This Mother/Hustler Started Her Blog Five Years Ago. Now She Makes Six Figures.
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.
Lifestyle blogger Jehava Brown has four very special men in her life––three of which call her "mommy". While this Pennsylvania-based entrepreneur may have a full house of growing boys, her lucrative lifestyle blog allows her to bring home the bacon (and bread and butter, too).
Only five years ago, Jehava launched OnlyGirl4Boyz on a wish and a prayer, and today, this Mother/Hustler says that the fruits of her faith have been nothing short of a blessing. According to Jehava, the first step to success is getting out of your own way. "As simple as it sounds, just do it!" she explained. "So many people I have come across have all these plans they are ironing out when they could be in the process of growing their businesses. The people who do well in business are the ones who do not let fear of the unknown cripple them."
For a creative on the come-up, analysis paralysis is real, but Jehava wants you to know it's time to stop planning and start doing. Although the first step can be the hardest, it is also the most important. "When I started blogging, I knew enough to get everything going, but I had A LOT to learn. I learned as I went along, but I knew that the longer I 'planned', the less likely I was to start it. Also, I could still start producing an income that I would have missed out on if I didn't just hit the ground running."
We sat down with Jehava to talk more about budgeting, time management, and making your income work for you. Here's what we learned:
xoNecole: How do you handle moments when you feel overwhelmed?
Jehava Brown: Prayer and time with my girls can help me feel better in almost any situation. My faith is a big factor in my life and helps me take a step back and see all of God's many blessings when the cares of life feel like too much. Hanging out with my girlfriends encourages me to recognize how similar our issues are and that I'm not alone.
What’s the hardest part of your day?
JB: It would probably be once I pick my kids from school and my "second job" starts. I put on my mom hat while still balancing work through early-evening. I'm typically helping with homework, prepping dinner, and answering emails.
How (and how often) do you practice self-care?
JB: Once a week, I have a night out with a girlfriend. We typically go somewhere good for dinner, but it's so relaxing to unwind and eat alone in peace. When I go back to my family, I feel energized and ready to take on the busyness of life. This is something I made a priority a few years ago, and it has made all the difference.
"My faith is a big factor in my life and helps me take a step back and see all of God's many blessings when the cares of life feel like too much. Hanging out with my girlfriends encourages me to recognize how similar our issues are and that I'm not alone."
When do you feel most productive?
JB: First thing in the morning! I wake up and make my family breakfast and get everyone out of the house. Then, I start working by 8 am. I find I am most productive from then until noon. I can just focus on my business and tend to have the most energy (mainly because when I get my kids from school, I am juggling more and have to multi-task).
What is your favorite way to spend “me time”?
JB: I love going to the spa a few times a year or planning a girls' trip to get away, but on a more normal basis, I enjoy getting my nails and hair done as they just help me feel special even if I'm in sweats.
What is your advice for dealing with mom guilt?
JB: Even though I work from home, it is really hard to manage everything I have on my plate, and I have definitely battled with mom guilt. With my business, it definitely feels like the more time and energy you put in, the more successful you are. That is hard because some weeks I work 50 to 60 hours. In the past year, I have learned how to not let work control my life and cut back my hours by hiring more help. Another thing is just coming to grips with what I am bringing to the table and being proud of that.
I make a large income for my family, and we have had tons of all-expense-paid trips to Disney World, Vail, Colorado, and many other places due to my job. So acknowledging that my job affords my children better experiences, memories, and daily life helps with any guilt associated with the work it takes to be successful. I also make sure I am intentional in having meaningful family time each week where I am not working and we are spending time together.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned as an entrepreneur?
JB: To not take "no" personally. I think the difference between those who succeed and those who struggle to see their business flourish is how they interpret the word "no". I have met so many people in this business that are paralyzed by the idea of being turned down by pitching collaborations with companies and brands. I learned early on to just push past the negative responses and try harder. Even with all of my success, I still hear that word on a normal basis and use it as inspiration to do more and dream bigger. I started out reaching for the stars and was shocked by the brands that responded. Perseverance makes all the difference.
