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This SHEeo Created An Athleisure Brand With Every Woman In Mind
With the rise of more and more black women breaking away from traditional 9-5s to become their own bosses, the CEO is getting a revamp as the SHEeo. CEOs are forging their own paths, blazing their own trails, and turning their passion into a profit. Curious to know how she does it? In the Meet The SHEeo series, we talk to melanated mavens leveling up and glowing up, all while redefining what it means to be a boss.
Dr. Jacqueline Dow has always had a passion for improving women's health through proper nutrition and fitness, so when she graduated in 2018 with her doctorate in Public Health, she knew that a traditional nine-to-five would limit her ability to serve the women in her community. As a result, she launched her athleisure apparel company J. Dow Fitness to promote holistic wellness, fitness and self-confidence among women of all shapes and sizes. She continues to address the disproportionate prevalence of chronic disease and health disparities among women of color through health education, health advocacy, and research science.
In this week's feature, meet Dr. Jacqueline Dow of J. Dow Fitness.
Courtesy of Dr. Jacqueline Dow
Brand: CEO of J. Dow Fitness
Location: Atlanta, GA
Year Founded: 2018
# of Employees: None
30-Second Pitch: J. Dow Fitness is a black female owned athleisure apparel company established to promote holistic wellness, fitness and self-confidence among women. J. Dow Fitness caters to women of every body type by offering sizes that range from small to 2XL.
What inspired you to start your brand?
As a research scientist, I have analyzed risk factors that lead to negative health complications among Black women, infants and children for several years. I know the key to combating chronic diseases that disproportionately impact women of color include physical activity and proper nutrition. Starting my own business gave me the opportunity to merge my scientist background with public health practices known to effectively improve women's health and pregnancy outcomes.
What was your a-ha moment that brought your idea into reality?
In 2018, I graduated from Morgan State University with my Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree. As I prepared for graduation, I reached an interesting period in my career. As an employee (of a corporate organization), I did not have the freedom to focus on my passion and professional expertise, which is women's health among minorities in particular. Instead of remaining frustrated, I took my destiny into my own hands and created J. Dow Fitness, LLC.
Who is your ideal customer?
Every woman is the ideal customer for J. Dow Fitness! Whether she is a fitness instructor, a marathon runner, or just beginning her fitness journey, we have something special for every woman! Also, J. Dow Fitness athleisure apparel can easily be worn causally! It is the perfect outfit for the rigorous workout, lunch with friends and even a casual date.
What makes your business different?
J. Dow Fitness offers unique athleisure apparel different from any other company. Our leggings are high-waist and provide amazing tummy control. Our sports bras are longer when compared to traditional sports bras and provide great support. In addition, our athleisure apparel offers bright colors, fun patterns and quality fabric.
What obstacles did you have to overcome while launching and growing your brand? How were you able to overcome them?
Initially, one of my challenges was identifying the face of my brand. It was very important that the images utilized for marketing and advertising be inclusive of every woman. As a result, I have been very intentional on identifying models of all hues, shapes and body types. However, it is extremely important that my customers also know and understand who I am and why I decided to start my business.
What was the defining moment in your entrepreneurial journey?
November 2018 was the defining moment for my entrepreneurial journey. Only four months after launching J. Dow Fitness, I found myself a new vendor at The Village Market Black Friday Experience in Atlanta. It was an invaluable opportunity that completely changed my perspective as a new business owner. I was literally blown away by the amount of encouragement and exceeding number of Black women excited about my product.
Where do you see your company in 5-10 years?
In 5-10 years, there will be major expansion for J. Dow Fitness. In addition to growing our brand, J. Dow Fitness athleisure apparel will be offered in gyms and fitness studios not just in Atlanta, but across the United States. The ultimate goal is for J. Dow Fitness athleisure apparel to be offered in major department stores such as Macy's.
Where have you seen the biggest return on investment?
So far, the biggest return on investment has been vending at several major events. This setting has provided unexpected networking opportunities and the ability to meet so many amazing women. In addition, it has allowed me as the business owner to personally introduce my brand and product to so many women.
Biggest lesson(s) you’ve learned in business?
- Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
- Once you identify where money is being wasted, adjust immediately.
- Stretch yourself to be the face of your brand.
- Always keep your customer in mind when identifying new products.
- Identify which marketing strategies are most effective for your business.
For more of J. Dow Fitness, follow them on social media @jdowfitness.
How This New Bond Repair Line Transformed One Mother's Postpartum Shedding Into The Ultimate Curl Comeback
This article is in partnership with SheaMoisture
For Crystal Obasanya, her wash day woes came shortly after her son did. The beauty and lifestyle content creator had been natural for years, but during postpartum, she quickly learned about one reality many mothers can relate to experiencing: postpartum hair loss. “Sis had thinning hair. Sis had split ends,” she shared about her hair changes in a Reel via xoNecole.
Over a year into her postpartum journey, Crystal explained she also had dry, brittle hair, noting that keeping it hydrated before pregnancy had already been “a task.” The 4C natural recalled going from thick hair during pregnancy to a thin hairline due to postpartum shedding as “devastating.” When it came to strengthening and revitalizing her hair, the new SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection was just the thing she needed to elevate her damaged coils to revive and thrive status and get them poppin' again.
SheaMoisture is providing us with the cheat code for transforming dry and damaged strands into thriving and deeply nourished crowns. By unveiling their 4-step hair system, the SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection is equipping you with the tools to reverse signs of hair damage caused by protective styling, heat, and color and is uniquely formulated for Type 3 and 4 hair textures.
