20+ Black-Owned Businesses That Are Rooted In Self-Care & Wellness
Sistas, how you feelin'? Brothas, you feel alright? Admittedly, if I had to title this period of my life with a word, I'd use two: "Still processing." When I think of the events that we've endured collectively as a community in these past several weeks, I can only imagine how weary a lot of us must feel - mind, body, and spirit. In the wake of the murder of George Floyd, as well as our brothers and sisters taken from us before him at the hands of police brutality, we are tired. As Black people living in America, it's hard not to be in a constant state of being woke. Tired can sometimes feel like the understatement of a century.
This past weekend, news of protests spread like wildfire on our timelines and feeds as protestors gathered to stand in the frontlines and use their voices to roar so mightily it shook the earth to its core. However, everyone isn't built to show support for the cause by being on the frontlines in the action of furthering Black interests. Thankfully, there are still powerful ways to show up and show out, well beyond protesting. Some of those ways include donating to organizations (The Bail Project, Reclaim the Block, and the Atlanta Solidarity Project are a few), using your platform to spread awareness and resources, and using your dollar to help fuel Black communities by buying black.
We here at xoNecole are firm believers in showing support to Black businesses and Black women and will continue to do so. In honor of self-care and needing to use this time to pour a little more into ourselves, we've compiled a directory of 20+ black-owned businesses to show love to that are rooted in self-care and positive well-being. This is by no means an exhaustive list and we will continue to update it as time goes on. Check out them out below.
Mental Health
Green Goddess Glow
Beauty
Koils by Nature
Living
Food
Fitness
Fit Queen
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Originally published on June 3, 2020
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This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
This Is How Tonight's Rare Super Blue Moon Will Impact Your Sun & Rising Sign
Once in a Blue Moon, we have a Blue Moon. This year, however, this celestial body is at its largest capacity, as the Super Blue Moon in Aquarius emerges on August 19, at 2:26 p.m. EST. This is the first of the four Supermoons occurring back-to-back in 2024, and it’s time to feel all the feels.
What Does the Super Blue Moon Mean?
With this Blue Moon happening in the air sign of Aquarius, themes of friendship, community, purpose, destiny, and alignment come into play, and this Supermoon is here to bring things into a better place. Aquarius is all about progression and forward-movement energy, but amid Mercury retrograde, we are being asked to slow down, think about it, and listen to what our intuition is telling us about the path ahead.
When is the Super Blue Moon of 2024?
On August 19, the day of the Super Blue Moon, Jupiter in Gemini forms a square to Saturn retrograde in Pisces and any limitations you have been feeling in your life when it comes to connection, spirituality, freedom, and a deeper understanding of where you want to evolve are coming into clear view. Full Moons are a time to focus on where you need to let go a little more and let divine timing do its thing.
This Full Moon is no different, and we are being put in a position for self-growth, improvement, healing, and letting go of the past to create room for our future.
Aquarius is a sign that also rules politics and rebellion, and we could see some shifts happening in the political sphere during this Blue Moon. What’s been hidden is coming to the surface, and where the collective needs to improve or move on will be brought to the world’s attention as well. It’s about nurturing your dreams and insights right now, connecting with like-minded souls, self-reflection, and growth.
Balance the head with the heart, and pay attention to what’s been brought to your attention during this Blue Moon.
Read below for your sun and rising sign to see how this Super Blue Moon will be for you.
What the Blue Super Moon of 2024 Has in Store for Your Sign
ARIES
This Blue Moon for you is a process, Aries, and you are healing. There is a lot that is coming to the surface during this time, and not all of it may be a comfortable awakening at first. Your friendships, community, and group associations are going through a stage of reflection, and there is more you are learning about this area of your life.
You are opening up to the idea of connecting and doing the things that matter with the people around you, instead of pushing people away too much. There is a lot for you to work on letting go of at this time, most importantly however, you are letting go of old pain and hurt that has been preventing you from connecting with new people, perspectives, and experiences.
TAURUS
The Super Blue Moon in Aquarius is asking you to slow down, Taurus. You are getting an opportunity to grow in stability, and to build a nice life for yourself through your purpose and dedication. You are reflecting on the areas of your life in which you feel the most stable and grounded and are finding gratitude in the little things.
It’s important to find a balance between career responsibilities and personal responsibilities right now and to prioritize what is worth your time and what aligns most with your future goals. Overall, you are evaluating your long-term goals during this time, and thinking about the big picture of what is going to serve you in the long run.
GEMINI
This Blue Moon, for you, is about protecting your energy and allowing karma to balance its scales on its own. You have had to go through some combative energy recently with your ruling planet, Mercury, in retrograde, and this Blue Moon is about taking your peace more seriously. You need space to grow, develop, and gain the full picture, and you are taking that time right now.
This Blue Moon is reminding you of the importance of creating boundaries in your life, and not feeling like you have to be everywhere at once when you don’t have the energy to. Life is opening up to you and you have a lot of opportunities to think about and ponder over right now, Gemini.
