They each have had their fair share of unlearning to do after going through rough patches that eventually started them on their financial wellness journeys. During our interview, Dasha and Natalia debunked myths about debt and broke down the many things that helped them on their way. One of those myths is that debt is bad. While using credit cards to make purchases on things you can’t afford and will be unable to pay back isn’t a good method, leveraging debt is, especially when building wealth.
Leveraging Debt
Dasha fell into debt after going through a divorce. While she was always told not to depend on credit cards, it became her only way of survival. However, after going through that experience, she continues to share her story and provide tips on how to get out of consumer debt and use credit cards to your advantage.
“This is something that I've talked to my audience about as just a simple way to decide on leveraging debt, using debt in a way that is going to make you more money. So being in debt, whether it's you know, credit cards to pay for a class or a certification or you need to get financing for a car, like using debt in a way that is going to help you make more money in the long run,” she says.
“So then, as you make more money, you will want to be able to pay off, you know, the debt that you took on, and on top of that, your income as a whole would have increased. So that's one way to leverage debt to build wealth or money by taking care of things or expenses that you need that could catapult your career, help make, you know, income even it's like investing in like a small business that you want to do.”
“This is something that I've talked to my audience about as just a simple way to decide on leveraging debt, using debt in a way that is going to make you more money. So being in debt, whether it's you know, credit cards to pay for a class or a certification or you need to get financing for a car, like using debt in a way that is going to help you make more money in the long run.”
Research
DoubleAnti/ Getty Images
Debt specialist Natalia recommends that people put the same amount of effort into researching credit cards and debt as they do everything else. She explains by sharing something someone told her. “I used to do more research on a pair of shoes or you know, Amazon shopping like I go straight to the reviews and people do that without even thinking about it,” she says.
“You put a lot more effort into researching the things that you want when you're making a purchase; you can do the same exact thing with like Dasha said, is this credit card the right credit card for me? I drive a lot, so I should have a gas card, right, versus a points card because that doesn't transfer the gas, right? So, you should look at every single aspect of your life. And when you're getting to a point of using it (credit) as a tool, make sure it fits your lifestyle and do as much research as you would, you know, a new car or a wedding dress or whatever those important things are that you've done a lot of research in. You should do the same thing with your debt situation.”
Shift Your Mindset
“It was realizing what I was doing was not the right way. Because I was sticking to what I was told. And I was in a predicament, right? And there were some social pressures, right? You're supposed to do certain things as a woman,” she explains. “You're supposed to get married, have kids, and all these things, and I was following this traditional Caribbean path. That without all the right tools to understand what I needed to make that successful. So it was realizing, you know, if I keep going this way, it's only gonna get worse. So I have to do something different.
“And it was that moment that I decided just like Dasha said, to not be ashamed of it, not to hide it. I made a pact with myself. It was actually 12 years ago; it popped up on my Facebook memories where it said I'm gonna change my life this year. And I just focused on that any way that I could. I made mistakes along the way, but I learned that you know, you learn from mistakes. You can't do everything perfect. And over that year, I decided to change my life."
When she began working for NDR, she learned more about financial literacy, which further enhanced her journey. She also found out that she wasn’t alone and a lot of women are or have been in similar situations. She was no longer blaming herself for having debt and was finally letting go of the shame around it.
“It was realizing what I was doing was not the right way. Because I was sticking to what I was told. And I was in a predicament, right? And there were some social pressures, right? You're supposed to do certain things as a woman.”
Eleganza/ Getty Images
“That's actually when I started with NDR is when I decided to make that shift, right. And one of the myths I had to get over was it was my fault. It was not my fault. There are so many reasons that people end up in debt,” she says. “It could be medical, it could be a divorce, like Dasha. It could be, you know, just not having the financial education.
“At the time, it was not taught in schools, right? I just barely had a macroeconomics and a microeconomics class in college and it was only because I was in accounting that I knew how to balance a checkbook. So, it's one of those things where I just really had to let go the the shame of it, just like Dasha said, and move on, right, and take control and be confident or at least learn how to be confident as I got more knowledge.”
Finding Safe Spaces
As Dasha was learning more about financial literacy, she relied on community, particularly online. The self-proclaimed financial activist created The Broke Black Girl, which started off as a Facebook group and now has become a popular online destination that shares tips on saving, investing, building wealth, and much more.
“For me, when it came to shifting my mindset, it was finding community online, finding places that validated me. At the beginning, I had to create my own space because I didn't easily come across some that approach debt or just money as a whole in an empathetic way in an understanding, meeting you where you are type way, which is what led me to create The Broke Black Girl,” she explains.
“But then as you grow and you learn, and you find more resources, you find more communities, and I also mentioned like resources like NDR that understands that debt is not a morally wrong thing, it's not something that you should feel ashamed, excluded from having certain conversations about money and getting the help."
