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Power Moves For The Aspiring Boss Woman: As Told By La La Anthony
You are your own woman before, during, and after a relationship. And just because you are someone's wife or life partner doesn't mean that your identity is stripped or heightened because of that. You are yours before being anyone else's.
La La Anthony might have the last name of a prominent NBA player, but she is letting it be known that her Power moves have been orchestrated because of her own hard work as a businesswoman. In an inspiring essay with InStyle, the entrepreneur, actress, and bestselling author opens up about her journey of becoming the success that she is today, and it's full of keys for everyone out there working on becoming their own boss and rejoice in their own power.
Know Yourself, Know Your Worth
First things first, you have to know your worth by understanding what you have to offer. And then feel free to check others accordingly:
"I had to constantly remind people that I was there to work, [that it was] not about how tight my jeans are."
The Grind Won't Stop Unless You Do
Being a woman in male-dominated industries is nothing short of challenging. Every day, we are faced with situations where we have to go a little bit harder, assert ourselves a little bit more than our male counterparts, and constantly navigate the roads of classy clapback and peaceful composure. The seeds of La La's rise to fame were planted in her first role as an MTV VJ on TRL.
Though her first love was hip-hop, and she loved her job, it wasn't always rosé and roses.
"I felt like I had to prove myself 10 times more. I was always about my grind and my job and never made it about looks or anything else. I was just like, 'I'm gonna prove to you people that I know what I'm talking about and I'm good at what I'm doing, so you take me seriously.' That's always how it's been for me."
Remember You Shrink For Nothing & No One
In male-dominated spaces, La La reminds us that it's important to keep your head down to work but keep your head up to let your power be known. In no way is it okay to tolerate disrespect from others in your professional environment. Whether you are in the startup space or working in a restaurant, never dilute your whole self to comfort others.
"As a woman, I've never allowed myself to change my self-esteem or my confidence and back down to somebody else, even though sometimes it may be easier."
Know That New Levels Demand More Of You
New levels, new devils; new levels, new lessons.
When you are aspiring to become something bigger than yourself, it requires you to step your cookies up. That can be difficult for women because society wants us to crouch to fit into boxes. We're taught to clip our wings for those around us who do not yet know how to fly, because our power takes up too much space. Maintaining awareness of your own power is a strategic - and grounding - way to travel through the scabrous journey towards your goals.
To La La, power is the key you need to bring forth your own happiness:
"Power to me is being in control of your life, being in control of your decisions, and not allowing anyone else to knock you off your block or sway your morals and values and how you feel. It's about doing what you want to do and trying to make yourself happy."
Realize That There's Power In A Tribe Of Successful Women
It's important to take pride in the work we do for ourselves and congratulate our own wins due to the resilience and strength that we hold as women. It's also important to remove the veils of the illusionment of "self-made" success. Community, bonding, sisterhood, whatever you want to call it, is an important aspect of development. Black Girl Magic wouldn't exist if queens didn't recognize queens and we all didn't see each others' greatness.
According to La La, keeping a group of badass women around you doesn't hurt when it comes to your own growth:
As I grew up, I realized that I didn't need to be "one of the boys" in order to be successful; I could stand alongside them as a powerful woman and surround myself with other badass women who understood my experiences the way that men never could."
"I've always admired my friends, whether it's Ciara, Serena Williams or Kelly Rowlandor Kim Kardashian. My circle is full of amazing trailblazers who do amazing things. I've watched all these women break down all kinds of barriers and continue to do so. That's how we grow and move forward."
There Is Nothing Worth Gaining That Doesn't Require Challenge
Work hard. Harness your powerful confidence as a woman and stand your ground. Build a community of like-minded, driven women.
La La's own light illuminates a beautiful truth for all of us: there is nothing worth gaining that doesn't require challenge, but there are no barriers that we can't overcome if we put a little bit of our power into it.
"I've worked really hard to get where I'm at. I wasn't born into this life—I didn't have any family in the business to help me along—I trailed this path on my own with the help of amazing people along the way. And I'm continuing to grow in the things I love and find new passions. I feel like I'm just getting started."
Read La La's InStyle essay here.
Olivia Jade is a writer and creative engineer, intersecting wellness, culture, womanism, and self-development. She waters the flowers in her mind so others can recognize their own internal garden. Link up: @akaoliviajade (Twitter and IG) oliviajade.co
This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
Summer Travel Guide: 9 Safest Vacation Spots For Black Women
When it comes to planning and choosing our international travels, there’s one question that is bound to come up: “Is it safe for Black women?”
At times, our travel plans can be halted by whether or not our desired destination is safe not only for solo travel but for overall protection as women of color. We want to have fun, go on excursions, taste the food, and let our hair down, so the last thing we need on our minds is navigating microaggressions and worrying about our safety.
According to a report by The Mandala Research Firm, 17% of Black Americans take one or more international trips and travel locally more than six times per year. Even more exciting, 42% of Black Americans said they would spend more in 2020 on travel than in 2019 (pre-Covid), and 50% of Black adults (16% more than the general population) are more likely to travel to locations associated with their ethnic or cultural heritage. All of this goes to show that we’re not afraid to pack our bags and book flights to our heart's desire.
Our passion for travel and exploration highlights a growing desire to connect with a wide range of cultures while discovering new fresh locales. By choosing destinations with positive reputations for safety and belonging, you can enjoy your next adventure with peace of mind. And to help, we’ve provided a list of the best vacation spots to add to our travel bucket list.
1.Havana, Cuba
Known for its vibrant culture and welcoming locals, Havana offers a unique travel experience for you and your girlfriends. Stroll through the historic streets of Old Havana and immerse yourself in the lively music and dance scenes that make this city unforgettable.
2.Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Famous for its Carnival, stunning beaches, and warm hospitality, Rio de Janeiro is a lively and safe city to explore all year long. Don't miss a visit to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and the bustling Copacabana Beach for a true taste of Rio's energetic spirit.
3.Belize
With its beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife, and laid-back Caribbean vibe, Belize is a safe and adventurous destination for travelers. Discover the underwater wonders of the Belize Barrier Reef and explore ancient Lamanai Maya Ruins.
4.Paris, France
Who doesn’t have Paris, the city of lights, on their travel list? Renowned for its art, fashion, and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Paris offers a blend of romance and safety for travelers. Wander through the charming neighborhoods of Montmartre and Le Marais, explore the Louvre, and indulge in the city's exquisite culinary delights.
5.Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal's capital city, Lisbon, charms visitors with its historic architecture, delicious cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy breathtaking views from São Jorge Castle and savor traditional pastries at the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery.
6.Bali, Indonesia
We’ve all seen the viral photos off the Bali coast and Gates of Heaven, so why not make it a reality? Famous for its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and serene temples, Bali offers a safe and enriching travel experience in Southeast Asia.
7.Tokyo, Japan
Recently, the value of the Japanese Yen has seen a significant drop, making it the lowest it has been against the dollar since 1986, which also means that there’s no better time than now to make your travel plans to the renowned cultural hub.
8.Accra, Ghana
There’s no FOMO like the kind felt from seeing all the beautiful faces enjoying their holiday at Ghana’s Afrochella Festival, so let this be your sign to start planning the trip now. Often referred to as a welcoming home for the African diaspora, Ghana offers rich cultural experiences and a sense of belonging. Explore the vibrant markets of Accra and visit the historic Cape Coast Castle to connect with the nation's poignant past.
9.Seoul, South Korea
You may be surprised to find this city on the list, but for Black travelers, Seoul is said to be one of the safest and most exciting cities to travel to. There will be plenty to eat, buy, and experience from this city’s rich history and culture.
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Featured image by Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images