

Think back to your favorite activity as a kid.
It may have been creating stories for Barbie and Ken, or building skyscrapers with Legos. Maybe it was playing school with your teddy bears or drawing images that crossed your mind.
As children, our creativity was encouraged, but over the years some of us began to dim our imagination and originality. We found it easier and more convenient to blend in than to stand out. This is what brand marketing strategist and 2x Amazon best-selling author Audria Richmond considers being cloned.
Through her platforms, she encourages people to develop an UnCloned Life, which essentially means to live with "the essence of freedom, expression, and humanity." Audria continued:
"Here, we just live however we damn well please."
Tapping into your creativity is a key component of living your best life. Here's five ways to do that:
Change The Way You Think
"Creativity is not only for kids, who are exploring the world, or for artists who are trying to interpret the world. Everyone is creative," says Audria. "Everyday, we're creative in deciding what to wear, how to style our hair, how colors go together. It's all a form of creativity. We've limited and put creativity in a box, as if only certain people can access it."
It's also important to know that creativity can't be forced. It doesn't always come to us when we want it to, but the more we integrate it into our lives, we can build it like a muscle.
Find Opportunities To Explore Your Eccentricities
Originality is at the root of innovation. It's impossible to be creative if you always follow the status quo.
Everyday thinking and problem-solving are great ways to flex your creativity. Experiment with colors or patterns in your wardrobe, or go thrifting and see what outfits you can put together. Listen for the instruments in your favorite songs instead of focusing on the lyrics, or take on a DIY project and repurpose old items in your home. Brainstorm ways to solve the issues that matter to you, or add a different seasoning to your favorite meal -- the opportunities to be creative are endless, we just have to be open to doing things differently. Audria agrees:
"When you're willing to challenge the norm, that is when creativity is most available within your mind."
She's leveraging her creative eccentricities by hosting UnCloned Con 2018, a virtual conference to help entrepreneurs thrive in business.
"I had a desire to create an experience that was unique to business owners and that set them up for success. Many individuals who come to me have been burnt by service providers who have half-delivered goods or services. I wanted to create a non-judgment environment that told the truth about business and wasn't going to fabricate information about how to grow your brand."
Breathe. Stretch. Shake. Let It Go.
There's truly no room for growth in your comfort zone, and your willingness to get uncomfortable impacts your creative spirit.
I went skydiving for my 25th birthday and it was as scary as you'd imagine. However, it changed my perspective of fear, which I believe is false evidence appearing real. Now, I try to find creative (and safer) ways to step outside my comfort zone - whether that's asking a guy out, being transparent about my insecurities on social media, or taking a pole dancing class. Audria says:
"If you truly want to see a difference in your life and in your thought process, you have to be willing to be uncomfortable by trying new things."
"I always expose myself to new ways of thinking. For instance, if I go to Barnes & Nobles, I may spend my time in the Children's section. I believe that if you are doing the same routine everyday, it's hard to be creative. In your day, when are you allowing for creativity? You have to disrupt your normal pattern."
Explore & Optimize Social Media
One of the best ways to unleash your creativity is to be playful, and social media gives us the opportunity to have fun while showcasing who we are online. From GIFS and questions on Instagram Story Highlights, to long form video content on IGTV, we can build our personal brand by showing what makes us unique.
"If you're a hairstylist, go behind the scenes and tell us what made you choose that particular style for your client," Audria explains. "Slow down your process to build up a more creative and engaging experience. Don't be afraid to show your process, it shows your individuality."
Find Inspiration Everywhere And Keep Track Of It
While you can definitely find inspiration on social media, put your phone down to get your imagination running. Try taking a walk through the park, listening to diverse types of music, and doodling and journaling to tap into your creativity.
Audria discovers creativity for her business by studying how Netflix curates content for individuals, in addition to finding inspiration in art, bookstores, magazines and more. She has a creativity folder on her computer to store inspiration that she finds online, including photos, videos, and processes to show a user experience.
You can use the "saved" feature on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook to house inspiration that you find on those platforms. Evernote is also a great tool to screenshot inspiration that you find browsing on the Internet.
We all are creative -- we just have to toss logic out the window sometimes and find ways to let our imaginative spirit shine.
How do you express your creativity? Share in the comments below!
- TED - 5 tips for living a more creative life: ›
- Five Ways To Cultivate Curiosity And Tap Into Your Creativity ›
- 12 Ways to Tap Into an Endless Well of Creativity ›
- How to Tap Into Your Creativity – Thrive Global – Medium ›
- A 3-Step Formula to Tap Into Your Creativity (and Solve Any Problem) ›
- 12 Ways to Tap Into Your Own Creativity | Mikayla Holmes ›
- 5 Rituals To Get Centered And Unlock Your Creative Side | Holstee ›
- David Lynch's Secrets For Tapping Into Your Deepest Creativity ... ›
- 6 Ways to Tap Into Your Creative Self | SUCCESS ›
- 13 surefire ways to tap into your creativity ›
Teyonna Lanez is a brand strategist and producer with a love for doing the inner and outer work -- mindset shifting and marketing. The Atlanta native is passionate about social media storytelling and sharing positive affirmations to help people maintain inner peace despite external chaos. Connect with on Instagram @TeyonnaLanez or on her site TeyonnaLanez.com.
'He Said, She Said': Love Stories Put To The Test At A Weekend For Love
At the A Weekend For Love retreat, we sat down with four couples to explore their love stories in a playful but revealing way with #HeSaidSheSaid. From first encounters to life-changing moments, we tested their memories to see if their versions of events aligned—because, as they say, every story has three sides: his, hers, and the truth.
Do these couples remember their love stories the same way? Press play to find out.
Episode 1: Indira & Desmond – Love Across the Miles
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but for Indira & Desmond, love made it stronger. Every mile apart deepened their bond, reinforcing the unshakable foundation of their relationship. From their first "I love you" to the moment they knew they had found home in each other, their journey is a beautiful testament to the endurance of true love.
Episode 2: Jay & Tia – A Love Story Straight Out of a Rom-Com
If Hollywood is looking for its next Black love story, they need to take notes from Jay & Tia. Their journey—from an awkward first date to navigating careers, parenthood, and personal growth—proves that love is not just about romance but also resilience. Their story is full of laughter, challenges, and, most importantly, a love that stands the test of time.
Episode 3: Larencia & Mykel – Through the Highs and Lows
A date night with police helicopters overhead? Now that’s a story! Larencia & Mykel have faced unexpected surprises, major life changes, and 14 years of choosing each other every single day. But after all this time, do they actually remember things the same way? Their episode is sure to bring some eye-opening revelations and a lot of laughs.
Episode 4: Soy & Osei – A Love Aligned in Purpose
From a chance meeting at the front door to 15 years of unwavering love, faith, and growth, Soy & Osei prove that when two souls are aligned in love and purpose, nothing can shake their foundation. Their journey is a powerful reminder that true love is built on mutual support, shared values, and a deep connection that only strengthens with time.
Each of these couples has a unique and inspiring story to tell, but do their memories match up? Watch #HeSaidSheSaid to find out!
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image screenshot/ xoNecole YouTube
A Black-Owned Mobile Spa Turned My Home Into A Luxury Retreat—Here’s My Experience
There’s nothing quite like a spa day, but what’s even better is when you can enjoy one right at home. I recently had my first at-home spa day with The Party Spa, a Black-owned mobile spa founded by Asher Wilkins.
Asher’s team of 25 professionals offers a wide range of services, including massages, facials, body scrubs, and more. Asher, a licensed massage therapist, stumbled upon a unique opportunity to combine massage services with the vibrant nightlife scene.
The Party Spa Team
Courtesy
"I noticed there was a need in the New York City night life, especially with the after work parties and I felt that I had that answer in regards to bringing what I did, because I'm a licensed massage therapist," he tells xoNecole. "So how could I incorporate this into what I like to do, which was socialize and network, and party.
"I went to some club owners and some promoters, and I told them about the idea. I said, let's include the chair massage along with what you have going on and it worked." At that time, the clientele was primarily women who needed a massage after a long night of dancing, especially in heels.
London getting a massage from Asher
Courtesy
The Party Spa, having expanded its services to cater to a diverse clientele, including business professionals and celebrities like Mary J. Blige, has even graced music tours like the I Love the 90s tour. Their extensive travel across the country led them to my doorstep, where I eagerly awaited my pampering session.
Asher and Miss Jazz arrived at my home and began infusing the space with a relaxing spa vibe. They set up an essential oil diffuser and provided me with a cozy white robe for a comfortable change. While I had the option to choose my preferred music, I opted for the soothing melodies of traditional spa music.
Asher skillfully administered my massage, applying medium to deep pressure that perfectly suited my preferences. He effectively worked out the lingering pain in my lower back and hips, leaving me feeling rejuvenated and pampered. The delightful aroma of the massage oils intensified as he continued rubbing me down, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
London receiving a facial from Miss Jazz.
Courtesy
Once Asher finished, it was time for my facial. Facials are rare for me, so this was a delightful treat. Miss Jazz began with a facial massage, a new experience for me that I thoroughly enjoyed.
It felt like a continuation of the body massage I had just received. From there, she applied various products to my face, including a scrub, cleanser, vitamin C serum, and cream. She also gave me a honey and sugar lip scrub, which I desperately needed.
The result was radiant, smooth skin. The Party Spa transformed my first at-home spa experience into a blissful one. I found myself in a tranquil state of mind and relaxed the rest of the day.
The Party Spa is expanding its footprint by launching a podcast, Confessions of a Celebrity Massage Therapist, and working with non-profits to donate beauty and wellness services to survivors of sex trafficking and abuse. To learn more, visit their website thepartyspa.com, or follow them on Instagram @thepartyspa.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by Freshsplash/ Getty Images