
Aries is a passionate lover. Aries loves the excitement, the chase, and the spark of a relationship and is often the initiator, being a cardinal sign and the first sign of the zodiac. They are not the type of people to shy away from anything, and they have no problem making the first move. An Aries loves their freedom and prefers to do things on their own terms, including love. They look for a partner who can match their energy and keep up with them in life, and not someone they feel is going to hold them back. Aries is a young soul and has a free spirit about them that often attracts others to them.
Aries In Love & Relationships
Aries in love is a unique experience, as Aries is more of an independent sign and isn’t focused as much on the relationship aspects of life. Aries value individuality and know and enjoy themselves well, so when they meet someone who they feel is more interesting than themselves or just as, they give it their all. This energy is felt by the people they are in relationships with, and they make their partners feel special.
Aries Compatibility: Best & Worst Love Matches in the Zodiac
Aries’ fire in the relationship, however, can go out if there isn’t enough spark and passion in the relationship, and being with an Aries long-term isn’t for the weak. Though, if you win their trust and treat every day like you just met for the first time, then your Aries will be there till the end for you.
Read below to see what each sign’s compatibility with Aries is like. Check sun, moon, and Venus signs.
Who Are Aries Most Compatible With?
Aries and Aries Love Compatibility
The love compatibility between an Aries and an Aries is a wild combination to see together. Dating your own sign and seeing couples in a relationship with their own sign is rare, however, fire signs in general typically do this better than most. An Aries and Aries combo is sexy, passionate, and loving. The good thing about this combo is that nobody knows Aries better than they know themselves, so when it comes to these two, it works because they just get each other. Aggression and conflict will have to be watched out for, however, as with Aries being ruled by Mars, if this sign is not feeling seen or heard then the relationship will be more chaotic than needed.
Aries and Taurus Love Compatibility
These two signs are more likely to butt heads than have a smooth-sailing relationship. Aries and Taurus are both very headstrong individuals, and they are both “my way or the highway” types of people. When two people are like this in a relationship, it can cause a lot of friction and ego clashes and this relationship often comes to a halt. In the beginning, the connection between an Aries and a Taurus feels exciting and like it could be something, though, as Taurus is attracted to the boldness and confidence that comes from Aries, and Aries likes the way Taurus makes them feel grounded and sane. However, at the end of the day, their stubbornness and unwillingness to compromise will either make or break this relationship.
Aries and Gemini Love Compatibility
The love compatibility between an Aries and a Gemini is fun, dynamic, and exciting. Both of these signs have an innate curiosity for life and love to do it together. These two complement each other well and are the type of couple to be best friends and lovers. They like to enjoy time together, be out and about, and tend to inspire each other in many ways. Not to mention, the chemistry is strong here between these two. They don’t have to force anything to make it work or to form a relationship together, and forming a connection is easy.
Gemini’s charm can easily sweep Aries off their feet, and Aries will have fun with Gemini. There will need to be some type of groundedness between the two for it to work long-term however, as they can get caught up in the moment and move without knowing where they are headed.
Aries and Cancer Love Compatibility
Aries and Cancer’s love compatibility is underrated. These two balance each other out well and although friction can arise in this pairing, this is ultimately a fun, dynamic, and in-tune duo. What works so well here is that these two signs are highly intuitive; Aries is very in-tune with themselves, and Cancer is very in-tune with others. If Aries had to date any water sign, it should be a Cancer. Cancer gives Aries the type of support they crave, but that they would never admit they need, and Aries gives Cancer the type of confidence that truly changes their lives. These two can form a powerful relationship that is layered and multifaceted, or they will be immediately turned off and will not pursue each other due to their immediate differences.
Aries and Leo Love Compatibility
Aries and Leo are a more obvious compatible couple, but at the end of the day when it comes to Aries in love it depends on where they are in their life and what they are looking for at that moment. These two, however, are very intrigued by each other and tend to form an immediate connection instantly. The passion is steamy here and the sexual chemistry between the two is off the charts. The only downside to a fire and fire sign duo though, is that it often starts very exciting and impulsive, and then turns into a complete mess afterward. This relationship can be the best of the best for Aries if both people are thinking long-term and aren’t just in it for the moment.
Aries and Virgo Love Compatibility
A Virgo may be one of the least compatible signs for an Aries. These two surprisingly have a lot in common and see things similarly in life, however, it’s difficult for them to feel that because they go about things very differently. Aries and Virgo tend to get into conflicts with each other as they both are the type of people to think they are right and that they know best. This facet of Aries works for some people, but when they meet a Virgo, they truly meet their greatest challenger. Virgo will challenge Aries in many ways, and not in a way that Aries likes. This pairing works more when it's a Virgo woman and an Aries man, and also works well as a friendship, but overall, this is not Aries' best match.
Aries and Libra Love Compatibility
Aries and Libra are a sweet combo. In terms of their love compatibility, these two are the yin and yang for each other, and this couple is the definition of opposites attracting. Aries and Libra are what we call sister signs in Astrology, which means these two are on opposite sides of each other on the Zodiac Wheel, forming a unique connection. The thing about sister signs is that they represent the part of you that is more hidden or unrecognized yet. This energy can be inspiring and life-changing, but it can also be triggering for people as it’s a relationship meant to challenge you and help you grow. Signs that are opposite each other have a karmic tone to them, and this relationship will often feel like they have known each other for many lifetimes before. This compatibility is 50/50- it works, or it doesn’t.
Aries and Scorpio Love Compatibility
