

Becoming a millionaire is often the ultimate bag in life but when Netflix offered award-winning executive producer, writer and actress Michaela Coel a cool $1M for the rights to I May Destroy You, she said, "Yeah, no." Sis knew her worth. With her massive success of her debut comedy, Chewing Gum, and work on three other Netflix projects under her belt, a million wasn't it.
Now I get that a mil isn't exactly normal payment for a script. We could go to Netflix today with a story idea and would be lucky to receive an offer of $10K. Sis was handed a Birkin in that aspect. But as Black women, we should never accept a company's initial offer without negotiating first, and that goes for a 9-5. We should produce our professional receipts and add in our experience beyond the minimum job requirements, major accomplishments, any press and our awards. There's usually more money on the table. Or if not, we should ask for perks. And when it comes to our art, we should definitely retain some ownership, if not all, at least to maintain integrity of our work and claim those residuals.
Besides I May Destroy You wasn't just any script. It's the 33-year-old's real-life story, based on her own sexual assault. It's also a form of her therapy, a way for her to process what happened and try to heal from it. We really can't put a price on her experience.
Michaela only asked for 5% ownership of the series. When Netflix refused, she attempted to negotiate down to 2%, eventually to 0.5%. A half of a percent. She was actually going to sign, too, but the woman on the other end of the telephone, who needed to run the deal past the higher-ups, expressed pride that Michaela was doing the right thing. The remark didn't sit right in Michaela's spirit.
"My thing is, I don't trust people. I just don't trust. I don't trust businesspeople, especially when they're parading as friends. I don't like it. I think that's all probably because of learning from my previous deals where I didn't say no, where I accepted, and so now it's made me very suspicious."
A few months later, Michaela pitched I May Destroy You to BBC, which immediately gave her everything she asked for and teamed up with HBO later to produce. A seat at the production table? Check. Full creative control? Of course. Rights to her own work? Yassss!
It's angering how women are often addressed and treated in business, though, especially in an industry dominated by white men. They assume we're not as smart and savvy as them, or we don't belong, so there's already that strike against us. But let a Black woman enter their space and have the audacity to ask her worth. Tuh! In a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal, Michaela said:
"Life is tricky enough navigating being a woman, being a Black woman, being a dark-skinned woman in England on television. It's so hard."
Entire conversations are shut down before any fair negotiations begin. And to add insult to this injury, it was another woman, who probably didn't look like us, who was complicit in allowing Michaela to undervalue herself. We must do better.
Not only should we ask for what we want and deserve, we should also dismiss the outdated idea that discussing money is taboo. We need trusted folks in our fields to bounce figures off of. And we need to be willing to share when there's no blueprint or standard. When it comes to transparency on money and one-sided deals, here's what Michaela said:
"That's so cool to me because it means that people might not make the same mistakes I made. I think if you have someone that you can privately say, 'Hey, I'm in the middle of a deal with these guys and you're in a deal with them...I just wanted to know, what does your deal look like?' I think it's empowering and the way the structures are set up, we're not very empowered. I love the fact that there is a little bit more discussion, that people are having talks at the side, creative to creative."
This isn't the only major win for Michaela, who recently earned a spot as Wall Street Journal's 2020 Television Innovator earlier this month. In 2018, she also became the first Black woman in the entire 42-year history of the Edinburgh International Television Festival to deliver their keynote address, a spot usually designated for white men. If we can learn anything from this smart and stunning queen, it's how to smash some norms. But infiltrating circles controlled by another race and gender only to reject their coins like pennies because we know we can absolutely get more will always be the ultimate flex.
To read Michaela's full WSJ and W interviews, click here and click here. To listen to her James MacTaggart Keynote Speech at the Edinburgh International Television Festival, click here.
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Featured image by Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com
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- Michaela Coel on Turning Down a Million Dollar Deal with Netflix ... ›
- Why Michaela Coel Turned Down a $1 Million Netflix Deal ›
- Michaela Coel Turned Down Netflix's Million Dollar 'Destroy You' Offer ›
I write about lifestyle and women's health and wellness. When I'm not in front of a computer screen crafting stories, I'm in a kitchen crafting cocktails. Follow me on the 'gram @teronda.
Devale Ellis On Being A Provider, Marriage Growth & Redefining Fatherhood
In this candid episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Devale Ellis, actor, social media personality, and star of Zatima, about modern masculinity, learning to be a better husband, emotional presence in marriage, fatherhood for Black men, and leading by example.
