

Jessie Woo Is A Multihyphenate Force To Be Reckoned With
As we all know, the entertainment industry is a beast—especially for women of color. From television to music, it is fairly (or unfairly) understood that black women are often portrayed as aggressive, argumentative, or hyper-sexualized. Even for those of us who choose to celebrate their crowns through basic talent and hard work, the journey of "making it" comes with a unexpirable set of challenges.
And most frustrating of all, for those ladies who have a heavier dosage of melanin—such as the Justine Skyes or Normanis of the culture—that journey becomes that much more of a challenge, regardless of how talented they are. With knowing this, we have become highly aware of the fact that the resiliency to conquer this beast of an industry, must always, and only, be unwavered.
But what's a beast to a beast?
Someone who can explain entirely is Jessica Juste, the triple-threat, Haitian seeester-in-chief, who has affectionately captured our hearts, televisions, and social media scroll. We know her best as Jessie Woo: host, stand-up comedian, and ultra-talented vocalist, who has encapsulated her brand geniusly.
And with the recent release of her charting debut EP, Moods of a Cancer, Jessie Woo is proving her beast to be solid.
Ten-toes down, solid.
Courtesy of Jessie Woo
We sit down to discuss her evolution into music and womanhood since her last chat with us; and getting to know Jessie was admittedly a joy. She reminds me of a butterfly that is shy because it's blossoming from its caterpillar state, but also knows her new wings are poppin' as they emerge.
During our conversation, I study her presence. Her aura has a majestic possessiveness for her character and space, and she carries an unexpectedly stoic demeanor. She's fun but reserved and I am immediately enamored with the code switch from 'professional' to 'vibrant social media personality.'
I take note of her skilled approach, and ask how it feels to emerge from a class of fellow highly sought-after black women (Luvvie, Jackie Aina, Chrissle, etc.) with large platforms that the culture often looks to for their views on relevant topics. "I just keep it real," she says. "I'm not always joking, things aren't always funny. I've used my platform to speak on alot of things; politics, sexual abuse, Haiti, makeup, relationships. I think people gravitate towards folks who are honest; folks who aren't afraid to be transparent."
She's been a bit busy with being a host for various largely embraced platforms (Will Packer's Power Star Live, stages at Essence Fest, BETher red carpets, etc.) and managing a social media account of hilarious content that garners millions of views from her loyal 630K+ followers. And now, Jessie has slowly transitioned to a place she has always felt she should be, since she was a young girl: music.
With a standout single (and my jam) "Vacation" on the airwaves, and an EP peaking at number two on the R&B iTunes charts, Jessie is finally receiving well-deserved recognition for her music. "I was so scared to release this EP. Like, even the night before I asked myself, 'Are you sure you want to do this?' But I did. I wasn't going to let anything hold me back. So, we released it the next day and it beat Chris Brown, girl! I have the screenshot!" she says with a laugh.
"An evolution is happening for sure, in a great way. [Now] when people see me out and about, they talk about my music first."
Known as a boisterous ambassador for her ancestry of Haitian descent, she proudly flies the flag of her heritage through her music, comedy, and vibrant personality. "I grew up going [to Haiti] all the time. It's my favorite place to vacation. My mom is from Gonaïves (up north) and my dad is from Jeremie (down south). Unfortunately, people focus on the bad, the ghettos of Haiti, the political turmoil. Haiti has its issues just like every other island and every other black country in the world, but don't count us out. We've given too much to humanity to be cast aside."
Footage of boat rides on the clear waters, meetings with senators and tourism boards, and her roaming through the streets of Cap-Haïtien fill her instagram on her recent trip for a music video.
"Going back to Haiti to shoot the video for 'Vacation' was so important," she says. "It is very important to me that I use my platform to educate people about the Wakanda of the Carribean. It is beautiful. The beaches are unlike anything you are ever going to see. The food is incredible. The people are amazing."
I quickly realize that you can literally hear her smile and admiration of Haiti each time we discuss it.
"And 'Vacation' is the most popular song on the EP for obvious reasons. It's flavorful R&B, EDM and kompa all in one, so it all just made sense."
I take a moment to brag on her vocals and then I ask how she manages to balance the pressures of being a comedian, with wanting to be taken seriously as an artist. "You know what, that's a good question. I was just speaking with my manager, Shaft, about that. He worked with Cardi B on 'Bodak Yellow' and that's who he compared me to career-wise. I look to her as someone who has mastered the balance of the two beautifully. She is silly when she wants to be, but she is also serious when it's time to be serious. And whether you like her or not, one thing she is always serious about, is her music. And I feel we have that in common."
Another factor the two have in common is a stint in reality television. She speaks briefly on what she has learned through the process and if she would change anything. "Definitely. I wasn't prepared and I didn't know the politics behind it. I made mistakes in front of millions of people but God still had favor over me. What was meant to destroy me, turned out to be for my good."
I couldn't agree more.
