Decoding The 'It Girl': Tylynn Burns Is Human Too
Sweet Life: Los Angeles on HBO Max is an honest and unique look into what it means to be young, Black, and constantly pursuing one's dreams in the heart of South Los Angeles. Exploring themes of loyalty, legacy and love, the coming-of-age series follows a group of longtime friends navigating the relatable, chaotic mid-20s. Since season one, there's been a breakout star who's not been afraid to keep it real, "the nucleus" of the core cast friend group, and all-around IT GIRL, Tylynn Burns.
As season two comes to a close, xoNecole caught up with Tylynn who’s been gracing our screens with stylish looks while growing, learning — holding herself accountable — and chasing her dreams in front of a national audience. But sharing glimpses of her world via reality TV isn't always a walk in the park, and with season two, Tylynn is navigating the praise and scrutiny with grace.
Tylynn is aware of how she's portrayed on camera — "very serious, super tunnel vision with her business, always dipping her toes in her friends' lives" — but after Candiss, her IRL friend and fellow castmate, she swears she's the "most lit." An avid music listener and fan of trap and house music and reggaeton, she often spins some: Young Nudy, Steve Lacy, Bad Bunny, Blxst, Bino Rideaux, Megan Thee Stallion, and Beyoncé. Renaissance has been getting much of her attention lately, especially her favorite track, "Alien Superstar." Tylynn solidified that only this week, "I saw an astrology chart that says Pisces is an alien superstar. I feel like there's no one like me, and I'm a superstar, and I'm that girl. And it just speaks to me. It speaks to my soul for real."
Alexis Hunley/HBO Max
She also can serve a look from head to toe. Whether a curly natural, a bright orange knit set, or lilac purple cowboy boots, Tylynn makes a statement every time she walks into a room. Pulling from Y2K trends and "just putting shit together," the 27-year-old defines her style as "street with a little class." Her Mexico trip look takes the top spot when asked what her favorite hairstyle was from season two — light brown, wavy locs. "I looked very beautiful in every scene I had that in, so that would be my favorite hairstyle. And then second would be Daphne (a red-orange, long, straight wig with a blunt bang) from [episode four, the New York episode], for sure," says Tylynn.
For Burns being that girl or an, it girl is more than superficial, "Being an it girl is realizing your power but allowing other people to have that power [too]. So a piece of your power. To me, that's an, it girl."
Tylynn keeps it real beyond the series, her genuine nature, warmth, fun, and inviting energy radiate during our conversation over Zoom. She's an open book, sitting in front of a Kobe Bryant portrait with fresh box braids, hoop earrings, hot pink nails, and her best accessory, a smile that’s giving girl next door that's easy to talk to. Her portrayal in Sweet Life: Los Angeles also gets her business-minded side right. She's constantly on the go, in meetings, and getting endless Slack alerts — even during our interview (something we laughed about).
Burns is the founder of a boutique event-planning agency, House Party Creative, utilizing her degree in advertising and public relations from the University of Oregon to offer curated events to people that are typically reserved for influencers or celebrities. "I wanted to design moments that give people more," Tylynn tells xoNecole. She does that by integrating live performances and being intentional about working with local Black vendors.
Tylynn Burns in 'Sweet Life: Los Angeles' Season 2 - Episode 5Courtesy of HBO Max
A staple event for House Party Creative is featured on both seasons of Sweet Life: Legacy Table. It’s an event that brings various young movers and shakers together to network and have a good time amongst like-minded people. This season we saw Legacy Table go bi-coastal as Burns hosted her first New York installment. The event was a success that led to a lot of exposure for the agency and made a good impression on Biggie Smalls’ son, CJ Wallace, in episode five.
"We broke barriers by being bicoastal. When I go on [IG] live, many people say, 'Come to DC, come to New York, come to Philly.' The Midwest and the East Coast are tapped in now. Having that visibility outside L.A. means so much for House Party's future," says Burns.
But Tylynn admits it's not easy being in the creative space and now on TV as a dark-skinned Black woman. She's aware of how covert colorism and misogynoir show up on screen and in her everyday life. "There's no room for error, especially for a dark-skinned Black woman. Compared to some of my other cast members, even when it comes to the men on the show, I am held to a very high expectation, which is a lot of pressure," she says.
Despite the world constantly trying to take agency and dehumanize Black women, Tylynn leads with humanity, sharing vulnerable, real moments with the audience. In episode six, she disclosed her abortion during a couple's therapy session with her boyfriend, Jaylenn. Although the season was filmed a while ago, abortion has been a huge and very polarizing topic since the Supreme Court recently overturnedRoe v. Wade. "It was easy for me to talk about," says Tylynn. "I wanted to show women that you're not alone. One in five women, I believe, have abortions. And once I shared mine, friends and family told me about theirs. I just wanted to open that dialogue in that safe space."