The haircare system revives damaged natural hair by repairing and rebuilding broken hair bonds through a game-changing combination of HydroPlex Technology and AminoBlend Complex, a unique blend of fortifying amino acids formulated specifically for curly and coily hair. Scientifically proven to reduce breakage by 84% and make your hair six times stronger (vs. non-conditioning shampoo), the collection infuses your hair with the nourishment it craves and the strength it deserves.
All five products of the SheaMoisture Bond Collection are infused with natural strengthening ingredients like Amla Oil and fair-trade shea butter. The collection consists of the 4-step breakage-fighting Bond Repair system, as well as the Bonding Oil.
“When trying it out, I quickly noticed that my hair felt revived and renewed, and my curls were so hydrated,” Crystal said while using the Amla-infused Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner. “I also felt my hair strands were stronger.” So much so that the influencer felt brave enough to get her hair braided shortly thereafter. “I can definitely say that I will be keeping it in my hair wash routine,” she added in the caption of her Reel about her positive experience using the products.
SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection is making bond-building a key player in your wash day routines and the purveyor of life for thirsty manes. Because who doesn't want stronger, shinier, happier hair?
Step One: Bond Repair Collection 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 Collection Shampoo is the first step in the 4-step Bond Repair system, all of which are powered by the uniquely formulated AminoBlend, and HydroPlex, SheaMoisture’s technology that rebuilds hair strength at its core.
Step Two: Bond Repair Collection 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 Collection Conditioner deeply hydrates, enhances manageability, and leaves your hair looking healthier and shinier.
Step Three: Bond Repair Collection Masque
This Ultra Moisturizing reparative masque is a moisture-rich game-changer for those dealing with the aftermath of hair damage caused by styling. The SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection 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 Collection Leave-In Conditioner
Elevate your curl game with SheaMoisture’s Bond Repair Collection 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 Bond Repair Collection 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.
Featured image courtesy
Looking for ways to level up your solo sex sessions or your partnered sex play? Entering the wonderful world of arousal oils might be exactly what the doctor ordered. As its name suggests, arousal oil arouses. And they might very well be the pleasurable vessel through which your mind-blowing orgasms can be beckoned. Specifically, arousal oils are a pleasure-enhancing sex lubricant intended to increase the sensitivity to your nipples, your vulva, or your clitoris, just to start.
With an ingredient list that can include the likes of CBD, ashwagandha, and essential oils, arousal oils act as an aphrodisiac in a bottle, maximizing intensity and heightening the levels of pleasure you feel, thereby making your climax that much more attainable.
Keep reading for our selection of some of the best arousal oils in the game right now.
Bloomi Luxe Arousal Oil
Described as a "sensual pleasure oil," the Luxe Arousal Oil by Bloomi is clean with plant-derived organic ingredients. With 2-4 pumps, a gentle massage with this oil-based intimacy oil is formulated to intensify pleasure to your clitoris, your vulva, your thighs, or anywhere else you care to use it, before and during the act.
Foria Awaken Arousal Oil
Not only do reviewers rave about the "incredible o's" from Awaken Arousal Oil, but this best-seller is also known for its sensuous aroma, slip, and feel. With the uncanny ability to enhance sensations, users of the product have reported reinvigorated orgasms and renewed sex lives. And all we have to say is, say less.
Mood Maker Pleasure-Enhancing Intimacy Oil for Couples
Amazon
The Mood Maker had us at hello. Christina Aguilera's sex oil is where luxury and intimacy meet. Thanks to the relaxation facilitated by magic mushrooms and pleasure-enhancing adaptogens, the Mood Maker lays the groundwork for easeful foreplay, sex, and even an encore. With its texture like silk and warm scent, the oil effortlessly sets the perfect mood for pleasure play and allows your body to follow suit.
Lure Deluxe Intimacy Oil
Sultry, clean, and moisturizing are the cornerstones of this intimacy oil. The oil is formulated with organic ingredients like MCT coconut oil and CBD, so there is no need to worry about throwing off your pH balance or leaving behind a sticky residue when using it for intimate moments. The silky texture provides a sensual slip that is all gas no brakes, creating a slip n' slide glide during partner play, as well as solo play.
Bonus points: since it's all-natural, it's also oral-friendly. So Deluxe Intimacy Oil is queening-approved.
Green Compass Intimacy Oil
Green Compass
Entice and awaken your pleasure and your senses with the Intimacy Oil by Green Compass. An intimacy oil made for every body, this oil is fragrance-free, paraben-free, and silicone-free and formulated with plant-based and organic ingredients. With ingredients like organic hemp flower extract, coconut oil, and jojoba oil, the pleasure felt and experienced in intimate areas becomes even more intense upon application.
FOCL CBD Arousal Oil
Loved by users for its "perfect texture," its "warm wonderful feeling," and the fact that it's "non-irritating," the CBD Arousal Oil by FOCL is definitely worthy of a spot in your tox boy. Like other CBD oils, the hemp-derived product is said to ease tension and promote blood flow, which are major keys to enhancing and maximizing your sexual pleasure.
Sensuva On Arousal Oil
Amazon
Looks like we saved the best for last. Available in Lite, Original, and Ultra to give you the ability to choose the intensity that suits your intimate moments best, the On Arousal Oil by Sensuva is said to be one of the most powerful arousal oils on the market with good reason. With a "unique, buzzing vibration sensation on the clitoris," in 1-2 drops, On Arousal delivers more sensation during sex, helps women achieve orgasms quicker and more intensely, and can also help curb any issues with vaginal dryness.
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