Although I wouldn’t exactly say that Mark Zuckerberg is one of my favorite people on the planet (at all), The Social Network — the movie that was made about him (and Facebook) back in 2010 — absolutely is. I like the writing, the wit, the quickness of it all. Plus, stories that talk about how ingenious concepts began always have a way of piquing my interest — and boy, when that man came up with Facebook and then decided to add relationship categories to the platform?
I mean, who doesn’t remember when they first saw that they could list their “hell, what are we?” dynamic as “it’s complicated” on their profile page? Here's the thing about that, though — let enough time and wisdom go by and you really will accept that, more times than not, situationships aren’t complicated.
All that’s really going on is one or both people are seeing flags that they are ignoring, and/or both people are not on the same page yet don’t want to fully face it, and/or one or both people don’t exactly know what they relationally want — whether that be in general or from each other. I’m telling you, at the end of the day, when you take emotions out and leave facts and reality in, usually things about relationships aren’t all that confusing…you just have to accept the real deal of the matter for what it truly is. Simple math. Over and out.
And that’s why we are going to explore the topic of talking vs. dating today, because, although it might seem like “talking” is a term that only high school and college-aged people — excuse me — talk about when it comes to relationships, that absolutely is not the case.
Actually, a few weeks ago, I had a 40-year-old client ask me what the real differences between talking and dating are — and although I will admit that the answer to that question may have a bit of nuance to it (based on each person’s perspective), I’m going to do my damndest to remove as much murkiness (i.e., confusion) from her inquiry as possible — for her sake and perhaps some of y’all’s too.
Ready?
The Truth About “Talking” And What It Really Means
Talking: Curious About Getting to Know Someone
GiphyY’all doing videos while in bed is hilarious to me. LOL. And what she said? (See the creator's full video here.) That is why I stated in the intro that some of this is going to be based on personal opinion, for sure, because if you are wanting to fast track into dating or engagement or marriage — you absolutely wouldn’t be able to wrap your head around “talking” to someone for six months or longer.
Here’s the thing about that, though — what if things are long-distance? What if your schedules are so full that you only get to chat 1-2 times a week for a few minutes at a time or you find yourselves doing more texting than anything else? What if you are in the season of wanting to take things slow or you currently prefer to “talk to” more than one individual? EXACTLY.
Yeah, when you are in the talking stage/phase, the main thing to keep in mind is, this means that you have enough curiosity and interest that you want to get to know more about someone else. HOWEVER, if you’re not looking for something super serious, you probably won’t ask the same kinds of questions that you would if you desire to be married within the next two years or so.
And that is exactly why the talking stage may be longer for some than others. Some people may only want to keep things light and surface for a while and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that — so long as you both agree to cruise in that type of lane.
That said, though, in order to be clear that “talking” is pretty much all that the two of you are doing, here are some things about it to keep in mind about that stage of getting involved with another person.
5 Things to Look for During the Talking Stage
GiphyOkay, so you meet an attractive guy and there seems to be some chemistry there. If you were to use the phrase, “We’re just talking” to someone, what exactly does — or rather “should” — that mean?
1. Talking needs a connection. Although you might initially think “duh” when it comes to this, you’d be amazed by how many people think that they are in a conversation when really, it’s more like a monologue with an audience. And that is all because they are looking for attention more than a genuine connection. That said, if you are officially talking to someone, this means that both of you are truly interested in what the other has to say — and so you make time to connect (even if it’s just by phone, text or social media) in order to learn more.
2. Talking needs reciprocity. Some people might even wonder why there needs to be a talking stage at all — and one reason is for this next point: the talking season is about sharing and listening; it’s about seeing if you are “connected enough” to respect someone enough to care about their initial thoughts, interests, wants and needs as they do the same thing for you. And you know what? Honestly, a lot of people wouldn’t be so jaded in their relationships if they slowed TF down and did some real-deal talking first…because if the two of you can’t find mutual ground and respect in basic-level communication, how do you think you can be in a healthy long-term dynamic up the road?
