Earlier this week, B. Simone had the internet in shambles when she seemingly confirmed a relationship with DaBaby after months of flirtatious online banter between the two. It wasn't until later when the duo revealed that the image was from a recently released short film that has since amassed more than 2 million views in only 24 hours.
B. Simone's latest move is only one example of the multihyphenate mogul's social media magic, and our good sis just dropped a book that gives us the method behind her marketing genius.
In Baby Girl Manifest The Life You Want, which has already sold 10,000 copies in two days, we see a compilation of the influencer's personal diary entries from 2014-2017 that will inspire you to stop self-doubt in its tracks and manifest the life that you want. She wrote on Instagram:
"You ladies (and gentlemen) that receive this book will embark on a new journey and it will help you start your road to manifesting the life you've always wanted 💕 I put my heart into this book and I know it's going to help so many people all over the world! I have personal diary entries in the book from my actual diary, and it's 4 chapters of information!!! MANIFEST YOUR FINANCES, MANIFEST AFTER THE SUCCESS, MANIFEST YOUR CIRCLE and MANIFEST AFTER THE BREAKUP!!!! Change your mind and change your life! It starts with your mind! I'm the MANIFEST QUEEN anything I want, I GET! Order my book now and start manifesting the life you desire."
For more news that's popping in the media this week, scroll below:
Details On Lauren London & Nick Cannon’s Touching Tributes To Nipsey Hussle On The One-Year Anniversary Of His Death
It's been one year since Nipsey Hussle was senselessly murdered outside of his store in South L.A., and 365 days later, his longtime partner Lauren London is still making sure that the marathon continues. In a touching Instagram post, Lauren wrote:
"Time is deceptive. It's been a year since you transitioned. The pain is as heavy today as it was a year ago. God knows I would give anything to see you again. I didn't think I was going to survive a second of any of this. Prayers have kept me together. The kids keep me going and Gods Grace and Mercy have carried me this far. As today makes a year, I stand strong because of you. Because I know you wouldn't have it any other way. Because I recall every late night conversation we had about resilience and fear. Because you were my greatest teacher and because you are still with us, in spirit."
Among other celebrities who showed love for the fallen legend was Nick Cannon, who released the trailer for Strong Enemies: The Untold Case of Dr. Sebi, keeping a promise that he made to the late-rapper shortly after his death. Nipsey, who was studying Dr. Sebi's federal court case, died before he was able to release his research, a cause that Nick has now made his mission. Last year, the Wild N' Out creator wrote on Instagram:
"Where you left off, we gonna carry one! It's a MARATHON, so I'm picking up the baton! Because they can't kill us all. Now, your message is my message! Your work is my work! I know you still rocking with us and your voice will never be silenced because to be absent from the body is to be present with the Most High!"
Kenya Moore Says She Wasn’t Allowed To Talk To Marc Daly’s Parents
Since tying the knot in 2017, Kenya Moore and Marc Daly's relationship has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, and recently, the Real Housewives of Atlanta star revealed that their split was one that had been months in the making. In a recent episode of RHOA, Kenya shared that communication was a major issue in their relationship, so much so, that she wasn't even allowed to speak to his parents:
"I'm not allowed to speak to his mother or father. If you don't know everything about that person's life, you're not being let in."
"One of my issues with him is not being able to have a conversation without yelling or anger or crossing lines. I know it's not me and I know how hard I've fought for this marriage. I stopped caring about my feelings and all I was trying to be was who he wanted me to be and work through everything as best I could to keep my family together."
Big Sister Shaves Head & Eyebrows In Support Of Her Little Sister’s Cancer Battle & I’m Not Crying, You Are
Every now and then you come across something on the internet that hits you right in the heart and this viral video of a girl shaving her head in support of little sister will have your eyes sweating uncontrollably.
In a video that has now gained the attention of stars like Jada Pinkett Smith and Janet Jackson, we see Cami remind her sister that hair doesn't make you beautiful and I'm not crying, you are.