When it comes to their love compatibility, Aries and Scorpio tend to hit it off right away. These two are similar in many ways, thanks to their shared ruling planet, Mars. In traditional Astrology, Mars is the ruler of Scorpio, and in modern times, it’s the ruler of Aries. Mars represents passion, energy, activation, sex, desire, war, and direction in life. When these two come together, they enhance these qualities in each other. This is a very energy-packed relationship and it works when they are flowing in harmony with each other but when differences arise, things can get very shaky and combative. The strengths here are that they both will want to confront issues head-on and always know where each other stands. There is no beating around the bush between these two.
Aries and Sagittarius Love Compatibility
Sagittarius is one of Aries' soulmates in this lifetime. More aspects are keeping this relationship together than tearing them apart, and this is a relationship that Aries can be in long-term. Both of these signs love adventure and will begin a big one once they enter this relationship. There won’t be many dull moments in this pairing, and when they come together it is often serendipitous. This is a power couple in Astrology and a match that works without having to try too hard. The world is their oyster to this couple and they will live an exciting life together. With all fire/fire sign duos, ego clashes are the downfall, and if this can be worked through then these two are endgame.
Aries and Capricorn Love Compatibility
Capricorn is the best earth sign match for Aries. They are both cardinal signs and share a similar drive and inspiration for life. Both of these signs want the best of the best out of life, and by coming together they can create just that. They are very supportive of one another and uplift each other to be their best selves. The energy between the two of them can get competitive, however, if they aren’t working together, though Capricorn's determination and unwavering loyalty often wins Aries over in the long run. Emotionally, they may have a difficult time getting there and forming that deep emotional bond that makes relationships last, but if they see the other in each other’s future, they will try to make it work.
Aries and Aquarius Love Compatibility
Aries and Aquarius are an eccentric couple. These two have a lot of fun together and enjoy each other’s company first and foremost. The love compatibility between this zodiac pairing means synergy here is enticing, and they flow well together when it comes to the day-to-day. This is a couple that would spend a lot of time talking and exploring each other’s worlds. These two learn a lot from each other and try to see the best in each other. Aquarius’ aloof nature may pull the wrong chords in Aries after too long, however, and for the relationship to work they will both have to recognize each other's individuals selves and know that both perspectives and sense of authenticity can be without being less than or unworthy of the other. This is a couple that is destined to meet.
Aries and Pisces Love Compatibility
This is more of an odd pairing for Aries as they are coming from completely opposite ends of life. Aries being the first sign in the zodiac and Pisces being the last explains this type of emotional distance between the two. Aries and Pisces almost live in different worlds, so coming together they can learn a lot from each other. Pisces feels and Aries acts. They are moving at different speeds at all times, but there is something about Aries’ passion and drive that spikes Pisces' curiosity. Pisces' emotional nature will either be a turn-off or an endearing trait, depending on the Aries. Ultimately, this is not one of Aries' best matches, but they both tend to have good intentions for the relationship at the end of the day.
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Because We Are Still IT, Girl: It Girl 100 Returns
Last year, when our xoNecole team dropped our inaugural It Girl 100 honoree list, the world felt, ahem, a bit brighter.
It was March 2024, and we still had a Black woman as the Vice President of the United States. DEI rollbacks weren’t being tossed around like confetti. And more than 300,000 Black women were still gainfully employed in the workforce.
Though that was just nineteen months ago, things were different. Perhaps the world then felt more receptive to our light as Black women.
At the time, we launched It Girl 100 to spotlight the huge motion we were making as dope, GenZennial Black women leaving our mark on culture. The girls were on the rise, flourishing, drinking their water, minding their business, leading companies, and learning to do it all softly, in rest. We wanted to celebrate that momentum—because we love that for us.
So, we handpicked one hundred It Girls who embody that palpable It Factor moving through us as young Black women, the kind of motion lighting up the world both IRL and across the internet.
It Girl 100 became xoNecole’s most successful program, with the hashtag organically reaching more than forty million impressions on Instagram in just twenty-four hours. Yes, it caught on like wildfire because we celebrated some of the most brilliant and influential GenZennial women of color setting trends and shaping culture. But more than that, it resonated because the women we celebrated felt seen.
Many were already known in their industries for keeping this generation fly and lit, but rarely received recognition or flowers. It Girl 100 became a safe space to be uplifted, and for us as Black women to bask in what felt like an era of our brilliance, beauty, and boundless influence on full display.
And then, almost overnight, it was as if the rug was pulled from under us as Black women, as the It Girls of the world.
Our much-needed, much-deserved season of ease and soft living quickly metamorphosed into a time of self-preservation and survival. Our motion and economic progression seemed strategically slowed, our light under siege.
The air feels heavier now. The headlines colder. Our Black girl magic is being picked apart and politicized for simply existing.
With that climate shift, as we prepare to launch our second annual It Girl 100 honoree list, our team has had to dig deep on the purpose and intention behind this year’s list. Knowing the spirit of It Girl 100 is about motion, sauce, strides, and progression, how do we celebrate amid uncertainty and collective grief when the juice feels like it is being squeezed out of us?
As we wrestled with that question, we were reminded that this tension isn’t new. Black women have always had to find joy in the midst of struggle, to create light even in the darkest corners. We have carried the weight of scrutiny for generations, expected to be strong, to serve, to smile through the sting. But this moment feels different. It feels deeply personal.
We are living at the intersection of liberation and backlash. We are learning to take off our capes, to say no when we are tired, to embrace softness without apology.
And somehow, the world has found new ways to punish us for it.

