go, what’s next for you? You always seem to have something new brewing.

Michael Bolwaire: Only God has that answer. I’m going to keep sharpening my tools, collaborating with great people, and taking acting even more seriously. I’m trusting the process and letting God lead. upscale: Where can our readers follow you?

Michael Bolwaire: You can find me on Instagram at @michaelbolwaire, I’ve got a few surprises up my sleeve, so stay tuned.

With charm, discipline, and unwavering faith, Michael Bolwaire continues to redefine what it means to be a modern leading man. Whether commanding the screen with undeniable presence or grounding himself in family and purpose, his story is one of evolution, integrity, and divine alignment. And as his star continues to rise, one thing remains clear—Michael Bolwaire is not just becoming a household name, he’s becoming a legacy.

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WORDS BY DR. THELÁ R. THATCH

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/ upscalemagazine.com Clockwise from top left: Chaka Khan; Ear nie; Lynn Whitf ield, Er nie Hudson; Queen Latifah; Cookie and Ma g ic Johnson.

Photos courtesy of Google Imag es

THE BEAUTY OF

BECOMING How Icons Age

here is a kind of beauty that shows up after you have lived enough life to stop negotiating your worth. It looks like ease. It sounds like a laugh that does not ask permission. It moves like someone who has learned what matters and what does not.

For Black folks especially, aging can feel like both a victory and a revelation. We have carried history in our bodies, held families and communities together, and still found ways to make style a language of survival and celebration. So, when the world insists on “anti-aging,” consider something freer: age-honoring. Not waging war with time, but walking with it. Not erasing the years, but wearing them like a crown.

Six icons remind us that aging gracefully is not about chasing youth. It is about claiming your glow with intention: Ernie Hudson, Lynn Whitfield, Chaka Khan, Queen Latifah, and Magic and Cookie Johnson each embody that truth in their own register. Together, they offer a richer definition of beauty, one rooted in presence, purpose, and self-respect. upscalemagazine.com

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Ernie Hudson and the quiet glow of steadiness “I’ve always thought that being youthful is probably more of an internal perception than anything—a state of mind” —Ernie Hudson Ernie Hudson has always carried calm authority; the kind you recognize before a word is spoken. It is not flash. It is foundation.

Watching him now, the lesson is not simply that time has been kind. It is that maturity can be magnetic without becoming hard. You can be seasoned and soft. You can be steady and still spark.

I think that aging is something to embrace and accept.

I’m proud of the longevity in my career. I’m so happy to be here, and I’m going to keep it all as fresh and fabulous as I possibly can, which takes discipline.

—Lynn Whitfield

For Black men, there is something deeply affirming about seeing age portrayed as strength, not threat. About seeing composure as power, not passivity. Hudson’s longevity reminds us that you do not have to be loud to be undeniable.

Lynn Whitfield and the elegance of boundaries “ I think that aging is something to embrace and accept. I’m proud of the longevity in my career. I’m so happy to be here, and I’m going to keep it all as fresh and fabulous as I possibly can, which takes discipline.”

—Lynn Whitfield Lynn Whitfield is a master class in grown-woman glamour. Not the kind that asks for attention, but the kind that commands it. Her beauty has always been more than surface. It is poise as power. It is knowing how to enter a room with softness and still set the temperature.

Aging gracefully does not mean fading into the background. It does not mean muting your sensuality or shrinking your standards to make other people comfortable. Whitfield’s energy is a reminder that visibility is not reserved for the young. Confidence is not a youth trend. It is a life practice.

Maturity, at its most luxurious, looks like discernment. It looks like knowing what you will not tolerate. It looks like boundaries that do not require a speech.

Chaka Khan and the beauty of staying unmistakable “Time doesn’t change who you are at your core—only you have the power to grow, evolve, and shine brighter than before.” —Chaka Khan Chaka Khan is not merely an icon. She is a force. Some people spend their lives trying to be liked. Chaka built a legacy by being unmistakable. That is the deeper lesson for all of us: your gift deepens when you protect it.

Aging gracefully is not about becoming “less.” It is often about becoming more you, with fewer apologies. It is about choosing preservation over performance. Rest over grind. Nourishment over punishment. The culture will try to convince Black women, especially, that exhaustion is a badge of honor. But nothing about burnout is sacred.

There is nothing more beautiful than a woman who takes herself seriously enough to care for her spirit. Nothing more upscale than a life built with sustainability.

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Queen Latifah and the glow of self-possession “With age comes confidence, wisdom, and the ability to not take things so personally. Life is a gift and we all need to appreciate every moment .

Growing old is a privilege and many have been denied the experience.”

—Queen Latifah Queen Latifah has spent her career expanding the frame. Rapper.

Actress. Producer. Cultural architect. Her brand has never been onedimensional, which is why time cannot trap her inside a single era. She evolves without asking permission, and that is exactly what makes her aging look radiant instead of anxious.

With age comes There is a particular freedom in watching a Black woman age in public with agency. Latifah’s presence says you are allowed to outgrow old confidence, wisdom, versions of yourself. You are allowed to change your mind. You are allowed to start over without shame. You are allowed to get bigger in your and the ability to not dreams as you get older in your years.

Aging gracefully is not just skincare. It is self-ownership. It is knowing take things so you do not have to explain your range to anyone who benefits from your limits. personally. Life is a Magic and Cookie Johnson and the intimacy of gift and we all need to endurance “I’m at peace with myself. The main thing is not letting people dictate what I do or what I am. The best doctors and medicine in the world can’t appreciate every save you if you don’t do what you’re supposed to do.”

—Magic Johnson moment. Growing old Magic and Cookie Johnson represent a different kind of beauty: the beauty of building a life and protecting it. There is public success, and is a privilege and then there is private resilience. There is the highlight reel, and then there are the quiet decisions that keep a family steady, a marriage nourished, a many have been future intact.