3. Talking needs some sort of consistency. Just because talking isn’t as serious as dating, that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t have some consistency to it. And no, this doesn’t mean that you need to be called every morning or texted 10 times a day. There just needs to be some sort of effort that shows real interest. Meaning, if you are actually talking to someone, hearing from them shouldn’t shock you; this would only be the case if they reach out to you randomly—and if that is what’s going on, I wouldn’t even say that the two of you are “talking”…yet.
4. Talking needs some non-forced or performative effort. Does “the representative” show up when you’re just talking to someone? More times than not…absolutely (on your end not just his, by the way). However, a part of the reason why I am team coffee date is because, if you are truly going on dates in order to get to know someone better, when you’re first getting to know them, why should that take up hours and hours of your time? Instead of things being over-the-top and grand, talking should come with ease and as little stress and high expectations as possible.
Yeah, something that I like about the talking stage is since nothing is official, even a lil’ bit, both people can show more of their true colors when it comes to their communication style, how they like to interact and how often they prefer to do it. Since there are no real expectations yet, everyone can feel free to just…be themselves.
5. Talking needs honesty (especially about what both people are looking for). Speaking of being “free to be” — I was recently chatting it up with a male friend of mine about a woman who he was just “talking” to. Although he was hella attracted to her, he shared with me that he didn’t think that things were going to work out; it’s because he spends a lot of time on the road and she doesn’t seem to respect his schedule. “She calls and texts at hours when I’m not available and then gets upset if I don’t get back immediately. Girl, I am working.”
His situation is a blaring reminder to be honest with your own damn self about what you want and even require during the talking stage. That way, you don’t end up in what really could’ve been avoided once you actually are dating each other. Yep — if while talking, you already see serious “potholes” along the way…that’s what talking is for. TALK ABOUT IT and if “it” can’t be worked out, no harm, no foul. You were just talking. Scale back to being friends or part ways. All good.
What Defines Actual Dating (And Why It Matters)
Dating: Semi-Committed...to Getting to Know Someone…BETTER
GiphyNow I’m going to be super candid on this point — some people think that even dating is a serious, long-term relationship or like it’s damn near marriage. Soon enough, I’ll be writing about something that I have briefly touched on before: a boyfriend IS NOT a husband and a girlfriend IS NOT a wife. And you know what? Dating really isn’t boyfriend/girlfriend status either; it’s simply a step up from merely…talking.
And that’s why I included the video right above this section and the one at the very end because, if you are in a state of “what are we?” or you’re out here thinking that someone is dragging their feet, because you think that you should be further along than where the two of you are — that either sounds like you believe that dating is a full-blown relationship or that you’ve been moving like a girlfriend or even a fiancée without getting any real clarity or confirmation that you should.
It really can’t be said enough, y’all: Please always keep in mind that talking is not dating and dating is not an official exclusive dynamic. Like exclusivity gets you to engagement and then marriage — dating is what gets you to the exclusive portion of the program. Yeah, we really need to stop “bleeding everything” in together; that’s what causes so much drama and disappointment when it comes to relationships, more times than not.
5 Things to Pay Attention to While in Your Dating Season
GiphyAight, so do me a favor and listen to the last video before reading the first of this (insert approximately one minute here). I’m sure you caught that the gentleman had no problem saying that he dated for a year before transitioning into something else. I’m sure you also noticed that the host struggled with hearing that. I think a big part of the reason why is because she felt that dating IS an exclusive relationship; it can’t be said enough that it isn’t.
In fact, did you know that there is a popular study that says it takes about 200 hours to consider someone to be a good friend (hmph, I even think that is too low to be a GOOD friend)? And if your partner is going to be, at the very least, one of your closet friends? I mean, there are 168 hours in a week, right? If you have a full life, you don’t have 25 hours a week to sit on the phone…right? Yes, to become friends, it takes time. To become more than friends — if you’re taking it seriously — even more time.
An average date lasts 2-3 hours. Put all of this together and it means that you would need 200 hours to become good friends and then 100 dates to take it to another level. Hmph. Sounds like about a year to me (*Elmo shrug*). At least if friendship as a foundation of your relationship is something that you desire.