In lifestyle, women like Kayla Nicole and Ayesha Curry have been ridiculed for daring to choose themselves. Tracee Ellis Ross was labeled bitter for speaking her truth about love. Meghan Markle, still, cannot breathe without critique.
In politics, Kamala Harris, Letitia James, and Jasmine Crockett are dragged through the mud for standing tall in rooms not built for them.
In sports, Angel Reese, Coco Gauff, and Taylor Townsend have been reminded that even excellence will not shield you from racism or judgment.

In business, visionaries like Diarrha N’Diaye-Mbaye and Melissa Butler are fighting to keep their dreams alive in an economy that too often forgets us first.
Even our icons, Beyoncé, Serena, and SZA, have faced criticism simply for evolving beyond the boxes society tried to keep them in.
From everyday women to cultural phenoms, the pattern is the same. Our light is being tested.

And yet, somehow, through it all, we are still showing up as that girl, and that deserves to be celebrated.
Because while the world debates our worth, we keep raising our value. And that proof is all around us.
This year alone, Naomi Osaka returned from motherhood and mental health challenges to reach the semifinals of the US Open. A’ja Wilson claimed another MVP, reminding us that beauty and dominance can coexist. Brandy and Monica are snatching our edges on tour. Kahlana Barfield Brown sold out her new line in the face of a retailer that had been canceled. And Melissa Butler’s company, The Lip Bar, is projecting a forty percent surge in sales.

