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From Heartbreak To Fade: Teyana Taylor On Embracing Her Winning Year
When one of us wins, we all win!
For many of us, Teyana Taylor got our attention as the tomboy with unapologetic attitude and carefree style planning her epic sixteenth bday party on MTV's My Super Sweet Sixteen. And from there, followed her determination and grind to relevance as she pursued a career in music and film.
As an artist, Teyana Taylor released mixtapes like The Misunderstanding of Teyana Taylor and From A Planet Called Harlem and a studio album under GOOD Music entitled VII. As an actress, she found herself on the bigscreen in minor roles in films such as Stomp the Yard 2: The Homecoming and Madea's Big Happy Family.
For others, Teyana Taylor didn't fully gain recognition until baring her #bodygoals-having gym body as she danced for her life in Kanye West's iconic FADE video. She got what she deserved: fame, mainstream notoriety, and the opening of doors that had been closed for a long time up until that splash her wave made.
For Taylor, 2016 was truly blessings on blessings on blessings. And not just the moves she made in her career, but her personal life too. She became a mother last December to Iman (Junie) Tayla Shumpert and married the love of her life in NBA hubby Iman Shumpert. If you don't know him, just relax your mind and recall the steamy kiss towards the end of FADE. That shower scene? Yes. They are goals to be honest.
At the 2016 WEEN Awards in New York, Teyana Taylor received further praise and recognition of the career and life she has worked hard for and was honored as a woman in entertainment who embodies the balanced and positive portrayal of women that the WEEN awards supports and represents.
The 25-year-old has always put in work and that work is finally paying off and it's a beautiful sight for those who have always supported her to see.
After receiving her award, Taylor delivered an emotional speech about her struggle to her success:
“I've worked so hard. I know there's a lot of people in this room that has watched me grow up and watched me through my years of everybody saying, 'What is it that she does? She doesn't do anything, just give it up, it's never gonna happen, blaséblaséblasé.' People not knowing the backstory and not knowing what's really going on behind the books."
On the fears she had about pregnancy affecting her career:
“When I got pregnant, I was so scared. I was talking to my husband like, 'I don't know what I'm gonna tell my mom. I'm so scared'… because I've always made decisions off my career. Do I have a baby right now? It's just never going to be a 'right' time. For some weird moment, I was like, 'No. I'm ready for my family, things are not really moving right now. I'm not going to give up on family just because of some waiting opportunities or whatever it is.
I was scared. My mom was scared. But, I went along with it. And it ended up being one of the best decisions of my life. It's matured me so much and the grind, the hustle, the hunger just went at an all-time high. It was different. I'm breathing different, I'm talking different. (laughs)."
On the abundance she's felt since loving Iman and baby Junie:
“It was real. Having the support of my husband Iman. He is amazing, especially coming from a heartbreak and not feeling beautiful enough and not feeling good enough ...To turn around and have an amazing husband and an amazing daughter, it's just amazing."
[Tweet ""From not feeling beautiful enough, to turn around and have an amazing husband and an amazing daughter...""]
On how the emotions and rawness of her FADE performance came about:
“When I did FADE, that was a very, very emotional performance. It wasn't just a bra and a thong... It was a very emotional performance, I got a lot off my chest. I had to. Like, shit, if they aren't gonna put any of my music out, I'm gonna be up in this thing. Know what I'm saying? Shoot. I'm a hustler. I'm from Harlem."
On the new fans and success she's had post-FADE:
“They was like, 'How does it feel that people say you only got famous off FADE?' That's perfectly fine girl, now that the video's out, they watched it, they know the name, they download that album I made two years ago, hello? That was a good album. It got re-charted after the video so God is good! God will do it!"
Of course, the lady of the hour had some parting words for all those fellow hustlin' and grindin' women out there: “Never give up," she said, “Never give up." If she had when all those naysayers continued to have opinions that didn't matter, who knows where she'd be. Her strive and drive to success is a testament to many. Don't give up, especially when you know everything you want is out there and wants you back.
Congratulations Teyana Taylor on all your success! We love seeing you win and can't wait to see how the years continue to flourish for you!
Watch the video of her acceptance speech in full below:
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
Is it just me, or do our bodies have an “If it’s not one thing, it’s another” vibe as we get older? And lately, new or recurring skin conditions have been yet another thing to add to the growing list of “WTF is this, am I dying?” When it comes to seborrheic dermatitis, it’s one of the most common skin issues, impacting 3 to 10 out of 100 people, per the National Institute of Health. You may have heard of it, been diagnosed with it, or will relate to this article and finally feel seen and relieved that there’s a name for what you’ve been going through.