"I think the difference between those who succeed and those who struggle to see their business flourish is how they interpret the word 'no.' I have met so many people in this business that are paralyzed by the idea of being turned down by pitching collaborations with companies and brands. I learned early on to just push past the negative responses and try harder."
What is the most important lesson you want your kids to learn from you?
JB: To follow and trust God with all of your heart, and He will bless you in whatever you put your mind to. Every step of my business I have given back to Him and He has been faithful to bless it. Also, to dream big, research the steps to make that happen, and go for it! Hard work and perseverance pay off!
Why was it important to you to be an entrepreneur even though some people may think that a 9-to-5 offers more stability?
JB: I wanted to be available for my kids during these child-rearing years. I wanted to be there when they get home from school, volunteer in their classes, and make dinner each night. This was important to me and I believed I could do that while bringing in a consistent income. Yes, my goal was to make a standard full-time salary, but I didn't realize or dream it would become all that it has become!
How has being a mother helped you become a better entrepreneur (or vice versa)?
JB: As a mom, I wear a lot of different hats and I do the same as an entrepreneur. It's helped me balance my time, multi-task each day, and be assertive. I use all of these in my business each day and in parenting. Also, being a mom has given me more inspiration to push for my goals than I would ever have if it was just for me.
What advice do you have when it comes to time management as a mogul mommy?
JB: This is hard because when you have a business, success seems tied to the time you invest––especially in social media. However, I have found ways to be more effective with the time I invest in growing my brand. I have multiple calendars that I live by. One is for work, one is for our home life, and another my partnership manager and I share. This helps me stay focused on the tasks that need [to get] done each day. I also created work hours, and try to put down my phone and laptop outside of that.
What tips do you have for financial planning, both professionally and for your family?
JB: Every month my husband and I sit down to plan out our household budget and where we want our money to go. We also do quarterly goals for savings, paying off debt, investing, and so on. We did this when we had 2 cents to our name and we were trying to save $50 in a month, and we still do this now with a six-figure household.
As far as business goes, I have multiple accounts for business expenses, savings, and taxes. This makes everything so much easier at the end of the year. I make sure that I pay everything out of these accounts, and never cross them with our family accounts. A plan makes all the difference in reaching your financial goals. Be sure to give yourself little rewards to stay encouraged along the way as you meet those milestones.
Featured image courtesy of Jehava Brown.
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.
Claudia Jordan, Demetria McKinney & Jill Marie Jones On 'Games Women Play' & Dating Over 40
What do you get when you mix unfiltered truths, high-stakes romance, and a few well-timed one-liners? You get Games Women Play—the sizzling new stage play by Je’Caryous Johnson that’s part relationship rollercoaster, part grown-woman group chat.
With a powerhouse cast that includes Claudia Jordan, Demetria McKinney, Jill Marie Jones, Carl Payne, Chico Bean, and Brian J. White, the play dives headfirst into the messy, hilarious, and heart-wrenching games people play for love, power, and peace of mind. And the women leading this story? They’re bringing their whole selves to the stage—and leaving nothing behind.
From Script to Spotlight
The road to Games Women Play started over 20 years ago—literally.
“This script was written 20 years ago,” Jill Marie Jones said with a smile. “It was originally called Men, Money & Gold Diggers, and I was in the film version. So when Je’Caryous called me to bring it to the stage, I was like, ‘Let’s go.’” Now reimagined for 2025, the play is updated with sharp dialogue and modern relationship dynamics that feel all too real.
Demetria McKinney, no stranger to Je’Caryous Johnson’s productions, jumped at the opportunity to join the cast once again. “This is my third time working with him,” she shared. “It was an opportunity to stretch. I’d never been directed by Carl Payne before, and the chance to work with talent I admire—Jill, Claudia, Chico—it was a no-brainer.”
Claudia Jordan joked that she originally saw the role as just another check. “I didn’t take it that seriously at first,” she admitted. “But this is my first full-on tour—and now I’ve got a whole new respect for how hard people work in theater. This ain’t easy.”
Modern Love, Stage Left
The play doesn’t hold back when it comes to the messier parts of love. One jaw-dropping moment comes when a live podcast proposal flips into a prenup bombshell—leaving the audience (and the characters) gasping.
