

Are you ready to scale up your life and step into your full power in 2021? xoNecole presents #OwnTheShift, a free virtual toast to embracing the space between who you are and who you're becoming. In partnership with Facebook and Instagram Reels, #OwnTheShift is hosted by multi-talented entertainment journalist Gia Peppers with special guests on topics ranging from money management to wellness to finding your voice. In cultivating this online space, #OwnTheShift will share tangible and inspiring takeaways to channel the readiness to step fully into owning the next transition of self and wealth.
2020 was a year unparalleled and for many of us, a year that brought forth many revelations on what does and doesn't serve us. 2021 is the year to fuel power into our intentions and dreams.
Through this intentional program, women will learn the ingredients on how to level up in how we speak, manage, stretch, empower and heal; both ourselves and each other. To "own the shift" is to possess a curiosity within yourself, the courage to not ignore what you discover, and the unshakeable faith to stand firm in what you need to get what you want in life. From the comfort of your own home and, for free, you can tune into the wise teachings of experts across a bevy of industries. Below you'll find a rundown of the panelists, topics, and times to tune in!
The event will start at 11 AM EST and you can register for your free ticket here!
SHIFT Yourself with Wellness Strategist Toni Jones
An intentional course on the importance of self-talk and how we speak to and over ourselves. In this session, we will learn how Toni Jones owned her shift into a new genre of music through mastering the keys to positive self-talk and trusting your path. Here attendees will leave having a better grasp on how to create mental campaigns to shift their negative narratives and amplify personal affirmations through the understanding of their subconscious-design.
SHIFT Your Pockets with Money Expert Tonya Rapley
Money management is a fundamental part of one's success and necessary to level up. Through this segment, financial specialist Tonya Rapley will demystify the concepts of saving, budgeting, and investing in a series of practical steps to see immediate financial confidence and growth even during these global transitions.
SHIFT Your Wellness with Health Advocate Phyllicia Bonano
The pandemic has directly altered the idea of work-life balance - between Zoom meetings, demanding hours, and personal responsibilities. Yoga guru and certified Reiki practitioner Phyllicia Bonano has mastered the practice of starting where you are and extending grace to your body. For OTS, she will teach attendees a series of stretches and breathwork exercises to reset the mind, body, and spirit from wherever you are.
Q+A with Dr. Jess
In conversation with Dr. Jess and Lalah Deliah together - the two will discuss how they have come to understand internal power (spiritual and emotional) while tapping into our superpowers. Through accepting our gift, getting out of our comfort zone, operating in love, and doing the work in the midst of a radical shift, we can truly move into our purpose.
SHIFT Your Vibration with Lalah Delia + Gia Peppers
A vulnerable conversation on beauty and weighted discoveries that come from shifting and learning to vibrate higher. Lalah and Gia will share personal stories, challenges, and realizations of their journey over the last year.
OWN THE SHIFT Meditation + Sound with Phyllicia and Toni
A moment of stillness to reaffirm the wisdom shared, this session will bring forth higher vibrations as the attendees tap into stillness, spirit, and sound.
If you haven't already, make sure you register for our free virtual event by clicking here and get ready to Own The SHIFT for 2021 and beyond!
Featured image by Shutterstock
Courtney is a contributing writer, based in Puerto Rico by way of Tennessee. Interested in the intersection of fashion and culture, she has an affinity for fashion, empowerment, and really good tacos. Keep up with her on Instagram (@hautecourtxo).
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
Calling All Lovers: October London, Tamar Braxton & Ro James Deliver A Soulful Serenade
If there was ever a night to pull out your best leather jacket, call up an old flame, and lean into your soft, sultry era, The October Nights: Calling All Lovers tour was it.
Presented by Black Promoters Collective, the show brought an evening of lush vocals, smooth grooves, and unapologetic grown-folks business to Atlanta—with Ro James, Tamar Braxton, and the man of the hour, October London, leading the charge. The energy? Sensual. The vibe? Intoxicating (literally and figuratively—more on that in a minute).
Ro James kicked off the night with his signature raspy vocals and a cool confidence that immediately set the tone. While “Permission” was the undeniable crowd favorite (with couples slow-dancing in their seats and people swaying with their phones in the air), he also dug deeper into his catalog, delivering seductive mid-tempos and moody ballads that reminded us he’s not a one-hit wonder—he’s a whole vibe.
Next up, Tamar Braxton took the stage with diva energy and vocal acrobatics that had the crowd on their feet. Her set was a perfect mix of emotion and edge—songs like “My Man,” “All the Way Home,” and “Love & War” hit every heartstring, but she didn’t stop there.
Tamar tapped into her earlier work, showing her full vocal range and reminding everyone that she’s one of the most powerful voices of her generation. Between tracks, she got personal with the audience, sharing laughs and stories like we were all cousins at the family reunion.
Oh—and in case you missed it: “Braxtons are coming back.” 👀 Consider that a soft launch if we’ve ever heard one.
Then came the velvet king himself: October London.
From the moment he stepped on stage, it felt like time slowed down. Backed by a silky live band and powerhouse background vocalists The Shindellas — Kaso, Stacy, and Tam, October’s set was pure R&B indulgence.
He opened with songs like “She Keeps Calling” and “Make Me Wanna,” blending retro soul with modern sensuality. Every note was intentional, every lyric soaked in emotion.
“Touch On Me” and “3rd Shift” had the crowd in a trance, while “Lovers Interlude” and “You Look Better” brought things to a tender, candlelit close.
And because this is October London we’re talking about—of course, he came with the charm. “If I come down there and sing with you,” he teased one woman in the front row, “you gon’ get pregnant.” The entire room screamed.
He also took a moment to introduce his newest venture—a signature whiskey that he’s currently promoting on tour. Smooth music, smooth vocals, smooth whiskey? A trifecta for the grown and sexy.
To top off the night, there was even a surprise pop-up from Tyrese, sending the crowd into full nostalgic overload.
By the end of the night, it was clear: this wasn’t just a concert—it was a love letter to R&B. The October Nights: Calling All Lovers tour captured the essence of grown-up intimacy, storytelling, and soul. No gimmicks. Just real voices, real feelings, and really good music.
If October London is the future of modern soul, we’re all in.
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Feature image by Geoffrey Clowes/ Shutterstock