In xoNecole's Finding Balance, we profile boss women making boss moves in the world and in their respective industries. We talk to them about their business, their life, and most of all, what they do to find balance in their busy lives.
Now more than ever, the emergence of Black media talent is thriving. We're seeing people on and off the red carpet, in front of and behind the cameras, and creating an atmosphere of inclusivity for all to see.
Jamila Mustafa is no different. She is the epitome of hard work, tenacity, and hustle, only teaching other media personalities what it takes to work hard and in the moment. The award-winning broadcast journalist has done a bit of it all: interviews, appearances, speaking engagements, red carpet coverage, and more.
But one thing about working in media is that the burnout is REAL. So how do you juggle a 24/7 media cycle, a personal life, and your sanity? In this installment of the Finding Balance series, Mustafa chatted with xoNecole on finding the balance in her life and what "balance" looks like for her.
When you have a busy week, what's the most hectic part of it?
Everyday, haha. I wake up at about 4-5 a.m. each morning. I head to set to shoot BET Breaks after a night of researching, writing, editing, and requesting photos for each news story. After that, I may have an interview, another hosting gig, audition, or call back, and some days, I will have all four in one day. Also, I travel a lot to host or cover events, which is fun, but it can get hectic depending on the type of event. In the midst of that, I am currently traveling across the country, on two HBCU speaking tours to help raise and give scholarship money to students, one of them I launched called 'From HBCU to Hollywood'.
Wow, you are always on the go! Do you practice self-care?
Sheesh! I still struggle with that. My sleep pattern is off because I'm a workaholic. Also, I don't eat three times a day, maybe something small early and a big lunch/dinner...maybe. Despite those poor self-care habits, I try to take power naps to rejuvenate my mental, and pack little healthy snacks to munch on throughout the day if I feel my energy is getting low.
No question about it, I am a people person, however, those "Mila Moments" are my favorite. I am a foodie, so I love picking a new restaurant and going there with a book or notepad to eat, write, and relax. I love a little retail therapy, kicking it with my loved ones, and watching movies. It's great being the plug, but sometimes you gotta take yourself out of the socket to cool down so you don't burn out, you know.
"It's great being the plug, but sometimes you gotta take yourself out of th socket to cool down so you don't burn out."
How do you find balance with:
Friends?
Need them. They are my balance. I love having people that can give me a certain positive vibe around. I exert so much energy that it's refreshing just to be around people and not feel the need to do anything. I mean anything. So much so, my friends call me lazy and I'm far from lazy, but around them "less is more" in my opinion.
Love/Relationships?
I believe we can find real love at this age, however, we must always love ourselves more, realizing we are still growing and changing. If it's true, it will be there.
Exercise? Does it happen?
I'm like Angela Bassett after What's Love Got To Do With It. Muscles are a part of my body makeup, even if I'm not working out. I started Martial Arts at the age of 3, my father was a Grand Master, and I became a National Champion by the age of 11. I also, danced, swam, ran track, played basketball. Anything athletic, really. Nowadays, I try to hit the gym weekly and walk a lot in NYC so I can get some exercise.
What is your beauty routine?
I have sensitive skin, so I can't be too adventurous with new products. However, growing up my mom ALWAYS cared about her skin, she wasn't really the make-up type, so that trait rubbed off on me. Now, I'm into texture, tone, and elasticity in the skin.
Do you cook or find yourself eating out?
Ugh! I have to eat better. I love hot wings, ribs, steak, salmon, sushi. I am not a cook, although I can whip up a few meals and that's definitely something I want to dive more into.
Do you ever detox? What does that look like for you?
Physically, I cut back on certain foods and I drink lots of lemon water. Mentally, less action, less communication, and more meditation.
When you are going through a bout of uncertainty or feeling stuck, how do you handle it?
I pray. Have a conversation with the man above and ask Him to keep me still so I can hear my next move. I talk to my mom and sometimes look to my inspirations for encouragement.
What does success mean to you?
Success is being able to make a sustainable life for yourself doing what you love to do and impacting others.
What is something you think others forget when it comes to finding balance?
Something others forget when it comes to finding balance is that you're always finding it — that's why it's called balance. It's not something that you find one time, for one period in your life, and you are all good. No. As humans, we are in constant search for balance and it's our job to secure that level in our lives.
"As humans, we are in constant search for balance and it's our job to secure that level in our lives."
For more Jamila, follow her on Instagram.
Want more reads like this? Check out the xoNecole stories below:
Badass Boss Karleen Roy On How She Balances SoulCycle With Planning Parties For Cardi B & Migos
Renae Bluitt On How She Masters Work/Life Balance
Finding Balance: Vanessa Simmons On Juggling Being A Wife, Mother & Entrepreneur
Spiked Spin Founder Brianna Owens On How She Balances 18-Hour Workdays & Cycling
'He Said, She Said': Love Stories Put To The Test At A Weekend For Love
At the A Weekend For Love retreat, we sat down with four couples to explore their love stories in a playful but revealing way with #HeSaidSheSaid. From first encounters to life-changing moments, we tested their memories to see if their versions of events aligned—because, as they say, every story has three sides: his, hers, and the truth.
