When I saw that The Lip Bar was launching a new product that was "more than lip," I took notice. I watched every Insta teaser trying to figure out what the new product would be because, like most of us, I want to know now. Since the launch was taking place at ESSENCE Fest, I was going to stop by one of their pop-ups to support. Before I could do that, I was invited to the "She's Gotta Have It" brunch.
Michael Porter
The brunch was hosted by Rachel Roff (founder of Urban Skin Rx), Melissa Butler (founder of The Lip Bar), Monique Rodriguez (founder of Mielle Organics), and Ylorie Taylor (Vice-President of EDEN BodyWorks). Walking into that beautifully decorated room and meeting the women behind brands I support and admire was one of the highlights of my weekend.
EDEN BodyWorks Vice-President Ylorie Taylor, Urban Skin Rx Founder Rachel Roff, and The Lip Bar Founder Melissa Butler on the "She's Gotta Have It" bedMichael Porter
As the brunch got started, Melissa, along with the other hostesses, welcomed us and gave us insight into their lives as businesswomen. Then they talked about "what they gotta have for the rest of the year," encouraging each of us to do the same. My "gotta haves" were patience and gratitude.
As the brunch went on, Melissa spoke about the launch of The Lip Bar's Fresh Glow.
And as Melissa spoke, something she said really jumped out at me — she was nervous about moving outside of lip products because she'd named her company "The Lip Bar". From the outside looking in, it can be hard to imagine a fearless entrepreneur being nervous about anything. But as someone that has run a business, I can see why making a pivot outside of what your customers and the industry know you for could be nerve-wracking —especially after a fifteen-month journey to bringing the Fresh Glow to market.
Melissa and YlorieMichael Porter
But Melissa put it like this, "Ultimately, it came down to our customers. I can push through any fear for them, and there have been countless inquiries about expansion. Knowing they wanted it gave me the confidence to move forward. Once I settled on the decision to expand, then I had to think about what the product would be.
"I always want to bring innovation to the market. I didn't want to just create something that was already in existence and put in pretty packaging. This is our first time expanding outside of lip [products] – so I wanted it to be impactful and bring some innovation to the space."
Well, she did just that!
I can personally say their latest launch is one of my favorites.
The packaging is sturdy and comes with a mirror and brush, and it's perfect for me because it fits right into my carry-on makeup case. Not to mention the highlight shade makes wherever you place it pop while the bronzer shade is so rich that you don't need much to contour or add dimension to your bone structure (which is a good thing).
Watching Melissa succeed, pivot, and grow with The Lip Bar has given me a newfound belief that with the right attitude, patience, and the will to step out on faith even in the midst of fear — we can accomplish anything.
To purchase your own Fresh Glow bronzer + blush compact, click here.
Featured image by The Lip Bar
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While speaking to xoNecole, Eva shares that she’s a lot like the beloved 1994 character in many ways. “Lyric is so me. She's the odd flower. A flower nonetheless, but definitely not a peony,” she tells us.
“She's not the average flower you see presented, and so she reminds me of myself. I'm a sunflower, beautiful, but different. And what I loved about her character then, and even more so now, is that she was very sure of herself.
"Sure of what she wanted in life and okay to sacrifice her moments right now, to get what she knew she deserved later. And that is me. I'm not an instant gratification kind of a person. I am a long game. I'm not a sprinter, I'm a marathon.
America first fell in love with Eva when she graced our screens on cycle 3 of America’s Next Top Model in 2004, which she emerged as the winner. Since then, she's ventured into different avenues, from acting on various TV series like House of Payne to starring on Real Housewives of Atlanta.
Je-Caryous Johnson Entertainment
Eva praises her castmates and the play’s producer, Je’Caryous for her positive experience. “You know what? Je’Caryous fuels my audacity car daily, ‘cause I consider myself an extremely audacious woman, and I believe in what I know, even if no one else knows it, because God gave it to me. So I know what I know. That is who Je’Caryous is.”
But the mom of three isn’t the only one in the family who enjoys acting. Eva reveals her daughter Marley has also caught the acting bug.
“It is the most adorable thing you can ever see. She’s got a part in her school play. She's in her chorus, and she loves it,” she says. “I don't know if she loves it, because it's like, mommy does it, so maybe I should do it, but there is something about her.”
Overall, Eva hopes that her contribution to the role and the play as a whole serves as motivation for others to reach for the stars.
“I want them to walk out with hope. I want them to re-vision their dreams. Whatever they were. Whatever they are. To re-see them and then have that thing inside of them say, ‘You know what? I'm going to do that. Whatever dream you put on the back burner, go pick it up.
"Whatever dream you've accomplished, make a new dream, but continue to reach for the stars. Continue to reach for what is beyond what people say we can do, especially as [a] Black collective but especially as Black women. When it comes to us and who we are and what we accept and what we're worth, it's not about having seen it before. It's about knowing that I deserve it.”
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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Feature image by Leon Bennett/WireImage
Eldest Daughter Syndrome had its viral moment online last year, and for good reason. The term gave language to the silent pressures so many eldest daughters tend to carry as a result of their birth order. Beyond that very needed conversation, birth order as a whole can offer insight into not only our traits and tendencies, but also how we show up in life, love, and even our work.
Below, we’re breaking down the traits most commonly associated with each birth order. Keep reading to learn what your birth order might say about you.
If you are the oldest...
Let's be real, being the firstborn often comes with a lot of responsibility. And it's usually not by choice. From early on, they’re the ones who set the tone, carry the weight, and take on the title of "the responsible one." Because of that, they often grow into reliable, high-achieving adults. But the pressure of being "the blueprint" and the one to "lead by example" can also be a heavy burden to bear.
Oldest child traits may look like:
- Natural leaders that take charge even when they didn’t mean to (read: she's bossy, but keeping it cute)
- High standards (for yourself and everyone else)
- Motivated, goal-oriented, and always chasing that next accomplishment
- Reliable and conscientious
- Perfectionist tendencies that can lead to burnout
- Struggles with being controlling or micromanaging
- Often cautious, craving stability over spontaneity
- Finds it hard to rest or ask for help
If you are the middle child...
Season 2 Netflix GIF by Gilmore Girls GiphyIn the grand scheme of the birth order lineup, the middle child can be the quiet MVPs. As the child who falls in the order "in-between," they’re used to being the one who keeps the peace while also fighting to stand out. But being the “in-between” can also mean feeling overlooked or forgotten. In some families, especially ones with toxic dynamics, the middle child may even take on the role of the "black sheep," while their siblings are seen as the golden children. Still, despite (or maybe because of) that, middle children tend to thrive socially and can read a room like the back of their hand.
Middle child traits may include:
- Top-tier peacemakers who can smooth over almost any situation
- Adaptable and easygoing (even when they’re lowkey screaming inside)
- Often feel overlooked or like they have to do the most to be seen
- People-pleasers who put everyone else first
- Social butterflies and community-minded, with strong friendships outside the family
- Can be rebellious when they feel boxed in
- Thrive when they’re allowed to define success on their own terms
- The ultimate go-between, translating vibes between generations, personalities, and moods
If you are the youngest...
Season 1 Ff GIF by FreeformGiphyThe baby of the family walks through life knowing how to charm, persuade, and perform. They often grow up with more freedom and fewer expectations, which fuels their adventurous and carefree side. But that same freedom can sometimes lead to entitlement, or a tendency to seek validation by being the "fun one."
Youngest child traits might include:
- Social butterflies who light up a room and don’t mind the spotlight
- Natural charmers, funny, flirtatious, and usually down for anything
- Can be a little self-centered or attention-seeking (but you still love them for it)
- Tend to keep things uncomplicated… unless they’re not getting their way
- Known to be manipulative when trying to get what they want
- Free-spirited and bold in their choices
- Often underestimated, but capable of big things when they focus
- Thrive in spaces that let them express, explore, and be a little extra
If you are the only child...
High School Drama GIF by HBO MaxGiphyOnly children can be the ultimate "one woman show" as they are often a mix of all the birth orders rolled into one. Without siblings, they learn to entertain themselves, advocate for their needs, and navigate adult conversations early. That independence can make them magnetic, mature, and deeply introspective, but it also comes with a deep craving for validation and control.
Only child traits can include:
- Mature and wise beyond their years, often viewed as old souls
- Conscientious and responsible, usually the go-to person in their circle
- Seek approval and validation more than they let on
- Natural leaders with big ideas and even bigger plans
- Can be sensitive and deeply affected by criticism
- Prefer structure, routines, and control (sometimes to a fault)
- Like things done their way (and don’t love compromising)
- Thrive in solitude but still want to feel seen and celebrated
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