“I Wasn’t Present Emotionally”: Devale Ellis on Marriage Growth
Devale Ellis On Learning He Was a ‘Bad Husband’
Ellis grew up believing that a man should prioritize providing for his family. “I know this may come off as misogynistic, but I feel like it’s my responsibility as a man to pay for everything,” he said, emphasizing the wise guidance passed down by his father. However, five years into his marriage to long-time partner Khadeen Ellis, he realized provision wasn’t just financial.
“I was a bad husband because I wasn’t present emotionally… I wasn’t concerned about what she needed outside of the resources.”
Once he shifted his mindset, his marriage improved. “In me trying to be of service to her, I learned that me being of service created a woman who is now willing to be of service to me.”
On Redefining Masculinity and Fatherhood
For Ellis, “being a man is about being consistent.” As a father of four, he sees parenthood as a chance to reshape the future.
“Children give you another chance at life. I have four different opportunities right now to do my life all over again.”
He also works to uplift young Black men, reinforcing their worth in a world that often undermines them. His values extend to his career—Ellis refuses to play roles that involve domestic violence or sexual assault.
Watch the full episode below:
On Marriage, Family Planning, and Writing His Story
After his wife’s postpartum preeclampsia, Ellis chose a vasectomy over her taking hormonal birth control, further proving his commitment to their partnership. He and Khadeen share their journey in We Over Me, and his next book, Raising Kings: How Fatherhood Saved Me From Myself, is on the way.
Through honesty and growth, Devale Ellis challenges traditional ideas of masculinity, making his story one that resonates deeply with millennial women.
For the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker peels back the layers of masculinity with candid conversations that challenge stereotypes and celebrate vulnerability. Real men. Real stories. Real talk.
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 YouTube/xoNecole
Summer style is less about trends and more about transcendence.
This season allows for a sense of playfulness and freedom. My astrological placements—Cancer Sun, Aries Rising, and Aquarius Moon—influence my adventurous style, yet I also rely on a set of reliable, foolproof pieces. Everyone has such a collection of staples, and they are the foundation of a consistent and harmonious personal style.
Style Tips from 8 Creatives Who Are Owning Summer
With that in mind, we asked eight dynamic creatives—from New York to Los Angeles—to break down the summer outfits that make them feel most radiant, powerful, and fully aligned with their highest selves.
These women are dressing for ease, for expression, and for every mood that warm weather brings—whether it’s sprinklers at the park, rooftop hangs, or midday outfit changes on the fly.
“Every day is different, but if I had to dig deep into my core, my go-to look is some type of tank, long short, and a cool shoe. Seems basic, but trust—every piece speaks for itself in my closet. I’m a statement piece girl.”
Her Summer Staples: A fun sandal (think colorful dad sandal with a twist—like her furry pink Marni pair), bold earrings, and lots of layered jewelry to make up for the lack of layers in warm weather.
Style Signature: Bold colors and geometric patterns.
Her Tip for the Gworlz: “Keep trying new things each season—you’ll figure out what’s definitely for you and what’s not.”
Artist | New York City, NY
Courtesy
“I’m a mom, so tulle is perfect. It dries quickly after splash parks, it’s hard to stain, breathable—and still brings drama and ease equally.”
Her Summer Staples: Tulle dresses or skirts, novelty crossbody bags (“One looks like a pack of ramen!”), and stylish clogs that give height without sacrificing comfort.
How She Accessorizes: Always a hat (she’s bald and prioritizes sun protection) and oversized sunglasses for drama.
Style Signature: All the prints—floral, animal, geometric—and a fearless use of color.
Her Tip for the Gworlz: “Show up and show out in what makes YOU feel good. Find silhouettes that work for your body and make them your signature.”
Kerstina Renee (she/her)
Creative Partner | Brooklyn, NY
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“I wait all year for summer so I can have my legs out! I feel my most radiant in anything that puts them front and center.”
Her Summer Staples: Minimalist yet edgy pieces—think sheer tops, short shorts, mini dresses, and lace-up sandals that add height.
How She Accessorizes: Statement bags, rings that dial up any outfit, and pieces that can flex from errands to lunch dates.
Style Signature: Neutral tones, bold colors, pastels, geometric and animal prints.
Her Tip for the Gworlz: “Dress for you first. Yes, you can wear that to buy groceries. Your style is your expression—have fun with it.”
Ilianna Ayala Garcia (she/her)
Plus Size Model & Content Creator | New York City, NY
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“Summer style for me is ease, glow, and effort that feels effortless. A flowy skirt or dress, body shimmer, SPF, and I’m that girl.”
