Elaine Welteroth Celebrates Motherhood And Self-Care In "She Comes First"
Elaine Welteroth shattered ceilings by becoming the first Black editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue, and at the time, only the second Black editor-in-chief in Condé Nast's hundred-year history. Since then. she's become a media chameleon of sorts — transitioning to TV as a judge on Project Runway and a host on CBS' The Talk. She also has a New York Times best-selling book titled More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say). After reminiscing on all the space she's carved out for herself and other Black women in media, Elaine is proud yet relaxing into the new era of herself...one where she doesn't have to do it all anymore.
She Comes First Podcast | Episode 3: "The New Era Of Me"youtu.be
In the latest episode of our "She Comes First" podcast, Elaine talks about becoming a first-time mom this year. "I feel like I'm me 2.0," she says. "I'm still me, but a softer side has emerged, and I like her. I've been forced into surrender. I think that's what pregnancy does to a woman and her body and her life. You have to just relinquish any sense of control over the changes that are happening. It's hard and uncomfortable as hell, but what emerges on the other side is so beautiful and so worthwhile."
Elaine's first lesson in "surrendering" came in 2020 when she and (now) husband Jonathan Singletary's ditched their grand wedding plans for a porch-front pandemic ceremony in Brooklyn. In true Welteroth fashion, the wedding went viral, displaying the beauty and freedom of spontaneity in unprecedented times. Looking back, Welteroth says that her wedding is just one of many instances in her life where some of the best things came at unexpected times. "We all have an inner compass that guides us and knows better than the rest of the world when it's time to move," she says. "It's our job to stay tapped into what that compass is telling us. When the music changes, so must your dance."
Watch the full episode of "She Comes First" featuring Elaine Welteroth now! Visit xonecole.com/shecomesfirst for more episodes!
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Rihanna Talks Shedding Expectations And Finding Balance As A Mother
Since becoming a mother in 2022, Rihanna has defined parenthood by her terms and hopes to pass that sense of autonomy on to her children.
For Vogue China’s April cover story, Rihanna shared her perspective on raising her two sons with A$AP Rocky, and how she hopes to preserve her children’s uniqueness, devoid of societal expectations.
"The most beautiful thing...is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity,” she told the publication. “Which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group."
The “Work” artist, known for her trendsetting style and captivating persona, expressed her desire to support children in fully embracing their individuality and encouraging them to be whoever they want to be. "It's really beautiful to see and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be,” she says.
She continues, “They should embrace it completely, because it's beautiful, and it's unique. I love them just that way."
From shattering music charts to shaking up the beauty industry, Rihanna has forged a path that has since created the “dream” life we see today. One that she says has made her parents proud of.
“I’m living my dream,” she continued. “My parents were very proud of that because they just wanted me to be happy and successful. So, I think the key thing is to find some kind of balance. Yes, balance is important. Do this and you get the best of both worlds. You can write your own life the way you want, and it will be beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to let go of everyone’s expectations and start living your own story.”
Rihanna, who shares sons, RZA, 23 months, and Riot, 8 months, with rapper A$AP Rocky, recently shared her vision for expanding her family in the future in Interview Magazine.
When stylist Mel Ottenberg asked about the number of additional children she hoped to have, Rihanna replied, "As many as God wants me to have.”
"I don't know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl,” she adds. “But of course, if it's another boy, it's another boy."
Featured image by Neil MockfordWireImage
