Naomi Campbell On The Real Reason She Doesn't Have Kids At 49
I don't know who needs to hear this, but it's high time we stop asking women when they're going to have children; I repeat, stop forcing babies on focused women. Between fertility treatments, egg freezing, and full autonomy to live our lives the best way we see fit, it's quite clear that the answer to that question is "whenever TF we want".
Just ask Naomi Campbell, who recently opened up to WSJ about why she's taking her dating life slow and is in no rush to start family planning. According to her, between ripping runways, jet setting, and leveling up various streams of revenue, Naomi says that finding a man is the least important task on her list.
For this 49-year-old supermodel, solitude has been the secret to keeping her sanity in check. Naomi explained in her life, being alone is rarely an option, so when she has the opportunity to bask in her own presence, she'll jump at it every time.
"Being alone doesn't mean you are lonely. I don't have time to be bored, and I don't have time to be lonely."
In a 2002 interview, the model unapologetically shared the real reason why she's never jumped the broom, and according to her, quite frankly it's because doing housework has never really been Naomi's thing. She told Marie Claire:
"I'm not going to be a trophy. If you expect me to be in the kitchen cooking breakfast in high heels, looking as though I just stepped out of a fashion magazine, it's not going to happen."
While the idea of having children isn't totally lost on Naomi, the model says that for now, she's grateful for the close friends that she calls her "chosen family," and if a man plans on sliding in her DMs, he should know that privacy is her top priority:
"For me, privacy is important to know each other, and I always worry that my job will not allow that. But I have ways. I was taught that by Robert De Niro."
Although Naomi still spends much of her time in the presence of adoring fans and industry leaders alike, she says that her life on the road has allowed her to be extremely selfish with her time and intentional about her privacy.
"Traveling has saved my life in a certain way—I keep it very limited to who knows what [I'm doing] and where I'm going."
The supermodel shared that after overcoming the perils of fame, addiction, and a few highly publicized toxic relationships, she's a "survivor" who found that living your best life usually requires you to walk in your own truth. Naomi says that although her life path hasn't been an easy one, she doesn't regret one step. She shared:
"I've not expected anything to ever be easy. I love underdogs because I've been an underdog for so many years. My whole life's been challenged. I've been told so many noes and not possibles. The noes helped me to build a stronger resilience."
Read Naomi's full interview here!
Featured image by Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com
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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.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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6 Spring Events To Boost Your Professional And Social Networks
When spring arrives, we all want to be outside, looking fabulous, and back to socializing. And now is the perfect time to add a few great events to your calendar to get you through the quarter in order to make new friends, build new partnerships, and talk new opportunities to level up.
Spring is a high season for networking and social events for Black women, with many organizations and event entrepreneurs booking prime locations and offering dynamic experiences that you can maximize in whatever way possible. Write down your goals, and get out there. Start with a few of these events between now and the start of summer:
New Orleans Jazz And Heritage Festival, April 23 - May 3
The New Orleans Jazz And Heritage Festival is a 10-day event held over two weekends, bringing together thousands of musicians, craftspeople, and food lovers to share in common threads of culture in the heart of New Orleans. You'll get to enjoy works by artisans local to Louisiana as well as from across the U.S. and around the world.
Black Food Truck Festival, April 26-28
Hosted in Charleston, S.C., the Black Food Truck Festival includes an opening party, access to more than two dozen food truck vendors, and a time to workout with other attendees. Charleston has long been known as a Southern foodie destination, with global recognition due to James Beard-awarded chefs heading popular restaurants there and a renewed focus on Gullah and Geechee culture and food in the region. And what better conversation ice-breaker than to talk about food with a new acquaintance?
Black Women's Mental Health Conference, May 4
Hosted by New York University, this is a one-day event to tackle issues of mental wellness and health that uniquely affect Black women and girls. The keynote speaker for this year is Kim Young, MSW, LCSW, founder of Dope Black Social Worker® and host of the podcast Revolutionary Hoodrat, and leading licensed professionals in the field will offer their insights and share their experiences. And, of course, no college-led event is without time blocked specifically for networking.
Strength of a Woman Festival, May 11-12
Anything with Mary J. Blige headlining or leading is a win, especially if we're talking about women's empowerment and enjoyment. This event will be held in New York City, and beyond the performances from some of our favorites like Muni Long, Jill Scott, and The Clark Sisters, there will be a Gospel Brunch. And even if you're not able to attend or concerts aren't your thing, just being in the city during that time will mean you're bound to run into plenty of other women to network with at local bars and restaurants nearby.
Carefree Black Girl Cookout, May 4
Held in the Queen City, Charlotte, N.C., this is a day festival amplifying the voices and brands of Black women entrepreneurs, artists, and creatives. There will be vendors, glam and beauty bars, and complimentary meals for the first hour (according to the platform's website). They're hosting another cookout in Philadelphia on May 25.
Black Women Leading Live, May 13-16
Touted as an “intimate retreat + conference,” this Virginia Beach, VA event will be held on a resort and is offering a professional development experience led by Laura Knights, founder of the Black Woman Leading® program and podcast. It’s an ideal fit if you’re a mid-level or senior professional, as the topics and approach are set to cater to those levels of career experience, with coaches and speakers pouring into attendees with a holistic approach.
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Featured image by PIKSEL/Getty Images