Her Summer Staples: Zelie For She halter maxis, Birkenstocks or Dolce Vita block heels, Lorvae and DEZI sunglasses, and Villa Fresca swimwear. Oh—and a portable fan is always in hand.
How She Accessorizes: Layered necklaces, statement earrings, dainty anklets, and headwraps for both fashion and function.
Style Signature: Soft pastels, animal prints, and silhouettes that highlight ease and confidence.
Her Tip for the Gworlz: “For my plus-size beauties: anti-chafing shorts from Thigh Society or Megababe’s stick. Also, grab a micro tagging gun to discreetly secure undergarments—freedom to move without worry!”
Zewiditu Jewel (she/her)
Co-Owner, Cloudy Donut Co. | New York City, NY
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“I never imagined I’d become a traditional woman in the sense that what works for me is for me. I don’t dress for the season—I dress for myself.”
Her Summer Staples: A crisp, controlled palette of black, white, and denim with occasional beige. Her beloved chocolate brown Row loafers and an ongoing hunt for the perfect white shoe.
How She Accessorizes: With timeless impact—her signature red lip, MAC’s “Ruby Woo,” which she’s been wearing since 2002.
Style Signature: White, black, denim—with yellow as her seasonal spirit color.
Her Tip for the Gworlz: “You are that girl. Anytime you need a reminder, look in the mirror. Everything you’ve been through, everything you’ve done. Own that sht. Wear that sht.”
Joelle Everett (she/her)
Brooklyn, NY
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“I love the big-bottom, small-top silhouette. Not only do I find it super flattering, I would describe my style as a mix of masculine and feminine, so a cute crop top with baggy jeans, or jorts, and a small tank is my go-to.”
Her Summer Staples: As a huge sneakerhead, her Sambas and Onitsuka Tigers are in heavy rotation alongside trucker and bucket hats which is absolutely hair dependent.
How She Accessorizes: Necklaces. She loves a good stack.
Style Signature: Neutral tones, animal prints, jewel tones are her absolute faves (deep purple, navy blues, forest greens, amber) — she thinks they look expensive, but are still colorful and fun.
Her Tip for the Gworlz: “Your style should be a personal reflection of who you are and how you feel. Every time I get dressed, I think about the fact that I'm communicating with people without having to say anything. I use my outfits as an opportunity to send messages and speak without talking.”
Tracey Wiley (she/her)
Digital Creator | New Orleans, LA
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“When it comes to my summer uniform, give me all the color, flow, and breeze-friendly fabric! Living in New Orleans, the heat doesn’t play fair — so I don’t even try to fight it in anything clingy. My go-to? A beautiful, bold, and colorful maxi dress. It's effortless, breathable, and moves with me (not against me).”
Her Summer Staples: Right now, she’s been carrying her àjò wallet by Awelewa By Monica everywhere. It’s functional and stylish. She can't live without a linen set from Zara.
How She Accessorizes: For jewelry: big rings, stacked bangles and a bold necklace, sunglasses, and a good head scarf for effortless glam.
Style Signature: Neutral tones, bold colors, animal prints.
Her Tip for the Gworlz: “Wear them clothes, sis! Be confident in them and have fun with your wardrobe. Don’t be afraid to play with color, mix high and low pieces, or bold prints. Dress for how YOU want to feel, not just how you want to look. And please stop saving your ‘good clothes’ for a special occasion! Every day is an occasion.”
Tristan Swimms (she/her)
Co-owner of The Common Collective | Denver, CO
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“I enjoy a mini short with crispy ankle socks, Wales Bonner Sambas and a vintage baby tee. I feel the prettiest when my fit gives sexy and comfortable — with a cool mix of brands I appreciate.”
Her Summer Staples: Must-haves include mini shorts or bloomer shorts, thin vintage baby tees, Sambas, oversized Stüssy zip-ups, baggy Japanese denim, colorful one-shoulder crop tops, backless tops, tennis skirts, and strappy platform shoes.
How She Accessorizes: It’s always gold jewelry for Tristan. She advises that you find you a good pawn shop for the best value of real gold.
Style Signature: Bold colors and denim, prioritizing a mix of sexy and comfortable styles.
Her Tip for the Gworlz: “Find your confidence in the balance between sexy and comfortable. The fit doesn’t always have to match — but it should spark compliments that start conversations.”
The Common Thread?
These style stars may vary in aesthetic, but the thread that runs through each of their summer uniforms is the same: intentionality, expression, and comfort. Whether you’re a statement-piece maximalist or a neutral-loving minimalist, there’s one rule this season: wear what makes you feel free.
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Featured image courtesy of Tristan Swimms/@tristanswimms