Cookie Johnson’s style and strength have long made her more than a denied the experience. plus-one.

She embodies the power of a woman who keeps her own —Queen Latifah

identity while standing in partnership. Together, they reflect a mature kind of glow: not perfection, but commitment refined by time.

For a Black audience, this matters. We deserve stories of endurance that are not only about surviving, but about thriving with tenderness, dignity, and joy. Mature love is not a performance. It is a practice. It is also a kind of luxury: chosen, protected, and nurtured over years.

FIVE WAYS TO AGE BEAUTIFULLY, STARTING RIGHT NOW 1. Let your face tell the truth. Smile lines are evidence of laughter. Keep the joy.

2. Choose nourishment over punishment. Move your body because you love it, not because you fear time.

3. Curate your circle. Proximity is a beauty product. Be around people who refill you.

4. Make room for reinvention. You are not late. You are layered.

5. Honor your season. There is luxury in not rushing yourself.

Aging gracefully is not about becoming less. It is about becoming more intentional.

More rested. More honest. More alive.

These icons remind us that time does not take your beauty. It reveals what was always there, once you stop hiding it. upscalemagazine.com

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Women Who Build What Lasts

LEGACY, LEADERSHIP, AND LIVES OF PURPOSE WORDS BY SHERRY ANN DIXON

STRONG WOMEN IN BUSINESS ARE NOT BORN INTO EASE, THEY ARE SHAPED BY RESPONSIBILITY, RESILIENCE, AND AN UNWAVERING BELIEF IN THEIR PURPOSE. ACROSS THE CARIBBEAN AND THE WIDER DIASPORA, WOMEN ARE STEPPING INTO INDUSTRIES THAT WERE NEVER DESIGNED WITH THEM IN MIND, CARRYING NOT ONLY THEIR BUSINESSES, BUT ENTIRE COMMUNITIES FORWARD WITH GRIT AND GRACE. AS A JOURNALIST AND TRANSFORMATIONAL COACH, I HAVE LONG BEEN FASCINATED BY WOMEN WHO LEAD FROM THE FRONT, NOT FOR APPLAUSE, BUT BECAUSE THE WORK MUST BE DONE. THESE ARE WOMEN WHO INHERIT CHALLENGES, TRANSFORM THEM INTO OPPORTUNITY, AND THEN TURN AROUND TO MOTIVATE OTHERS SIMPLY BY STANDING FIRM IN THEIR TRUTH. TRACIE LEE EVERSLEY IS ONE SUCH WOMAN. AS THE SOLE DIRECTOR OF BARBADOS PIG PRODUCTION, THE LARGEST PIG FARM ON THE ISLAND, TRACIE LEADS IN AN INDUSTRY STILL DOMINATED BY MEN, NAVIGATING GRIEF, RESPONSIBILITY, AND INNOVATION WITH QUIET DETERMINATION. HER JOURNEY IS NOT ONLY ABOUT FARMING; IT IS ABOUT LEGACY, LEADERSHIP, AND REDEFINING WHAT STRENGTH LOOKS LIKE WHEN A WOMAN DECIDES SHE WILL NOT FAIL. 36 UPSCALEMAGAZINE / u p s c a l e m a g a z i n e . c o m

Courtesy of Tracie Lee Eversley

TRACIE LEE EVERSLEY

Barbados Pig Production is the largest pig farm on the island, home to approximately 1,000 pigs and supplying local processors with a consistent weekly market. Founded in 1986 by her parents, the farm is a farrow-to-finish operation — breeding and raising pigs entirely in-house. In 2021, following the death of her father, Tracie Lee Eversley inherited the business and became its sole Director.

Although exposed to the farm from the age of 13, Tracie admits she did not initially understand the complexity of running such an operation. “At one point, someone asked me what my breeding programme was, and I had no idea,” she recalls. “I genuinely thought a pig was just a pig.” What followed was a steep learning curve. Tracie immersed herself in the science of pig farming, learning breeding cycles, genetics, animal health, feeding ratios, biosecurity, and welfare protocols.

She also learned hands-on skills many would shy away from, including medicating pigs, administering injections, castrating piglets, weighing livestock weekly, and managing feeding systems to ensure optimal growth without waste. “Pig farming is a science,” she says. “I underestimated the magnitude of the job, but now I can carry out every duty on the farm if needed.”

Running the business in Barbados has presented additional challenges. After living and working in London for 20 years as a qualified child protection social worker, Tracie had to readjust

to a slower pace of business and cultural differences. That transition was compounded by grief, returning home just weeks after her father’s passing and suddenly becoming the head of both household and farm.

As a woman in a male-dominated industry, Tracie has also faced scepticism and misogyny. “People openly doubted that I could keep the farm running,” she says. “Some even assumed my son must be managing it.” Instead, Tracie has proven them wrong, stabilising operations and strengthening systems, with the support of her partner, who also serves as the farm manager.

Despite working seven days a week, Tracie is intentional about balance. She maintains an active social life, values family time, and honours the lesson she learned from her parents that hard work must still leave room for living.

Looking ahead, Tracie is focused on food security and sustainability. With rising costs and increased imported pork, she is preparing to open a retail outlet in Six Roads, selling directly to consumers. “Barbados has the capacity to feed itself,” she says. “People deserve high-quality local pork at affordable prices, and I intend to lead that charge.”

Her story is one of perseverance, purpose, and quiet strength - a reminder that when women believe in their business, they don’t just survive; they build legacies. u p s c a l e m a g a z i n e . c o m / UPSCALEMAGAZINE 37

Ebony Stubbs / Rae Images

BLACK FATIGUE AND THE POWER OF NAMING WHAT HURTS

Mother–daughter duo Mary-Frances Winters and Mareisha N. Winters Reese have spent decades naming what many experience but struggle to articulate: the cumulative toll of systemic racism on the mind, body, and spirit. Their forthcoming book, Black Fatigue, offers both language and tools for understanding that exhaustion - and pathways toward healing.