“But then as you grow and you learn, and you find more resources, you find more communities, and I also mentioned like resources like NDR that understands that debt is not a morally wrong thing, it's not something that you should feel ashamed, excluded from having certain conversations about money and getting the help."
She continues, “So, for me, when it came to the shift in my mindset, it was really finding communities and resources, and organizations that validated my experience. So before I could even start with any tools or tips, I needed someone to validate that I wasn't crazy, that I was making this up, and I think that was a huge play in me learning to look at debt and just money different as a whole.”
Natalia and Dasha are passionate about educating others on financial literacy. Through NDR and their personal efforts, they are hoping to make a positive impact in the lives of others and help them avoid the same mistakes they made. For more information about NDR, visit nationaldebtrelief.com.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image courtesy
In her cover story with Interview, the billionaire songstress opens up about her relationship with Rocky, sharing how they got together and whether she wants more kids. Here are the highlights:
Rihanna On A$AP Rocky's Style
Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
"Isn’t he the best? I be feeling bummy as shit next to this man. I feel like, goddamn, I look like his assistant. I’m getting on a plane. We should be in sweats. He wants to be in a full Bottega suit. I’m like, “Why you got to do that to me?”
Rihanna On Performing with A$AP Rocky for the First Time
Rihanna explained how the Harlem rapper "grabbed my ass" during their 2012 VMA performance, but she didn't get mad. “Ah, nah.” That’s why everybody was like, “Oh my god. She likes him.”
Rihanna On When She And A$AP Rocky Began Dating
"We saw fashion the same. We saw creative the same. We ended up in the same circles a lot. And past that, when we grew up, we ended up supporting each other’s brands and products and creative all the time. I would wear his shit, he would show up to my launches. But it wasn’t until the end of 2019—"
Rihanna on Dating With Caution
"No! We’ve known each other for a long time. I’ve seen him in relationships. He’s seen me in relationships. We’ve seen each other outside of relationships. We knew what we’re capable of, and the trouble that we could bring to each other’s lives. We can make or break each other’s hearts. And so, we started dating with a lot of caution.
I just let whatever was supposed to happen, happen. It was just, “This is a flower. It’s either going to die or blossom. But I’m going to let it decide itself.”
Rihanna on How COVID Sped Up Her Relationship with A$AP Rocky
Photo by Jackson Lee/GC Images
"COVID sped up our relationship, which I felt like god knew we needed because we were going to start a family. And had it not been for COVID, we would’ve taken a lot more time to get comfortable with each other, to even know that we were ready."
Rihanna on Letting Go In Her Relationship with A$AP Rocky
"I let God lead and just let go. Because in previous relationships, I tried and tried and tried my best, and you still feel like it’s not enough. So when someone sees you completely, and believes in you, and thinks you’re worthy of being the mother of their kids, it’s a great feeling. I felt the same about him. I knew he would be a great dad."
Rihanna on Wanting More Kids
"I don’t know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl. But of course if it’s another boy, it’s another boy."
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by GWR/Star Max/GC Images
Check it out below:
Singing Bowl
Before Tyla starts her skincare routine, she likes to light a candle and use her singing bowl, which she was introduced to during a trip to Thailand. “I like doing this in the morning and praying. Starting my day, clear.”
Skincare
Youth to the People Superfood Gentle Antioxidant Cleanser
Tyla’s go-to cleanser is Youth to the People Superfood Gentle Antioxidant Cleanser, but she hasn't always took care of her skin. “I was really not a skincare girl. I used to watch YouTube videos and everything of people having skincare routines and everything, but we didn’t really have all those products in South Africa, so I was just using a baby soap and any lotion kinda girl,” she explains.
However, that all changed once she began performing more. “I started being more careful with my skin and making sure that I take care of it because I have to wear makeup and everything when I perform.” She then followed up her cleanser with Caudalie Beauty Elixir Face Mist.
Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Body Cream
“Literally, all of my face moisturizers have to be thick. I can’t have a thin lotion because I always end up feeling dry.”
Razor Blade
Next, Tyla shares this hack for managing her eyebrows. “Usually, when I do my eyebrows, I use this. So, this is like blades. I’ve been using this for years to do my eyebrows. Please don’t try this at home,” she urges.
Black Girl Sunscreen
“I really like this one because it doesn’t leave a white cast after.”
Eye Cream
While she didn’t reveal which eye cream she uses, she did share how it’s been a game-changer in her skincare routine. “I didn’t think eye cream worked, but I actually saw a difference, and it makes me feel bougie when I put on eye cream," she shares. "I don’t know why.”
Vaseline
Vaseline gave the “ART” singer a custom blinged-out container, and she likes to use the product as a lip balm.