We are no longer defining strength by how much pain we can endure. We are defining it by the unbreakable light we continue to radiate.
We are the women walking our daily steps and also continuing to run solid businesses. We are growing in love, taking solo trips, laughing until it hurts, raising babies and ideas, drinking our green juice, and praying our peace back into existence.
We are rediscovering the joy of rest and realizing that softness is not weakness, it is strategy.
And through it all, we continue to lift one another. Emma Grede is creating seats at the table. Valeisha Butterfield has started a fund for jobless Black women. Arian Simone is leading in media with fearless conviction. We are pouring into each other in ways the world rarely sees but always feels.

So yes, we are in the midst of societal warfare. Yes, we are being tested. Yes, we are facing economic strain, political targeting, and public scrutiny. But even war cannot dim a light that is divinely ours.
And we are still shining.
And we are still softening.
And we are still creating.
And we are still It.

That is the quiet magic of Black womanhood, our ability to hold both truth and triumph in the same breath, to say yes, and to life’s contradictions.
It is no coincidence that this year, as SheaMoisture embraces the message “Yes, And,” they stand beside us as partners in celebrating this class of It Girls. Because that phrase, those two simple words, capture the very essence of this moment.
Yes, we are tired. And we are still rising.
Yes, we are questioned. And we are the answer.
Yes, we are bruised. And we are still beautiful.

This year’s It Girl 100 is more than a list. It is a love letter to every Black woman who dares to live out loud in a world that would rather she whisper. This year’s class is living proof of “Yes, And,” women who are finding ways to thrive and to heal, to build and to rest, to lead and to love, all at once.
It is proof that our joy is not naive, our success not accidental. It is the reminder that our light has never needed permission.
So without further ado, we celebrate the It Girl 100 Class of 2025–2026.
We celebrate the millions of us who keep doing it with grace, grit, and glory.
Because despite it all, we still shine.
Because we are still her.
Because we are still IT, girl.
Meet all 100 women shaping culture in the It Girl 100 Class of 2025. View the complete list of honorees here.
Featured image by xoStaff
It Girl 100 Class Of 2025: Meet The Empire Builders You Need To Know
She's a boss, and she's minding the business that pays her. Literally and figuratively.
Whether she's launching her next business venture, turning passion projects into paper, or building her side hustle into a legacy, she's proof that visionary women don't wait for a seat at the table. She builds her own, then pulls up a chair for the next woman. The empire-builders of xoNecole's 2025 It Girl 100 lead with purpose and profit, spinning their "why" into wealth.
This year's It Girl 100 is a mosaic of brilliance, spotlighting entrepreneurs, cultural disruptors, beauty visionaries, and boundary-pushing creatives who embody the spirit of "Yes, And." This digital celebration honors the women who embrace every facet of themselves, proving you can chase the bag and still honor your desire to live life softly.
The women repping for the Business category are empire builders shaping the next generation of entrepreneurship, as founders, investors, and CEOs, shifting culture while expanding their brands and their net worth.
Here's the roll call for xoNecole's It Girl 100 Class of 2025: Business.

Artist and Founder of GROWN Media Kaya Nova
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Kaya Nova
Her Handle: @thekayanova
Her Title: Artist and Founder, GROWN Media
Who's That It Girl: Kaya Nova is the artist-entrepreneur whose voice bridges melody and empowerment as the founder of GROWN Mag and GROWN Media. We celebrate her for turning her artistry into activism, creating music and experiences that honor womanhood, vulnerability, and the beauty of becoming your full self.
Her "Yes, And" Statement: "Yes, I'm multitalented and I'm powerful beyond measure."

Founder and CEO of Vineyard Icon Erin Goldson
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Erin Goldson
Her Handle: @eringoldson
Her Title: Founder and CEO of Vineyard Icon
Who's That It Girl: We are inspired by Erin Goldson, brand marketer and founder of Vineyard Icon, a platform celebrating Martha’s Vineyard culture and creativity. She blends strategy and community building with effortless polish to turn ideas into impact.