While we're unsure of the details surrounding the video, we know that there are fewer things in this world sweeter than a sister's love. Cami captioned the video:
"Can't say everything that's been going on has been easy, it's been hard, it hurts. But this isn't for any of you or for me, this is for you Gaby. I LOVE YOU with every bone in my body. U fight…& you do it d*** well. Hair does not make you and even bald you still manage to be the prettiest sister..I love you so so so so much boot boot & every battle you go through, I promise to go through it with you [because] that's what... sisters do."
The #DontRushChallenge Epitomizes Black Excellence At Its Finest
I'm pretty sure that the internet was made for Black people and the #DontRushChallenge is proof that our creativity knows no limits. From doctors, nurses, and dads to those stuck at home, creatives from all over the world showed out for this viral Tik Tok trend that has given us our entire lives.
There Is A Free Virtual Mental Health Conference To Help You Cope With COVID-19 & This xoMan Is At The Helm
Home is where the heart is, but being stuck there for months at a time can be taxing. Luckily, this xoMan curated a free AF, Black AF online mental health conference that will help you get your mental health all the way together. Created by psychotherapist and mental health advocate, Rwenshaun Miller, the conference will be live on Friday from 3 to 6:30 PM EST and will feature commentary from founder of Therapy For Black Girls, Dr. Joy Harden Bradford.
Register online at Rwenshaun.com/centered.
Featured image by Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com
Some women have their whole wedding planned out, from the bridal gown and venue to the bridal party and playlist. However, KJ was not one of those people. “I didn’t foresee a wedding in my future,” she reveals. “I was just gonna be the boss chick, rich auntie. I didn’t force love in my life until recently. I never had an idea of what a dream wedding would look like, it was easier for me to elope.”
KJ Smith
Photo by Stanley Babb/ Stanlo Photography
And to many people’s surprise, that was their original plan – until Skyh brought up a valid concern. He was raised by his grandmother and thought she should be at the wedding, and naturally, that led to KJ wanting her grandmother to be there as well – then her mom – and later her sister – and, you’ve gotta invite the besties too, right? From there, the guest list continued to blossom. Much like the updo and pop of color bold red lip, she wore on her special day, which was initially on her Pinterest board as a soft glam look with her hair hanging on her shoulders, KJ is okay with changing her plan if it brings her and her loved ones happiness.
So let’s get into the wedding, which took place in Malibu, CA. The first thing you should know about the celebrity couple is that they’re non-traditional. They know, and they don’t care. So, in true unconventional fashion, they shared the morning of the wedding together.
“I woke up with Skyh, we walked our dog, had black coffee, and said good morning to the people who stayed at the venue with us,” she says.
Now, it was time for hair and makeup. While she was getting glammed up, she had Black-owned McBride Sisters wine and champagne (which ties into The Black Experience theme) on deck with her mom and friends, had her besties help rework her vows, retried on every outfit (sis is very Type-A), took photos, and ended the early-celebration with prayer and meditation. It seems very non-Bridezilla, I said.
“Yeah, I was the most unbothered bride ever. Everyone was just so supportive. As entertainers, we go on red carpets all the time. We actually have a production company,” she explains. “The get-ready process was like a day at work, but with people we love the most. Being entertainers, we didn’t feel stressed at all, but my excitement was so high.”
Things moved quickly, and before she knew it, it was time to line up to walk down the aisle.
“Yeah, I was the most unbothered bride ever. Everyone was just so supportive. As entertainers, we go on red carpets all the time. We actually have a production company. The get-ready process was like a day at work, but with people we love the most. Being entertainers, we didn’t feel stressed at all, but my excitement was so high.”
KJ Smith and her bridal party
Photo by Stanley Babb/ Stanlo Photography
Since everything started with their grandmothers, the couple wanted to ensure they honored them and planned to keep an element of their wedding traditional. Although we’ve all seen the reception videos and photos online, you may have noticed visuals from the wedding itself are harder to find.
“We planned for it to be traditional, but we’re not like that, so we tried to create those moments. We jumped the broom and had a salt ceremony (where the bride and groom individually pour salt into a glass container, symbolizing their lives becoming one.) But honestly, still, nothing was traditional about it.”
She goes on to explain that her mom caught the holy ghost coming down the aisle, her glam team was on deck, and she became so nervous with excitement that she had an anxiety attack – something she struggled with for years, she explains tearfully. Her friends had to literally cheer her down the aisle because of how overwhelmed she felt until she eventually calmed down.
“Skyh was standing there with his hand on his heart; we have our own little language, and I could feel the support,” she shares.
It was surprising to hear all these emotional moments happened before the party we saw online. That is until she once again got into the backstory.
“As a Black woman actress, for so long, it was popular to be mysterious and secretive, but that’s not who I am or what I like. Plus, we both wanted to create an experience for everyone there. We are the people who always host family and friends,” she says. “Like for me, the first order of business was getting sandals for the women so they can dance all night long. We had oxtail, D'ussé, and a coffee and sativa lounge – which is part of Skyh and I’s lifestyle and routine. We wanted to bring them into our world.”
Skyh Black (L) and KJ Smith (R)
Photo by Stanley Babb/ Stanlo Photography
She went on to discuss the dance routine she did for her husband at the reception, which has taken over the internet. Apparently, that’s another thing that didn’t go according to plan. According to KJ, she had promised a performance at their joint bachelor/ bachelorette party, but her outfit got stolen from her car. So, Skyh ended up performing for her – complete with a strip tease. Still, she never forgot her promise to dance for him.
So, she hired her friend as a choreographer, learned the routine, made friends and family watch it endless times, and attended Beyoncé’s Renaissance show a few days before for a confidence boost. It ended up being a show to remember. But that wasn’t all the night offered. Lil Mo performed, and the guests received special goody bags featuring their favorite Black-owned products like journals, hair care, and more.
“We made sure everyone was taken care of all night. That kind of stuff makes us happy. I wanted everyone there to experience the joy and love I have for myself, my partner, and for them. I wanted them to feel full and whole, and they had the time of their lives,” she says.
But naturally, the internet is going to internet, and while there were countless people praising the event and applauding the newlyweds, some thought it was too over the top. I was curious to know her thoughts on some of the criticism.
“It’s cool. We did what we wanted to do. I’ve decided to share my world with people. Just how I went on social media platforms and found inspiration, I want people to do the same,” she explains. “I don’t think it's fair to my supporters not to give that out. There’s so much I wanna share with brides, specifically Black brides. I love that people are adding it to their Pinterest boards."
"I wanted everyone there to experience the joy and love I have for myself, my partner, and for them. I wanted them to feel full and whole, and they had the time of their lives."
KJ Smith
Photo by Stanley Babb/ Stanlo Photography
“I’m happy with it because we did what we wanted to do. They can do what they wanna do. Don’t be cruel, though, because you will get blocked,” she said, laughing.
The more I spoke with her, the more her sense of freedom shined through. People are always going to have their opinions, but at the end of the day, it’s you who has to live your life, and it seems like the couple realizes that and embraces that power. She also stressed the importance of not living for others and the lessons life has taught her.
“I’ve been to countless weddings, and I’ve been in countless weddings. I’m a generally older bride. So when women in my demographic get married, and you and your husband are busy working people like us, you deserve to have the one you want to have,” she shares.
“This is what we wanted to do. Our loved ones love and support us. We did so much to honor them, but we also wanted to start our own tradition, legacy, and creation. I'm not going to be pulled back into ideas of the past when I’m trying to create a future with my partner. “
If you’d like to see more of the couple, you probably won’t have to wait long. Although no content is planned yet, she admits to being an oversharer. “Me being open and transparent about my experiences lets people know it’s okay to have flaws; it makes you human, and for many years, I didn’t believe that was okay. I had pressure to be perfect, and I’d crumble every time,” she explains to xoNecole.
Now, she owns her flaws and uses them as a superpower to connect with her community and feel and express her love.
“Some people give us [Skyh and KJ] a hard time because they say we just seem too perfect. I’m like, why is that a bad thing? I love the people I love. From my man to my mama, to my friends - unabashedly. We move through time and space how we want to move. If we did it another way, we’d let ourselves and our union down.”
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Feature image by Stanley Babb/ Stanlo Photography
