Several organizations and new sites release lists of the “best places for millennials," the “best places for young professionals,” or the "best cities for Black women." The lists offer options for many who are either seeking better opportunities or need that reminder that where they are is actually where it’s at. These lists also always prompt popular and frequent debates online about why a city is (or isn’t) what everyone popularly says it is.
It’s always good to be able to say that you’ve found a city where you can thrive in your career (and in your life overall), whether it’s because of the opportunities for jobs, places to visit and eat, nightlife, traditions, and culture, or family-friendly elements.
For me, this city is Negril, located in the Westmoreland parish of Jamaica. I fell in love with it seven years ago as someone who was only ever familiar with Kingston and its neighboring parishes. While I’ve lived and worked in major cities, including Washington, D.C., and Brooklyn, New York, my latest transition has set my sights on digital nomad island life.
Not only is Negril more than a tourist spot now, with a growing community of young professionals, millennial expats, and entrepreneurs, it has a nice mixture of cultures and people, affordable housing options, a range of restaurants and leisure experiences, entrepreneurship niches, and real estate investment opportunities. It’s slow enough to have a calming effect but not quite a snooze retirement spot where you're not right at the cusp of an adventure. And even better, it's not too far from a more bustling city (with nightlife, more restaurants, and even more entrepreneurs, professionals, and expats), Montego, Bay.
Negril is like a second home for me, as I visit often, keep major connections there, and find it ideal for my writing and editing career. I can connect more with my Caribbean culture and nature and embrace a peaceful, less hectic existence while there.
I caught up with a few more fabulous and successful women professionals to talk about the cities where they’ve found success, happiness, balance, and longevity and why they chose to stick around:
Nicole Blake-Baxter, Managing Director and Founder, The Blake Agency
Metro Atlanta Area, (Johns Creek, Ga.)
IG: @theblakeagency_
“I relocated to Atlanta about 10 years ago from Brooklyn, NY. I initially launched my media and marketing agency in New York City several years prior but rebranded and made a strategic shift to a full-service PR firm when I moved to Georgia."
Her Origins: "I was born in Kingston, Jamaica. I lived between the United States and Jamaica during my childhood and permanently moved to New York as a teen."
Why Atlanta? “My move to Atlanta was out of necessity; I needed a lifestyle change and felt I had outgrown the hustle and bustle of New York City. There’s a saying that ‘Discomfort is a catalyst for growth.’ In a short time, I went from trying to climb the corporate ladder to launching a business and becoming a mother. I was struggling to navigate motherhood and entrepreneurship, and that discomfort pushed me to seek out a new environment.”
“Relocating to Atlanta was the best decision for me personally and professionally. It provides a healthy balance of everything I need to raise happy and well-rounded children and grow a successful business. Although moving to a new city with no close friends or relatives can be unnerving, it made me more disciplined in my approach to entrepreneurship.”
What She Loves Most About Her City:Family-friendly environment, lower cost of living, business opportunities. “Many of our new business leads are tech founders and travel brands that want to work with an agency in the southern region.”
Jasmine Dary, Founder, Twisted Corks
Nashville, TN
IG @TwistedCorks
“Nashville is a big, but small-feel city. It’s the perfect place to be if you want to keep Southern roots without losing the big-town opportunities. It’s constantly growing, which I find to be exciting. There’s always something new happening here for the first time, and being part of this city’s early adopters for cool concepts and experiences is one of my favorite self-proclaimed roles. There’s also a unique and tight-knit entrepreneur community here. In addition to exciting career opportunities, I knew that I’d eventually want to thrive in entrepreneurship.”
Her Origins: “I was born and raised in Chattanooga, Tenn., and made my way to Murfreesboro after college until naturally progressing to Nashville to pursue career and business opportunities.”
Why Nashville? “I first moved to Nashville in 2012 to make a major career shift from higher education to corporate marketing in wine and spirits. Coming from a much smaller college town, I instantly fell in love with the city! This job became the catalyst for so many future opportunities and interests including starting my own company, Twisted Corks.
"I was thrown in the mix for some of the city’s biggest events and worked alongside some of the world’s largest spirits brands. This corporate experience plus genuine passion granted me credibility with even my earliest business clients.”
What She Loves Most About Her City:Family-friendly, community, events (like the Nashville Black Chamber happy hour), Programs (like the Nashville Entrepreneur Center’s Preflight program for new startups.) “I’m thriving here, but I’m definitely not doing it alone.”
Christen Rochon, National Account Executive, NBCUniversal
Detroit, Michigan
IG @CandidlyChristen
“Detroit is more than just a place to work—it’s a place where innovation, resilience, and culture are embedded in the fabric of daily life. What makes Detroit especially unique is its long-standing history as an industrial powerhouse, balanced with a fresh momentum in tech, arts, and small business development. In my career in marketing and media, I’ve come to see Detroit as an evolving ecosystem where diverse industries intersect, creating rich opportunities for growth and impact.”
Her Origins: “I’m a born-and-raised Detroiter, however, my career in broadcast and digital media has taken me to Charlotte, N.C., New York City, and Chicago.”
Why Detroit? “Detroiters know how to rebuild and innovate, and this grit translates into the professional landscape here. The city's thriving entrepreneurial scene fosters collaboration, and its well-connected business community continually encourages professionals to think creatively and work cross-functionally.”
“It’s a place where you can see firsthand how your work makes a difference, from witnessing the revitalizing neighborhoods to supporting the next generation of innovators. The opportunities for mentorship and giving back here are endless; I’ve been privileged to contribute through roles that support education, community engagement, and innovation—efforts that are deeply connected to Detroit’s story of transformation.
What She Loves Most About Her City: Vibrant seasons, close-knit communities, rich history, opportunities for growth, culture of entrepreneurial grit and service. “Detroit offers the potential for financial success and legacy building. As the eldest of 10, family is incredibly important to me, and returning to Detroit allowed me not only to be close to family but also be in a space to establish my own. Being part of Detroit’s evolution is exciting.”
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Claudia Jordan, Demetria McKinney & Jill Marie Jones On 'Games Women Play' & Dating Over 40
What do you get when you mix unfiltered truths, high-stakes romance, and a few well-timed one-liners? You get Games Women Play—the sizzling new stage play by Je’Caryous Johnson that’s part relationship rollercoaster, part grown-woman group chat.
With a powerhouse cast that includes Claudia Jordan, Demetria McKinney, Jill Marie Jones, Carl Payne, Chico Bean, and Brian J. White, the play dives headfirst into the messy, hilarious, and heart-wrenching games people play for love, power, and peace of mind. And the women leading this story? They’re bringing their whole selves to the stage—and leaving nothing behind.
From Script to Spotlight
The road to Games Women Play started over 20 years ago—literally.
“This script was written 20 years ago,” Jill Marie Jones said with a smile. “It was originally called Men, Money & Gold Diggers, and I was in the film version. So when Je’Caryous called me to bring it to the stage, I was like, ‘Let’s go.’” Now reimagined for 2025, the play is updated with sharp dialogue and modern relationship dynamics that feel all too real.
Demetria McKinney, no stranger to Je’Caryous Johnson’s productions, jumped at the opportunity to join the cast once again. “This is my third time working with him,” she shared. “It was an opportunity to stretch. I’d never been directed by Carl Payne before, and the chance to work with talent I admire—Jill, Claudia, Chico—it was a no-brainer.”
Claudia Jordan joked that she originally saw the role as just another check. “I didn’t take it that seriously at first,” she admitted. “But this is my first full-on tour—and now I’ve got a whole new respect for how hard people work in theater. This ain’t easy.”
Modern Love, Stage Left
The play doesn’t hold back when it comes to the messier parts of love. One jaw-dropping moment comes when a live podcast proposal flips into a prenup bombshell—leaving the audience (and the characters) gasping.