Founder and CEO, My Happy Flo Necole Kane
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Necole Kane
Her Handle: @hellonecole
Her Title: Founder and CEO, My Happy Flo
Who's That It Girl: Necole Kane is a media mogul and entrepreneur who founded NecoleBitchie.com and xoNecole.com. She now leads feminine wellness brand My Happy Flo, advocating for women's hormonal health through plant-based supplements and holistic solutions.

FORVR MOOD Co-Founder and Content Creator Jackie Aina
Credit: Kirstin Enlow
Jackie Aina
Her Handle: @jackieaina
Her Title: FORVR MOOD Co-Founder and Content Creator
Who's That It Girl: A trailblazer who changed the face of beauty forever, Jackie Asamoah built a legacy on authenticity and advocacy. We love her for redefining luxury through inclusion and for reminding women everywhere that self-care is a radical, joyful act.
Her "Yes, And" Statement: "Yes, I'm owning my power and finding balance in it."

Founder and Investor Shannae Ingleton Smith
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Shannae Ingleton Smith
Her Handle: @torontoshay
Her Title: Founder and Investor
Who's That It Girl: Shannae Ingleton Smith is President and Co-founder of Kensington Grey, an influencer agency representing 200+ creators. A former media sales executive, she now invests in creator-led startups, including 12PM Studios.
Her "Yes, And" Statement: "Yes, I’m breaking ceilings and expanding the table."

Founder of LORVAE De'arra Taylor
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De'arra Taylor
Her Handle: @dearra
Her Title: Founder of Fashion Brand LORVAE
Who's That It Girl: We celebrate De'arra Taylor as the founder and CEO of LORVAE, an eyewear brand built on reinvention, confidence, and bold individuality. Her creative direction turns sunglasses into statements and community into a lifestyle.

Founder of The Lip Bar Melissa Butler
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Melissa Butler
Her Handle: @melissarbutler
Her Title: Founder of The Lip Bar
Who's That It Girl: Melissa Butler transformed The Lip Bar from a kitchen concept into a multimillion-dollar movement. We honor her for challenging industry norms and proving that boldness, beauty, and business brilliance can coexist unapologetically.

Director of Cultural Strategy & Innovation Denetrias Charlemagne
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Denetrias “Dee” Charlemagne
Her Handle: @dcharlemagne
Her Title: Director of Cultural Strategy & Innovation, Walmart
Who's That It Girl: A powerhouse behind purpose-driven partnerships, Denetrias Charlemagne bridges culture and commerce at Walmart with grace and innovation. We honor her for amplifying representation in retail and using her platform to build spaces where authenticity and excellence thrive.

Chief Brand Officer at Unrivaled Kirby Porter
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Kirby Porter
Her Handle: @kirbyporter
Her Title: Chief Brand Officer, Unrivaled
Who's That It Girl: Strategic, visionary, and driven by impact, Kirby Porter is building the future of athlete branding. We’re inspired by her as the founder of New Game Labs and Chief Brand Officer at Unrivaled, showing that strategy can be soulful and sport can be storytelling.

Founder and CEO of EveryStylishGirl Nana Agyemang
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Nana Agyemang
Her Handle: @itsreallynana
Her Title: Founder and CEO of EveryStylishGirl
Who's That It Girl: A journalist turned founder, Nana Agyemang built EveryStylishGirl to amplify Black women in media. We love her for opening doors, building pipelines of opportunity, and using her voice to change the face of modern storytelling.
Her "Yes, And" Statement: "Yes, I'm a boss and I'm still soft."

Vice President of Content at ESSENCE Nandi Howard
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Nandi Howard
Her Handle: @itsnandibby
Her Title: Vice President of Content, ESSENCE
Who's That It Girl: We are inspired by Nandi Howard, Vice President of Content and Editorial at ESSENCE. Her leadership elevates Black culture with clarity and celebration and shapes the stories and standards that move audiences.