CANCER
The Super Blue Moon is here, and you are reflecting on what is worthy of your heart, time, and focus Cancer. Emotionally, you could be feeling a lot right now, and are being reminded to reach out for support, talk about things with someone you trust, and not take on all of these emotions alone. There is significance in being able to be vulnerable with another, and you are opening up to a deeper understanding of that right now.
It’s time to let go of focusing so much on what isn’t working out or coming to fruition for you and to bring your attention to the beauty and growth that has been surrounding you the whole time. Do the rituals and self-care routines that make you feel safe and loved today.
LEO
This Super Blue Moon is a big awakening moment for you, Leo. With the Blue Moon happening in your opposite sign, Aquarius, there is a lot to reflect on right now, especially in matters of the heart. Love is coming full circle, and the culminations you are seeing now may be difficult to grasp. Remember your power and your strength, and remember that whatever is being brought to your attention was meant to be shown for you at this time and place.
If you can look at obstacles or challenges that present themselves as learning moments right now, you can prove to yourself how much you have evolved from the way things were. Don’t be too hard on yourself, and allow your relationships to move into a space of growth and understanding without forcing it too much.
VIRGO
The Super Blue Moon is here, and you are being asked to move on and move forward, Virgo. This Full Moon is reflecting to you how much you have been holding in emotionally, and how this could be disrupting your health and overall well-being in life. It’s about moving forward with less weight on your shoulders right now and about understanding that you deserve the best for yourself on all levels.
The more negativity you let go of, the more room you have for positive experiences to enter your life, and you are cleaning house right now. You are ready to rewrite your story and let go of the past. Make your health and well-being the priority, and choose yourself, Virgo.
LIBRA
This Blue Moon is an opportunity for you, Libra. You are letting go of what has been disrupting your happiness and sense of confidence, and you are putting your intentions and joy first. It’s about recognizing your unique gifts, skills, and talents and about putting yourself and your needs out there more.
New doors are opening for you, but you need time to reflect on what it has taken to get here, where you want to see these new doors lead you, and how to best live up to your full potential. This is overall, a more favorable Full Moon for you with it occurring in a fellow air sign, and you are flowing well with the energies in the sky during this time.
SCORPIO
Happy outcomes are coming to fruition for you during this Super Blue Moon, Scorpio. You finally see the full picture you have been looking for, and you are breathing some more fresh air right now. There is a lot of hope, opportunity, stability, and compassion filling your world, and you are secure in what you have built for yourself and what options you have for your future.
There is so much to look forward to in life right now, and this Blue Moon is an opportunity to see it all right in front of you, Scorpio. Overall, this Aquarius Blue Moon is showing you how magical life can get and is helping you let go of doubting yourself or your potential in life.
SAGITTARIUS
On the day of the Blue Moon, you are being asked to look for the hope and the glimmers of love in your life. It’s time to let go of being too hard on yourself, your growth, or where your relationships have been and to have more faith in it all. This Blue Moon is showing you what is possible through a strong faith in yourself and is reflecting to you just how much your heart has grown.
Some important conversations are being had right now, and the clarity may be disheartening at first. Allow time to heal, and remember that you deserve to be heard, too, Sagittarius. Take the time to reflect on how you can feel more happy with life and how you can give yourself some more grace and compassion right now.
CAPRICORN
This Blue Moon is beaming with clarity for you, Capricorn. You are processing, communicating effectively, and moving through a major growth spurt in your life. You have been working a lot on your finances as of late, and your stability here, and new ideas and perspectives are coming into bloom for you now.
Although you still need more time to get all the details, especially financially, the inspiration you are gaining now and the communications you are having are creating a breakthrough in your life overall. Remember that to obtain something; you have to believe that you are worthy of it first and that it all starts with that belief. Start believing in yourself and your value more, Capricorn.
AQUARIUS
The Super Blue Moon is happening in your sign, Aquarius, and it’s your time to shine, be, and be loved. There is a lot of favorable energy surrounding you during this Full Moon, and you are overall letting go of what hasn’t been working in your life. The past is coming up a lot for you right now, but you are really taking this opportunity to heal, let go, and understand yourself a little better.
You deserve space to just breathe, move forward, and become, and you are seeing that path more clearly now to do so. Focus on the heartfelt connections in your life during this Blue Moon, and remember that things aren’t what they were in the past. You have new experiences ahead of you and to create for yourself, and this Super Blue Moon is a chance to thank where you have been and honor your energy.
PISCES
Rest, recuperation, and rejuvenation are what this Blue Moon is all about for you, Pisces. You are in a deep mode of healing, and there is a lot to process in your life right now. There is a sense of feeling like things have been at a stalemate, but all that’s required to move out of this energy right now is patience and self-understanding. Consider all options and avenues, but remember that at the end of the day, making no decision is still a decision.
Be confident in what your intuition is telling you, pay attention to the signs, and gain some spiritual guidance. This Blue Moon is helping you let go of misunderstandings and confusion and gain the clarity needed to make some new decisions for yourself that better align with who you are today.
Explore your sign’s 2024 horoscope predictions to learn what is in store for you this year in love, career, and more. Check out the love compatibility of each sign to learn more about zodiac pairings and all things compatibility.
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