Originally authored by MaryFrances Winters, Black Fatigue became a ground-breaking work for exposing how racism manifests not only socially and economically, but physiologically and emotionally. Now co-authored with Mareisha Winters Reese, the second edition to be published in June 2026 returns with renewed urgency, featuring 50 percent new content shaped by a post2020 reality marked by racial reckoning, political backlash, economic instability, and widespread job insecurity.

Mary-Frances Winters, founder, and CEO of The Winters Group, coined the term Black fatigue to describe what countless Black people had long endured without a name: the weariness caused by 38 UPSCALEMAGAZINE / u p s c a l e m a g a z i n e . c o m

navigating systems designed to exclude them. Coming of age during the civil rights movement, her life’s work has centred on truth-telling, courage, and equity. Through influential books such as We Can’t Talk About That at Work! and Racial Justice at Work, she has helped organizations confront uncomfortable conversations while grounding the work in humanity and care.

Mareisha Winters Reese brings a complementary lens shaped by systems thinking, engineering, and lived experience. As President and Chief Operating Officer of The Winters Group, and a PhD candidate in Organizational Development and Change, she bridges research and reality. Her contribution to Black Fatigue deepens the analysis with updated data, contemporary case studies, and practical strategies designed for today’s social and economic climate.

The updated edition directly addresses how systemic racism continues to erode Black health, particularly for Black women facing disproportionate layoffs, workplace marginalization, and policy rollbacks that weaponize diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Rather than offering platitudes, Winters and Reese provide actionable guidance.

They encourage readers to pause before making major decisions, create shortterm financial plans, and view setbacks as opportunities to reimagine paths aligned with wellbeing and purpose.

Equally important is their emphasis on community. Healing, they argue, cannot happen in isolation. Through affinity groups, faith spaces, healing circles, and sisterhood networks, connection becomes a counterforce to exhaustion. As they write and teach, “Isolation accelerates Black fatigue; community disrupts it.”

With unflinching honesty and compassion, Black Fatigue documents the reality of “living while Black” - while also offering hope grounded in strategy, care, and collective action. Mary-Frances Winters and Mareisha Winters Reese remind us that naming harm is not divisive; it is the first step toward healing.

Their work stands as both a mirror and a map, reflecting lived truth and guiding readers toward a future where wellbeing is not a privilege, but a right.

Dawayne Sandiford

CHOOSING JOY, ONE CHAPTER AT A TIME For Jacqueline Smith, life has always been about possibility, the courage to explore, to learn, and to say yes to new chapters long before the old ones feel finished. Born in the UK to Jamaican parents who instilled high aspirations and a deep respect for education, Jacqueline grew up in a large, close-knit family where ambition was encouraged, and horizons were never limited.

That foundation shaped a remarkable 33-year career in education. For more than two decades, Jacqueline held senior leadership roles as a Headteacher and Principal, alongside work as an Education Adviser. She led schools both nationally and internationally, mentoring and coaching aspiring leaders while shaping learning environments grounded in excellence, care, and global awareness.

Yet even as a young teacher, Jacqueline carried a dream that extended beyond classroom walls. She longed to live and work abroad, drawn especially to the Caribbean and Africa. In the early 2000s, that dream became reality when she secured a secondment to the Dominican Republic, working in a povertystricken community. A few years later, she was appointed Principal in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, a move that would profoundly shape her worldview.

“These experiences changed me,” she reflects. Immersing herself in new cultures, languages, and communities strengthened her belief in the value of global citizenship. Living and working internationally wasn’t just an adventure; it was an education in humanity. After seven years in Abu Dhabi, Jacqueline made a bold decision: she would retire early and finally pursue a life designed entirely on her own terms.

Travel had long been her classroom beyond the classroom.

From her late twenties, she recognised that to lead well, she needed a global mindset. Over the years, that curiosity carried her across more than 60 countries spanning Africa, India, Europe, North America, and Australia. Each destination deepened her understanding of history, culture, and connection and reaffirmed her belief that life expands when we are willing to explore.

Retirement, for Jacqueline, was never about slowing down.

After stepping away from her role as Principal seven years ago, she continued working part-time in a family-run real estate business in the UK, managing properties, while also running a small health and wellness venture. Purpose, she believes, doesn’t retire. It simply evolves.

Her love affair with Barbados began 11 years ago during a vacation to visit her sister and brother-in-law, who had already retired on the island. What started as a short stay soon became longer seasonal visits. The island’s warmth, rhythm, and sense of community captured her heart. “I knew this was where I wanted to spend my retirement years,” she says.

Three years ago, Jacqueline launched her YouTube channel, Expat Barbados, sharing her journey and insights with a growing audience of over 6,500 subscribers. Two years ago, she took another leap - selling her home in the UK and moving permanently into her new house in Barbados.

Today, Jacqueline is dedicated to supporting people in midlife who are ready to reimagine what’s possible. Through her platform and coaching, she inspires others to plan and prepare

for secondments, seasonal stays, retreats, and retirement abroad, particularly in Barbados. Her message is clear: it’s never too late to design a life that brings joy.

Jacqueline’s story is not one of escape, but of intention. It’s about choosing joy without guilt, embracing change without fear, and trusting that the next chapter can be even richer than the last. In sharing her journey, she reminds us that joy isn’t accidental. It’s something we consciously choose, again and again.

My Closing Reflection “Women who believe in their work uplift more than themselves - they uplift communities.”

Though their journeys unfold across different industries, generations, and geographies, these three women share a common truth: belief is the foundation of impact. From Tracie Lee Eversley, who protects legacy and food security through resilience and grit; to Mary-Frances Winters and Mareisha Winters Reese, who name harm and guide healing with courage and clarity; to Jacqueline Smith, who reminds us that joy, reinvention, and purpose have no expiration date. Each woman leads with intention. Their stories affirm that success is not singular or linear; it is lived through service, truth-telling, and the bravery to build lives and businesses that uplift others.

