Regina King: "Comfort Zones Are Where Dreams Go To Die"
Regina King has been acting for as long as (or in my case, even longer than) most of us have been alive and after 34 years in the industry, the three-time Emmy-winner is playing her most unique role yet in the upcoming HBO Watchmen series (October 20). And as the cover star of Marie Claire's November 2019 issue, Regina is stunning us with her superhero moment. But there was a time when this ass-kicking action hero only dreamed of becoming a dentist.
"My desire to be a career actor was not always my desire. I thought I was going to be a dentist. It's funny because I've dated only one guy with not-so-great teeth, and I dated him for a minute. I never said anything, and after we broke up, he gets his teeth fixed."
Thanks to Regina's mom, the one-day actress was exposed to the arts early in life, and after seeing Eartha Kitt on stage in her childhood, she later ditched her dreams of dentistry and realized that performing was her destiny. After starting her career in the industry at only 14-years old, Regina says that the most important key to consistently slaying the game without getting stuck is stepping outside of the box:
"What's next, you know? I'm very good at choosing what needs to stay with me and what things need to be let go of. Sometimes we can get so caught up in the moment and we don't ever leave that moment, and that's how some people get stuck. I don't know if you ever heard me say, 'Comfort zones are where dreams go to die.'"
From her roles as Riley and Huey Freeman to her directorial work on shows like Being Mary Jane, Scandal, and Greenleaf, Regina has proven both on and off screen that she's a force to be reckoned with and her most recent role as Angela Abar on Watchmen is no different.
While being an ass-kicking, crime fighting vigilante has always been a dream for Regina, she never thought she would be doing it at 48 years old. She told Marie Claire:
"Sister waited until she was almost 50 to be a superhero. It's something I've always wanted to do, you know, be a woman physically kicking ass."
Earlier this year, Regina made a viral speech at the Golden Globes where she announced her mission to make Hollywood a more inclusive space for women, and according to Regina, she's making good on that promise by refusing to turn the other cheek:
"Turn the other cheek? I don't quite believe that. I do believe that sometimes you're supposed to turn the other cheek, sometimes they're supposed to get smacked back, sometimes they're supposed to get knocked the fuck out, you know? And taking that moment to assess the situation will help you."
To read Regina's full interview, click here.
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Featured image by Giphy
Originally published October 24, 2019.
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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Chizi Duru Takes Us On Her Journey To Hair Repair With SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection
This article is in partnership with Shea Moisture
Black women and their natural hair is often a shared experience with one another, and SheaMoisture knows all about it. That’s why they have launched the SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection. You have your days when your hair is flourishing, and you have your days when the elements in the air are causing an annoying amount of frizz. You have your days when you want to wear a protective style, and you have your days when you want to press your hair. And while there’s nothing wrong with switching things up, all the hair manipulation can cause damage to your luscious locks. This is something that beauty and wellness influencer Chizi Duru can relate to.
“The journey with our natural hair isn’t linear. Sometimes you fall in love, you fall out of love with your hair and I'm in a space where I want to love my hair in all stages. In an effort to revitalize these hair bonds, I'm trying out the new SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection,” she says in the video. SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection is a 4-step system powered by HydroPlex Technology and is scientifically proven to make hair 6x stronger with 84% less breakage by repairing and rebuilding broken hair bonds (compared to non-conditioning shampoo).
The collection’s formula is infused with Amla oil and AminoBlend, which are fortifying amino acids that strengthen the hair from root to tip and give you visibly healthy hair after just one use. Chizi shares her step-by-step process of using the collection and getting her hair health back on track. “Of course, we've got to remove any buildup, so I'm using the Bond Repair Shampoo, which smells incredible. I've had a sew-in for over two months. So yeah, we've got to get this scalp clean,” she says.
As a beauty content creator, Chizi is no stranger to giving the girls a lewk. From knotless braids to, more recently, a bouncy bob, she continues to showcase a variety of styles. Chizi highlights the ingredients used in the collection that were made to transform dry hair from heat damage, color in type 3 and 4 hair, and protective styles to soft, shiny hair. “So I've been playing around with heat, which, as you guys know, can damage the bonds in your hair,” she admits. “So I love that this line has natural and strengthening ingredients like amla oil and shea butter to help strengthen my hair. Then I'm gonna go in with the Bond Repair Conditioner, which helps strengthen and repair signs of damage in curly and coily hair.”
Last but not least is the SheaMoisture Bond Repair Masque. Using the hair masque will give hair the nourishment it needs as the last step to achieving ultimate healthy hair. “And for ultra moisture, I'm gonna use the Bond Repair Mask. One thing I forgot is the power of a good hair mask is gon’ revive what it needs to revive,” she says. “So join me on the journey of revitalizing my hair and enjoying every stage of it thanks to SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection.”
Step One: Bond Repair Shampoo
Rejuvenate your hair with SheaMoisture Bond Repair Shampoo, your go-to solution for luscious locks. Packed with hella hydration power, this shampoo adds moisture by 60% while removing buildup without stripping your strands. This shampoo gently cleanses impurities while significantly enhancing shine, smoothness, and softness.
The Bond Repair Shampoo is the first step in the 4-step Bond Repair system, all of which are infused with the uniquely formulated AminoBlend, and HydroPlex technologies that rebuild hair bonds.
Step Two: Bond Repair Conditioner
Tailored to repair styling damage, this creamy conditioner locks in 12x more moisture than standard non-conditioning shampoos, boosting damaged hair strength by 1.5x with significantly less breakage. The creamy SheaMoisture Bond Repair Conditioner deeply hydrates, enhances manageability, and leaves your hair looking healthier and shinier.
Step Three: Bond Repair Masque
This UltraMoisturizing reparative masque is a moisture-rich game-changer for those dealing with the aftermath of hair damage caused by styling. The SheaMoisture Bond Repair Masque delivers 13 times more moisture compared to non-conditioning shampoos, ensuring your hair feels nourished and soft. Designed to repair and rejuvenate, this masque significantly strengthens damaged hair — making it twice as strong while reducing breakage.
Step Four: Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner
Elevate your curl game with SheaMoisture’s Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner. Lightweight and hydrating, the Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner provides 12x more moisture than non-conditioning shampoos and tames frizz with 24-hour humidity control. Designed to define curls and coils, the leave-in conditioner enhances softness and shine, allowing you to detangle effortlessly.
Bonding Oil
The SheaMoisture Bonding Oil is a multitasking all-in-one formula that acts as a heat protectant and provides the hair with moisture, strength, shine, damage protection, and intense nourishment. This lightweight oil not only offers 24-hour frizz and humidity control but also fortifies your tresses, making them up to 5 times stronger with significantly less breakage.
Feature image @chiziduru/ Instagram
