These Books Are Giving All The Goods On Career Fulfillment, Success, And The Glow Up
Y'all know we love a good book list over here at xoNecole (as if you don't already have dozens on your bookshelves that you have yet to finish. We're with you, sis.)
Well, the next time you're lounging by the pool, waiting on that last dryer cycle to finish, or simply needing something enlightening to listen to during a session on the cycling machine, you'll be glad you added these inspiring books to your cart. They're all by ambitious and smart Black women giving all the goods on career advancement, life fulfillment, and professional glow-ups.
You're welcome.
'Choosing to Prosper' by Bola Sokunbi
Written by the mind behind Clever Girl Finance, an empowering online platform and community centered on financial literacy, this book gets into Sokunbi's Nigerian background and upbringing, finding financial freedom, and guidance into the self-awareness and confidence to take on your lifestyle goals.
'Manifesto: On Never Giving Up' by Bernardine Evaristo
This author and scholar's bold memoir will definitely spark introspection and self-exploration, especially for all the ambitious baes out there who aren't afraid to push the envelope and fight the status quo.
'I Am Debra Lee' by Debra Lee
Serving as BET's CEO for more than a decade definitely gives Lee the cred to share just what it means to be a Black woman leading one of the most iconic, bankable TV networks of all time. It's no small feat to break glass ceilings and stomp with the big dogs in corporate America, so there's a lot to be learned from the life of a true boss.
You've Been Chosen: Thriving Through the Unexpected
Written by the CEO of the Dallas Mavericks---the first Black woman to hold such a role in the NBA---this book features elements of perseverance, hard work, faith, and positivity that are sure to get you pumped up to achieve your own greatness.
'Agent You: Show Up, Do the Work, and Succeed on Your Own Terms' by Nicole Lynn
This one is especially for those who are struggling with purpose and fulfillment and offers easy-to-read tips and advice on how to become clear on just what you want out of your work, life, and legacy. An added plus: Lynn's record-breaking boss moves in the NFL and her pivot into becoming an agent and sports operator.
'The Fear-Fighter Manual: Lessons From A Professional Troublemaker' by Luvvi Ajayi Jones
If you're into a candid insightful read about being unapologetically you, this is perfect, and Jones is one who knows more than a thing or two about that since paying her dues and becoming a successful podcast host, digital strategist, entrepreneur, and speaker. Sis just knows how to bring out the best in folk through honesty, humor, and smarts.
'I'm Not Yelling: A Black Women's Guide to Navigating the Workplace' by Elizabeth Leiba
This is a love letter to any Black woman who has felt misunderstood, misrepresented, and stifled in the workplace and includes insights on ways to be your full authentic self and achieve success without wearing a mask or code-switching.
'We Should All Be Millionaires' by Rachel Rodgers
If the title alone doesn't move you, the fact that the author is a 7-figure business owner, attorney, and mother should. She's all about empowering people to make more money and think bigger about the possibilities in life, and this book does not disappoint in that area.
'Make Money Move: A Guide to Financial Wellness' by Lauren Simmons
Her story of becoming the youngest woman to serve as a full-time trader on the New York Stock Exchange went viral, and this book is one that gets to the core of investing in sustainable wealth, which in turn can exponentially change your life for the better.
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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.
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Draya Michele And Jalen Green Address Backlash Over Age Gap In Their Relationship
Romantic relationships with significant age gaps often attract heightened attention and scrutiny, especially when they involve an older woman dating a much younger man.
This criticism is usually viewed as a double standard, considering society's general acceptance of couples like Jay-Z and Beyoncé or Julius Tennon and Viola Davis, where the male partners are over a decade older than their female spouses.
The debate surrounding age gaps in celebrity relationships reignited in March when Draya Michele, a 39-year-old former reality star and entrepreneur, revealed she was expecting her first child with her boyfriend, 22-year-old Houston Rockets player Jalen Green, after nearly a year together. Immediately following the announcement, Michele, who has two sons from previous relationships, faced massive backlash due to the couple's 17-year age difference.
In response to the scrutiny, Michele posted a quote on her Instagram story, which has since been deleted, suggesting she was comfortable with being "misunderstood." The post read, "Get comfortable being misunderstood. Only a fraction of people will be able to truly grasp your essence. You are not on anyone else's timeline of comprehension."
Since then, the couple welcomed their daughter in May and maintained a relatively low profile regarding their relationship. However, during a recent outing in Hollywood, Michele and Green shared their thoughts with TMZ about the criticism they have received.
Draya And Jalen On Age-Gap Backlash
When asked about the online chatter surrounding their relationship, Michele revealed the couple's strategy for dealing with negativity. "We try to stay off the internet and not really listen to that kind of stuff," she explained.
Green echoed this sentiment, stating they don't care about the public backlash. The former Basketball Wivesstar elaborated that they strive to live as normally as possible by blocking out the hate.
“We block it out and we mind our business,” she stated.
When questioned about why she was facing scrutiny despite the pair looking the same age, Michele disclosed that the entire ordeal was strange.
“I don’t know what people’s problems is,” she said. “We are two adults– being in love. I don’t know why that would rub people the wrong way. It’s kind of weird. Love is love at the end of the day.”
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