These Black industry leaders and personalities set the foundation for greatness and legacy.
– KEYS SOULCARE
As we look back at our history, it’s a good idea to take a moment and show love to the Black lightworkers who are building their legacy now. Our community is enriched by the experiences and expertise of industry leaders shifting our mindsets — showing us new perspectives and inspiring our soulcare in the process.
To continue honoring the Black community, we’re highlighting a few wise words from some of our favorite lightworkers.
BRIOGEO CEO NANCY TWINE ON HER HIGHEST VISION
“The highest vision that I have for myself stems from being good to my body, being good to other people, and being able to show up as my best self. To do that, I’ve gotta make sure I’m investing in myself. I’m staying in tune with myself. I’m treating myself well. Work is not everything because if you’re not feeling your best, nothing else really matters. The highest vision for myself is being able to create discipline [around] investing in myself, so I can bring the best Nancy into everything that I do, every day.” | READ MORE
NEWS ANCHOR TASHARA PARKER ON BLACK WOMEN EMBRACING THEIR HAIR
“It takes a level of confidence for Black women to show up fully, in all their glory, without having to adjust to who’s in the room or how they will be perceived once they get there.” | READ MORE
BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHER OLESHA HASKETT ON MAKING SPACE FOR BLACK WOMEN
“I focus on making space for [Black women] to be pampered. A lot of them feel guilty for spending money on themselves, but I encourage them to just come. I provide everything: Hair, makeup, wardrobe, snacks, and water. I give them that space to not really have to think about anything. Black women cannot ‘self-care’ their way out of oppression, but I can give them that space to make decisions and show them how to pose, breathe, and stretch. And if something doesn’t work, we change it immediately so they feel comfortable. That’s the biggest thing for me — I want you to feel comfortable in this space to be yourself.” | READ MORE
ACTIVIST KENRYA RANKIN ON PUTTING YOUR ANTI-RACISM TO WORK
“Hold yourself and the white people around you accountable for the ways that you all are holding up the system of white supremacy, in whatever ways it applies to you. I know a lot of folks like to talk about how tough it is to have those conversations during the holidays. But you shouldn’t wait until then. If you have an uncle who says likes to drop racist bombs in your family group chat, call him out for it in full view.” — READ MORE
COLLAGE THERAPIST ASHLEY LAGRANGE ON REMAINING HOPEFUL
“I always like to remind people that there is light in the dark, and there is good in the bad. Not in [a] toxic positivity mindset, but in a self-empowered way. People feel so disempowered in the world — we can feel so hopeless and helpless — so I like to reframe and rethink our purpose. What does it mean to define things for ourselves when this whole world is filled with definitions made by other people? I’m hesitant about using the word ‘safe’ because the world is not safe for many of us, but think about what is calm, grounded, and neutral — and know that you can make certain decisions to bring that into your life.” | READ MORE
DEATH DOULA ALUA ARTHUR ON LIVING WELL
“My work has shown me that I’m still very much alive. You are living up until the time you are dead. Even in the hospital, you are still a full human being with cares, concerns, fears, love, pleasure, pain, and hope. Death is a constant reminder about how human we actually are. It’s as mysterious and profound as birth. Societally, we shun death and make it bad or wrong because it’s painful and hard, but it deserves the same sanctity as birth.” | READ MORE
OUR GODDESS-IN-CHIEF ON BEING DESTINED FOR GREATNESS
“We have been Nesu and Nesa (kings and queens) for thousands of years! Greatness is in our DNA! Genius runs through our veins! This pic is exactly how I feel! Keep shinin’ powerful YOU!!” | READ MORE
What words did you need to hear? What words are always carrying with you? Drop your favorite lines in the comments!