And during that season of dating, here’s what you should be looking for:
1. Dating requires integrity. Just recently, I was talking to a client about how much his integrity sucks (and I am being so literal about that). It was in the context of him saying things in the moment and not following through. He admitted that he does it to keep the peace at the time and yet, because there aren’t enough consequences for when he doesn’t keep his word, he remains in that pattern of not really meaning what he says — even if he intends to. Hmph. I’m sure that most of y’all have heard the saying that the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
To that, one of my favorite quotes is “Hell is truth seen too late.” (Thomas Hobbes) At the end of the day, integrity is about living by a certain code of morals and ethics — and being dependable and reliable should definitely apply to someone who is dating another person. Peep if he calls when he says that he will. If he shows up on time to planned events. If his words and actions line up. Evaluating integrity doesn’t happen overnight. Take your freakin’ time.
2. Dating requires proactiveness. Any time that I am asked about a favorite trait in a guy, I’m absolutely going to say, “That he’s proactive.” To me, reactive is so…lazy. It means that you are in a pattern of wanting to “put out fires” instead of preventing them — and that means that you don’t really prioritize things well. To be proactive is to be in a state of anticipation — and that means that you are intentional about keeping what’s important to you in mind. Dating reveals proactiveness vs. reactiveness like nobody’s business. Trust me when I tell you that.
3. Dating requires a certain level of intimacy. By definition, intimacy is about having a close and familiar relationship with someone else. Another definition: having detailed knowledge and a deep understanding of something or someone — and how you can expect this from “talking” only, the world will never know. And honestly, expecting this in the beginning stages of dating is a bit of a reach too. Learning more about another person means that you need to spend time with them — hell, not just time but quality time. That is when you ask insightful questions and listen to what their wants, needs and desires are (as they do the same for you).
And if you decide to take things up a notch on the physical level — hey, that’s totally up to you; however, as you can see, intimacy doesn’t automatically require that. Intimacy is simply about growing closer to and more familiar with another person — and yes, dating is designed to do that. With each date, more intimacy. If you are dating with intention (to transition into something more, in time), that is.
4. Dating requires being on the same page (basically at the same time). When folks jump from talking to a relationship — that is how they can end up feeling completely disillusioned because remember that talking is about seeing if there is a possible connection beyond attraction while dating is about scratching well beneath the surface. For instance, if you have sex while talking, you might THINK that you have a mental and emotional bond while the guy you’re seeing is simply seeing copulation as moments of physical pleasure. Yeah, that’s another cool thing about dating: with each date, you get to see if you are on the same page or not.
And since you are only dating, if after date five or date seven, you realize that you both want totally different things — no harm, no foul. You weren’t “official” and although you might be a bit disappointed, there is certainly nothing to feel distraught about or devastated over. He wasn’t your man; he was simply someone who you were…dating and for that reason, he didn’t get ALL of you. You “rationed” as necessary…as earned.
5. Dating requires progress. Do I think that dating takes time and, more importantly, more time than talking does? Clearly, I do. And yet, even with all that I’ve just said, I will also say this: When dating gets to the point where you feel like you’re in some sort of purgatory — something is very off. Whether you ultimately want marriage to come from dating or you simply want a more serious and significant dynamic with another person, one thing that dating can’t do is be stagnate — well, unless you’re a casual dater and there is such a thing.
And so yes, whether it takes you and someone three months to realize you both want more or it requires 365 days (give or take several weeks), please make sure that the dating that you’re doing is progressing — at the very least when it comes to you figuring out more of who you are and what you want or need from a relationship. Because honestly, that’s one of the main things that dating should do for everyone.
___
TALK to establish an initial connection. DATE to build intimacy. Over time.
Make sense? I certainly hope so.
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So, we handpicked one hundred It Girls who embody that palpable It Factor moving through us as young Black women, the kind of motion lighting up the world both IRL and across the internet.
It Girl 100 became xoNecole’s most successful program, with the hashtag organically reaching more than forty million impressions on Instagram in just twenty-four hours. Yes, it caught on like wildfire because we celebrated some of the most brilliant and influential GenZennial women of color setting trends and shaping culture. But more than that, it resonated because the women we celebrated felt seen.
Many were already known in their industries for keeping this generation fly and lit, but rarely received recognition or flowers. It Girl 100 became a safe space to be uplifted, and for us as Black women to bask in what felt like an era of our brilliance, beauty, and boundless influence on full display.
And then, almost overnight, it was as if the rug was pulled from under us as Black women, as the It Girls of the world.
Our much-needed, much-deserved season of ease and soft living quickly metamorphosed into a time of self-preservation and survival. Our motion and economic progression seemed strategically slowed, our light under siege.
The air feels heavier now. The headlines colder. Our Black girl magic is being picked apart and politicized for simply existing.
With that climate shift, as we prepare to launch our second annual It Girl 100 honoree list, our team has had to dig deep on the purpose and intention behind this year’s list. Knowing the spirit of It Girl 100 is about motion, sauce, strides, and progression, how do we celebrate amid uncertainty and collective grief when the juice feels like it is being squeezed out of us?
As we wrestled with that question, we were reminded that this tension isn’t new. Black women have always had to find joy in the midst of struggle, to create light even in the darkest corners. We have carried the weight of scrutiny for generations, expected to be strong, to serve, to smile through the sting. But this moment feels different. It feels deeply personal.
We are living at the intersection of liberation and backlash. We are learning to take off our capes, to say no when we are tired, to embrace softness without apology.
And somehow, the world has found new ways to punish us for it.
In lifestyle, women like Kayla Nicole and Ayesha Curry have been ridiculed for daring to choose themselves. Tracee Ellis Ross was labeled bitter for speaking her truth about love. Meghan Markle, still, cannot breathe without critique.
In politics, Kamala Harris, Letitia James, and Jasmine Crockett are dragged through the mud for standing tall in rooms not built for them.
In sports, Angel Reese, Coco Gauff, and Taylor Townsend have been reminded that even excellence will not shield you from racism or judgment.
In business, visionaries like Diarrha N’Diaye-Mbaye and Melissa Butler are fighting to keep their dreams alive in an economy that too often forgets us first.
Even our icons, Beyoncé, Serena, and SZA, have faced criticism simply for evolving beyond the boxes society tried to keep them in.
From everyday women to cultural phenoms, the pattern is the same. Our light is being tested.
And yet, somehow, through it all, we are still showing up as that girl, and that deserves to be celebrated.
Because while the world debates our worth, we keep raising our value. And that proof is all around us.
This year alone, Naomi Osaka returned from motherhood and mental health challenges to reach the semifinals of the US Open. A’ja Wilson claimed another MVP, reminding us that beauty and dominance can coexist. Brandy and Monica are snatching our edges on tour. Kahlana Barfield Brown sold out her new line in the face of a retailer that had been canceled. And Melissa Butler’s company, The Lip Bar, is projecting a forty percent surge in sales.
We are no longer defining strength by how much pain we can endure. We are defining it by the unbreakable light we continue to radiate.
We are the women walking our daily steps and also continuing to run solid businesses. We are growing in love, taking solo trips, laughing until it hurts, raising babies and ideas, drinking our green juice, and praying our peace back into existence.
We are rediscovering the joy of rest and realizing that softness is not weakness, it is strategy.
And through it all, we continue to lift one another. Emma Grede is creating seats at the table. Valeisha Butterfield has started a fund for jobless Black women. Arian Simone is leading in media with fearless conviction. We are pouring into each other in ways the world rarely sees but always feels.
So yes, we are in the midst of societal warfare. Yes, we are being tested. Yes, we are facing economic strain, political targeting, and public scrutiny. But even war cannot dim a light that is divinely ours.
And we are still shining.
And we are still softening.
And we are still creating.
And we are still It.
That is the quiet magic of Black womanhood, our ability to hold both truth and triumph in the same breath, to say yes, and to life’s contradictions.
It is no coincidence that this year, as SheaMoisture embraces the message “Yes, And,” they stand beside us as partners in celebrating this class of It Girls. Because that phrase, those two simple words, capture the very essence of this moment.