Do these couples remember their love stories the same way? Press play to find out.
Episode 1: Indira & Desmond – Love Across the Miles
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but for Indira & Desmond, love made it stronger. Every mile apart deepened their bond, reinforcing the unshakable foundation of their relationship. From their first "I love you" to the moment they knew they had found home in each other, their journey is a beautiful testament to the endurance of true love.
Episode 2: Jay & Tia – A Love Story Straight Out of a Rom-Com
If Hollywood is looking for its next Black love story, they need to take notes from Jay & Tia. Their journey—from an awkward first date to navigating careers, parenthood, and personal growth—proves that love is not just about romance but also resilience. Their story is full of laughter, challenges, and, most importantly, a love that stands the test of time.
Episode 3: Larencia & Mykel – Through the Highs and Lows
A date night with police helicopters overhead? Now that’s a story! Larencia & Mykel have faced unexpected surprises, major life changes, and 14 years of choosing each other every single day. But after all this time, do they actually remember things the same way? Their episode is sure to bring some eye-opening revelations and a lot of laughs.
Episode 4: Soy & Osei – A Love Aligned in Purpose
From a chance meeting at the front door to 15 years of unwavering love, faith, and growth, Soy & Osei prove that when two souls are aligned in love and purpose, nothing can shake their foundation. Their journey is a powerful reminder that true love is built on mutual support, shared values, and a deep connection that only strengthens with time.
Each of these couples has a unique and inspiring story to tell, but do their memories match up? Watch #HeSaidSheSaid to find out!
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How Power Women Protect Their Finances With Smart Money Boundaries
No matter what it is, setting boundaries can be challenging, especially when those boundaries involve money. But if you want to sustain success and financial freedom, boundaries are important, both with yourself and with others.
Many wealthy successful women have mastered setting boundaries and prioritizing accountability so that they can ensure they remain that way. Let's face it: If you want a certain quality of life and you work hard to achieve that, you don't want to risk it by taking on habits that jeopardize your financial stability.
Be inspired to not only set money boundaries but keep them by taking heed to the common financial boundaries power women of today establish:
1. They pay themselves first.
Building consistent savings habits is important to wealth-building no matter how much you earn, and the practice is often one that continues even after you're well-booked and well-paid. Actress, producer, and philanthropist Queen Latifah has always been a proponent of this after learning from her mom to "save your money."
This is the epitome of the energy behind paying yourself first. You squirrel something away and take care of yourself by taking care of your future first, before paying any bills. You invest in yourself (within your means and with a budget in mind, of course).
2. They don't loan money without clear repayment rules and expectations are agreed upon.
It's awesome to be able to help people out by loaning them money, but when you don't communicate clearly about repayment (or what will happen if the money is not repaid) you set yourself up for a cycle of taking on other's debts and maybe even building more debt of your own.
Unless you're doing charity, set those boundaries early about when and how a loan will be repaid. And if you know you won't get the money back, rethink the loan altogether.
3. They create budgets that are realistic and reflect their current lifestyle.
In her book, What I Know for Sure, Oprah Winfrey wrote, “I hope the way you spend your money is in line with the truth of who you are and what you care about.” This is key for many successful women, especially when they're budgeting and investing.
Issa Rae told Money.com, "I don’t splurge just because. I will never have 17 cars. I will never have expensive jewelry. I don’t spend that much on my clothes, or shoes. I will spend money on a stylist, and a makeup artist, because those things feel necessary for work. But material things? No."
There's a clear indication that there are clear value systems sustained by what matters to them no matter how much they make, and budgeting is a huge part of that.
4. They consider the long-term effects of a rash purchase before proceeding.
It's totally okay to treat yourself, but if you find yourself impulsively buying things you don't really need or always living check to check because you've maxed out your credit card to take that sixth trip in one year, there's a problem that might put a damper on those financial freedom plans. (That is unless your trip is part of how you make your money, and it's a worthy investment into expanding your prospects.)
Successful women are conscious of the long- and short-term effects of purchases, small and large. They're always thinking about how one action can impact the bigger picture.
5. They are givers and believe in the reciprocity of that.
Many of us are familiar with the famous quote, "To whom much is given, must is required," and there's that undertone of service and charity that is a common thread for wealthy, successful women, especially those who run businesses or lead brands. Involving yourself in acts of service not only enriches your development and that of communities, but it increases your exposure, network, and credibility, often leading to more opportunities to make more money.
Most leading CEOs, entrepreneurs, and professionals are big on giving back, whether it is through resources, a nonprofit, money, or their time. "As you become more successful, it's important for you to give back. Even if you can't financially give back, kind words and sharing about other businesses on social media mean so much. Every little thing counts. Help out your friends and family with advice, encouragement, and support," said Angela Yee, award-winning radio host and entrepreneur.
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Featured image by Charday Penn/Getty Images
Originally published on August 16, 2024