In xoNecole's Finding Balance, we profile boss women making boss moves in the world and in their respective industries. We talk to them about their business, their life, and most of all, what they do to find balance in their busy lives.
Kamie Crawford is more than meets the eye.
Her first-ever wave came in the form of competing in the Miss Maryland Teen USA pageant. There, she represented the state of Maryland and ended up walking away from the night with a crown. Kamie also did so while making history as the first contestant from Maryland to ever win the competition. "I applied and the rest was history!" she exclaimed in a conversation with xoNecole. "Being Miss Teen USA was an awesome experience, but I got what I needed from it and moved forward with my life and career."
In addition to being a diverse shade and size in the fashion world as a model, Kamie has been broadening her reach and expanding her talents as an on-air host; a passion she's been nurturing into her purpose since her late teens. Most recently, she's gained credits with the E! Network and MTV's Catfish underneath her hosting belt, where her compassionate and "real recognize real" persona made her an instant fan-favorite among the lineup of guest hosts that have co-piloted Nev's show since long-time co-host's Max Joseph's departure.
Despite the yes's she's acquired along her journey, the pathway to being Kamie Crawford hasn't been one without uncertainty or doubts. "Before I made the transition, I had never felt more lost. I didn't know where my career was going, but I made the decision to put it all in God's hands and manifest TF out of everything. Once I did that, I got the email about Catfish. Sometimes you have to realize that there is already a divine purpose for your life – so while you're busy making plans, you have to know in your heart that the path has already been paved for you, you just have to follow it where it leads."
Since then, abundance has manifested by the droves and it all started with taking a leap of faith and transitioning to life in LA. Nowadays, Kamie is a master of her own destiny and is finding time to balance brand deals and TV segments with SoulCycle and Netflix and chill. Here's how.
What does the average day/week look like for you?
Every week is different, which keeps it exciting. I usually have one or two "admin days" out of the week to strictly just answer emails, send invoices for brand deals, work out contracts for upcoming projects, plan out potential TV segment ideas or jot down some goals. If I'm filming during the week (like I am right now), I have to block off days for travel/filming or time to coordinate looks for on-camera. I also have days set aside for taking meetings or running errands and because I'm a Scorpio, me-time is essential!
What are your mornings like? How do you wind down at night?
Mornings, I will admit, are not my strong suit. If I'm not filming early, I like to sleep as much as I can. I try to wake up around 9am and get my day started, walk my dog, get my Starbucks fix in. Sometimes, I work out, sometimes I don't. I'm working on making my mornings more productive! At night I love to catch up on Netflix or Ru Paul's Drag Race, hang out with my boyfriend and our dog. Maybe drink some wine – it all depends on the day!
What do you find to be the most hectic part of your week?
Mondays and Tuesdays are usually the craziest just because there are so many emails coming in, but if I'm filming – I'm usually busy from Thursday to Monday. This is why I keep a physical and digital planner!
Do you practice any types of self-care?
SoulCycle is my self-care. I also just started boxing which is awesome, but outside of fitness I love to just detach. If I'm feeling stressed, I'll take a few hours and just be with myself and my own thoughts. I don't answer anyone's emails or calls and I regroup.
"If I'm feeling stressed, I'll take a few hours and just be with myself and my own thoughts. I don't answer anyone's emails or calls and I regroup."
What are some rituals you swear by in the name of self-care?
A scalding hot shower, a glass of wine and some great Chinese food usually does the trick for me!
How do you find balance with:
Love/Marriage?
I feel really lucky because my boyfriend and I both work in the entertainment industry. He's more behind the scenes, but he's always traveling with clients and we're coincidentally in the same place at the same time. One time I had to travel to Phoenix, AZ to film while he was in the same city for a music festival! It's always been like that and it really helps. It's also just great being with someone who gets the industry and my frustrations overall – we're constantly planning together and running ideas by each other, but even we have to set aside time with no phones and just enjoy one another.
Friends?
My best friends and I talk every single day. Group chats are a lifesaver! We're always connected digitally, but seeing each other often is a struggle just because we live in different areas now. Whenever we're in the same town though, it's like we never left. Low-maintenance friendships are key for me. We have to be able to pick right back up where we left off, even if we haven't seen each other in a few months! They're super busy and successful too, so we're all on the same page.