Yes, we are tired. And we are still rising.
Yes, we are questioned. And we are the answer.
Yes, we are bruised. And we are still beautiful.
This year’s It Girl 100 is more than a list. It is a love letter to every Black woman who dares to live out loud in a world that would rather she whisper. This year’s class is living proof of “Yes, And,” women who are finding ways to thrive and to heal, to build and to rest, to lead and to love, all at once.
It is proof that our joy is not naive, our success not accidental. It is the reminder that our light has never needed permission.
So without further ado, we celebrate the It Girl 100 Class of 2025–2026.
We celebrate the millions of us who keep doing it with grace, grit, and glory.
Because despite it all, we still shine.
Because we are still her.
Because we are still IT, girl.
Meet all 100 women shaping culture in the It Girl 100 Class of 2025. View the complete list of honorees here.
Featured image by xoStaff
This year's It Girl 100 is a mosaic of brilliance, spotlighting entrepreneurs, cultural disruptors, beauty visionaries, and boundary-pushing creatives who embody the spirit of "Yes, And." This digital celebration honors the women who embrace every facet of themselves, proving you can chase the bag and still honor your desire to live life softly.
Here's the roll call for xoNecole's It Girl 100 Class of 2025: Viral Voices.
Content Creator Eni Popoola
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Eni Popoola
Her Handle: @enipopoola
Her Title: Content Creator
Who's That It Girl: Eni Popoola is the visionary creative behind beautifully cinematic content that fuses fashion and feeling. We love her for proving that elegance and emotion can exist in every frame.
Her "Yes, And" Statement: "Yes, I'm not afraid to pivot and the best is still yet to come."
Content Creator Jessie Woo
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Jessie Woo
Her Handle: @thejessiewoo
Her Title: Content Creator
Who's That It Girl: Jessie Woo is joy personified, a multi-talented entertainer and fearless truth-teller. We celebrate her for using humor, music, and faith to create content that heals through laughter.
Her "Yes, And" Statement: "Yes. I’m a force — and that’s why I create my own lanes instead of waiting for one to open."
Media Personality, Founder and Host Kayla Nicole
Credit: Malcolm Roberson
Kayla Nicole
Her Handle: @kaylanicole
Her Title: Media Personality; Founder, Tribe Therepē; Host, Welcome to the Pre-Game
Who's That It Girl: Kayla Nicole merges style, storytelling, and self-awareness like no other. We celebrate her for being the friend in our feeds who reminds us to show up fully, flaws, fire, and all.
Her "Yes, And" Statement: "Yes, I’m curating conversations on my podcast The Pre-Game, and cultivating community with my wellness brand Tribe Therepē."
Creator and Entrepreneur Simi Muhumuza
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Simi Muhumuza
Her Handle: @simimoonlight
Her Title: Creator and Entrepreneur
Who's That It Girl: Simi is a writer, and creative based in Brooklyn, NY. She focuses on style, lifestyle and wellness.
Her "Yes, And" Statement: "Yes, and I’m reaching even higher."
Creator Kiera Please
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Kiera Please
Her Handle: @kieraplease
Her Title: Creator
Who's That It Girl: Kiera Please is a creator, voice actress, and artist whose creativity knows no bounds. With her unique mix of style, cosplay, and storytelling, she’s built a global fan base that celebrates self-expression.
Her "Yes, And" Statement: "Yes, I’m just weird girl and I’ll just keep getting weirder."
Content Creator Zaynah Bear
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Zaynah Bear
Her Handle: @madame_zay
Her Title: Content Creator
Who's That It Girl: Zaynah Bear is a social media content creator known for her cartoon-style comedic storytelling that blends humor with everyday relatability. Her unique approach to creating content builds strong audience connections and keeps her community coming back for more laughs.
Her "Yes, And" Statement: "Yes, I'm boldly Black and beautifully quirky, owning every shade of my uniqueness."
