During this time of social distancing, we turn to social media for uplifting messages and motivation as a means of connection and empowerment. On Instagram, with the help of our Explore page, we discover new pages to follow and people to connect with on mutual interests, coordinated color schemes and clever captions. Check out these Instagram accounts below that are building positive and powerful online communities for women of color in fashion, media, mental health and more!
@KicksAndFros
Chief Kicks Officer Melissa Cantey is creating the perfect online community for women like myself who love urban streetwear and melanated skin. "My purpose for starting the Kicks & Fros Instagram page was because I wanted to inspire. I'm able to show women and girls around the world that they can be bosses and comfortable, too!" the CKO tells xoNecole. "This platform has women rocking two things—beautiful, creative sneakers and their beautiful, natural fros. It's taken us women a while to feel comfortable in both of those things. But now that we are, there's no stopping us. I'm committed to highlighting it as much as I can. It's an incredible thing to see; women are truly the dopest!"
"My mission is to empower, elevate, and educate," Cantey continues. "Women are feeling more comfortable taking risks with both their sneakers and natural hair. I want to empower more women to keep taking those risks by showing how fun it is to express ourselves with our hair and sneaker selection, and educate women who think sneakers aren't for them. We ALL have a sneaker style, so I help them find it. Kicks bring so much versatility to our personal style, and we can all rock them."
@CoolAssBlackWoman
Ashley Glaspie has created a safe space for melanation to live and breathe mental health and wellness while being authentically and unapologetically themselves. "I couldn't find a positive Instagram page/outlet that really fed my soul as a black Woman and nothing I could really identify with. I started #CoolAssBlackWoman because it was something that I could relate to and I knew there were other women like me who needed a support system," Glaspie shares about her purpose for founding the Instagram page.
"#CoolAssBlackWoman is a safe space for black women to be vulnerable. A space that welcomes the mental growth and wellness of black women. We knew the Instagram page would help spread self-awareness and self-care at the consumer's fingertips," Ashley continues about her passion for Black women. "A few ways we engage with the cool ass Black women on the @CoolAssBlackWoman Instagram page are through self-care challenges, the #CoolAssBlackWoman podcast and virtual conversations to stay connected during our new normal."
@BrownGyrlSocial
Brown Gyrl Social is the brainchild of Tola L. inspired by the interaction and engagement of the Gyrl Wonder audience. "A lot of women who didn't fall into the Gyrl Wonder age range saw the work that we were doing for young women and asked about a community for the 25 and up crew," Head Gyrl in Charge Tola shares about BGS. "From those inquiries, the Brown Gyrl Social brand was created for women of color who are well into their professional careers and are looking for an authentic, inclusive community and support system."
On the mission of her new social platform baby, Tola L. states, "Brown Gyrl Social is a community of black and brown women creating and reserving space for one another, sharing resources for success. Through cultural impetus, authentic connections, and transformative conversations Brown Gyrl Social centralizes overall wellness, financial literacy and professional development."
@TransparentBlackGirl
Transparent Black Girl was founded by entrepreneur, writer and wellness advocate Yasmine Jameelah with the intention of being a wellness company shattering unconventional stigmas around what it means to be well for Black women across the diaspora. "Since our inception, we've grown to include Transparent Black Guy, which speaks to wellness for Black men," shares the xoNecole contributor about her male-centric platform. "Through our social media content and events, we create spaces for our community to heal in an environment where they are the priority."
@KnowTheZodiac
I don't know about y'all, but since COVID, I've been getting on the up-and-up about my zodiac sign and quite frankly, I'm learning more and more about myself as a Sagittarius everyday. Thanks to one Instagram page specifically catered to astrological knowledge for Black people, founder and CEO of @ScorpioMystique and @KnowTheZodiac Dossé-Via Trenou have created engaging, shareable content for all to behold about emotions, habits and quirks of each sign. On the commencement of her purpose, Trenou shares, "I began KnowTheZodiac's Instagram page due to my passion for astrology and spirituality that I wanted to share with the world, particularly with black people seeking an astrology platform where they felt seen, valued and recognized."
Dossé-Via is not shy about her passion and wants to share it with her people to have access to the knowledge they crave about spirituality, astrology and alignment. "Astrology, like most forms of spirituality, originated in the Motherland. OG astrologers were African women who tracked their menstrual cycles based on the phases of the moon. Our rich history as interpreters of cosmic patterns shouldn't be erased, but rather amplified, and KnowTheZodiac aims to do that," she adds, dropping knowledge. "Our team of astrologers are all women of color, and the media we use on our pages highlights the magic and melanin that exists within our community. Astrology is about getting to the root of who one is, and KnowTheZodiac's mission serves as a clear reminder that black women are the source from which life is derived."