Exercise/Health? Do you ever detox?
I have spurts of being really super active and then I won't work out for like a week. I want to be better at that but if I'm not as active, I'm usually doing a better job at watching what foods I'm indulging in. I've done cleanses before, but I'm not really a fan. I own my faults and just try to make them better, but I don't like to put too much pressure on myself in that arena.
"Low-maintenance friendships are key for me. We have to be able to pick right back up where we left off, even if we haven't seen each other in a few months!"
When you are going through a bout of uncertainty, or feeling stuck, how do you handle it?
A good cry helps! I can be a perfectionist at times and a strong manifestor, so when things don't happen as soon as I'd like, or at all, I can feel down. I allow myself to feel crappy and then I move on. I don't believe in wallowing for too long because things can always be worse and I am very blessed. If it's something I can change, I fix it. If it's out of my hands, I give to God and go to sleep!
What does success mean to you?
Meeting my personal and professional goals. Having people by my side who support me and love me for who I am and just being a good human. All the money in the world can't replace kindness and genuine happiness.
Ultimately, how do you find balance?
Prayer and downtime. Clearing my brain completely and then starting fresh with new ideas and a new perspective.
For more of Kamie, follow her on Instagram.
'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!
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Feature image screenshot/ xoNecole YouTube
I'm Thrilled That Ryan Destiny & Keith Powers Are Back Together. 5 Things Before Reuniting With Your Ex, Tho.
Listen, as someone who grew up in an entertainment home and also as someone who got my start as a writer in the entertainment industry, I will be the first to recommend that you not get too invested in celebrities. No matter what you see in the media, you don’t really know them (unless you actually do) and that’s enough of a reason to not get super caught up in whatever it is that they’ve got going on.
However, at the same time, as with all things humanity, something that I look for when it comes to famous folks is consistency — and that is why, every once in a while, I will shout a person or a couple out, specifically. Today, it’s actors Ryan Destiny and Keith Powers. Why? Well, you caught the headline. I recently read (and then found a clip of what I read) that Ryan went on record saying that after three years of she and Keith being apart (shucks), they are back together (yay!) — and dammit, you would’ve thought that I was their blood auntie for real when she shared the news.
Video Credit: @rydersxsourc on TikTok
Why the need for such unspeakable joy? LOL. I love — love, LOVE — Black love, so we can start there. They’ve always come across as genuine BFFs and I’m a huge advocate of that when it comes to romantic dynamics. Then there are some things that Ryan said about why they decided to become an official couple again that inspired me to do what I try to do whenever I write on anything celebrity-related: tie in a lesson for the rest of us to apply to our own daily lives.
You know, someone once said that getting back with an ex is like hopping out of the shower and putting your old underwear back on. And while that is, without question, a semi-grossly graphic cautionary tale to consider — LOL — at the same time, I don’t think that it’s a one-size-fits-all resolve.
If you and an ex are dancing around the idea of giving it a go one mo’ time again, I just want you to strongly consider five things first. Just so you can be sure that there are some new-in-real-time benefits that come with getting that old thing back.
Do They Complement Where Your Life Is…Now?
Credit: @jenniferhudsonshow on TikTok
Okay, so when it comes to all of the video posts throughout this, I am sharing each one by strategic design because I am actually going to use certain things about Ryan and Keith’s life to illustrate my points. First up: Did you notice all that Ryan has already accomplished in just 30 years of life? And y’all, she has gotten back with Keith in the midst of all that is currently on her plate. This means that not only is she making time for the relationship (what we value, we MAKE time for), it would appear that she doesn’t feel like he or the relationship would be a hindrance to all of her plans, her goals — her purpose.
Currently, I (yes, personally) know someone who is a celebrity in her own right. She is trying to make something work out with an ex — only there are red flags galore. One of them is the fact that, although he says that he is in support of her career, he makes unrealistic demands on her time, and he stresses her out when it comes to where he thinks that he should currently fall on her list of priorities right now and he likes to pull semi-passive aggressive stunts in order to get her attention. Thing is, back when they were dating years ago, she was in a different season, so there wasn’t as much going on as she has now.