Demetria broke it down with honesty. “People don’t ask the real questions when they date. Like, ‘Do you want kids? How do you feel about money?’ These convos aren’t happening, and then everyone’s confused. That moment in the play—it’s real. That happens all the time.”
Jill chimed in, noting how the play speaks to emotional disconnect. “We’re giving each other different tokens of love. Men might offer security and money. Women, we’re giving our hearts. But there’s a disconnect—and that’s where things fall apart.”
And then Claudia, of course, took it all the way there. “These men don’t even want to sign our prenups now!” she laughed. “They want to live the soft life, too. Wearing units, gloss, getting their brows done. We can’t have nothing! Y’all want to be like us? Then get a damn period and go through menopause.”
Dating Over 40: “You Better Come Correct”
When the conversation turned to real-life relationships, all three women lit up. Their experiences dating in their 40s and 50s have given them both clarity—and zero tolerance for games.
“I feel sexier than I’ve ever felt,” said Jill, who proudly turned 50 in January. “I say what I want. I mean what I say. I’m inside my woman, and I’m not apologizing for it.”
Demetria added that dating now comes with deeper self-awareness. “Anybody in my life is there because I want them there. I’ve worked hard to need nobody. But I’m open to love—as long as you keep doing what got me there in the first place.”
For Claudia, the bar is high—and the peace is priceless. “I’ve worked hard for my peace,” she said. “I’m not dating for food. I’m dating because I want to spend time with you. And honestly, if being with you isn’t better than being alone with my candles and fountains and cats? Then no thanks.”
Channeling Strength & Icon Status
Each actress brings something different to the play—but all of them deliver.
“I actually wish I could be messier on stage,” Claudia joked. “But I think about my grandmother—she was born in 1929, couldn’t even vote or buy a house without a man, and didn’t give a damn. She was fearless. That’s where my strength comes from.”
For Jill, the comparisons to her iconic Girlfriends character Toni Childs aren’t far off—but this role gave her a chance to dig deeper. “If you really understood Toni, you’d see how layered she was. And Paisley is the same—misunderstood, but strong. There’s more to her than people see at first glance.”
Demetria, who juggles singing and acting seamlessly, shared that live theater pushes her in a new way. “Every moment on stage counts. You can’t redo anything. It’s a different kind of love and discipline. You have to give the performance away—live, in the moment—and trust that it lands.”
Laughter, Lessons & Black Girl Gems
The show has plenty of laugh-out-loud moments—and the cast isn’t shy about who steals scenes.
“Chico Bean gets a lot of gasps and laughs,” Claudia said. “And Naomi Booker? Every scene she’s in—she’s hilarious.”
But the play isn’t just about humor. It leaves space for reflection—especially for Black women.
“I hope we get back to the foundation of love and communication,” said Demetria. “A lot of us are in protector mode. But that’s turned into survival mode. We’ve lost softness. We’ve lost connection.”
Claudia agreed. “We’re doing it all—but it’s not because we want to be strong all the time. It’s because we have to be. And I just want women to know: You can have peace, you can be soft. But stop bringing your old pain into new love. Don’t let past heartbreak build walls so high that the right person can’t climb over.”
Final Act: Pack the House
If there’s one thing this cast agrees on, it’s that this play isn’t just entertainment—it’s necessary.
“Atlanta is the Black entertainment hub,” Claudia said. “We need y’all to show up for this play. Support the arts. Support each other. Because when we pack the house, we make space for more stories like this.”
Games Women Play is more than a play—it’s a mirror. You’ll see yourself, your friends, your exes, and maybe even your next chapter. So get ready to laugh, reflect, and maybe even heal—because the games are on.
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It’s officially Miss Keri, Baby season again—and if you ask us, it’s been a long time coming. After 15 years away from the music scene, Keri Hilson has returned not only with a brand-new album, but also a captivating new role in Lifetime’s Fame—the latest installment in The Temptations film franchise.
Between the album We Need to Talk: Love and her leading role in Fame, this isn’t just a comeback—it’s a rebirth. The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter turned actress is letting us into her world like never before, unpacking themes of vulnerability, healing, and inner strength with grace, grit, and raw artistry.