Demetria broke it down with honesty. “People don’t ask the real questions when they date. Like, ‘Do you want kids? How do you feel about money?’ These convos aren’t happening, and then everyone’s confused. That moment in the play—it’s real. That happens all the time.”
Jill chimed in, noting how the play speaks to emotional disconnect. “We’re giving each other different tokens of love. Men might offer security and money. Women, we’re giving our hearts. But there’s a disconnect—and that’s where things fall apart.”
And then Claudia, of course, took it all the way there. “These men don’t even want to sign our prenups now!” she laughed. “They want to live the soft life, too. Wearing units, gloss, getting their brows done. We can’t have nothing! Y’all want to be like us? Then get a damn period and go through menopause.”
Dating Over 40: “You Better Come Correct”
When the conversation turned to real-life relationships, all three women lit up. Their experiences dating in their 40s and 50s have given them both clarity—and zero tolerance for games.
“I feel sexier than I’ve ever felt,” said Jill, who proudly turned 50 in January. “I say what I want. I mean what I say. I’m inside my woman, and I’m not apologizing for it.”
Demetria added that dating now comes with deeper self-awareness. “Anybody in my life is there because I want them there. I’ve worked hard to need nobody. But I’m open to love—as long as you keep doing what got me there in the first place.”
For Claudia, the bar is high—and the peace is priceless. “I’ve worked hard for my peace,” she said. “I’m not dating for food. I’m dating because I want to spend time with you. And honestly, if being with you isn’t better than being alone with my candles and fountains and cats? Then no thanks.”
Channeling Strength & Icon Status
Each actress brings something different to the play—but all of them deliver.
“I actually wish I could be messier on stage,” Claudia joked. “But I think about my grandmother—she was born in 1929, couldn’t even vote or buy a house without a man, and didn’t give a damn. She was fearless. That’s where my strength comes from.”
For Jill, the comparisons to her iconic Girlfriends character Toni Childs aren’t far off—but this role gave her a chance to dig deeper. “If you really understood Toni, you’d see how layered she was. And Paisley is the same—misunderstood, but strong. There’s more to her than people see at first glance.”
Demetria, who juggles singing and acting seamlessly, shared that live theater pushes her in a new way. “Every moment on stage counts. You can’t redo anything. It’s a different kind of love and discipline. You have to give the performance away—live, in the moment—and trust that it lands.”
Laughter, Lessons & Black Girl Gems
The show has plenty of laugh-out-loud moments—and the cast isn’t shy about who steals scenes.
“Chico Bean gets a lot of gasps and laughs,” Claudia said. “And Naomi Booker? Every scene she’s in—she’s hilarious.”
But the play isn’t just about humor. It leaves space for reflection—especially for Black women.
“I hope we get back to the foundation of love and communication,” said Demetria. “A lot of us are in protector mode. But that’s turned into survival mode. We’ve lost softness. We’ve lost connection.”
Claudia agreed. “We’re doing it all—but it’s not because we want to be strong all the time. It’s because we have to be. And I just want women to know: You can have peace, you can be soft. But stop bringing your old pain into new love. Don’t let past heartbreak build walls so high that the right person can’t climb over.”
Final Act: Pack the House
If there’s one thing this cast agrees on, it’s that this play isn’t just entertainment—it’s necessary.
“Atlanta is the Black entertainment hub,” Claudia said. “We need y’all to show up for this play. Support the arts. Support each other. Because when we pack the house, we make space for more stories like this.”
Games Women Play is more than a play—it’s a mirror. You’ll see yourself, your friends, your exes, and maybe even your next chapter. So get ready to laugh, reflect, and maybe even heal—because the games are on.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image courtesy
Sterling K. Brown & Ryan Michelle Bathe Relationship Timeline
Sterling K. Brown and Ryan Michelle Bathe are one of our favorite Hollywood couples. We can't get over their adorable moments together on the red carpet and on social media. While they're both from St. Louis, they didn't meet until college, which they both attended Stanford. And the rest is as they say, history. Read below as we dive into their decades-long relationship.