Together, they stand as powerful reminders that when women believe in their work, and in themselves, they don’t just change their own lives; they help shape a more conscious, compassionate world. u p s c a l e m a g a z i n e . c o m / UPSCALEMAGAZINE 39

BERMUDA

JUST WAITING FOR YOU TO DISCOVER IT WORDS BY ROSHAE HEMMINGS

The 21-square mile island is modest in size and reputation, but its art scene is worth boasting about.

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W

WHEN I STEPPED OFF THE PLANE onto Bermudian soil for the first time, I quickly realized how little I – and seemingly the world at large – knew about this place. Pick up any travel magazine, read any travel blog or watch any travel vlog, and you’ll see the usual tropical vacay mainstays: Jamaica, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and The Bahamas, to name a few. Bermuda, however, rarely ever gets more than a passing mention.

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On the drive to my hotel, I still couldn’t understand why. On the basis of Bermuda’s azure waters and clear, cloud-specked skies, the island emitted a tranquility that felt healing. Its atmosphere is one that embodies the true meaning of a “getaway.” The storybook cottages, quaint towns, friendly islanders, and delectable rum cocktails beckon you to unwind and surrender to relaxation’s call.

During my time in Bermuda, I soon began to realize that the island’s charm does lie in its picturesque views, laid-back vibe and novel pink sands, but it isn’t contained there. So much of Bermuda’s identity – its rich history, strife, triumph, pride and beauty – is found in its art. From the galleries tucked in historic towns to the murals that adorn city walls, Bermudian artists are retelling and reflecting on their island’s complex history with an astute creative edge that rivals the world’s most lauded art scenes. The island’s creative heartbeat is strong and steady, championed by artists, creatives and tastemakers who are ready to show the world that this tiny island is far more expressive than its quiet reputation suggests.

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NATIONAL MUSEUM OF BERMUDA (NMB) – DOCKYARD

BLACK PONY ART GALLERY – SOMERSET VILLAGE

Born out of the desire to showcase artists from the Caribbean Mid-Atlantic, Black Pony Gallery brings the pulse of the region into sharp, contemporary focus.

The gallery, based in Bermuda and extending its influence far beyond the tiny island, creates space for established and emerging artists from the Azores, Cayman Islands, Cuba, The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos and Bermuda within the greater international art landscape. Black Pony Gallery was founded and is curated

by Lisa Howie – a Canadian-Bermudan writer, entrepreneur and creative director – who has dedicated her career to amplifying the contemporary, and oftentimes complex, narratives that are 44

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unique to the region. The gallery utilizes a hybrid model, with an online presence and dual outposts at the Cambridge Beaches Hotel and St. George’s Marina in Bermuda. The former, in particular, is a visual feast, with Howie’s curatorial eye coming into play with the interior design of the spaces complimenting the intentionally selected prints, photography, etc. etc. Black Pony Gallery is a pure celebration of the unbridled and dynamic creativity that exists in the Atlantic region, while encouraging the unsuspecting to discover the richness of the region’s art and artists.

MASTERWORKS – HAMILTON Bermuda’s candy-colored cottages, azure waters, pink sands and serene atmosphere

Originally created by the Bermuda National Trust in 1974, the National Museum of Bermuda was initially known as the Bermuda Maritime Museum. Its primary intention was to tell the story of the island’s maritime history, while also restoring Bermuda’s largest fort, The Keep.

Several decades later and the importance of this cultural haven has expanded far beyond its founding intent. The National Museum of Bermuda possesses a permanent collection of over 80,000 objects including historical documents, photographs, maps, shipwreck artifacts and the buildings themselves that hold these precious relics. The visual arts and Bermuda’s history intertwine within the museum’s astounding Hall of History mural, handpainted by Bermudian artist Graham Foster. The incredibly detailed masterpiece chronicles Bermuda’s 500year history across a 1,000-square-foot stairwell corridor. The mural, which took Foster over 7,000 hours and 3.5 years to complete, is an epic, technicolor journey through Bermuda’s complex history and is a can’t-miss display of Bermudian excellence.

Artwork top left: Albert Gleizes Portrait de Juliette Roche; Bottom right: Charles Zuill, Whirlwind

have served as the muse for a handful of contemporary artists and writers. Georgia O’Keeffe, Winslow Homer and Andrew Wyeth are just a few artists who have found reprieve and inspiration on the island that later informed their work.

Art inspired by or depicting Bermuda, however, very seldom stayed on the island. The desire to return this art to the place that inspired it was the impetus of Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art. Founded in 1987 by Tom Butterfield, Masterworks’ permanent collection, which has amassed over 1,600 works in its nearly 40-year history, consists of pieces that have roots in Bermuda. Masterworks initially started out as a nomadic organization with only twelve pieces in its collection. In 2008, Masterworks debuted the first purpose-built museum in Bermuda, housed within the idyllic oasis of the Bermuda Botanical Gardens. Today, Masterworks contains two galleries, an online collection, vast archives, and engaging programming for art lovers of all ages.

BERMUDA NATIONAL GALLERY – HAMILTON

Among the quaint shops and boutiques of Hamilton, the Hamilton City Hall and Arts Centre is a luminescent standout.

The white building gleams as it reflects the beaming Bermudian sun, beckoning passerby to seek what’s inside. The ornate building serves a dual purpose: its ground floor seats Hamilton’s local government, while the second houses one of the island’s premier locales for the arts: the Bermuda National Gallery.