"But I think my resume pre-reality TV, helped prevent reality TV from defining me. I hosted Essence Center Stage at Essence Fest this year. That was major. That opportunity didn't come from reality television. That came from Essence seeing my BET Breaks work, my BETher red carpet work, my Power Star Live work. Thank goodness I laid a solid foundation down so that opportunities could still roll in because chile," she laughs. "God is good!"
Courtesy of Jessie Woo
With her plate full and cup running over, I can't help but wonder how she manages to decompress and practice self-care. And although she hasn't quite figured out a routine yet (send her some tips, yall!), she does enjoy being in the quiet at home, which gives her the opportunity to think, talk to God, and process her feelings.
To keep her mental health in check, she does credit friends like Tanya Hoffler (BET producer), Jamila Mustafa (MTV's TRL), and Yves Carmelle (music agent at ICM) as women that she can look to for advice in navigating this chaotic industry. "[Yves] was one of the first people to reach out to me when folks started spreading my funny videos online. She's a successful Haitian woman who is well-respected and it means a lot to me to have access to her."
We close out with me asking her to describe herself. And without hesitation, she says, "Jessie Woo is a Haitian woman who loves God, has a great education and is talented beyond measure. She's not afraid to be herself, and make mistakes while reaching for every star destined to hang in her sky. She's a fearless go-getter, who is going to leave a major mark on this world."
I smile and think to myself: Wi, seeester.You already have.
For more of Jessie, follow her on Instagram @thejessiewoo.Moods of a Cancer is out now.
Featured image courtesy of Jessie Woo.
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Charmin Michelle is a southern native and creative spirit who works as a content marketer and events manager in Chicago. She enjoys traveling, #SummertimeChi, and the journey of mastering womanhood. Connect with her on Instagram @charminmichelle.
Smile, Sis! These Five Improvements Can Upgrade Your Oral Hygiene Instantly
This article is in partnership with Sensodyne.
Our teeth are connected to so many things - our nutrition, our confidence, and our overall mood. We often take for granted how important healthy teeth are, until issues like tooth sensitivity or gum recession come to remind us. Like most things related to our bodies, prevention is the best medicine. Here are five things you can do immediately to improve your oral hygiene, prevent tooth sensitivity, and avoid dental issues down the road.
1) Go Easy On the Rough Brushing: Brushing your teeth is and always will be priority number one in the oral hygiene department. No surprises there! However, there is such a thing as applying too much pressure when brushing…and that can lead to problems over time. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and brush in smooth, circular motions. It may seem counterintuitive, but a gentle approach to brushing is the most effective way to clean those pearly whites without wearing away enamel and exposing sensitive areas of the teeth.
2) Use A Desensitizing Toothpaste: As everyone knows, mouth pain can be highly uncomfortable; but tooth sensitivity is a whole different beast. Hot weather favorites like ice cream and popsicles have the ability to trigger tooth sensitivity, which might make you want to stay away from icy foods altogether. But as always, prevention is the best medicine here. Switching to a toothpaste like Sensodyne’s Sensitivity & Gum toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth will help build a protective layer over sensitive areas of the tooth. Over time, those sharp sensations that occur with extremely cold foods will subside, and you’ll be back to treating yourself to your icy faves like this one!
3) Floss, Rinse, Brush. (And In That Order!): Have you ever heard the saying, “It’s not what you do, but how you do it”? Well, the same thing applies to taking care of your teeth. Even if you are flossing and brushing religiously, you could be missing out on some of the benefits simply because you aren’t doing so in the right order. Flossing is best to do before brushing because it removes food particles and plaque from places your toothbrush can’t reach. After a proper flossing sesh, it is important to rinse out your mouth with water after. Finally, you can whip out your toothbrush and get to brushing. Though many of us commonly rinse with water after brushing to remove excess toothpaste, it may not be the best thing for our teeth. That’s because fluoride, the active ingredient in toothpaste that protects your enamel, works best when it gets to sit on the teeth and continue working its magic. Rinsing with water after brushing doesn’t let the toothpaste go to work like it really can. Changing up your order may take some getting used to, but over time, you’ll see the difference.
4) Stay Hydrated: Upping your water supply is a no-fail way to level up your health overall, and your teeth are no exception to this rule. Drinking water not only helps maintain a healthy pH balance in your mouth, but it also washes away residue and acids that can cause enamel erosion. It also helps you steer clear of dry mouth, which is a gateway to bad breath. And who needs that?
5) Show Your Gums Some Love: When it comes to improving your smile, you may be laser-focused on getting your teeth whiter, straighter, and overall healthier. Rightfully so, as these are all attributes of a megawatt smile; but you certainly don’t want to leave gum health out of the equation. If you neglect your gums, you’ll start to notice the effects of plaque buildup, which can irritate the gums and cause gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. Seeing blood while brushing and flossing is a tell-tale sign that your gums are suffering. You may also experience gum recession — a condition where the gum tissue surrounding your teeth pulls back, exposing more of your tooth. Brushing at least twice a day with a gum-protecting toothpaste like Sensodyne Sensitivity and Gum, coupled with regular dentist visits, will keep your gums shining as bright as those pearly whites.