Now streaming on Lifetime, Fame follows two superstar sisters—played by Keri and singer/actress Keshia Chanté—as they navigate the cost of stardom, sibling rivalry, and the dark side of desire. The film also stars Romeo Miller, Ecstasia Sanders, Nathan Witte, and Sophie Carriere, and is executive produced by Derrick Williams and Adriane Hopper Williams of the Seven Deadly Sins franchise.
As for the music? We Need to Talk: Love is a three-part album (Love, Drama, Redemption) that tells the story of a woman who’s been through it—and has risen from the ashes. “It was time to speak for myself,” Keri says.
We sat down with Keri to talk about her return to music, her passion for acting, the emotional depth of Fame, and how she’s learning to care for herself amidst the chaos.
From R&B Queen to Drama Star: Keri Gets Into Character
“Even though she’s famous—as am I—it was really her humanity that I wanted to portray.”
Keri plays Cherish, one half of a superstar sibling duo who must confront their fractured relationship in the wake of a traumatic robbery. For Keri, the role was more than a character—it was a psychological study.
“I enjoy departures from reality. That’s why I love acting,” she shares. “Psychology is one of my favorite things in life. I became a writer because I’m an observer of human nature, emotion, and behavior. I think I did a good job showing her humanity.”
The Fame Isn’t Always Worth the Price
“Keep the main thing the main thing.”
Keri doesn’t sugarcoat the industry. When asked about what Fame reveals about the dark side of celebrity culture, her answer is clear:
“It’s a cautionary tale. It reminds you to keep your family close and not allow anything to come between them—especially in pursuit of success. Keep the main thing the main thing. For me, that’s family, love, spirituality, and values.”
Three Chapters, One Story: Love. Drama. Redemption.
“I’ve shed the fear. It was time to tell my own story.”
Released April 18th, We Need to Talk: Love is Keri’s first album in 15 years—and a deeply personal one at that. The three-part project (Love, Drama, Redemption) represents a timeline of healing and growth.
“I’m finally in a place where I’m able and willing to open up more,” she says. “For a while, I became really guarded—shell-shocked, even—after making mistakes in the public eye. Whether it’s all your fault or not, the scrutiny takes its toll. But now, I’ve shed that fear. It’s time to tell my story.”
Cooking, Walks, and Recalibrating in the Chaos
“I’m not doing the best job—but I’m doing what I can.”
Between eight-hour rehearsals, press runs, and music releases, Hilson admits she hasn’t quite figured out the balance yet—but she’s trying. For her, the key is carving out small rituals of normalcy.
“I enjoy cooking. That’s my sanctity,” she says. “I’ll go home, take my makeup off, put on my rehearsal clothes, and cook a meal. I take walks. I run. These little things help me feel like myself again.”
Art Imitates Life (and Album Tracklists)
“Cherish goes from Love… to Drama… to Redemption.”
Asked which album chapter her Fame character would fall into, Keri doesn’t hesitate. “She fits into all three,” she says. “You see her go from love, to drama, to redemption. That arc mirrors the journey of so many women who’ve had to navigate pain and find their way back to themselves.”
No Pressure, Just Art: Keri Wants You to Feel Something
“Just enjoy the art. That’s it.”
After all the time, patience, and healing, Keri isn’t asking for much. She just wants fans to press play—and feel something.
“I just want people to enjoy what they’re seeing and hearing. Enjoy me on screen. Enjoy me through their ears. People have waited, and I feel blessed by that. That helps me keep it all pure and simple.”
As Keri Hilson steps boldly back into the spotlight, it’s clear this era is all about alignment, artistry, and authenticity. With Fame airing on Lifetime and the first chapter of We Need to Talk: Love setting the tone, we’re more than excited to see what’s next.
As she continues to unfold the album’s next two chapters—Drama and Redemption—one thing’s for sure: this isn’t just a comeback. It’s a reintroduction. And we’ll be watching, listening, and cheering her on every step of the way.
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