And sadly, as much as she doesn’t want to accept it, although they may still love each other — or they’re addicted to the feelings of nostalgia which can seem like love sometimes — they don’t really complement each other’s lives or lifestyles. There are things that he wants that she cannot provide (yes, literally) and there are things that she needs that he doesn’t seem very good at adapting to. And so, for them to try and make things work in this season, it would be a literal disaster. So much writing is already on the wall to prove it.
Five years ago, when I wrote, “If He's Right For You, He Will COMPLEMENT Your Life” for the platform, a part of the reason was because complement is a word that I bring up a lot when dealing with dating couples who are thinking about taking things to another level.
To complement is to help to complete in the sense of adding to your life, bringing balance to your world, and enriching you. If you can’t say this, with your entire self, about you and your ex — both directions, I might add — it’s not time to get back together. Whether that’s now or ever…in the wise words of DeBarge, time will reveal.
Does the Universe Seem to Be a Fan of the Idea?
Video Credit: @xmood.editss on TikTok
The Alchemistis one of my favorite books. No question. My brother introduced me to it many years ago. Anyway, the author is Paulo Coelho and one of the quotes from the book is also a fave of mine: “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it." Okay, did you peep what Gabrielle said on a damn press junket about Keith and Ryan — A PRESS JUNKET?
Y’all, not everyone is going to have the kind of love story where everyone in their life is on board with them being together. I counsel folks like this and they have still had a strong relationship in spite of it. Oh, but when others admire the connection? When they see your dynamic as a standard? When those you care about can get with what you are doing and rally behind it? That is something that is beyond precious and is definitely a huge green flag. So, definitely keep this point in mind.
Moving on, if you’ve been consistently reading my content long enough, you know that me and my first love, chile — me and my first love…CHILE. LOL. Just over Super Bowl weekend, a guy he grew up with was still being a hype man for us. In fact, in a prior convo, he said something that really stayed with me: “It wasn’t until I got with my fiancée that I understood how a man could love a woman like [insert my first love’s name here] loves you.”
Listen, I wrote an entire article about why there is no need to chase anything in this life (check out “Chase Nothing, Sis: Why The Things You Want In Life Don’t Require A Chase”). Sometimes, just like with the perfect chocolate chip recipe, you’ve got to accept that you can’t do time’s job. Cookies need to sit in the oven and sometimes “the universe” needs to do its thing and fit other puzzle pieces together — ones that you don’t have access to.
However, another great indicator that you and your ex might need to consider taking another shot at love is if it seems like things are coming (back) together, without you having to do so much work — or is it toiling? — to make it happen.
Are You Both on Damn Near the Exact Same Page?
*Side note: I just adore this exchange between Keith and his dad*
My mother has always called me her “signs and wonders” child and so, it is totally on-brand for me to look at this and wonder if a part of the reason why Keith was so drawn to acting is because it was a “puzzle piece” in connecting him to Ryan — because y’all, if this does indeed work out in a jump the broom sort of way, it’s a reminder that one of the biggest decisions you will EVER make in life is who you are going to do life, for the rest of your life, with.
That said, though, the reason why this clip is relevant to this particular point is because, well, you heard what Keith’s dad said that Keith said, right? “If your heart is in it, you are going to give your all.” AND — AND YES, I AM YELLING THIS — IF YOU ARE ABOUT TO EXTEND THE TIME, EFFORT AND ENERGY TO SPIN THE BLOCK AND GET BACK WITH AN EX…BOTH OF YOU BETTER BE PREPARED TO GIVE YOUR ALL.
Because truly, why in the world would you return to something that you’ve already experienced and half-step it? That’s completely insane.
And honestly, I think that’s what’s up with me and my ex: we really just need to get married or leave each other alone and I think he knows what I deserve (yes, am qualified for) on the marriage tip. Am I waiting on him in the meantime? Nope. Not at all. Is the door completely shut, though? Due to my own convictions about the covenant of marriage, honestly, only if he gets married would that be the case (and it would be shut forever, even if he got a divorce).