First open to the public in 1992, the gallery contains a diverse permanent art collection that includes paintings, photography, sculptures and more by Bermudian and international artists. In addition to its world-class collection, the gallery’s thoughtfully curated exhibitions invite audiences to explore diverse artistic traditions and cultural narratives. One of its most beloved exhibitions, “The Art of Michael K. Frith: From Pencil to Puppet,” debuted in October 2025 and celebrated the life and career of artist Michael K. Frith. In celebrating the mind behind iconic Muppet characters including Fozzie Bear, producer of the award-winning PBS series “Between the Lions,” and co-creator of “Fraggle Rock” – which was directly influenced by Frith’s childhood in Bermuda – Bermuda National Gallery reminds locals and visitors of the artistry that is born of this island and goes on to impact the world.

LONG STORY SHORT – ST. GEORGE’S

One of the best ways to discover a new destination is on foot – or by bike. Long Story Short offers visitors the option of both through their immersive tours of St. George’s. This quaint, 400-year-old town is the oldest continuously occupied British settlement in the New World, with the town itself, its forts and historic sites earning the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. Kristin White, founder of Long Story Short, celebrates the history, creativity, and trailblazers of Bermuda among the backdrop of

St. George’s in ways that are engaging for all. Tours include a St. George’s discovery walking or biking tour, featuring historic buildings like St. Pete’s Church; “History with a Twist,” which includes scrumptious cocktails at each tour stop; and “Resilience: Bermudians of African Descent,” which includes stops along the African Diaspora Heritage Trail. The Long Story Short umbrella also encompasses White’s retail space, chock-full of unique books, gifts, knicknacks, and other goods that are sure to keep you lingering longer than planned.

Where to eat and stay during your time in Bermuda Ready to plan your trip? Round out your itinerary with sleek accommodations and mouthwatering eats.

The Loren at Pink Beach: Nestled along the iconic shores of Pink Beach, The Loren is a beloved luxury escape among guests and locals. Accommodations include hotel suites, villas and residences – all of which feature stunning panoramic views – as well as on-property dining options, spa, pool, and more to ensure a comforting stay.

Rosewood Bermuda: This five-star coastal retreat brings the distinct lavishness the Rosewood brand is known for to Bermuda.

Perched on a hilltop overlooking the azure Castle Harbour, this 88-room resort is sprawled across 200 acres and features the creature comforts of home in addition to the stately luxuries fit for royalty.

Grotto Bay: This novel resort consists of 11 pastel-colored cottages that overlook the turquoise waters of Bailey’s Bay.

Scattered across 21 acres of lush land, Grotto Bay’s property features dramatic caves along the water’s edge, one of which houses the resort’s Natura Spa. Palomino: Elegant and refined, Palomino isn’t just a restaurant – it’s an experience. With a rotating menu crafted around locallysourced ingredients, this intimate dining establishment is the embodiment of fine dining.

The Swizzle Inn: Home to Bermuda’s national drink – the rum swizzle – The Swizzle Inn is Bermuda’s oldest pub. Known for its rustic atmosphere, delicious drinks and delectable menu offerings, The Swizzle Inn is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Café Olé: A Bermudian fish sandwich is a must-try before leaving the island, and Café Olé’s is a favorite. The sumptuous delight is piled high with deep-fried white fish – wahoo, snapper or rockfish – tangy tartar and creamy coleslaw, all sandwiched between toasted raisin bread. upscalemagazine.com

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IMAGE AS INHERITANCE: THE CULTURAL GAZE OF JAMES HICKS WORDS BY DR. COURTNEY A. HAMMONDS PHOTOS COURTESY OF JAMES L. HICKS II

Courtesy of Courtney Douglas

There are photographers who take pictures, and then there are artists who preserve civilizations.

James Hicks belongs to the latter. His lens does not simply capture beauty—it consecrates it. It does not document presence—it safeguards legacy. In a culture that often treats imagery as disposable currency, Hicks’ work operates as inheritance: something sacred, intentional, and generational.

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riginally from Washington, D.C., and a graduate of Morehouse College, Hicks was shaped by a city where Black identity has always carried political, cultural, and artistic authority.

D.C. is not merely a place of origin for him; it is a philosophical foundation. It taught him that image-making is never neutral. It is either extraction or preservation, spectacle or sovereignty. Hicks chose sovereignty.

Over several decades, his career has moved fluidly through fashion, beauty, and entertainment photography, capturing some of the most enduring figures in Black cultural history— Aaliyah, Erykah Badu, Alicia Keys, Usher, Smokey Robinson, Lynn Whitfield, Pam Grier, Sister Sledge, and countless others whose images now live as part of the collective Black visual memory. Yet his work has never been about celebrity for spectacle’s sake. It has always been about dignity, intention, and narrative authorship. He photographs not to impress, but to honor.

What distinguishes Hicks’ eye is not simply technical mastery—though his command of composition, lighting, and tone is indisputable—it is his philosophy. His images carry stillness. They carry reverence. They carry authority. They resist the hyper-consumption of Black imagery and instead insist on pause, presence, and permanence. His work feels less like photography and more like archiving—a living record of Black excellence across generations.

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Debra Shaw

Nowhere is that more evident than in his ongoing project, Moments: Icons, Legends & Muses, a body of work centered on models of color who shaped fashion and media from the 1970s through the mid-2000s—many of whom were foundational to the industry’s evolution yet were quietly displaced as fashion’s obsession shifted toward youth and novelty. Names like Alva Chinn, Peggy Dillard-Toone, Mounia, Marpessa Hennink, Rashid Silvera, Beverly Peele, Veronica Webb, Lana Ogilvie, Chrystele Saint Louis Agustin, Debra Shaw, and others re-emerge through Hicks’ lens not as nostalgia, but as living legacy.

This is not retroactive homage. This is cultural correction.

The project is rooted in long-standing professional relationships, trust, and shared history—relationships that allow Hicks to photograph from intimacy rather than distance. The result is work that feels collaborative rather than extractive, communal rather than commercial. These are not subjects being captured; they are elders being honored. The camera becomes not a tool of consumption, but a vessel of recognition.