Makeup
Path McGrath and Too Faced Concealers
Tyla mixes both Path McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection and Too Faced Born This Way Multi-Use Sculpting concealers. “When I went on tour, it was gonna be way too expensive to have like a makeup artist or whatever, so literally I had to learn, and I started getting good, and now I can do my own makeup,” she says.
The South African beauty also uses Too Faced concealer for bronzer, but in a darker color. She brushes the concealer on the sides of her cheeks, on her nose, and on her cupid’s bow.
Eyeliner
She didn't share the name of the eyeliner she uses. However, she's a big fan of this product. “I love a liquid wing," she says. "Usually, if I’m not doing too much, I like to use a brown one ‘cause I feel like it’s not as harsh.”
BLK/OPL Soft Velvet Finishing Color
“My eyes always crease no matter what I do. I’ve searched TikTok left, right, and center. There’s no hack that works for me," she reveals. "Before I powder, I have to get rid of it again. I have to try to keep my eyes open for as long as possible so it doesn’t crease as much.”
She then contours with Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Sun-Kissed Glow Bronzer, followed by Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Divine Blush.
L'Oréal Telescopic Mascara
Tyla calls mascara her “favorite thing ever” and shares how she would wear her mom's makeup growing up. “I remember being young and I was never allowed to put on any makeup. I would steal my mother’s mascara. I would carry it with me and then I would go put it on in the bathroom at school.”
MAC Cosmetics Lip Liner and Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
“When it comes to lip products, I really like neutrals like nudes or browns.”
Body Shimmer
“People know I have to be literally glistening whenever on stage, whenever I’m being seen," she says. "I like to mix a lotion and a highlighter.”
Hair
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Edge Gel
“I’ve always loved braids not only for style but also convenience," she shares. "I’m traveling so much, I have to do so much, and curly hair is so difficult to manage.”
Last but not least, she finishes her routine with a hair perfume. "I use the same fragrance as my perfume, and I feel like it enhances the fragrance when you walk past.”
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by Momodu Mansaray/WireImage
The practitioners, Laura McCann and James Levinson, set me up to a scanner, which was connected to a computer. After two minutes, I received a 15-page report that described my aura in detail, including what my aura colors were and my chakra levels. I was in awe and soaking up everything I learned. A lot of the findings were accurate to who I was, but others caught me by surprise. Let’s discuss further.
The colors of your aura range from yellow to blue, and they all have different meanings. My main colors were green and yellow, with green being around my head and in my center. The color in your center is considered your basic nature and personality color, and according to my aura report, green personalities are focused on having a harmonious, balanced life, and they also enjoy helping others. Here I was, thinking I craved balance because I’m a Libra, but it’s possible I may have a double dose of this quality. Greens are also social, crave happiness, love expressing themselves, love spending time in nature, and are all about living an abundant life.
Courtesy
And remember what I said earlier about always wanting to get a deeper sense of myself? Well, my report also said greens “are constantly growing, processing, and integrating body, mind, and spirit. Spirituality means balance and harmony to greens. Being in contact with fellow human beings and nature is being connected to God. Friendship, love, and understanding are important to greens. Oneness is a concept that is second nature to them.”
The majority of what was in my report about my aura captured me perfectly, i.e., how I think, how I live and want to live. It also gave me introspection into who I am and why I am this way. The report also listed my aura power. Your aura power is the energy that radiates around you and it ranges from small (0-40%), middle or average (40-75%) and large or wide (75-100%). My aura was 50%, which means I have a strong presence and radiant energy. A small aura indicates a low energy level and a large aura indicates a strong and powerful radiance.
Next were my chakras. For the most part, my chakras were all positive, but there was one chakra I didn’t know I was struggling with. Our chakras are our body energy centers and we have seven: root, sacral (navel), solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye and crown. The root is at the base of the spine and it represents life energy, the sacral represents creativity and productivity, solar plexus represents creative and intellectual thinking, heart represents unconditional love and forgiveness, throat represents communication and expression, third eye represents intuition and artistic thoughts, and crown represents spirituality and enlightenment.
Courtesy
My root and third eye were both sitting high at a seven followed by my sacral, which was a 6. My throat, crown, and solar plexus were all a 5. However, my heart chakra was sitting low at a 3 and I was stunned. Am I not loving to others? Am I not giving myself enough love? I mean, attending a wellness retreat is a form of self-love, right? While my thoughts were all over the place, I was quickly informed of some reasons why my heart chakra could be low. To sum it up, I was told that I may be struggling with opening up to others because I’m not sure if they will accept all of me. But as long as I show up and give love to others, I will be accepted.
The explanation made a lot of sense considering that I do sometimes struggle with opening up to people based on past experiences. However, I’m in a time in my life where I have acknowledged things about myself and am actively working on it. It’s possible that there are other reasons why my heart chakra needs some work, but overall, the results of my aura and chakra reading were spot on.
Have you ever gotten an aura/ chakra reading before? If so, how was your experience?
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by Tenor