Mid to Late1990s: Sterling K. Brown & Ryan Michelle Bathe Meet
Sterling and Ryan met as freshmen at Stanford University. "We were in the same dorm freshman year...that's kind of how we met," Ryan said in an interview with ET. "I was mesmerized," she said after watching him audition for the school play, Joe Turner's Come and Gone. Sterling revealed that The First Wives Club star was dating someone else, so they started off as friends.
"She got cast in the play as well, and we would ride bikes to rehearsal, and we would just talk. We found out that we were both from St. Louis. We didn't know that we were both from St. Louis, like, our parents went to rival high schools. We were born in the same hospital. Like, we were friends," he said.
The first few years of their relationship involved many breakups and makeups. However, they ended up graduating and attended NYU's Tisch Grad Acting Program together.
Early 2000s: Sterling K. Brown Tells Ryan Michelle Bathe She's 'The Love Of My Life'
The Paradise star opened up about telling Ryan that she was the one. "We broke up for three and a half years before we came back into each other's lives," he said. "She was on the treadmill working out, and I had this epiphany, 'I have to go tell this woman she's the love of my life.'"
"I go to her apartment, I tell her, and she's like, 'Well, I'm working out right now,' and I was like, 'No, I can see that—I'll just talk to you while you're on the treadmill,' and she's like, 'Well, I feel like going outside. So I'm gonna go on a run,'" he continued. "So I'm like dressed [in a suit], and she starts running through Koreatown, and I start running along with her. Brother had to work, but it was well worthwhile."
2006: Sterling K. Brown & Ryan Michelle Bathe Tie The Knot
The St. Louis natives eloped in 2006 and a year later held a larger ceremony. According to the bride, the best part of their wedding was the food. "The best thing about it was the food," she told ET.
"Can I just say, sometimes you go to weddings, and you get the winner-winner chicken dinner and you're like, 'I pay. OK, it's fine.' But I wanted people to remember their experience -- their culinary experience. So I was happy about that. The food was good."
2011: Sterling K. Brown & Ryan Michelle Bathe Welcome Their First Child
In 2011, Sterling and The Endgame actress welcomed their first son, Andrew. In a 2017 tweet, Sterling revealed they had a home birth. "An unexpected home delivery is something my wife and I went through ourselves with our first born, so this was round 2 for me!" he wrote while referring to a scene involving his character Randall, in This Is Us.
2012: Sterling K. Brown & Ryan Michelle Bathe Appear On-screen Together
A year later, the couple acted together on the Lifetime series Army Wives.
2015: Sterling K. Brown & Ryan Michelle Bathe Welcome Their Second Child
In 2015, Sterling and Ryan welcomed another son, Amaré. Sterling shared an Instagram post about their latest addition to the family. "1st post. 2nd child. All good! #imoninstagram," the Atlas star wrote.
2016: Ryan Michelle Bathe Joins Sterling K. Brown On 'This Is Us'
Ryan guest appears on her hubby's show, This Is Us.
Sterling K. Brown Reveals Ryan Michelle Bathe's Mother Didn't Like Him At First
During their sit-down interview for the Black Love series, Sterling revealed that Ryan's mother wasn't a fan of him, which caused friction in their relationship.
2024: Sterling K. Brown & Ryan Michelle Bathe Explain How Jennifer Lopez Once Broke Them Up
While visiting The Jennifer Hudson Show, Sterling and Ryan share their hilarious Jennifer Lopez break-up story. "We had just gone out, we were living in New York City, we were in grad school, and we had gone to see a Broadway play and we came back to my place and my roommate was playing the ["Love Don't Cost A Thing"] video on MTV," Sterling said.
"Now I'm a fan of Jennifer Lopez's dancing, and I was watching the video and I knew my young...21, 22-year-old girlfriend was looking at me watch the video. And I know I'm not supposed to have a reaction. In trying NOT to have a reaction, what had happened was, my eyes began to water."
Ryan jumped in, "Otherwise known as, TEARS! I turn around and my boyfriend is weeping, tears like big fat [tears]. And I'm looking and she's just a shakin' and a shimming, and he's just crying. I said 'Oh no, I got to go.' "
2024: Sterling K. Brown & Ryan Michelle Bathe Launch Their Podcast, We Don't Always Agree
The couple launched their podcast, We Don't Always Agree, where they disclose more intimate details about their love story.
Feature image by Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock