Tinashe's 'Quantum' Leap: How Manifestation & Fearlessness Drive The Pop Star's Creative Journey
If there's one mantra that feels like the sound of summer, it is definitely Tinashe's clever earworm, "Is somebody gonna match my freak?" The 31-year-old singer's career has seen quite the resurgence with the popularity of her viral hit "Nasty," the subsequent release of her seventh album, Quantum Baby, and her 23-date Match My Freak World Tour, coming to a city near you this fall.
As a believer in manifestation, Tinashe is primed to think where she is in her journey is a testament to divine timing.
Quantum Baby, which dropped last month, is the second part of Tinashe's intended trilogy. No doubt a nod to her angel number 333 (which also shares a name with her fifth studio album, 333), the intended trilogy will be an ever-evolving work-in-progress with room to become anything the universe and her path have in store for her.
While she's gearing up for what she says will be a "high energy tour," the Grammy nominee is also blessing us with her turn as the cover girl for a recent cover story with FLAUNT. In their "Close Encounters" issue, the pop princess is serving looks and spiritual wisdom, and these are just a few of the gems we collected.
On the ideal way to listen to her album, 'Quantum Baby':
"You have to be focused. I want you to be sitting in your room, smoking a joint, drinking some green tea with a candle, looking out the window, vibing with some cool visuals on the TV. I just want a vibe. I’m really into a vibe and then we can grow from there."
On the importance of action when manifesting:
"I think there’s not enough conversation about manifestation through action, and about creating energy as well as receiving it. It’s just as important to be able to start conversations and create banter as it is to contribute to what the universe is. The universe is asking you to participate.
"It’s asking you to give to it as well as receive it... you can’t be waiting for someone to do something for you and for it to fall out of the sky."
On not needing external recognition to create her art:
"I would create regardless of if anyone was listening or if anyone was helping me. Viral moments are amazing, and they really help and can create a lot of attention and a lot of eyes on you, but where I think the longevity is created is in creating that universe, creating a storyline, building a world that people can immerse themselves in."
On finding safety in her art and being fearless with her creativity:
"I feel a lot of safety in my art because you always have the fallback of ‘It’s just a song...’ There’s definitely some gray areas there in terms of what’s for the story and what’s real. That can be scary. I feel like I’ve reached a point where there’s a lot less fear in my creativity. I’m much more willing to see how it all plays out and to go with the flow because I have been so successful. So it’s just about enjoying those moments and not trying to live in fear."
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'Sistas' Star Skyh Black On The Power Of Hypnotherapy & Emotional Vulnerability For Men
In this insightful episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Sistas star Skyh Black, as he opened up about his journey of emotional growth, resilience, and self-discovery. The episode touches on emotional availability, self-worth, masculinity, and the importance of therapy in overcoming personal struggles.
Skyh Black on Emotional Availability & Love
On Emotional Availability & Vulnerability
“My wife and I wouldn't be where we are today if both of us weren't emotionally available,” he shared about his wife and Sistas co-star KJ Smith, highlighting the value of vulnerability and emotional openness in a relationship. His approach to masculinity stands in contrast to the traditional, stoic ideals. Skyh is not afraid to embrace softness as part of his emotional expression.
On Overcoming Self-Doubt & Worthiness Issues
Skyh reflected on the self-doubt and worthiness issues that he struggled with, especially early in his career. He opens up about his time in Los Angeles, living what he calls the “LA struggle story”—in a one-bedroom with three roommates—and being homeless three times over the span of 16 years. “I always had this self-sabotaging thought process,” Skyh said. “For me, I feel therapy is essential, period. I have a regular therapist and I go to a hypnotherapist.”
How Therapy Helped Him Heal From Self-Doubt
On Hypnotherapy & Empowering Self-Acceptance
Skyh’s journey is a testament to the power of tapping into self-development despite life’s struggles and being open to growth. “I had to submit to the fact that God was doing good in my life, and that I'm worthy of it. I had a worthiness issue and I did not realize that. So, that’s what the hypnotherapy did. It brought me back to the core. What is wrong so that I can fix it?”
Watch the full podcast episode below:
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Quinta Brunson Gets Real About Divorce, Boundaries & Becoming
Quinta Brunson is the woman who chooses herself, even when the world is watching. And in her June 30 cover story for Bustle, she gives us a rare glimpse into the soft, centered place she's navigating her life from now. From leading one of television's most beloved series in the last decade to quietly moving through life shifts, the creator of Abbott Elementary is walking through a personal evolution and doing so with intention, grace, and a firm grip on her boundaries.
Back in March, the 35-year-old filed for divorce from Kevin Jay Anik after nearly three years of marriage, citing "irreconcilable differences." The news hit the headlines of news outlets fast, but Quinta hadn't planned to announce their dissolution to the public so quickly.
Quinta Brunson On Divorce, Public Scrutiny & Sacred Boundaries
"I remember seeing people be like, ‘She announced her divorce,’" she told Bustle. “I didn’t announce anything. I think people have this idea that people in the public eye want the public to know their every move. None of us do. I promise you. No one wants [everyone] to know when you buy a house, when you move, when a major change happens in your personal life. It’s just that that’s public record information."
In regards to her private moves becoming tabloid fodder, Quinta continued, "I hated that. I hate all of it."
"I Am An Artist First": Quinta On Cutting Her Hair & Reclaiming Herself
Still, the diminutive phenom holds her crown high in the face of change and is returning to the essence of who she is, especially as an artist. "Cutting my hair reminded me that I am an artist first. I want to feel things. I want to make choices. I want to be a person, and not just stuck in having to be a certain way for business." It's giving sacred rebirth. It's giving self-liberation. It's especially giving main character energy.
And while the headlines keep spinning their narratives, the one that Quinta is focused on is her own. For her, slowing down and nourishing herself in ways that feed her is what matters. "It’s a transitional time. I think it’s true for me and my personal life, and it’s how I feel about myself, my career, and the world," Quinta shared with Bustle. “I feel very serious about focusing on watering my own gardens, taking care of myself and the people around me who I actually interact with day-to-day."
That includes indulging in simple rituals that ground her like "making myself a meal" which has become "really, really important to me."
That spirit of agency doesn't stop at the personal. In her professional world, as the creator, executive producer, and lead actress of the critically-acclaimed Abbott Elementary, Quinta understands the weight her choices carry, both on- and off-screen. She revealed to Bustle, "People used to tell me at the beginning of this that the No. 1 on the call sheet sets the tone, and the producer sets the tone — and I’m both of those roles."
She continued, "I understand now, after doing this for four years, how important it was that I set the tone that I did when we first started."
Quinta doesn't just lead, she understands the importance of curating the energy of any space she enters. Even amid a season of shifts and shedding, her power speaks loudly. Sometimes that power looks like quiet resistance. Sometimes that power is soft leadership.
And sometimes that power looks like cutting your hair and taking back your name in rooms that have forgotten you were an artist long before you were a brand.
Read Quinta's cover story on Bustle here to witness the fullness of Quinta's becoming.
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