Jade Kendle Is A New Mom & Veteran Hustler Who Puts Self-Care First
In xoNecole's series Mother/Hustler, we sit down with influential mom bosses who open up about the ups and downs of motherhood, as well as how they kill it in their respective industries, all while keeping their sanity and being intentional about self-care.
Between creating content for her audience of more than 290K followers, planning a wedding, traveling the world, and breastfeeding a five-month-old baby at the same damn time, there is no doubt that Jade Kendle is a whole superhero in these streets. For this new mom and veteran hustler, her only kryptonite is self-neglect, a nemesis that she's battled with since giving birth to her daughter Sarai in July.
In an exclusive interview with xoNecole, Jade shared, "I know it's especially tough to take care of ourselves as moms but I truly believe that my daughter requires the best me. I'm not my best [if I'm] super tired or without having 10 minutes in the morning and night to tend to my skin or brush my hair." She explained, "Believe me, those newborn days had me skipping my wellness routines and it was not cute."
Despite the whirlwind chaos of being a full-time mother/hustler, Jade has one helluva support system that helps her keep her eye on the bag, even in her worst moments. The content creator shared that having an accountability partner, her twin, fellow mogul mommy and business partner, Simone Kendle has been key in helping her find and keep her balance as a mompreneur.
She told xoNecole, "I called her mid-breakdown the other day, [and] she said, 'This the shit they talk about, Jade. Being a working mom is hard! It's easy to be proud of yourself when everything is going right. It's these moments where things are out of whack that really shows how hard this mompreneur life is. But guess what? You can do this and It's going to be OK.'"
Along with prioritizing her self-care and saying 'no' to things that don't bring her joy, this is how Jade Kendle manages running a business while figuring out motherhood at the same damn time:
How do you handle moments when you feel overwhelmed?
I have to walk away and find a quiet spot to breathe! Sometimes feeling overwhelmed is just in our heads and, for me, changing my environment, even if it's a bathroom (laughs), makes a world of difference!
What’s the hardest part of your day?
The moments where I have to hop on a call or film and Sarai just won't comply. Whether that's her being super fussy because she's tired or wanting to take for-ev-er to nurse. Those moments I feel my anxiety build and are the moments where being a working new mom is a challenge. But short-lived, thankfully!
When do you feel most productive?
First thing in the morning, Sarai and I will wake up, play, and nurse. Once she's down for her first nap, my workday begins! I take full advantage of her nap times to do all work-related things so when she is awake, I can give her my attention. She's actually napping right now [as we speak]!
"First thing in the morning, Sarai and I will wake up, play, and nurse. Once she's down for her first nap, my workday begins! I take full advantage of her nap times to do all work-related things so when she is awake, I can give her my attention."
What is your favorite way to spend “me time”?
I love going to the spa! Getting a facial or massage is my jam. I force myself to go at least once a month since even getting to the nail salon regularly is a stretch. For me, that massage or moment in the steam room gives me that hard reset my body and mind need.
What is your advice for dealing with mom guilt?
Whew, that's a tough one. Honestly, I don't have that figured out. My best bet is that I'll always have it in some capacity because I'm a working woman. I just know that I do it all for her. I want my daughter to see me living a life I love and one where I can be passionate about my work and be there for her, too.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned as an entrepreneur?
You NEED a team!
What is the most important lesson you want your kid(s) to learn from you?
You decide. You decide who you are, you decide what you do. You decide when to go right or left. Life is about choices–don't let ANYONE or anything convince you that your instinct or innate desire/passion is wrong.
Why was it important to you to be an entrepreneur even though some people may think that a 9-5 offers more stability?
I had to recognize that what I want my life to look like didn't match what many 9-5ers lives look like. I felt so many conflicts–even in school–with strict routines and expectations. I knew I would either struggle to get up every day, which at times, I did. Or, I would have to walk a very different path. I'm so glad I chose a different path!
"I had to recognize that what I want my life to look like didn't match what many 9-5ers lives look like. I felt so many conflicts–even in school–with strict routines and expectations. I knew I would either struggle to get up every day, which at times, I did. Or, I would have to walk a very different path."
How has being a mother helped you become a better entrepreneur (or vice versa)?
Motherhood has taught me such a great lesson in prioritizing. From work to personal. Who do I really want to surround myself with? What projects do I really want to do? My life revolves around my family now, not work. That was a huge shift for me!
What advice do you have for moms who are looking to start their business but haven’t taken a step out on faith yet?
If you don't do it for you, do it for your baby. Do you want them to grow up seeing you work a job you hate or what dedication to your passion looks like?
Do you think it’s important to keep your personal and professional life separate? Why or why not?
For me, the personal and professional life is so intertwined! It works for me and what I do. I think everyone has to make that decision for themselves.
What advice do you have when it comes to time management as a mogul mommy?
Take advantage of a sleep schedule (laughs). That's all I got, so far!
What tips do you have for financial planning, both professionally and for your family?
Whew, that's a whole convo in itself! I would say in very general terms, PLAN PLAN PLAN!
To learn more about Jade, follow her on Instagram @lipstickncurls!
Featured image by Instagram/@lipstickncurls.
Taylor "Pretty" Honore is a spiritually centered and equally provocative rapper from Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a love for people and storytelling. You can probably find me planting herbs in your local community garden, blasting "Back That Thang Up" from my mini speaker. Let's get to know each other: @prettyhonore.
Meet The Designer Behind This Megan Thee Stallion "Hiss" Video Look
When Megan Thee Stallion dropped “Hiss,” a shift happened. From the audacious lyrics to the striking visuals, there was no doubt that the song and video would go viral. The opening of the video shows the H-town hottie rocking a barely there Shibari red dress, showing off her voluptuous frame. It was a sexy moment created by Timeekah Murphy of Alani Taylor. The designer exclusively tells us how the opportunity came about and what it was like seeing her design on Megan for the first time.