@GrownAssBlackWoman
Founder and lead editor Narcisse Burchell is a woman of many hats, talents and sophistications - including the brains and beauty behind @GrownAssBlackWoman, where Black women who are #GROWNAF can engage in grown folk business while leaving the children to play out-back. "I created Grown Ass Black Woman after being stood up by all of my 'homegirls' for my bachelorette party and a long and lonely battle with depression. I needed to meet and bond with some real and ride or die women. I knew that I wasn't the only woman who needed to feel like she mattered," she shares with xoNecole.
"GABW was born to the multifaceted Proverbs 31 woman who enjoys taco Tuesdays, trap music and the occasional midnight jigga train to Georgia. Women want and need to be heard. Even more importantly, listened to. Without judgment. Without shame. We needed love. We needed laughter. We needed acceptance. We needed a space to snatch off our wigs after a long day of being Superwoman but still grow...together."
On her mission and engagement on her growing Instagram community, Narcisse says, "Life is hard and the answers we're seeking aren't always available in that group text of 4-5 friends who've never dealt with what we're going through. Grown Ass Black Woman provides a pool of passion-filled women from all ages and walks of life to weigh in, inspire and support in a space that encourages authenticity, vulnerability and transparency. Our experiences connect us to each other, our stories empower the next and this is where your voice gets heard."
@EpicFabGirl
For the dope Christian baddie looking to connect with other like-minded spirits, build profitable brands and grow their faith, then Epic Fab Girl is the online community for you! "We started Epic Fab Girl's Instagram after launching our blog in 2016 with a goal to be a community to help Christian women fearlessly pursue their purpose," founder and CEO Candace Junée shares.
"Epic Fab Girl's platform is made for Go-Getters - a place where faith and entrepreneurship collide for the modern-day Christian woman. We encourage our community to have a relationship with God over religion, while never forgetting that we are not 'self-made' entrepreneurs, rather we are building profitable brands with the help of a supportive community of women and God by our side," Junée continues to clarify about the mission and vision of how the brand engages with dope women of color. "We provide our community with the tools to build profitable brands, grow their faith, and connect with other women through our initiatives such as our annual Go-Getter Conference and the Go-Getter Confidential Virtual Summit."
@TheQueenSessions
What do you get when you take a woman who is passionate about the sociopolitical state of women of color and a social media handle? You get Autumn Myers, the founder and editor-in-chief of The Queen Sessions. As the former lead writer and current digital lead for America Hates US, Autumn gave birth to @TheQueenSessions through her love of content creation and media strategy to empower women of color. "I recognized that we want to go to a place that genuinely makes us feel good and inspired. So, once I started showcasing inspiring clips, memes, and women we aspire to be - some of who don't receive enough shine - I noticed a shift in interest which, overall, I love. To continually drop gems and highlight WOC who are impacting the world with their gifts," tells Autumn.
The editor-in-chief concludes, "We are now working on producing digital segments where we interview different queens and provide self-growth tips. Overall, the platform is growing and designed to impact women of color to reach their goals and feel heard."
@GirlsWhoListen
Instagram provides a really unique platform for brands like Girls Who Listen (GWL), founded by CEO Kadijat Salawudeen, to build an authentic fanbase. Girls Who Listen is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting female creators in the entertainment space that hosts a series of events such as panels, mingling mixers, songwriting sessions, and compile an internal networking database for upcoming artists and media professionals who aim to learn more about entertainment industries.
"GWL is actually an extension of Industry News Magazine (INM), a digital platform for keeping up with the latest music, news and fashion trends," tells Kadijat. "It wasn't enough for my team and I to feature local up-and-coming creatives, we felt it was necessary to curate this tight knit community for the ladies - sorry boys." GWL is actively engaging with dope women of color by partnering with brands that align with their mission and hosting giveaways and contests. "We also began curating a weekly Instagram series called '#LockedIn.' For the first two weeks we were able to feature Music Choice video producer Chazeen and Rebekah Espinosa (°1824 Director at Universal Music Group). Weekly, viewers can engage with our featured guests and really tap into their expertise as executives and creatives."
Featured image by Shutterstock
Adrian Marcel On Purpose, Sacrifice, And The 'Signs Of Life'
In this week's episode of xoMAN, host Kiara Walker talked with R&B artist Adrian Marcel, who opened up, full of heart and authenticity, about his personal evolution. He discussed his days transitioning from a young Bay Area singer on the come-up to becoming a grounded husband and father of four.
With honesty and introspection, Marcel reflected on how life, love, and loss have shaped the man he is today.
On ‘Life’s Subtle Signals’
Much of the conversation centered around purpose, sacrifice, and listening to life’s subtle signals. “I think that you really have to pay attention to the signs of life,” Marcel said. “Because as much as we need to make money, we are not necessarily on this Earth for that sole purpose, you know what I mean?” While he acknowledged his ambitions, adding, “that is not me saying at all I’m not trying to ball out,” he emphasized that fulfillment goes deeper.
“We are here to be happy. We are here [to] fulfill a purpose that we are put on here for.”
