Viral Sensation Christiana Sabino Is Using 'Pure Black Love' To Build Her Brand
Before I settled into the lane of (mostly) sex and relationships writing, I was an entertainment journalist; this meant that I sharpened my teeth, quite a bit, in the interviewing lane — which meant that I’ve encountered quite a few different personalities over the years. And even though it’s been almost three decades of me doing that (off and on), in just a 50-minute conversation that I recently had, I found someone who has easily entered into my Top 10 of all-time favorite people to professionally explore. Easily.
Even if you don’t know her name, I’m willing to bet my next three writing checks that you’ve seen her before because if someone is good for going viral out herein these TikTok streets, it’s Christiana Sabino.
Since I also do a good amount of health and beauty writing, I know what filters can do. For her, they need not apply; she is the epitome of natural beauty. Yet and still, when she popped up on that video screen, she almost took my own damn breath away because stunning? That doesn’t even begin to cut it. In fact, I’m still trying to find an adjective that truly does her justice.
At really-close-to-30, Christina is as feminine as she is gorgeous, as humble as she is wise, as traditional (valued) as she is professionally savvy — and all of these reasons and more (especially once her husband joined in) are why I just knew I had to meet her, pick her brain and provide you all with some inspiration to do what she’s doing in your own signature way: let love and your purpose totally expand your life.
First, the Answers to Some Questions You’ve Probably Always Wanted to Know
Listen, if you don’t recognize Christiana, you either don’t do social media (pretty much at all) or you need to get your eyes checked. I say that because, if there’s one person who is gonna post a video of preparing meals to songs that I’m impressed she’s such a fan of (since she’s still in her 20s) while in some of the most radiant outfits alongside her man who you can tell truly adores her and she’s gonna get a million hits, damn near every single time, it’s her — almost seamlessly so.
“It’s what I know,” says Christiana with a soft-spoken delivery yet very clear demeanor. “I come from a two-parent home [as does her husband,Arismarlyn Sabino] and the way that I am on the videos is how I was raised.”
I could tell that she was Eastern-cultured from the first time I saw her content. I did a bit of digging and discovered that she was Liberian. Her husband? He’s from the Dominican Republic. They met in college in New York City and both have degrees. Christiana’s lane is nutrition (which makes all of the sense in the world if you’re a follower of her stuff) while Arismarlyn (who goes by Aris and is 28) is an architect. They’ve been together for seven years total, married for one year (their first anniversary is in June) and they currently live in Texas.
One more thing: althoughChristiana’s Instagram page simply says that she is a “blogger” that is the ultimate understatement. She has a cookbook (more on that in a bit). She owns a skin and hair care line calledGoddess Gleam. She is a huge fan of and consistently displays lifestyle content — from fitness and fashion to travel and home — and she’s passionate about her partnership with the green hair care company Amika.
“My brand is based on my own standards,” Christiana explains. “Everything that people see are things that I love — especially Black love.”
Ain’t nothin’ better than Black love, y’all. I just had to know more.
"My brand is based on my own standards. Everything that people see are things that I love — especially Black love."
Christiana’s Own Standards Brought Her to the Love That She’s Always Desired
Since I’m also a married life coach (and have been for almost 20 years now), I can discern pretty easily what genuine and healthy love looks like. Christiana and Aris? They are the real deal, y’all. Still, Christiana admits that there were a few frogs who came along before her prince (who actually carries himself more like a gentle and loving Black king) did.
“When I first came here and started to date, it was weird,” Christiana says with a light laugh. “I wasn’t used to people who didn’t date to marry and that’s all I wanted to do. I’m really family-oriented, so I was looking for a man who would be a good father and then a good husband — in that order because what you show as a father will let me know you’re a good husband potential.”
"When I first came here and started to date, it was weird. I wasn't used to people who didn't date to marry and that's all I wanted to do."