Founder of Sisters In Media Oladotun Idowu
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Oladotun Idowu
Her Handle: @ola_idowu
Her Title: Founder of Sisters In Media
Who's That It Girl: We celebrate Oladotun Idowu, entertainment marketing leader at Campari Group and founder of Sisters in Media, for bridging brands and culture while championing women of color across media. Strategy and purpose guide her work.
Her "Yes, And" Statement: "Yes I'm walking into rooms with boldness and grace knowing that God has way more in stored for me."

Founder of Fortune & Forks Krystal Vega
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Krystal Vega
Her Handle: @krystalvega
Her Title: Founder of Fortune & Forks, Multimedia
Who's That It Girl: Krystal Vega’s work lives at the intersection of innovation and influence. We celebrate her as a next-gen entrepreneur shaping digital spaces where women of color lead confidently, create fearlessly, and build legacies beyond the screen.
Her "Yes, And" Statement: "Yes, I'm that girl and so are you."

Founder of Fortune & Forks Naomi Wright
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Naomi Wright
Her Handle: @naomiwrighttt
Who's That It Girl: Naomi Wright leads with style, purpose, and power. We’re inspired by her for building platforms like Fortune & Forks that merge beauty, business, and bold self-expression, proving that influence can be both impactful and intentional.

Entrepreneur and Podcast Host Emma Grede
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Emma Grede
Her Handle: @emmagrede
Her Title: Entrepreneur and Podcast Host
Who's That It Girl: Emma Grede is CEO and co-founder of Good American, and founding partner of SKIMS. She's a podcast host and the first Black female investor on ABC's Shark Tank.

CEO and Founder of TFNA Entertainment & Sports Management Kia Brooks
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Kia Brooks
Her Handle: @kiajbrooks
Her Title: CEO and Founder of TFNA Entertainment & Sports Management
Who's That It Girl: Entrepreneur and mother, Kia J. Brooks leads TFNA Talent Agency, representing top athletes and creatives. She’s known for breaking barriers, negotiating record NIL deals, and empowering others to build generational wealth.

Sports & Entertainment Brand Manager Des Dickerson
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Des Dickerson
Her Handle: @itsurdestinee
Her Title: Sports & Entertainment Brand Manager and Media Strategist
Who's That It Girl: Des Dickerson is a sports and entertainment brand manager and media strategist who works with top athletes and entertainers to elevate their platforms. She is recognized for creating innovative partnerships and driving visibility in sports and entertainment.
Her "Yes, And" Statement: "Yes, I build opportunities for athletes and entertainers and I transform them into lasting influence."

President of Collective Edge Management Shayla Cowan
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Shayla Cowan
Her Handle: @shayla_pc
Her Title: President, Collective Edge Management
Who's That It Girl: Shayla Cowan is an award-winning producer and President of Collective Edge. She's produced blockbuster films including Girls Trip and Beast, championing boundary-pushing storytellers and innovative artistry in entertainment.

Co-Founder & CEO of Fearless Fund
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Arian Simone
Her Handle: @ariansimone
Her Title: Co-Founder & CEO, Fearless Fund
Who's That It Girl: Arian Simone champions women of color in venture capital. She advocates for economic justice, investing globally in women entrepreneurs and addressing funding disparities rooted in racism and sexism through resilient, purpose-driven leadership.

Founder of Global State of Women and Seed, Valeisha Butterfield
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Valeisha Butterfield
Her Handle: @valeisha
Her Title: Founder of Global State of Women and Seed
Who's That It Girl: Valeisha Butterfield Jones is a globally recognized leader in tech, entertainment, and politics. This year, she created the Global State of Women platform, providing emergency grants to women facing high unemployment rates.
Founder and Content Creator Ava PearlCourtesyAva Pearl
Her Handle: @avapearl
Her Title: Founder and Content Creator
Who's That It Girl: Ava Pearl is the founder of Curly Culture and Curly Con LA, initiatives that champion natural hair and foster community within the beauty industry. As a beauty and lifestyle content creator, she is dedicated to creating impactful content that inspires authenticity, confidence, and self-expression.
Her "Yes, And" Statement: "Yes, I’m rooted in authenticity and rising with purpose."
Now that you've met the ladies about their business, see who else made our list. Tap into the full It Girl 100 Class of 2025 and meet all the women changing game this year and beyond. See the full list here.
Featured image by xoStaff