Moments is being developed as a multi-format archive—a coffee-table book, a traveling exhibition, and a documentary project—positioning it not as content, but as cultural infrastructure. It is visual scholarship. It is historical documentation. It is preservation work. In an industry that rarely builds memory, Hicks is building legacy.

Adia

What makes his work especially powerful in the context of Black History Month is that it refuses the language of commemoration and instead speaks the language of continuity.

Black history, through his lens, is not something behind us—it is something alive, evolving, breathing through image. His photographs do not fossilize Blackness; they affirm its permanence.

In a time when images are produced endlessly and remembered rarely, Hicks’ photography insists on something radical: that Black stories deserve to be preserved with reverence, not speed. That Black beauty deserves to be treated as legacy, not commodity. That Black excellence deserves documentation that outlives trends, cycles, and consumption.

This is the power of his gaze.

There is also a quiet discipline to Hicks’ creative practice that mirrors the ethos of Black excellence itself—precision without spectacle, intention without noise, authority without arrogance.

His visual language does not chase trends; it constructs truth. It does not perform relevance; it establishes permanence.

James Hicks is not merely a photographer of culture—he is a guardian of it. His work stands as proof that Black imagemaking, when done with integrity, becomes more than art. It becomes evidence. It becomes inheritance. It becomes archive.

It becomes memory made visible.

This is the responsibility of his lens.

This is image as inheritance.

And in James Hicks’ hands, Black history is not simply seen—it is safeguarded.

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AGING

IS A GIFT

WORDS BY CATAANDA JAMES

From a 2000s video vixen to actress and author, Ivonnah Erskine shares her signature formula for looking timeless at 40+—from skincare and movement to peace as part of the routine.

Have you ever encountered someone from years prior and thought, “Wow, you haven’t aged a bit”? Ivonnah Erskine is that woman!

Scrolling social media—Instagram to be exact—the algorithm led me to a reel posted by @Ivonnah, one of hip-hop and R&B’s most acclaimed video vixens of the 2000s. Now a model, actress, Sunday school teacher, and author, she still looks just as stunning as she did over two decades ago as R&B sensation Avant’s leading lady in his 2003 Read Your Mind music video.

Not only does she still have that graceful catwalk, but her ability to captivate the audience with her beauty is that of the 20-something cultural icon who contributed an alluring visual signature to many of our favorite music videos of that time—moments that helped catapult songs onto the Billboard Hot 100 and into the No. 1 spot on BET’s 106 & Park.

Now, 40-something, Ivonnah and so many Gen X and millennial women are the reflection of what our grandmothers and earlier ancestors affectionately called “aging gracefully”! In a time when mature women weren’t criticized for showing signs of aging, practicing timeless beauty secrets to improve and enhance your skin was more common than going under the knife. Nowadays, it is quite standard to have a facelift, Botox, or fillers, and young women are starting these cosmetic procedures in their early 20’s.

In this era, women in their 40’s and 50’s are naturally maintaining their youthfulness and essentially looking younger, while embracing the changes that come with mature womanhood. That scroll stopping reel was the reminder: Ivonnah Erskine is no stranger to influencing beauty standards, and through Upscale Magazine’s lens on timeless glamour, we asked her to share her signature formula for looking fabulous at 40+—and she gracefully obliged!

Here’s what she had to say: When people say you “haven’t aged,” what do they not understand about what it took to get here?

People always say that Black don’t crack, but it will crinkle if you don’t take care of your skin. My mom used to teach makeup and skin care, so I’ve had a regimen since I was a child. But as much as I take care of my skin from the outside, it’s impossible to take care of your skin from the inside. Exercise, eating habits, water intake, it all matters when it comes to having healthy, glowing skin.

Take me back to the 2000s—what did your beauty routine look like then, and what’s the biggest shift in how you care for yourself now in your 40s?

In my 20’s my skincare routine was cleanser, toner, moisturizer. But I was eating tons of sugar and junk food without repercussions.

Nowadays there are 37 step routines that I don’t particularly believe are always necessary. I do a little more than I used to. Different 50

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Tamia Jordan

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serums, creams, and butters. But the biggest difference is that I don’t eat the junk I used to. I’ve cut down on the sugar. And I work out at least four times a week and sit in the steam room and immediately moisturize when I get out.

How does your lifestyle—and your love for Christ— shape how you take care of yourself and show up in your body?

Many people (Christians in particular) believe that it doesn’t matter what you do because you have a death date. And no matter what treatments or supplements or how you take care of your body, you’re going to go on that date. I believe that as well, but because of my relationship with Christ, I know that my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. And because He resides within me, I have to take care of my body the best way possible.

I’m an actor, an artist, my body is my instrument.

Therefore, I still have to exercise and eat right to feel my best so I can perform my best.

What are your non-negotiables for staying youthful— skin and body included—and what does your routine actually look like today? What’s the one step you never skip—no matter what?

My non-negotiables for staying youthful are being active, doing my skincare routine no matter how tired I am, and keeping people away that drain me or bring negative energy into my life. My schedule is different from day to day because I work in the entertainment industry. So having a set schedule can be difficult. But I always wash, tone, and moisturize in the morning. At night I can do a more extensive routine and add my extra serums, creams, masks and under eye patches. Also, whatever you do for your face, always do for your neck and hands - those are areas that show the signs of aging first. And no matter what, wash your makeup off before you go to sleep!

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Kar ina Simon

You’ve lived in front of the camera—music videos, TV, and you just won a bunch of awards for a short film that you co-starred in. What did that environment teach you about beauty standards, and what did you have to unlearn?

I’ve always been naturally thin, so I have never had to do anything extra to maintain. But growing up in the 80’s and 90’s I saw the runway models who we later learned were starving themselves or taking drugs in order to keep themselves thin. Fast forward to the 2000’s and curvy girl came into play; women began trying to emulate these natural body types by getting BBLs and basement booty injections leading to illness or even death. I feel as though people who aren’t satisfied or may be insecure about themselves always want what someone else has. If you’re thin you want a BBL, if you’re thick you want to be thin—it’s a never-ending cycle. When I was younger I hated how skinny I was but as l got older I truly appreciated my body type and learned to love my body type. And as my grown woman’s 40+ year old body is forming, I’m loving myself even more.