During that therapy session and throughout season two, the audience saw the not-so-Instagram-able moments of her relationship with Jaylenn. "I'm not the perfect girlfriend, and he's not the perfect boyfriend, but we're getting there. We have this mutual respect and love that was good for Instagram and TV, but obviously, we're missing it," Tylynn says of her relationship being in the public eye.
Jaylenn Hart and Tylynn Burns in 'Sweet Life: Los Angeles' Season 2 - Episode 7Courtesy of HBO Max
"I wanted to shed light that even though Jaylenn and I are like this, we're not perfect and have history," says Tylynn. Fully aware of what they signed up for by being on TV, she reassures us that the two are "solid." She hopes, beyond just watching and judging, that the audience can relate to these honest moments and reflect on times they went through similar experiences. "It's hard to be under pressure to say and do the right things with a partner because you have your views, and they have theirs. And so, I hope that people respect where we are right now and where we're going," she says.
This season, Tylynn went on an apology tour as she worked on herself through therapy and her platonic and romantic relationships. "I have learned that I'm not as self-aware as I thought. Therapy showed me that I have to know myself in relationships and friendships to be better or more self-aware," says Tylynn. Partly because of being a Pisces, Tylynn tends to read the room and decide what part of herself she is willing to share. "I realize by doing that, that when it's time to be fully me and stand in my emotions and thoughts, I don't know how to act. As you see [on the show], I either have blow-ups or try to get my point across, but it doesn't translate because I was trying too hard to fit other people's narratives without trusting my own," she tells xoNecole.
For Burns, the hardest thing to re-watch on the show this season was the disagreement with Rob because her best friend Amanda was put in the middle. She's aware of how that situation not only impacted her and Rob but those they care about. "Having to re-watch that and having the relationship I do with [Rob] and Amanda's parents, just in the back of my head being like, 'dang, I kind of failed so many people.' Based on an unhinged reaction to something that could've been talked through. I feel like that is just your worst moments being blown up on-screen for everyone to dive into without having the full context," she says.
Another long-awaited apology came at the tail end of the season as Tylynn made up with Jerrold during the Mexico trip. Both serve as the glue for the respective smaller friend groups that make up the core cast, and since their fall-out, in season one, it "fucked up the synergy with everyone." After filming the scene, Tylynn tells xoNecole that the two shared a hug and a sense of relief at being back on better terms. However, Tylynn isn't sure if they'll ever be the same as they once were.
"What I said on TV [about Jerrold being a ‘sociopath’] and how I felt he handled the situation [leaving Jaylenn to fend for himself against castmate Jordan Bentley on Jerrold’s podcast in season 1] will live forever, and it'll be a constant reminder even in our lowest points. But we have a ton of history and so much love and care for each other that should be the driving force with our friendship moving forward," Tylynn tells xoNecole.
Tylynn Burns and Jerrold Smith II in 'Sweet Life: Los Angeles' Season 1 - Episode 9Courtesy of HBO Max
Though Jordan doesn’t appear in season two, there’s no hard feelings or drama around that decision. “He let all of us know [that he wasn’t coming back for season two] and we were all incredibly supportive of that,” Tylynn tells xoNecole. “Like, he has so much going on with [his business] Hypland and even his own personal endeavors and stuff. And so like sometimes the timetable for a show and that doesn't mix. And so we're super supportive of him choosing what he did.” In his absence, supporting cast members Keilan (Jaylenn’s cousin) and his long-term girlfriend Candiss got to step up with more screen time this season.
As for what's next for Tylynn, she is excited for House Party Creative's future and taking some of their events nationally. She and Jaylenn are starting a new chapter, too, "We're looking for a house,” she says, excited about their upcoming home tour. “And we are starting a family with our bulldogs," she emphasizes, then adds, "kids in a few years. We're good." And for any fans she may have let down this season, Tylynn has a message to them:
"Trust the process, continue to put your faith in me and what's in store for me because I'm a work in progress. I still appreciate how loyal people are. That tells me that there's still a lot of me in these moments that I'm probably not capturing. And so I don't know—stay tuned for my process."
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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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This Luxe Hotel Made My First Time In Memphis The Perfect Vacay
Memphis is one of those cities where, when you visit, you instantly feel its soul. The southern metropolitan, nicknamed Bluff City, is located right on the banks of the “mighty” Mississippi River. It is the headquarters for some major companies, such as FedEx and AutoZone, and it is home to St. Jude Hospital and the world-famous Beale Street. Conveniently placed near the action are Hyatt Centric Beale Street and Caption by Hyatt Beale Street. These sister hotels, which are connected, have a lot to offer guests, especially those who are visiting Memphis for the first time, such as myself.
Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis
Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis rooftop bar Beck & Call
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Sitting along the Mississippi River, both hotels offer breathtaking water views from the rooms, and Hyatt Centric’s rooftop whiskey lounge, Beck & Call, which is the city’s only riverfront rooftop bar, captures expansive views of both the river and the Memphis skyline. Grab a cocktail and take in the beautiful sites Memphis has to offer or enjoy the light show the Hernando de Soto Bridge, aka the “M” Bridge, has every night. On Fridays, guests can unwind and listen to live music.
Hyatt Centric also has CIMAS Lobby Lounge, which provides breakfast bites in the morning and cocktails in the afternoon and evening. CIMAS restaurant has a delectable menu that includes Latin-infused dishes for breakfast and lunch. Other amenities include room service, an outdoor pool with a cabana and poolside dining, a concierge, a fitness center, and more. My room was comfortable and the perfect place to unwind after a full day of exploring the city. I even had a view of the river.
Caption by Hyatt Beale Street Memphis
Caption by Hyatt Beale Street Memphis
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While I didn’t stay at Caption by Hyatt Beale Street Memphis, I did frequent its coffee shop/eatery called Talk Shop. Talk Shop is a laidback hangout spot that encourages community among its locals through its events like Blues & Brews and everyday activities like work (for all the remote workers) or meeting a friend for coffee or a cocktail in its beer garden. Its menu is full of variety, having everything from soft pretzels to BBQ pork sandwiches.
Caption by Hyatt Beale Street Memphis is built into the historic Wm. C Ellis & Sons Ironworks and Machine Shop building. Everywhere you look, you are reminded of its history due to the building’s industrial charm. But that doesn’t mean that it isn’t modern. The rooms are colorful and incorporate a lot of iron rods into the design, a nod to the ironworks building.
What is the Difference Between Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis and Caption by Hyatt Beale Street Memphis?
Caption by Hyatt Beale Street's Talk Shop and Beer Garden
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If you’re looking for more luxury or traveling with family, then Hyatt Centric might be the better option for you. If simplicity and vibrancy are key, then you may prefer to stay at Hyatt Centric’s sister hotel, Caption by Hyatt. Either way, you can’t lose.
Memphis Attractions
Beale Street sign
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Both hotels are walkable to all the city’s attractions, but of course, I have to start with the iconic Beale Street. Beale Street is where blues orginated and it is one of Memphis’ most popular places for tourists. Walking down Beale Street, you are quickly transported into another world, especially at night. Lights fill the streets as an array of restaurants and bars entice guests with its electrifying music. If you enjoy live music, B.B. King’s Blues Club is the place to go. The restaurant was created by the legendary singer B.B. King, who got his start in blues performing on Beale Street.
BBQ Chicken Nachos at Rendezvous
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As revered as Beale Street is, it's not the only spot in town to find good food and a good vibe. For breakfast, take a quick ride to Sunrise Memphis and take your pick from the mouthwatering biscuits on its menu. If BBQ is your thing, then you are in the right spot. Memphis is known for its BBQ, and Rendezvous is one of the city’s best BBQ joints. The highlight for me is the BBQ chicken nachos, which is a Memphis stable. If you’re looking for fine dining, then Amelia Gene’s is a must. The food is exquisite as it serves food pairings that are unique and full of flavor. I especially love the food presentations of each dish, which adds to the restaurant’s ambiance.
Amelia Gene's
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Other walkable attractions are the National Civil Rights Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame, and the Orpheum Theater. The National Civil Rights Museum is located at the Lorraine Motel, which is where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was killed. However, the motel has become a memorial for Dr. King as well as the work that many historical figures have done over the years, specifically during the civil rights movement.
The Blues Hall of Fame is near the National Civil Rights Museum, and it features exhibits dedicated to blues artists and culture. It has over 400 inductees and focuses on the history and achievements of each one. The Orpheum Theater is across the street from the hotels, and it is one of Memphis’ treasured venues. Its opulence is displayed inside and out as it stands at the intersection of Main St. and Beale St. As you walk in, you are greeted by a grand staircase and crystal chandeliers hanging above.
The Orpheum Theater
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Touring the theater, you see its beauty, but like many southern businesses that have been around for generations, you also learn about the segregated history. Walking around to the side of the building, there’s a “colored entrance” that was used during segregation. You can even watch a video from people who grew up during that era as they each reflected on their experiences of going to the theater. Many cited all of the steps that they had to take to get to the balcony, which was the only area Blacks were allowed to sit.
Issac Hayes 24k gold Cadillac in Stax Museum
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If you want to take a ride around the city, then hop on the Memphis Mojo tour. This bus tour stops at many landmarks, including Sun Studios, where Elvis Pressley and other artists recorded music. Or you can explore on foot by visiting all the haunted properities on the Memphis Ghost Tour. But we all know Memphis is known for blues, so I can’t end the story without mentioning Stax Museum.
The museum is named after Stax Records, which was a record label based in Memphis that housed a number of talented musicians like soul singer Otis Redding and Grammy award-winning artist Issac Hayes. What makes this museum exciting is that it showcases a variety of photos, records, costumes, and more from the artists on the label. But the highlight was Issac’s 24k gold Cadillac, which was put on full display.
Memphis is a charming city with a rich history and tons of activities for solo travelers, friend groups, and even families. So why not add it to your travel bucket list? By staying at one of the sister properties, Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis and Caption by Hyatt Beale Street Memphis, you will be surrounded by everything you need.
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