However, we’re not on the same page right now because we’re not doing what Keith is talking about: giving our all. Either direction. We’re living our lives. You can love someone and still live your own life (someone needed to hear that).
And perhaps — I don’t know but perhaps — that is why Keith and Ryan broke up in the first place: because, indeed, it is an act of love to release someone when you know that you either can’t give them what they want or you don’t want the same things that they do.
Anyway, again, if you’re considering getting back with your ex, casually dating seems a bit ridiculous. Didn’t y’all already do that? It’s time to discuss if you both want the same things, at the same time now. If yes, awesome. If not, well — officially getting back together could prove to do more harm than good. Maybe it’s time to not write another chapter and just find another book (if you know what I mean).
Okay, so I went to see the movie The Fire Inside which is the true story of female boxer Claressa Shields. I salute Ryan because she was really, really good in it. Aight but what does this clip from her press run have to do with today’s topic? For starters, if you’ve followed Ryan’s career for a while, you know that she is very thoughtful and intentional about the roles that she plays. And, although, in many ways, she and Keith are pretty private about their relationship, when they do speak on it, it seems as if the same point applies.
They seem to want to be friends, they seem to want to be each other’s support system, and they seem to want to see each other win. They choose to have that kind of dynamic. Can you and your ex say the same thing? Not one or the other — both of you. Not back in the day…right now?
Next up: She said she believes that she possibly spoke The Fire Inside role into existence. Even Scripture says that death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21) — and you know what? Find me one clip where Ryan was wearing Keith out after they broke up or where Keith was telling all of her business when things ended. Even in the break-up, there was integrity.
Uh-huh. Let’s not act like there aren’t several other celebrity couples who seemed to go on press tours just to dog out their ex — and somehow, they ended up back together. Still, doesn’t it seem like you could trust someone so much more if you ended things “clean”? Aren’t you far more open to considering reuniting with an individual who “covered your character” even when the two of you were apart?
My point? Before getting back together with your ex, how did you break up, how did both of you handle the ending of the relationship and, along with feeling like you love each other, can you honestly say that you both respect (and respected) each other too — in words and in deed?
Speaking things into existence? Sometimes, the way we handle things of our past shows that we can be trusted for them to re-enter into our present. Words to live by.
Are You Not “Forcing It” to Happen?
So, according to YouTube, this clip was six years ago — and the way that Keith’s face lit up when he spoke of Ryan then — Google him; he has the same energy when being in her presence now. And as we wrap this up, although I kind of touched on this when speaking of my own ex, it’s worth really honing in on: if you’re trying to force you and your ex to get back together, you probably shouldn’t be.
Ain’t it a trip how Keith said that first they met, then they casually chatted on social media, then they would spontaneously hang out, and then things transitioned into something more? No pressure. No Old Testament scroll of demands and expectations. No drama. Just vibes. LOL. Awesome.
I can’t tell you how many times someone has told me that they were thinking about getting back with an ex and — it all just seemed so stressful. She was telling me all of what he would need to do to prove himself. He would tell me all of the reservations that he still kind of had. Both of them would keep bringing stuff from the past up. This? This is what it looks like when you’re trying to force a past relationship to happen again.
What Ryan and Keith seem to speak on is, that although they weren’t “official” for a while, they were still friends — and just like how they smoothly moved into a relationship in the beginning, it would appear that they smoothly moved into getting back together as well. Y’all, if you are going to get back with your ex, it shouldn’t wear you out to do it. Breaking up was hard enough. Getting back together shouldn’t be. Feel me?
____
Although I do think that a lot should be seriously considered when getting back with an old flame, I’m definitely not totally against it. Like I said, Ryan and Keith are back together, and I think that is a beautiful thing.
When it comes to your own life, though, just make sure that if you are going to bring your past into your present that it shows many signs of blessing and not cursing your future. These five signs, hopefully, will help to bring clarity to that. Because if you’re going to be with your ex again — it needs to be a good thing…the right thing. Not just something to do…again.
I’m pretty sure that Ryan and Keith would agree.
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Featured image by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for ELLE