Robin Emtag e

What’s your honest take on cosmetic enhancements— Botox, fillers, facelifts—especially in an industry where staying “camera-ready” can feel like part of the job?

My honest take on plastic surgery is do whatever you want to do. I am someone who is afraid to go under the knife, but I can’t say that I won’t as I get older and things begin to move around. I do face masks weekly.

I steam my face. I do laser hair removal. I have my eyebrows micro bladed so that I can look put together even when I don’t have makeup on, which is why skin care is important. I’ve never done Botox or fillers, but I am interested in seeing the results of a laser facial. I’ve seen good facelifts recently and I feel like you should do whatever you want to feel beautiful. It’s not anyone’s business and people‘s opinions do not matter as long as you are doing it for you and not for an expectation of what society thinks you should look like.

What would you tell your younger self about aging— beauty and grace? What did you think mattered back then that doesn’t matter now?

Aging is a gift. So, keep taking care of yourself from the inside out.

I’ve lost a lot of friends in the past 10 years. Just to name a few: My best friend before she was 40. Another friend at 41. And just recently a friend who would’ve been 40 in two weeks. I’m sure they would give anything to see what their life would be like as they grew older.

Of course, I want to look good but growing old doesn’t scare me. Preserving what I have is the goal, looking young forever is not the goal. When people say I look the same as I did in my 20s, that’s a lie. I do not. Now do I look good for my age? Yes, I’m almost 47 years old.

I’m proud to be almost 50. I like how I look. I don’t try to race the clock. I just like to look fresh, awake, moisturized, and alive. And I know this may sound cliché, but beauty comes from within. If you have an ugly heart and an ugly spirit it doesn’t matter how cute your face is. So, keep your childlike whimsy, your love for people, and your care for those who need it the most.

For the women watching you and taking notes—what’s your signature ‘40+ glow’ rule: the one piece of advice you swear by for aging beautifully, boldly, and on your own terms?

My peace is part of my beauty routine. Anything or anyone who doesn’t align with where I’m going cannot stay. I have a lot of grace for people. But as I’ve gotten older, I realize that trying to prove my worth and shrinking myself to make others comfortable only does me a disservice. It dims my light and God created me to shine.

And with that, Erskine reminds us: peace is part of the glow.

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RITE AT HOME

A Design Destination Rooted in Culture, Craft, and Community WORDS BY DR. JOHNECIA L. MASON

Nestled in the heart of Southwest Atlanta, you will find Rite at Home - a distinctive furniture boutique and design center that is reshaping how we visualize our homes and designs. Founded by Lamont Bynum, Rite at Home has grown from a community-focused consignment store into one of Atlanta’s most respected Black-owned lifestyle brands, blending design, culture, and accessibility.

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Lamont Bynum’s journey to entrepreneurship was shaped by creativity, community, and a strong belief in the transformative power of home design. A native of Suffolk, Virginia, Bynum grew up immersed in artistic pursuits and surrounded by family members who encouraged his natural flair for interior aesthetics. After earning his degree from Howard University, he initially worked in hospitality sales and marketing — a career that sharpened his understanding of client service and space design.

In 2012, Bynum took a leap of faith and co-founded Rite at Home Atlanta — originally conceptualized to be a boutique furniture consignment store that would bring high-quality design to communities that had been largely overlooked by upscale home retailers. Bynum’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that “your home should hug you” — a guiding principle that drives every recommendation and design solution his team offers.

Rite at Home’s success isn’t just measured by beautiful interiors — it’s measured by community impact. When the business opened in an area not traditionally

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known for upscale retail, many questioned the choice. But Bynum saw something different: possibility. The boutique quickly became a local favorite, drawing customers from across Atlanta and beyond.

On opening day, crowds filled the showroom, and the store’s presence helped uplift the surrounding neighborhood’s sense of pride and identity.

In June of 2025, Rite at Home Atlanta made history.

RAH became the only Black-owned furniture showroom and design center in the country built entirely from the ground up by a Black designer—a first of its kind, rooted proudly in Southwest Atlanta. This wasn’t a remodel. This wasn’t inherited. This was vision turned into brick, steel, and purpose.

With its new showroom that recently opened in 2025, Rite at Home has earned a reputation not just for quality furnishings but for elevating Atlanta’s cultural landscape. The business has been

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featured in local media as a trailblazing Black-owned enterprise. This new space has curated collections, a dedicated kitchen and bath design center, and expands opportunities for clients to engage with designers in a way that makes the process intuitive and inspiring.

At the core of Rite at Home’s continued growth is Bynum himself: a designer, entrepreneur, and community advocate whose vision goes beyond commerce. His work on nonprofit boards and dedication to community partnerships demonstrate an ongoing commitment to making design both accessible and meaningful for all.

Rite at Home continues to redefine intentional living through a lens of culture, craftsmanship, and community.

Created for us, by us, Rite at Home was born from Black excellence, cultural pride, and ownership—while intentionally welcoming all who value quality design, thoughtful living, and authentic craftsmanship.

What began as a mission-driven concept has evolved into a respected design destination, offering curated furnishings, personalized design services, and a welcoming environment where every space is treated as a reflection of identity and purpose.

Rite at Home has become a community anchor— challenging traditional retail norms and expanding access to elevated design experiences.

As Rite at Home continues to grow, its mission remains clear: to celebrate craftsmanship, uplift community, and create spaces that feel personal, purposeful, and enduring.

For more information about Rite at Home, visit www. riteathomeatlanta.com or follow @RiteAtHomeAtlanta on social media.