We’re breaking down everything you need to know about seborrheic dermatitis, from what it is and its symptoms to shutting down a few common myths, and of course, how to know if you actually have it. Let’s get into it.
What Are The Signs?
You may be experiencing seborrheic dermatitis if your skin, eyebrows, scalp, or facial hair has dandruff, irritable skin patches, or flakes, according to the Mayo Clinic. More specifically, and on the verge of TMI, oily skin with flat white or yellow scales may also be a sign.
When it comes to rashes, it’s likely they’ll show up in a ring-like form (which is called petaloid seborrheic dermatitis). For the melanated folks, rashes may appear darker or lighter (per the National Eczema Association, people of color may get a more intense flare-up with lesions on the hairline and discoloration), while those with fair skin may experience red rash areas.
Where Is It?
While seborrheic dermatitis can occur on various body parts, it’s frequently seen on the scalp, according to the NEA. The Mayo Clinic notes that the condition also pops up on oily facial and body areas like the edges of one’s nose, eyelids, and eyebrows, as well as the chest and ears. Skin can appear inflamed with rashes and patches, and the scalp will typically battle with relentless dandruff.
Seborrheic dermatitis can be super irritating and frustrating, but fortunately, if you’ve been diagnosed, it doesn’t lead to permanent hair loss, and it isn’t contagious, The Mayo Clinic states. In fact, with doctor-prescribed treatment or products like special shampoo, it could disappear or at least reduce flare-ups.
What Triggers It?
It’s difficult to pinpoint what specifically causes the condition. The Mayo Clinic points out that it could arise thanks to too much oil in the skin or the presence of Malassezia, a type of fungi. Commonly, things like fatigue, weather changes, and stress also play a role. More serious conditions that can trigger it range from Parkinson’s and depression to HIV, as well as the aftermath of life-altering events like a heart attack.
Bronchitis, strep throat, the flu, tonsillitis, and ear and respiratory infections are also known to cause flare-ups, along with skin issues like bruises, sunburns, scratches, and bites, per the Cleveland Clinic.
Interestingly enough, the NIH notes that seasons changing has a role too. Seborrheic dermatitis can disappear in the summer months, and then make a comeback like it never left in the winter.
Who Does It Affect?
Unlike many other things we go through as women, seborrheic dermatitis is actually more common for men, according to the NIH. It often appears for the first time in the young adult years or for those who are older than 50.
What About Psoriasis Though?
Seborrheic dermatitis is often compared to psoriasis, and for good reason. They both impact the skin, especially the scalp area. They can both also leave scaly patches on the skin, flakes on your hair, and cause itching. However, they’re not identical. Healthline notes that areas of seborrheic dermatitis flareups are typically easier to remove compared to psoriasis. Psoriasis also tends to be sorer and more tender, while seborrheic dermatitis can itch or create a burning sensation.
Let’s Clear The Air
There are a few rumors about the power of seborrheic dermatitis and what it can cause. So let’s break down the truth for a second. According to the NEA, this condition is not cancerous, nor does it indicate or increase a higher risk for cancer in the future.
Just a reminder, it doesn’t cause hair loss, nor is hair loss a symptom. If you are experiencing concerning hair loss, it is likely a sign of something else.
How Can You Treat It?
Seborrheic dermatitis can be treated pretty easily (praises be). Certain medicines like shampoos with tar, anti-inflammatory creams that include steroids, creams and shampoos with antifungal agents, or creams that feature salicylic acid, can be applied to the inflamed area to help resolve the problematic area, according to the NIH.
Just a note though: As tempting as it is to cover up scaly patches with heavy foundation or concealer, experts with the NIH actually advise against it as it can clog your pores. However, a light foundation can be used occasionally, along with skin care products that aren’t too oily to help temporarily conceal it.
A unique type of sunscreen also isn’t needed. You can use what you typically would before stepping out into the sun. And your skin soaking in a few extra rays could actually help your skin.
Should You Self-Diagnose?
As tempting as it is to make an appointment with Dr. Google, The Mayo Clinic advises you to call your actual physician if the condition interrupts your sleep, makes you lose focus throughout the day, contributes to anxiety, or simply doesn’t go away with at-home remedies. Simply put, it’s always best to check with your doctor to ensure you’re actually experiencing seborrheic dermatitis and get the treatment you need to help monitor or prevent it.
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