On Passion vs. Survival
Adrian spoke candidly about the tension between passion and survival, describing how hardship can sometimes point us away from misaligned paths. “If you find it’s constantly hurting you… that’s telling you something. That’s telling you that you’re going outside of your purpose.”
Marcel’s path hasn’t been without detours. A promising athlete in his youth, he recalled, “Early on in my career, I was still doing sports… I was good… I had a scholarship.” An injury changed everything. “My femur broke. Hence why I always say, you know, I’m gonna keep you hip like a femur.” After the injury, he pivoted to explore other careers, including teaching and corporate jobs.
“It just did not get me—even with any success that happened in anything—those times, back then, I was so unhappy. And you know, to a different degree. Like not just like, ‘I really want to be a singer so that’s why I’m unhappy.’ Nah, it was like, it was not fulfilling me in any form or fashion.”
On Connection Between Pursuing Music & Fatherhood
He recalled performing old-school songs at age 12 to impress girls, then his father challenged him: “You can lie to these girls all you want, but you're really just lying to yourself. You ain't growing.” That push led him to the piano—and eventually, to his truth. “Music is my love,” Marcel affirmed. “I wouldn’t be a happy husband if I was here trying to do anything else just to appease her [his wife].”
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by xoNecole/YouTube
Self-Validation, No Meals After 5 P.M. & The Wellness Rituals That Helped Lizzo Take Her Power Back
Don't let the "weight release" fool you, Lizzo's transformation wasn't just physical. It was spiritual, emotional, and deeply personal. In her Women's Health cover story, the "Good As Hell" artist opened up about the low point that became the catalyst for radical change in her life, inside and out.
In the summer of 2023, Lizzo found herself at the center of what she calls painful allegations when some of her former dancers filed a lawsuit against her. The 37-year-old singer has denied their claims, and though she has experienced "backlash my entire career," going through such legal woes coupled with public scrutiny proved to be detrimental to her mental health, leading her to one of the darkest periods of her life.
She told Women's Health, "I got very paranoid and isolated. I wasn’t even talking to my therapist. I wasn’t present. I wasn’t open. I wasn’t myself anymore."
After spending months in isolation, Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, decided to go to a tour stop on the Renaissance World Tour. She was nervous that the public would shun her, boo her, or reject her, but instead, she was embraced. It shifted something in her and after feeling so in the dark, she saw the light again. "It made me feel like, wow, maybe I don’t want to die," she shared with Women's Health.
"That was the kick-starter to me being like, ‘Okay, Melissa, get your ass in gear and take your f*cking life back.’"
Her first step in Operation Get Your Life Back? Cutting out the external noise. She gave her team total control of her social media and stopped looking at comments. "My validation was from external sources, people telling me they loved me, or that I look good, and accepting me," she explained. "But if that’s all I’m getting my validation from, when it changes—and it will, because people are not always going to like you—what happens? Where are you going to get your love from?"
Lizzo continued, "I can convince myself that I’m beautiful, my body fine, no matter how big or small. But reminding myself that you can’t let others tell you who you are—that was hard work."
Lizzo started going to therapy again, she started practicing quigong meditation, reading books, journaling, and doing sound baths. She released unhealthy relationships, drank echinacea tea, and began incorporating Pilates as a means to "feel sacred" and "be gentle" with herself.
But what many have interpreted as a "weight loss transformation" after she popped out sharing she met her "weight release" goal earlier this year, Lizzo has clarified that it has been something deeper for her than the aesthetic of a smaller body. "I wanted to be big-girl skinny," she told the mag. "Every big girl knows what I’m talking about. Big-girl skinny is 250 pounds." According to her, it was her back issues that inspired her to take the physical part of her wellness journey seriously.
I DID IT! #weightrelease
@lizzo I DID IT! #weightrelease
Through her friend Kelly Rowland, she linked up with her now-trainer Marvin Telp and developed a fitness regimen that prioritized strength and intention. Her weekly schedule now includes moves like single-leg deadlifts, reverse flies, and lateral lunges, along with infrared sauna sessions and cardio. Add to that a change in eating habits after realizing her vegan diet no longer served her (to be fair, she wasn't doing the vegan thing the "healthiest" way).
All the meat substitutes, bread, cashew cheese, and soy left her bloated and lightheaded, so now she's switched things up a bit to fill the nutritional gaps. When it comes to diet, it's heavy on the protein and vegetables for Lizzo. A typical day eating looks like scrambled eggs and cauliflower hash browns for breakfast, Thai chicken salad or lettuce wraps for lunch, and turkey meatloaf with greens for dinner.
She also has a strict cutoff of no meals after 5 p.m. to support her GERD and give her body the time it needs before bed to digest her food sans the acid reflux. Of her relationship with food and wellness, she told Women's Health, "There's a balance. I think that's what true health is."
Read Lizzo's full cover story with Women's Health here.
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Featured image by Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock