All eyes were on Tyla as she strutted down the Victoria’s Secret runway this season. As for the headturning, blonde bob hair? That was all thanks to the icon and celebrity hairstylist Yusef Williams—who is also known for his work with Rihanna throughout the last 10 years. 

Despite his success, he remains humble and credits his passion for hair to his mother, whom he watched do hair throughout his youth. “I followed in her footsteps from being a musician in my dad’s band to seeing her create beautiful >Miyake Mugler Ballroom house father says. “Your reputation is everything in the entertainment and fashion industries,” Williams continues, before leaving budding hair artists with sage advice. “Own your expertise, trust your skills, and let your passion shine through.”

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I’m absolutely loving Fenty Hair products right now! The Comeback Kid,  Shampoo and deep conditioner are my favorites—they leave hair revitalized and stunning.

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The idea that weaves break your hair. When done correctly, they can actually protect and promote growth. It’s all about proper installation and care!

Always listen and get to know them. Building trust is key, so let them lead the way at first, then step in with your expertise. It creates a perfect balance!

I uplift clients by making it all about them! It’s a partnership, not a dictatorship. When they feel valued and heard, that’s when the magic happens!

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Today, Netflix unveiled the official trailer for the highly anticipated The Upshaws: Part 6, returning on January 9, 2025. Fans of the hit sitcom can expect another round of laughter, heart, and relatable family moments as the show dives deeper into the lives of the ever-chaotic Upshaw family.

Set in Indianapolis, The Upshaws follows Bennie Upshaw (Mike Epps), a well-meaning yet perpetually stumbling mechanic, as he juggles his duties as a husband to Regina (Kim Fields), father to their kids, and a constant sparring partner to his hilariously sardonic sister-in-law, Lucretia (Wanda Sykes). This season promises even more twists as the family faces new jobs, health challenges, and life-changing surprises while clinging to the love that keeps them together.

Co-created and helmed by Epps, Sykes, and Regina Hicks, the series has become a fan favorite for its authentic depiction of working-class Black family life. The ten-episode season, filmed in Los Angeles, blends comedy with heartfelt drama, showcasing the resilience and humor required to navigate life’s ups and downs.

With its sharp writing, stellar cast, and a new chapter of surprises, The Upshaws: Part 6 promises to deliver the perfect blend of laughs and emotional depth when it premieres. Mark your calendars and get ready to dive back into the ups and downs of this unforgettable family.

Take a look at the trailer for The Upshaws below.

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Chill, modern, classic. These three words epitomize Tibi’s recipe for an outfit that is reliable but never flat, how every creative pragmatist ought to feel when they leave the house. Consider it the well-balanced flavor profile of a dish that keeps you going to a restaurant that is just downright cool. Tibi has these same factors.

I learned of the brand founded by Amy Smilovic in 1997 during the pandemic when they started “barreled and sits above their quirky Larry heel. The brand’s vocabulary is full of terms that make dressing easier for its intrinsically stylish supporters: “Bigs & Pigs,” “Without Fails,” and “In & Outs.”

Tibi teaches people how to dress. Not in the typical runway fashion—where designers send clothes and ideas down the catwalk for viewers to pick up or not (though they do that, too). But by actually speaking to them. Smilovic encapsulates the appeal of Tibi’s clothes by saying that the designs under her house “are clothes that morph with the individual.” She adds: “The clothing has an inherent ease in it, so it morphs with the individual that wants dimension.” 

The refined and fashionably confident alike can find something in the brand’s inventory that is sure to bring a sigh of relief. Because, unlike other labels, Tibi isn’t projecting some life>second edition is currently available online. Smilovic is currently at work on another, with Penguin Random House, Almost Reckless, a book about gaining comfort in risk-taking. It felt like a kind of risk when I bought my first Tibi piece, a jade-green Tibi leather tote with a white stripe down the middle, compact with supple leather that gave it a lived-in feel. But before then, I’d always wondered why menswear brands didn’t modernize their classics instead of shelling out redundant pieces.

Fana Haile, a Tibi stylist who’s introduced several men to the brand, saw a unique opportunity for Tibi to thrive in the menswear market. She noticed this when she began working at the SoHo brick-and-mortar last year. Haile has previously target="_blank"> View this post on Instagram

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In SoHo, she has become somewhat of a menswear whisperer and staunch supporter. She built up this repertoire by asking her friends to drop into the store and model menswear pieces–they obliged. “It took off like wildfire,” she said over a phone call. She adds that what’s kept them shopping at Tibi is that they’ve cultivated a community that encourages exploration. 

Men don’t often have that luxury in fashion. However, tunnel fashion represents a newer method of self-expression. And Tibi, though centered largely on womenswear, will create this space for men to experiment with their >cocoon sweatshirt to free up the hands, for example. 

Writer, influencer, and Honor Code founder Rachel Solomon says Tibi shines due to its consistency. “They’re using the same structure on their shoe’s uppers, and clothing-wise, I think they’re using the same sloper, making lots of different looks with it,” Solomon explains. Solomon also says the brand is successful because of the predictability of how their clothes fit. “[Their clothing is] made to be able to buy online.”

Tibi is also intentional. Smilovic, for one, says she responds to inquiries on Instagram as part of her job. The brand’s stylists (who you can find by typing “.tibi” in the app’s search bar), are front and center, ready to share their superior product knowledge and useful target="_blank"> View this post on Instagram

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It’s also quite rare in an industry where in-store stylists are essentially well-dressed cashiers. This points to qualities that content strategist and research agency co-founder Jessica Quillin describes as honest and authentic and “fully appropriate for a brand with roots in Georgia.” 

Quillin believes the way the label has carved out its place in fashion’s landscape is genuine, like a Southern greeting. From a strategy perspective, she expresses that Amy Smilovic and her team have built Tibi “the smart way,” which has led to organic growth for the brand. 

A scroll through Tibi’s Instagram page or lookbooks will immediately inspire a reimagining of one’s >The Good Ick,” subscribing to their Substack, “The Creative Pragmatist,” by Smilovic, and anticipating their well-attended New York Fashion Week presentations to see what they’ll add to their growing collection of creatively pragmatic attire. 

The word influence is used ad nauseam these days, but, the brand’s got influence. Influence so real they’ve been privileged to cultivate an audience whose loyalty surpasses superficial fandom. 

Next year, Tibi will turn an 8,000-square-foot loft on the corners of New York’s Broadway and Bond Street into a full media studio. Stylists will use it to host their own shows. (Think LiveSell meets SCTV). Clients will also be able to join them to map out their long-term wardrobes. 

The brand’s expansion with a media studio points to how Smilovic is aligning her innovative world-building with digital communities. And, most importantly, how she and her employees are prioritizing the women and men who buy Tibi. Deliberate and in-tune: the traits of a brand running its own race, at its own pace. Tibi is fashion’s best-kept secret hiding in plain sight. 

Tibi and its clients have a perspective on clothes that is clear, with a bit of wiggle room for the ever-evolving self. To put it plainly, they’ve reinvented how to build a wardrobe–that’s what makes them so cool and coveted.

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Every year, the Sports Power Brunch brings together the brightest minds, most fearless leaders, and unstoppable forces in sports to celebrate the women who are changing the game—literally and figuratively. 

And in 2025, it’s making a highly anticipated return to New Orleans during Super Bowl week. 

This year, with ESPN Films as the presenting sponsor and Taylor Rooks back to host, the Sports Power Brunch is set to celebrate a dynamic group of women who continue to change the game.

As we know, women in sports are rarely handed the spotlight, so the Sports Power Brunch creates a space where they don’t just take it—they own it. This year’s honorees are a powerhouse lineup, representing excellence across sports, media, and business.

Leading the list is Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Swin Cash, who has transitioned from an illustrious playing career to her role as Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations and Team Development for the New Orleans Pelicans. Ali Krieger, a National Women’s Soccer League and two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion, is being celebrated for her advocacy for equity and inclusion in sports. Dawn Aponte, Chief Football Administrative Officer for the NFL, has shattered glass ceilings in league leadership, paving the way for future generations.

Off the field, FOX Sports on-air personality Joy Taylor is being honored for her dynamic presence in sports media, where she continues to break barriers with her candid and thoughtful commentary. Alicia Tillman, Delta Air Lines’ Chief Marketing Officer, is recognized for leveraging her leadership in business to uplift the role of women in sports. And Dr. Kiki Baker Barnes, Commissioner of an HBCU athletic conference, has dedicated her career to creating equitable opportunities for athletes and administrators alike.

The event itself continues to grow in influence and visibility, celebrating the achievements of women whose contributions often go overlooked. “ESPN Films is honored to serve as the Presenting Sponsor for the 6th Annual Sports Power Brunch,” said Brian Lockhart, Senior Vice President, Original Content for ESPN Films. “This event celebrates the extraordinary contributions of women in sports, a mission that aligns with our commitment to amplifying diverse voices and telling authentic, impactful stories. We are thrilled to join in recognizing this year’s incredible honorees and their remarkable achievements.”

For those who’ve attended in the past, the Sports Power Brunch is more than an event, it’s one of most anticipated experiences during Super Bowl week. Last year’s gathering in Las Vegas honored Sandra Douglass Morgan, the first Black woman to serve as president of an NFL team, and agent, Nicole Lynn. The heartfelt speeches, electric energy, and connections made left a lasting impression on everyone in the room.

This event isn’t just about honoring trailblazers—it’s also about purpose. Partial proceeds from this year’s brunch will support the Sterling Legacy Fund, a heartfelt initiative created in memory of LaTonya Story’s son, Sterling, who passed away from cancer in 2019 at just 30 years old.For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the official Sports Power Brunch website.

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This Thanksgiving weekend, Diageo North America celebrated the rich culture and traditions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) at the 51st Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans. As the official spirits sponsor, Diageo and its brands—including Crown Royal Regal Apple, Casamigos Reposado Tequila, Guinness, and CÎROC Limonata, Tanqueray London Dry Gin, Guinness, and Smirnoff Ice—delivered an unforgettable weekend of events honoring the legacies of Grambling State University and Southern University.  

The Bayou Classic, first held in 1974, is much more than just football. It represents decades of rivalry, pride, and unity between Grambling and Southern, two iconic HBCUs with a history of producing trailblazing athletes, educators, and leaders. Known for its pageantry and cultural significance, the Classic features a series of events that celebrate Black excellence, including the famed Battle of the Bands and Greek Show, where both schools’ marching bands and step teams showcase their talents in a high-energy competition.  

Held each year at the close of the HBCU fall homecoming season, the Bayou Classic isthe penultimate event, rounding out the celebrations that bring together alumni, students, and fans from across the country to honor HBCU pride. This year, Diageo elevated the experience with its “Show Your HBCU Spirit” initiative, which has contributed nearly $12 million in endowments to over 28 HBCUs, generating $400,000 annually in scholarships for future leaders. These scholarships play a crucial role in supporting the academic journeys of students who carry forward the legacy of HBCUs.  

“The significance is multi-layered,” says Kainon Jasper, the President and Founder of the Bridge Intelligence Group. “For one, it’s insertion into the culture, but Diageo showed up in more ways than one. Their contribution to HBCUs has been more than significant.”

Partnering with New Orleans entrepreneur Larry Morrow, Diageo hosted a series of events that united fans, alumni, and students. The Bayou Classic Fan Fest, attended by nearly 20,000 people, set the stage for a vibrant pre-game celebration, with music, food, and camaraderie. Watch parties and exclusive after-parties at local hotspots like Treehouse and Mondays continued the weekend’s energy, offering spaces for community connection and celebration.  

“For someone who has never experienced the Bayou Classic, it’s one of the biggest classics in the country. The experience is next level from food, to the music, to the art,” Morrow explains. “The significance of partnering with Diageo for this HBCU program, is one of the most iconic cities with one of the most iconic brands—Crown Royal, Casamigos, and many others.”

Through its activations, Diageo not only celebrated this legacy but also reinforced its commitment to fostering future generations of changemakers. By blending celebration with meaningful support, Diageo highlighted the vibrant culture and unity that make the Bayou Classic a cornerstone of HBCU tradition.

Morrow shared his appreciation for the collaboration with Diageo, highlighting the brand’s dedication to supporting future leaders and celebrating rich traditions and cultural touchstones like the Bayou Classic.“It’s inspiring to see a brand invest so deeply in future leaders while celebrating the traditions and culture that make events like the Bayou Classic so special,” said Morrow. 

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There’s something magical about a good idea. For many of us, that first spark often arrives in our quietest moments—like when we’re alone in the shower. We’ve all been there: letting the warm water wash away the day, and suddenly, there it is—the vision, the business idea, the solution we’ve been searching for. Recognizing the power of thesedecoding="async" src="https://www.essence.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Arion-Long_Headshot2.png" alt="How Caress Is Supporting Entrepreneurs With Care" width="400" height="400" />

Arion Long, Founder and CEO of FemlyArion Long’s journey with Femly started with a life-changing diagnosis: a tumor linked to chemicals in conventional menstrual products. When she couldn’t find a healthier option, Arion decided to create one—giving women the chance to choose safe, organic, and high-quality period care. After struggling with pandemic supply issues, Arion leaned into the support from the Caress Dreams Fund, rebuilding Femly’s brand and expanding its mission. Today, Femly provides free, inclusive period care through a first-of-its-kind smart dispenser in schools, stadiums, and workplaces nationwide.

Chrishon Lampley, Founder of Love Cork Screw

Chrishon Lampley is the embodiment of resilience. As one of the few Black professionals in the wine industry—where only 1% are Black—she faced immense challenges breaking in. Securing visibility and equitable shelf space in stores was yet another uphill battle. Then, a devastating flood destroyed her Chicago art and wine bar, creating what could have been an insurmountable setback. Yet, Chrishon refused to let adversity define her journey.

In 2013, she launched Love Cork Screw, a brand dedicated to bringing people together through wine, relationships, and self-care. “I am on a mission to break every glass ceiling and inspire inclusivity and change in an industry that’s traditionally male-dominated,” says Chrishon.

With the support of the Caress Dreams Fund in 2023, Chrishon expanded Love Cork Screw into major retailers and secured national partnerships, spreading her vision of inclusivity and joy to an even broader audience. At the 2024 Clink Festival, she was reminded why she started her journey. “The festival not only amplifies underrepresented voices but also inspires future generations, showing that diversity and inclusion can thrive in the wine community.”

Her advice to those ready to bring their ideas to life? “Focus on creating something meaningful and know that your unique perspective can make a significant impact.”

Caress believes that no good idea should go down the drain and is setting the stage for a new era of Black women-led ventures to thrive.

*Research from Caress x IFundWomen State of Small Business Report, 2021

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From ESSENCE’s January/February Cover Star Sha’Carri Richardson’s record-breaking sprints to the most decorated gymnast of all time, Simone Biles, Black women have dominated in sports all year long. And, among the list of top ranked players, Coco Gauff—the youngest female athlete in history to win a Grand Slam—just won her first WTA Finals Riyadh title (and her 18th overall) to end the 2024 tennis season. 

After months of warm-up routines—which consisted of “dynamic stretching, different quick movements and footwork, and light hitting”—strict nutrition (like a plate of pasta before her matches) and hydration, taking time for recovery is just as important as her intense wellness routine. 