Dr. Johnecia L. Mason is a native of Southwest Atlanta and is the author of Rodney’s Gift: Transforming Pain into Purpose. She is also the founder of Rodney’s Gift, a nonprofit focused on educating the public about infant mortality and maternal health in communities of color. She resides in GA with her husband and 3 boys. u p s c a l e m a g a z i n e . c o m / UPSCALEMAGAZINE 57

Happy Feelings There’s just something really special and exhilarating about Springtime. Flowers are in bloom, warmer temperatures allow us to enjoy the beauty of nature, and the prospect of new beginnings brings us excitement. As you embark on this new season, you’re in the buoyant mood for home improvement, finding a new look in clothing, spending time outdoors, and of course, giving loved ones in your life lovely gifts for various occasions. This year’s guide offers a superb mélange of products that you will all enjoy.

BY LESLIE E. ROYAL

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WSJ Wines Rich Reds + Accessories in Gift Basket $149.99, www.WSJwine.com

Backyard Discovery Mystic Playhouse $349, www.BackyardDiscovery.com

Rondeau with Lid Premium Cooking Pot by AbyAMC $365.00, www.abyamc.com

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Rattan Storage Basket

by H & M $59.99, www2.hm.com

Frosted Diaper Backpack

by March 1315

$150.00, www.March1315.com

Tayla 3-Piece Skirt Set by Ashro $149.99, www.Ashro.com

Polaroid Now Gen 3 Instant Camera by Montgomery Ward $199.99, www.Wards.com

Cascade Skirt by Aam

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Baseline Midlayer Jacket by Coalatree $54.99, www.Coalatree.com

Flounced Single Duvet Cover Set

by H & M $49.99, www2.hm.com

7-Piece Colorful Nonstick Cookware Set by Ginny’s $69.99, www.Ginnys.com

Versace Man Eau Fraiche EDT Spray by Beauty Boutique $59.99, www.BeautyBoutique.com

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V1 Classic Portable Frequency Generator

by The Schumann $99.00, www.theschumann.com

Set of 2 LED Dried Wildflower Candles

by Country Door $39.99, www.CountryDoor.com

Croco Bi-Fold Wallet by Midnight Velvet $39.99, www.MidnightVelvet.com

Quilted Boxy Makeup Bag by H & M $39.99, www2.hm.com

Foldable Sink Mat by Sink Topper $32.99, www.SinkTopper.com

Black Elite Tights by CEO Active $45.00, www.CEOactive.co

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FEBRUARY=MARCH

2026

CREATIVE EXPLORATIONS NIGERIAN FASHION DESIGNER EBUBUCHUKWU AGAPETUS DESIGNS IMPRESSIVE CLOTHES THAT INSPIRE.

BY LESLIE E. ROYAL

Fashion designer Ebubuchukwu Agapetus (left) stands next to one of his fantastic creations.

ONE OF THE WORLD’S NEWEST and most innovative fashion designers is 19-year-old Ebubuchukwu Agapetus.

He is the owner and founder of Sweet Fashion Design Company. A resident of Amuzi Awaka Owerri North Imo State in Nigeria, his unique, creative, and distinctive designs have crossed the big pond and are now worn in the United States. upscale Magazine caught up with him to get a glimpse into the world of this innovative visionary.

What made you decide to become a fashion designer?

I have a passion for creativity and self-exploration. I like to help people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin with designs focused on inclusivity, affordability, and proper fit.

What groups are your clothing designed for?

I create custom-designed apparel for individual consumers including men, women, and children. For groups and organizations, I design uniforms and brand apparel for events.

Can you describe some of your clothing?

Some designs include Nwoke Isagu which is the lion head.

The signature Igbo attire includes a shirt that is short or long – sleeved. It can be made of velvet or cotton and features 62

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embroidered or printed lionheads. It is black, red, blue and is associated with strength and Chieftaincy. Senator wear is a fabric choice primarily tailored from high-quality, comfortable, and often structured fabrics like wool blends.

What type of fabric do you like to use?

I use natural fibers like cotton, linen, silk, wool, organza, chiffon, bamboo, polyester, and crepes. I am inspired by nature and the environment when I select textures and personalize fabrics.

What advice do you have for others who want to follow their dreams?

The advice I have for others who want to join fashion is to learn the business of fashion. Learn to calculate production costs, including materials, and labor to price your product properly for profit. Start small. You don’t need a full collection immediately.

What are future projects you will be working on?

I’ll be working on a project called Longevity Design and Modular Fashion. This is the focus on garments that can be repaired or altered. This also includes reversible, modular, and multi-functional pieces designed to stay in wardrobes for longer periods.

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Courtesy of Pharrell Williams

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BURNING DOWN THE HAUS PHARRELL WILLIAMS REWIRES LUXURY FROM THE INSIDE OUT

BY LINDA DAY

AS SUCCESSOR OF THE late Virgil Abloh, Pharrell Williams latest score as Louis Vuitton’s men’s creative director signals a shift from borrowed expression to cultural ownership at the highest level of luxury. His vision is moody, nostalgic, seating the Black style code, dandyism and elevated streetwear right where it belongs—in the front row.

With Pharrell as the conductor, LV trades

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traditionalism for momentum, reframing designer style as dialogue rather than display. It’s the ultimate storytelling — where the brand and Black cultural legacy become an instrument layered with clarity, intention, and hints of faith and mysticism.

Under his watch, the vision is bolder. Blacker. And it centers what we’ve known all along: the measure of cool has always been ours.

GUTTER CREDITS

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ESCAPE TO THE BECALMED BERMUDA upscale

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ON HIS AMAZING RISE TO TELEVISION STARDOM

FEBRUARY-MARCH 2026

© P&G 2025

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Michael Bolwaire

SEXIEST MAN ALIVE

FEBRUARY-MARCH 2026

INSPIRED BY OLAY’S #1 SERUM upscalemagazine.com