It wasn’t too long after trying her hand at dating in the States that she was blessed to meet Aris — a man who Christiana describes as responsible, hard-working, someone she loves to learn from, and who is beyond thoughtful and kind. A man who was more than happy and willing to discuss what they both were looking for in a relationship just three weeks into them dating each other. Yeah, Christiana definitely beams whenever she speaks of Aris; she’s so proud to be with him that it was actually not until halfway through the interview that I knew his name wasn’t “my husband.”
“My husband is so present and consistent,” Christiana shares. “He writes books. He actually designed my cookbook and gifted it to me on my birthday. I didn’t even know that he was going to do that but he compiled my recipes without my noticing and presented them to me. That’s the kind of man my husband is.”
"We definitely complement each other. I love every part of him."
I totally believe her because, although I don’t recall which post it was (Christiana posts quite a bit), I do remember her saying sometime last year that Aris was “retiring her,” so that she could do brand-building and content-creating full-time.
“We definitely complement each other,” Christiana explains. “I love every part of him.”
Which explains why, even though both Christiana and Aris say that they come from traditional homes, they went a bit against the grain by dating for a couple of years and then intentionally living together for one before getting engaged and later married.
“One of my uncles calls me ‘the black sheep’ of the family because that’s not how things are usually done with us,” Christiana admits. “I was intentional. I wanted us to be our most vulnerable [selves] and really know each other before marriage. I also wanted to grow with my partner [over time]…I think that’s why going from engaged to married hasn’t been much different; we had already learned so much about each other before.”
"I was intentional. I wanted us to be our most vulnerable and really know each other before marriage."
Christiana will say that although she is very comfortable doing things her own way when it comes to her wedding, she and Aris acquiesced to their families because, if it had been solely up to her and her now-husband, they would’ve eloped and had a ceremony later. Yet there are no regrets — when it comes to living with Aris first or having a ceremony to please their loved ones.
And now that they are about to hit their first official year as newlyweds, what is it like blending pretty much everything together? That’s when Aris, who was quietly sitting off-camera the entire time, was then asked to join the chat. I’m so happy that he did.
When a Man Loves a Woman, Y’all
Christiana is beautiful. Aris is handsome. They are a great-looking couple. Still, if Christiana has me low-key geeking over her looks, we all know thatmen must be up in the comments trippin’ hard. It doesn’t phase Aris; not one bit.
“She is beautiful and it’s the internet,” Aris says very calmly and gently. “As long as people don’t make her uncomfortable and everyone keeps their hands to themselves…she knows that I would die for her; that I would protect her. [Christiana is] my responsibility. We’ve been through too much together to worry about people we don’t know online.”
As I asked Aris to expound on what gives him the level of confidence that he has as he “shares” his wife with the world, he said, “We share some of our lives online but not all of it. And my wife is so reasonable, nurturing and she listens to understand. I think because we feel so safe with each other, it’s hard to feel worried about other people. Also, I don’t want her to feel forced to be with me. I always want to be her choice. That’s also why commenters don’t matter.”
Although both Aris and Christiana agree that no relationship is perfect, as I watched their energy exchange between each other (he looks at her so lovingly and she can’t keep her hands off of some part of him), I totally believed Christiana when she said that their “relationship struggle phase” was no more than a week. Once they realized that it was nothing more than a “butting of egos” (their words), they both looked at each other and said, “What are we doing?” and decided to not attempt one of those types of weeks again.
“When you work with your partner, you’ve got to put your pride aside,” Aris says. “You’ve got to really listen to each other, trust in each other, and give each other patience and grace.”
“My husband is huge on communication,” Christiana adds. “I’ve learned a lot about how to communicate better because of him. I listen more and now we’re at a point where we can read each other, we can answer each other’s questions. He’s my best friend and I trust him because I know that he has my best interest.”
When I asked if there are ever times when it’s hard for them to “get off of the clock” so to speak since so much of their professional and personal lives are intertwined, Christiana said, “He’s not a content creator, I am. My husband does a lot behind the scenes but we put our relationship first. Nothing is going to come before that.”
Christiana went on to share that even with as popular as her brand is becoming, it’s clear that there is a theme. Lifestyle and healthy living, yes — however, Black love and legacy are at the helm.