“After a match, I usually immediately go ride the stationary bike to cool-down as well as stretch,” Gauff tells ESSENCE.  On and off the court, “physical recovery is all about giving my body what it needs.” Now, with the holiday season in full swing, the tennis champion has time to enter full-throttle recovery mode. 

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Although she still trains in the off-season, her recovery routine is all about balance. “I focus more on building strength and endurance, so my training is more intense,” she says. “I stick to a strong training and recovery regimen, making sure I get enough rest and don’t overtrain.” While regular physiotherapy treatments are key to physical recovery, her mental and emotional health is just as important. “I’ve been trying to practice more mindfulness practices, like journaling and meditation.”

Skin and makeup routines are often a part of wellness, but for Gauff, her hair care is her predominant beauty regimen. “For my skincare I don’t really have specific products I use, I usually try different products that I have been gifted,” she says. Hair-wise, she reaches for Carol’s Daughter‘s Goddess Strength 7 Oil Blend Hair and Scalp Oil, Black Vanilla Hydrating Leave-In Conditioner, and Black Vanilla Moisture and Hold Jelly.

Known for her braided looks, “I have to make sure the target="_blank"> View this post on Instagram

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Dominique Brown, a beloved influencer, Disney theme park enthusiast and co-creator of the Black Girl Disney community, tragically passed away on Thursday, December 5, at just 34 years old. Brown reportedly suffered a fatal allergic reaction at a holiday food event hosted by pop culture merch retailer BoxLunch in Los Angeles.

There were reports that Brown had asked servers if the food contained an ingredient that she was allergic to but was told it did not. 

Event host BoxLunch said emergency services were immediately called when Dominique had her reaction. The DJ reportedly made an announcement asking if anyone had an EpiPen, and the company said measures were in place to collect allergy information beforehand, NBC News reports. BoxLunch has reportedly since launched an internal investigation and is offering grief counseling for its team.

Her passing has sent shockwaves through the Disney and influencer communities. Brown’s brother, Patrick Ramos, took to her Instagram to share a heartfelt message on behalf of their family.

“Hi everyone, this is @pramos313 – Dominique’s brother,” Ramos wrote. “I wanted to take a moment to say thank you to her social media fam for showing her so much love and light. Disney did bring her joy, but it was unparalleled that she found a community who loved her and Disney as much as she did. I will miss my sister and best friend and that infectious smile she always had. Thank you, truly, from the bottom of my heart. .”

Dominique was a Long Beach, California, resident and an advocate for representation in the Disney influencer space. Alongside her friend Mia Von, she co-founded Black Girl Disney to create a safe, joyful space for women of color who share a love for Disney’s films and theme parks.

More than 33 million Americans live with serious, potentially life-threatening food allergies, with someone being sent to the emergency room every 10 seconds due to an allergic reaction, according to Food Allergy Research and Education.

In response to her death, Dominique’s close friend Marcus Medley started a Change.org petition calling for stronger food allergy measures in restaurants and other food establishments. As of December 11, the petition has garnered more than 25,000 signatures.

“Allegedly, despite informing staff of her life-threatening allergy, she was served a dish containing the allergen,” Medley wrote in the petition description. “Allegedly, the establishment lacked critical life-saving tools like epinephrine autoinjectors (EpiPens) and trained staff to respond effectively.”

Medley’s petition outlines three demands for change: mandatory EpiPens at all food establishments, staff training to recognize and treat allergic reactions, and transparent communication about ingredients between chefs, servers, and patrons.

“Domo’s story isn’t unique, and that’s why we want justice and change,” Medley told KTLA. “People should be able to eat out without fear that their next meal could be their last.”

Brown’s passing is a devastating reminder that food allergies are not a choice or personal preference—they are a serious medical condition that can mean the difference between life and death. As her family, friends, and the communities she touched mourn her loss, there is a growing call for systemic change to prevent similar tragedies and ensure the safety of those living with food allergies.

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