The Libra woman and Aries man are the divine feminine and divine masculine, coming together as one. The love compatibility between these two is one for the books. These two are opposite signs, however, their differences tend to complement each other well. This is a dynamic relationship where they know how to have a lot of fun together, but also aren’t afraid to deal with the more serious stuff that comes with a relationship.
The Libra woman is looking for her equal in love, someone who is willing to put in the same effort she is, and the Aries man sees Libra as someone he is willing to do that with.
The Love Compatibility Of A Libra Woman And An Aries Man
What attracts a Libra woman and an Aries man to each other?
There is a magnet of attraction pulling these two together, and things tend to move pretty fast in this relationship. The Libra woman is always open to love and her charming nature rarely has any challenges here. The Aries man fights for his independence and doesn’t sacrifice that unless he is completely enamored with someone.
Once the Aries man catches the eye of the Libra woman, he is typically the one to make the first move and this instantly wins the approval of Libra.
These two feel like they have known each other forever when they meet, and this spark between them doesn’t die down easily.
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What is the relationship like between a Libra woman and an Aries man?
The relationship between the Libra woman and the Aries man is one of balance and excitement. The Aries man tends to take on the more dominant role in this relationship and the Libra woman tends to be the more receptive one. Aries is ruled by masculine Mars, and Libra is ruled by feminine Venus. They understand they are coming from two completely different worlds, yet they also instinctively feel this underlying connection to each other and like they could be something each other needs in their lives.
The Libra woman can rely on the Aries man, and the Aries man never has to ask for the love that Libra already knows he needs.
This is a couple that is often reading each other’s minds and wanting to do a lot of the same things. However, not everything is rainbow in this relationship as well, and there are some major differences they have to overcome to make things work. One argument can lead to an explosion between these two, and addressing things when they come up rather than sweeping them under the rug, will be needed to make this relationship long-term.
What is the sex like between a Libra woman and an Aries man?
The sex between a Libra woman and an Aries man is adventurous. These are two cardinal signs with plenty of energy and stamina to keep things exciting in the bedroom. There tends to be a good give and take in this relationship, and their yin and yang energy benefits them when it comes to their sex life.
There is electricity felt between the two of them in this area of their life, and their power of attraction to each other is strong. These are two people who will want to do a lot of things together, including exploring sexually together.
The Aries man will have to be careful with being overly aggressive, however, as the soft Libra woman may not like this energy- it will completely depend on the two individuals at hand. The Libra woman wants to ease into things, the Aries man wants to get going right away. Learning about each other's bodies, and energy, and reading each other’s cues will help with this.
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What makes a relationship between a Libra woman and an Aries man work?
These two genuinely like each other, and that basis is a key factor for success in any relationship. The Aries man is straight to the point, direct, and inspired. The Libra woman admires these characteristics in others, as she is often herself finding her balance in this type of energy as well. Neither sign is overly emotional in a way that turns them off, and they both require a lot of the same things in a committed relationship. They want honesty, fun, good communication, passion, and to be moving towards a common goal together.
The Libra woman and Aries man don’t have a problem being real with each other and this is something they really value within the relationship. They are both very charming, and there is plenty of flirtation and attraction to keep this relationship going. Aries being the protector they are, Libra finds a sense of safety and ease in this energy, and like they have found their match. Overall, this is a well-balanced relationship and one where they don’t have a problem when it comes to compatibility or chemistry in the relationship.
What may cause a Libra woman and an Aries man to break up?
Libra is the lover, Aries is the fighter, and this energy may be tiring for the both of them after time. The Libra woman can be passive to a fault, and the Aries man who is not evolved, may take advantage of that. She will need to be careful with putting Aries’ needs above her own, creating resentment later down the road. The Aries man loves a challenge, and the Libra woman would be up for that game for a little bit, but if she is not being met in the middle, she will begin to look for other places. These two can have a difficult time keeping the peace in the relationship, and there could be a lot of arguments and disagreements here if they both aren’t willing to put their egos or self-pleasing attitudes to the side.
The Libra woman and Aries man are both more sensitive than they appear or come off as. They are also not necessarily the type to dive deep into their emotions and express them to others, even in their relationships. However, this energy can keep the relationship to a surface level than what is needed to progress and grow the relationship, and a sense of openness is required for this couple to work. Libra needs romance, she wants to be wowed. Aries needs to remember this and to always consider her love language.
Summary
Overall, this is a successful pairing. They will have their fair share of challenges in the relationship, but nothing they can’t overcome if they are willing to. The trouble will come in when it comes to the longevity of the relationship, keeping Aries excited and Libra in love. However, all in all, there is more power, attraction, and love to keep this relationship together rather than apart. No relationship is perfect, but this one is a little more blessed than most.
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