“My husband — I love every part of him. I prove my love by how I treat him. I’ve learned his needs and I meet them. He does the same. What I share online is a just a piece of what it’s like for us to be together. It’s a part of my culture. It’s a part of my relationship. It’s who I am.”
With (currently) over three million followers on TikTok and close to 675,000 followers on Instagram — how wonderful is it to know that so many people tune in, pretty much daily, to share in and celebrate all that Christiana holds dear. Black love, y’all, most of all.
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You can follow Christiana on TikTok at kristiline_ _ and on Instagram @kristline_. Make sure to pick up one of her cookbooks too:Mama's Cookbook Volume 1,Mama’s Cookbook Volume 2and others that are special editions or available for pre-order here.
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It's kinda wild that, in 2025, my byline will have appeared on this platform for (what?!) seven years. And yeah, when I'm not waxing poetic on here about sex, relationships and then...more sex and relationships, I am working as a certified marriage life coach, helping to birth babies (as a doula) or penning for other places (oftentimes under pen names).
As some of you know, something that I've been "threatening" to do for a few years now is write another book. Welp, October 2024 was the month that I "gave birth" to my third one: 'Inside of Me 2.0: My Story. With a 20-Year Lens'. It's fitting considering I hit a milestone during the same year.
Beyond that, Pumas and lip gloss are still my faves along with sweatshirts and tees that have a pro-Black message on them. I've also started really getting into big ass unique handbags and I'm always gonna have a signature scent that ain't nobody's business but my own.
As far as where to find me, I continue to be MIA on the social media front and I honestly don't know if that will ever change. Still, if you need to hit me up about something *that has nothing to do with pitching on the site (I'm gonna start ignoring those emails because...boundaries)*, hit me up at missnosipho@gmail.com. I'll do what I can. ;)
There’s just something about HBCU Homecoming that just hits different. Whether it’s your first time stepping onto the yard since graduation or you’re a regular at every Homecoming tailgate, HBCU pride is undeniable. It’s a vibrant celebration that unites the legacy of excellence and tradition with the energy and resilience of Black culture.
The experience goes beyond a typical college reunion; HBCU Homecoming is a family reunion, a fashion show, a cultural festival, and a week-long turn-up that embodies what it means to be unapologetically Black and educated. For HBCU alumni, the journey back to the yard each year is rooted in a love and pride that’s hard to put into words but impossible to deny.
From statement pieces to tech must-haves, every item represents the intersection of Black pride and HBCU love, ensuring that you show up to the yard in style and with intention. So whether you’re repping your alma mater for the first time since graduation or looking for fresh pieces to express your HBCU pride, these essentials will have you standing out, because, at HBCU Homecoming, it’s not just about showing up—it’s about showing out.
Thread Goals
diarrablu Jant Pants in Alia Noir
High-waisted, wide-legged, and ready to shut down the yard, the Jant Pants by diarrablu bring a whole new meaning to campus chic. Handcrafted in Dakar, Senegal, these free-flowing jacquard pants are perfect for stepping onto the yard with style and ease—making them a must-have for any HBCU alum’s closet.
Silver & Riley Convertible Executive Leather Bag Classic Size in Olive
This all-in-one luxury bag isn’t a bestseller for nothing. The Silver & Riley essential is made of Italian calfskin leather and thoughtfully designed, as it can be worn in four different ways: a shoulder bag, crossbody, a top handle, and a backpack. Chic and elegant, the Convertible Executive Leather bag is “the bag that every woman needs in her collection.”
Renowned Women's Intuition Cotton Graphic T-Shirt
Renowned
Renowned’s Women’s Intuition Cotton Graphic T-shirt features a bold graphic print inspired by the power and essence of women’s intuition. With its striking design, this all-cotton tee is a vibrant thing, making it a statement piece that celebrates feminine energy.