Social Media Consultant and Creative Candace Marie
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Candace Marie
Her Handle: @marie_mag_
Her Title: Social Media Consultant and Creative
Who's That It Girl: Candace Marie is a luxury social-media strategist and founder of Black In Corporate. A former Parsons professor, she’s worked with fashion powerhouses like PRADA and Victoria Beckham, helping shape a more inclusive industry.
Her "Yes, And" Statement: "Yes, I’m grounded in strategy & storytelling—and I’m creating pathways for the future of influence."
Model and Content Creator Quenlin Blackwell
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Quenlin Blackwell
Her Handle: @quenblackwell
Her Title: Model and Content Creator
Who's That It Girl: Quenlin Blackwell is digital dynamite, witty, unfiltered, and wildly creative. We celebrate her for turning chaos into comedy and self-expression into art that connects millions.
Content Creator and TV Host Kamie Crawford
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Kamie Crawford
Her Handle: @kamiecrawford
Her Title: Content Creator and TV Host
Who's That It Girl: Kamie Crawford’s presence is as commanding as her compassion. We love her for being a media personality who advocates for confidence, self-worth, and love rooted in realness.
Her "Yes, And" Statement: "Yes, I'm that girl and I’ve had to heal parts of me to become her."
Author and Podcaster Sesali Bowen
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Sesali Bowen
Her Handle: @badfatblackgirl
Her Title: Author and Podcaster
Who's That It Girl: Sesali was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago and coined trap feminism. During her time as an entertainment writer for Refinery29 she was one of the architects of Unbothered, their sub brand for Black women. As a brand strategist and copywriter she’s worked with Netflix, Onyx Collective, and more.
Her "Yes, And" Statement: "Yes, I said it and I’m standing on it."
Co-Host of 'Pour Minds' Podcast Drea Nicole
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Drea Nicole
Her Handle: @dreanicoleee
Her Title: Co-Host of Pour Minds Podcast
Who's That It Girl: As one-half of the hit podcast Pour Minds, Drea Nicole brings real talk with humor and heart. We celebrate her for creating spaces where women can laugh, learn, and live out loud.
Co-Host of 'Pour Minds' Podcast Lex P
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Lex P
Her Handle: @lex_p_
Her Title: Co-Host of Pour Minds Podcast
Who's That It Girl: Lex P’s voice is bold, funny, and deeply authentic. We love her for turning the mic into a movement through Pour Minds, proving that humor and healing can thrive side by side.
Content Creator Jeannette Reyes
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Jeannette Reyes
Her Handle: @msnewslady
Her Title: Content Creator
Who's That It Girl: Jeannette Reyes, known online as @msnewslady, went from the newsroom to building her own media brand. She’s a creator, speaker, and author using her platform to help women show up confidently on and off camera.
Her "Yes, And" Statement: "Yes, I take up space and I make room for others."
Founder of Mary Louise Cosmetics Akilah Releford
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Akilah Releford
Her Handle: @akilahreleford
Her Title: Founder of Mary Louise Cosmetics
Who's That It Girl: Founder of Mary Louise Cosmetics, Akilah merges skincare and sisterhood with intention. We celebrate her for turning DIY passion into a thriving brand rooted in empowerment and care.
Award-Winning Journalist and Beauty Expert Kayla Greaves
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Kayla Greaves
Her Handle: @kaylaagreaves
Her Title: Award-Winning Journalist and Beauty Expert
Who's That It Girl: Kayla Greaves is a journalist and on-camera expert who’s spent more than a decade telling stories that matter. From interviewing icons like Naomi Campbell to consulting for major brands, she continues to redefine beauty and culture.
Her "Yes, And" Statement: "Yes, I'm bold and I make no qualms about it."
Digital Creator Lauren W.
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Lauren W.
Her Handle: @laurenthelolife
Her Title: Digital Creator, Lifestyle and Beauty
Who's That It Girl: Lauren W. brings a breath of honesty to lifestyle content. We celebrate her for creating digital spaces that feel like safe havens for self-discovery, growth, and grace.
Her "Yes, And" Statement: "Yes, and I'll do it solo!"