Timeekah Murphy
Photo courtesy
xoNecole: How did the opportunity to create such an iconic look for Megan Thee Stallion's "Hiss" video come about?
Timeekah Murphy: The opportunity came from a DM from celebrity stylist Zerina Akers. She asked for a unique Shibari piece for Megan, and I needed to get it done in two days. So, of course, I did everything in my power to make it happen. I've always wanted to design for Megan, so this was an awesome opportunity for me.
xoN: What was that initial feeling of seeing the dress on her for the first time?
TM: I was shocked because, at first, I thought it hadn't been used. I saw Megan's last video and thought, damn, maybe it didn't fit. So, to see it on such an amazing video was breathtaking. I was beyond excited to finally say I designed for her.
xoN: Did you meet her? If so, how was that moment?
TM: I didn't meet Megan during the shoot, but during my time in LA, I got the opportunity to meet her at LA Pride with Tiffany Haddish, Common, and EJ King (stylist). Megan is such an amazing person, so it made it even better to know that my designs were going to be worn by her. I was shocked because, at first, I thought it hadn't been used. I saw Megan's last video and thought, damn, maybe it didn't fit. So, to see it on such an amazing video was breathtaking. I was beyond excited to finally say I designed for her.
"I was shocked because, at first, I thought it hadn't been used. I saw Megan's last video and thought, damn, maybe it didn't fit. So, to see it on such an amazing video was breathtaking. I was beyond excited to finally say I designed for her."
Photo courtesy
xoN: Walk us through the creation of the dress. How did you come up with the look, and how long did it take to make it?
TM: I was the co-designer for a brand called Deviant in 2018-2020, and we used to make custom Shibari pieces. That's how Zerina knew me. So I'm very familiar with making these types of pieces. We made plenty for Beyoncé, Cardi B, Tiffany Haddish, Tyra Banks, and so many others. So Zerina knew exactly what she wanted.
To get it done, it took me a day and a half. It's very intricate and time-consuming, so I spent about six hours making it then I sent an image of it to Zerina, and she didn't approve the first one, so I had to start from scratch again after getting my guidance and understanding of what was needed. The next day, I went to The Lab and created another version, and she approved it. I had to get it shipped overnight so that she would get it in time and fast forward to seeing it on the big screen.
xoN: What's next for you?
TM: Everything. The sky is not my limit, so the Alani Taylor brand is expanding into so many different avenues. We are getting involved in the community more, offering sewing classes to the youth. I've opened up a store for my brand in Atlanta and now preparing for fall/winter Fashion Week.
Megan Thee Stallion "Hiss" video/ YouTube
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Grab Your Girls For These Galentine's Day Date Ideas
The season of love is here, and when we think about true, unconditional love, one thing comes to mind: our girlfriends. Through breakups, life transitions, and every milestone in between, our homegirls have a way of showing up like no other. When we think about the friends that make our lives sweeter, we can’t help but get butterflies. They make us laugh, they’ve seen us cry, and most of all, they remind us that romantic love isn’t the only valuable form of care there is.
With Galentine's Day soon approaching, what better way to commemorate the bonds that brighten up our lives than to show love to the women in our circle? To our chosen sisters everywhere, we’re helping to make the day a little sweeter by providing a few gal-pal-approved date ideas to show our appreciation for the women who bring joy and understanding and make life richer.
Siri, play “Best Friend” by Brandy.
Pasta and Wine Night
It’s time to bring your culinary skills to the table. For the girls who are looking to host an intimate dinner party from the comfort of their home, a pasta and wine night just might be the plan for you. No matter the level of your cooking expertise, pasta is a no-brainer cuisine that’s going to hit every time. Grab your favorite pasta sauce, pick up the fanciest wine on the shelf, and drizzle over some extra olive oil, and your girlfriends will be in awe of your cheffing skills.
PeopleImages/Getty Images
DIY Matching Charm Necklaces
If you’ve been anywhere on TikTok these days, charm necklaces are the latest hot, nostalgic accessory that the girls can’t get enough of. This trendy statement piece has become a crafty DIY project that makes jewelry-making that much more meaningful. Go for a personalized charms arrangement that you can create as your own personal treasure or lock in a matching piece so you and your bestie can twin together.
Host a Floral Arrangement Party
Flowers are truly a girl's best friend. And there’s just something about putting your hands to work to create the perfect arrangement of lilies, hydrangeas, daisies, and roses. The art of crafting flowers in a thoughtfully arranged manner holds a universal language for expressing love, and if your friends are anything like you, they definitely deserve to be given their flowers. Go to Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, or your local flower market and gather a few different flower styles for you and your friends to get crafty and share in the beauty of your blooms together.
Flashpop/Getty Images
Get Permanent Friendship Bracelets
Friendship bracelets have gotten a whole new upgrade with permanent bracelets. These permanent jewelry pieces are the perfect, low-stake representation of long-term commitment without the pain or pressure of regular tattoos. You and your bestie can seal the deal on your friendship with the permanent reminder of your love and commitment to one another. Plus, we can’t get over how cute they are.
Cocktail and Mocktail Drink-Off
We all know that a good time with the girls is not complete without the right libations. And if you’re looking to host a party of more than four of your favorite ladies, they can bring their personalities and flavors to life by whipping up their very own cocktails or mocktails. No matter if you’re a lemon drop kind of girl or a margarita lover, give your friends the task of concocting their own drink recipes and bringing them to the party. Bonus points for the competitive type: vote on whose drink was the tastiest.
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Featured image by JulPo/Getty Images