Mifland Million M Mesh Crop Shirt
Talk about bold, the Million M Mesh Crop Shirt combines edgy style with comfort, featuring Mifland’s signature print on a semi-see-through mesh fabric. Show up and show out in sophisticated flair.
HBCU Love FUBU
Melanin Is Life Melanated & Educated - I Love My HBCU Hoodie
Show off your HBCU love with this piece that represents everything you gained from your alma mater: a top-tier education, a community that lifts you up, and a deep sense of esteem for yourself and your culture. Wear it loud and proud, because being melanated and educated isn’t just a flex—it’s a legacy.
HBCU Culture Spelmanite Sweatshirt in Navy
Spelmanites, rep your Spelman pride with this unisex crewneck sweatshirt, designed for ultimate comfort and a relaxed fit. Made from a cozy cotton/polyester blend, this classic sweatshirt is as durable as it is stylish—making it an ideal piece for any Spelmanite showing love for their alma mater.
HBCU Culture Howard Is The Culture T-Shirt
Rock the ultimate flex by showcasing your Howard U love with HBCU Culture’s Howard Is The Culture t-shirt. This unisex tee offers a comfortable, relaxed fit that’s perfect for celebrating your HBCU spirit without sacrificing style or comfort.
DungeonForward FAMU - Strike Bucket - Reversible
DungeonForward’s Strike Bucket Hat brings versatility and style to the FAMU Crown collection with its reversible design, giving you two looks in one. Featuring a sleek black snakeskin-embossed brim lining and a bold outline Rattler emblem, this hat is all about repping your Rattler pride in style.
DungeonForward Savannah State University - HBCU Hat - TheYard
The Savannah State University HBCU Hat by DungeonForward is more than just a hat—it’s a symbol of Tiger pride and a nod to the culture. Perfect for gamedays, tailgates, or just showing off your HBCU love, this hat lets you carry a piece of the yard wherever you go.
Tech the Halls
Anker iPhone 16 Portable Charger, Nano Power Bank
Stay charged up with the Anker Nano Power Bank, which features dual USB-C ports, a foldable connector, and a compact design, making it perfect for those HBCU tailgates and late-night parties you pull up to.
Drip Check
Wisdom Frame 14 Square Sunglasses
Elevate your look with these angular square-frame sunglasses by Wisdom, bringing an ultramodern edge to any outfit. The sleek design makes them perfect for blocking out the haters while you stunt on the yard.
Coco and Breezy Eyewear Fortune in Gray Turquoise
The Fortune Glasses in Grey Turquoise is a bold statement piece to any Homecoming weekend ‘fit that “embody our fearless and outspoken DNA.” With their color and edgy design, these frames by Coco and Breezy are perfect for anyone looking to stand out and express their unapologetic confidence.
Howard U Lapel Pin
Rep your Bison pride wherever you go with this Howard U Lapel Pin from Pretty AmbVision. Whether adding it to your jacket, shirt, or bag, this pin is the perfect way to showcase your love for your alma mater while rocking your HBCU love with honor and distinction.
Mifland Standard Rucksack Mini
The Standard Rucksack is designed to evolve like that HBCU pride—getting richer, bolder, and better with time. Durable, stylish, and built to last, this Rucksack by Mifland is a timeless piece equipped with versatile carrying options and fully adjustable back straps for ultimate comfort.
Stay Fresh, Stay Blessed
Slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask in Pink
Keeping it cute starts with beauty sleep. This luxurious silk mask is an essential for a reason. If protecting your skin and waking up refreshed is your priority, look no further than this Homecoming essential.
Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier Lemon Lime - Hydration Powder Packets
Stay hydrated and energized throughout Homecoming weekend with this Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier in Lemon Lime. Just add a packet to your water bottle, and bless your body with 2-3 times more hydration than water with every packet. Because staying hydrated is the key to popping up and showing out all weekend long!
Loop Experience Plus Earplugs High Fidelity Hearing Protection
Designed for your hearing protection, these sleek earplugs reduce noise without compromising sound quality—perfect for enjoying the band’s halftime show, late-night parties, and DJ sets. Whether you’re front row at the step show or hitting the yard, your ears deserve to be protected in style!
Black Girl Magic Glass Cup
Sip in style and celebrate your melanin with the Black Girl Magic Glass Cup. Perfect for morning coffee, your favorite iced drink, or showing off your HBCU pride on the yard—this cup is all about keeping it cute while radiating your endless supply of Black Girl Magic.
Glow Up & Show Out
Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30
What Homecoming weekend can be complete without an assist from this beauty find? Formulated to blend seamlessly into melanin-rich skin (no white-cast), protect your glow while you turn up with the Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30.
Sienna Naturals Issa Rae's Wash Day Ritual Set
Issa Rae’s Wash Day Ritual Set from Sienna Naturals includes the H.A.PI. Shampoo, the Plant Power Repair Mask, Dew Magic, and Lock and Seal to get your crown right. Whether you’re repping your coils or rocking a new color on the yard, these products restore and nourish your strands, keeping your hair healthy, strong, and Homecoming-ready!
54 Thrones Ivorian Cocoa + Ghanaian Coconut Beauty Butter
Stay glowing from the tailgate to the after-party with the 54 Thrones Ivorian Cocoa + Ghanaian Coconut Beauty Butter. Infused with African-sourced ingredients, this rich, multi-purpose butter is the answer to keeping your skin soft and radiant through all the festivities all Homecoming long.
Saie Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Oil
Keep your lips looking luscious and nourished with the Saie Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Oil. Perfect for adding an extra pop to your pout before hitting the yard or freshening up between events, this lip oil is a beauty essential for staying camera-ready all weekend.
Join us in celebrating HBCU excellence! Check out our Best In Class hub for inspiring stories, empowering resources, and everything you need to embrace the HBCU experience.
Featured image by Visual Vic/Getty Images
Seven Fashion Girlies Share Their 'Rich Girl Energy' Outfit Formulas
As the summer has wound down and the leaves have begun to turn, many of us have entered a busy fall season.
After a slower pace, it's time to embrace the grind with extra grace once more. To help you transition seamlessly into this hectic period, we've compiled a collection of outfit ideas that embody the "I don't chase, I attract" and "I got money everywhere" mindset.
Inspired by popular influencers and their signature outfit formulas, these looks are designed to make you feel confident, abundant, and ready to conquer anything that comes your way. Get ready to channel your inner rich girl energy and step into fall with style!
Amy Lefevre
New York
Amy
Courtesy
The outfit formula that makes her feel like abundance is her birthright: “Wearing a fitted dress with oversized coat or blazer makes me feel confident, chic, and comfortable.”
Her go-to pieces that make her feel confident and powerful:“My trench coat and cute tote bag.”
How she accessorizes: “By adding lots of jewelry and sunglasses.”
Colors and patterns she finds most flattering: Neutral tones
Follow Amy on Instagram @lefevrediary.
Devana Turner, Creator and Stylist
Durham, NC
Devana
Courtesy
The outfit formula that makes her feel like abundance is her birthright:"Pairing wide-leg pants with tops or jackets that have balloon sleeves makes me feel powerful and on top of the world. The wide-leg pants give off effortless elegance, while the voluminous balloon sleeves add drama and sophistication. It’s a fit that’s unapologetic—it takes up space and commands attention."
Go-to pieces that make her feel confident and powerful: "My Aritzia effortless trousers, maroon Yankees fitted cap personalized with brooches, and Dior Saddle Bag. Each piece combines comfort with authority."
How she accessorizes: "Brooches elevate any look, adding personalization and character. Sunglasses or stylish frames tie my outfits together, adding polish and a sense of mystery."
Colors and patterns she finds most flattering: Neutral tones, bold colors, animal prints.
Follow Devana on Instagram @devanaturner.
Amiraa Vainqueur, Fashion Stylist and Style Expert
Los Angeles, CA
Amiraa
Courtesy
The outfit formula that makes her feel like abundance is her birthright: "Tailored trench with bold accessories: Think belted trench coat worn as a dress with knee-high boots and oversized sunglasses. The trench coat feels both classic and powerful when styled intentionally. Luxury athleisure: silk or satin sweatsuit with luxe sneakers and a quilted bomber jacket. Comfort meets luxury."
Go-to pieces that make her feel confident and powerful:"I love a tailored power suit—it always makes me feel confident."
How she accessorizes:"I am a maximalist, layering jewelry and sunglasses to elevate every look."
Colors and patterns she finds most flattering: Neutral tones, bold colors, soft pastels, animal prints.
Follow Amiraa on Instagram @amiraavainqueur.
Tonaya Lorenne
Chicago, IL
Tonaya
Courtesy
The outfit formula that makes her feel like abundance is her birthright:"I’m a 90s baby, and I translate that era’s fashion into my personal style. Bold colors, luxurious textures, and chic bottoms make me feel empowered and in alignment with my purpose."
Go-to pieces that make her feel confident and powerful:"My go-to lately has been small tops paired with oversized bottoms. I love the boldness, and I’ve stopped worrying about unflattering fits—power comes from owning my look."
How she accessorizes: "Hats, glasses, funky rings, and statement bags complete my looks, especially since I have short hair. Accessories are essential to my style."
Colors and patterns she finds most flattering: Neutral tones, bold colors, soft pastels, geometric patterns, animal prints.
Follow Tonaya on TikTok @_tonayalorenne.
Kéla Walker, Media Talent
Brooklyn, NY
Kéla
Credit: Shatimah Brathwaite
The outfit formula that makes her feel like abundance is her birthright: "I’m a magnet for matching sets and monochromatic looks. Dressing for my body type is key—balancing tight tops with loose bottoms creates harmony in my outfits."
Go-to pieces that make her feel confident and powerful:"Statement accessories like a strong-shoulder blazer or an exaggerated waist-cinching belt are my go-to's."
How she accessorizes: "From purses and heels to rings and arm candy, I never leave home without great shades to tie everything together."
Colors and patterns she finds most flattering: Neutral tones, bold colors, animal prints.
Follow Kéla on Instagram @kelawalker.
Opal, Creative Director at Lapo Lounge
Brooklyn, NY
Opal
Courtesy
The outfit formula that makes her feel like abundance is her birthright: "My go-to outfit formulas include bold monochromatic looks, structured suiting, and slip dresses. These serve as a canvas for my bold jewelry and accessories."
Go-to pieces that make her feel confident and powerful:"I often reach for a slip dress or a structured blazer. These staples give me easy elegance, whether dressed up with cool boots or layered for work."
How she accessorizes: "Chain belts and bold jewelry are my essentials. I love layering long necklaces or opting for bold chokers to elevate simple outfits."
Colors and patterns she finds most flattering:Neutral tones, bold colors.
Follow Opal on Instagram @opalbyopal.
Annette Walter, UrbanKinksNCurls
New York, NY
Annette
Courtesy
The outfit formula that makes her feel like abundance is her birthright:"An oversized blazer, mini pleated skirt, and fly boots are my favorite combination for feeling like that girl. Gold accessories in abundance complete the look."
Go-to pieces that make her feel confident and powerful: "I’m obsessed with oversized blazers and dope edgy boots. They can dress up or down any outfit and make a powerful statement."
How she accessorizes: "Gold accessories, especially layered necklaces and chokers, are a must. I’m also starting to build my collection of rings to add more flair."
Colors and patterns she finds most flattering: Neutral tones, bold colors, geometric patterns, animal prints.
Follow Annette on Instagram @urbankinksncurls.
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Matter of fact, the next time you get dressed, we empower you to say one of these affirmations as you also employ some of these outfit formulas:
- I radiate opulence and abundance with every outfit I wear.
- My style exudes confidence, power, and grace.
- I attract success and prosperity effortlessly.
- My wardrobe reflects my inner rich girl energy, making me feel unstoppable.
- I dress to impress myself, leaving a lasting impression wherever I go.
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