Host of 'She's So Lucky' Podcast Les Alfred
Les Alfred
Her Handle: @lesalfred
Her Title: Host of She's So Lucky podcast
Who's That It Girl: Les Alfred is a media entrepreneur and cultural storyteller shaping the future of women-centered narratives. As the creator and host of She’s So Lucky (formerly Balanced Black Girl), an NAACP Image Award-nominated podcast, she has built a thriving media ecosystem that explores wellness and self-discovery through the lens of trail-blazing women.
Her "Yes, And" Statement: "Yes, I'm strong and I lead with softness."
Influencer, Rapper and Actress Aliyah's Interlude
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Aliyah's Interlude
Her Handle: @aliyahsinterlude
Her Title: Influencer, Rapper and Actress
Who's That It Girl: Aliyah's Interlude brings softness and soul to the internet’s boldest spaces. We honor her for creating artful, introspective content that reminds us to slow down, reflect, and dream louder.
Beauty and Fashion Digital Creator Clarke Peoples
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Clarke Peoples
Her Handle: @clarkepeoples
Her Title: Beauty and Fashion Digital Creator
Who's That It Girl: Clarke Peoples creates content that feels like a warm conversation. We love her for her authenticity and for showing that influence grounded in truth never goes out of style.
Model and Content Creator Kamrin White
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Kamrin White
Her Handle: @kamrinwhite
Her Title: Model and Content Creator
Who's That It Girl: We celebrate Kamrin White for transforming her lifestyle lens into something real and radiant. A proud Afro-Latina creator and entrepreneur, she weaves wellness, fashion, and authenticity into her content, inviting her audience to live boldly and vulnerably in their own stories.
Lifestyle and Beauty Creator Jayla Brenae
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Jayla Brenae
Her Handle: @jaylabrenae
Her Title: Lifestyle and Beauty Creator
Who's That It Girl: Jayla Brenae inspires through her transparency and storytelling. We honor her for blending wellness, confidence, and community into content that uplifts and empowers women of all walks.
Journalist and Content Creator Casey Winbush
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Casey Winbush
Her Handle: @caseywinbush
Her Title: Journalist and Content Creator
Who's That It Girl: With humor and heart, Casey Winbush is the voice of digital relatability. We celebrate her for blending vulnerability with wit, turning everyday stories into shared laughter and healing.
Model and Owner of PLEASEPEARLME Kendra Austin
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Kendra Austin
Her Handle: @kendramorous
Her Title: Model and Owner of PLEASEPEARLME
Who's That It Girl: Kendra Austin is poetry in motion, writer, model, and muse. We honor her for redefining softness as strength and for giving women permission to rest, feel, and reclaim joy.
Multidisciplinary Visual Artist and Creative Entrepreneur Shema Love
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Shema Love
Her Handle: @shemalove
Her Title: Multidisciplinary Visual Artist and Creative Entrepreneur
Who's That It Girl: Shema Love is a Brooklyn-based artist and designer turning art into healing. Her bold visuals and apparel celebrate Black joy, creativity, and self-expression, featured by Vogue, Nike, Netflix, and the WNBA.
Her "Yes, And" Statement: "Yes, I save lives and art saved me."
Content Creator Kristine Thompson
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Kristine Thompson
Her Handle: @mskristine
Her Title: Content Creator
Who's That It Girl: Kristine Thompson is a fashion and lifestyle creator passionate about redefining style standards for plus-size women. Through her platforms, she shares inspiring fashion, beauty, and travel content that empowers her community to feel confident at any size.
Her "Yes, And" Statement: "Yes, I celebrate style and I challenge the idea that beauty comes in one size."
Beauty, Lifestyle and Fashion Creator Crystal Nicole
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Crystal Nicole
Her Handle: @iamcrystalnicolee
Her Title: Beauty, Lifestyle and Fashion Creator
Who's That It Girl: Crystal Nicole’s storytelling moves between vulnerability and victory. We honor her for her ability to inspire others to be unapologetically themselves despite the pressures of social media and for crafting narratives that empower women to rewrite their own anthems.
Tap into the full It Girl 100 Class of 2025 and meet all the women changing game this year and beyond. See the full list here.
Featured image by xoStaff