Last week, I cried my eyes out to my mentor. Not a cute little tear, but the kind of cry that comes from deep in your chest — the kind you can’t hold back even if you try. I’ve been feeling like I just can’t catch a break lately as an entrepreneur. Every time I think I’m coming up for air, something else hits. And then on top of that, this time of year always feels heavy for me. As the anniversary of my Dad’s sudden passing gets closer, there’s this weight that shows up before I even realize it. Grief has a way of circling back, no matter how much healing you think you’ve done.

As I’m sitting there wiping my face, my mentor looks at me and says, “Well, we’re not giving up — because you know your Daddy wouldn’t have that.”

And she was right. I didn’t even argue. I just said, “I know, I know,” because I could hear his voice in my head saying the exact same thing. My Dad never raised me to quit, even when life got loud. Especially when life got loud.

Two days later, I had a dream about him. Now, let me tell you — I rarely ever dream of my Dad. I’ve wanted to, I’ve prayed to, but it just doesn’t happen often. But this time, he showed up.

In the dream, there was a snake trying to attack me. I remember feeling terrified, like the snake represented everything that’s been coming at me in real life — stress, doubt, setbacks, all of it. My Dad stepped in and trapped the snake. Somehow it got loose twice, but on the third try, he finally killed it. What’s wild is that I never remember dreams after I wake up. It’s like my brain hits delete instantly. But this one? It stuck with me all day. It felt too real, too intentional, too symbolic to ignore.

So of course, I looked up the meaning.

Everything I found said something along the lines of:
A loved one killing a snake in a dream symbolizes protection, removing hidden threats, overcoming spiritual or emotional battles, and a message that you are being guided, shielded, and supported — even when you feel alone.

When I read that, it stopped me in my tracks. Sometimes the universe speaks softly, and sometimes it sends your Daddy into your dreams to kill whatever has been trying to take you out.
I needed that reminder — that even when I feel overwhelmed, or tired, or unsure, I am not unprotected. I am not walking alone. The battles I don’t see are being fought for me. The things that feel like they’re circling me are already being handled. And the strength I reach for… sometimes that strength is him.

Message heard.
​
And if you’re going through something similar — if you’re grieving, or struggling, or feeling like life has been swinging at you nonstop — I hope you hear your own message too. You’re protected. You’re guided. You’re supported. More than you know.

Listen… if there’s a beauty treatment out there promising a snatched result, you already know I’m raising my hand like, “Oh? For the girlies? Let me go first.” As a beauty writer and editor, I’ve made peace with the fact that part of my job is being the willing test dummy. I try it, so you don’t have to — or so you can confidently book that appointment knowing sis has already survived it.

Now, if you know me, you know I love a good contour moment. I’m that girl who will spend an extra two minutes sculpting the bridge of my nose just right. Not because I “hate” my features — let’s be very clear about that — but because makeup is art, and sometimes you just like your face a certain way. A little sculpting here, a soft shadow there… it’s all fun for me.

I already do a little something to help things along: I typically get Botox on my nostrils to relax the flare. It softens the sides of the nose and gives a more delicate look when I smile. Back home, this treatment runs a couple hundred dollars… easily. You can imagine my surprise when I learned that in Seoul — the beauty capital of the world — the same concept of non-invasive nose slimming was just $62.

Sixty-two.
Dollars.

At that point, it wasn’t even curiosity anymore. It was destiny.

The Consultation
I walked into the clinic and immediately felt like I was in a K-drama. Clean, bright, efficient — the whole system felt like beauty on an assembly line, but in the best, most caring way. They explained everything thoroughly: this wasn’t a nose job, wasn’t surgical, wasn’t changing bone or cartilage. It was a non-invasive filler-style technique to help fill dips along the bridge and add shape where needed. Essentially, it gives the illusion of a straighter, more contoured nose without changing your actual nose.
Sign me up.

And let me also say this: Seoul takes safety and precision to another level. The consultation was structured, the tools were sterile, the doctor was direct, and the staff checked on me like I was their cousin from out of town. I felt safe.

The Warning (TWICE!)
Before we got started, they warned me:
“This may hurt.”
Then they warned me again.
“This may hurt… a lot.”
I’m thinking, Okay, y’all are being dramatic. I get Botox in my nostrils — I’ll be fine.
Ha.
Hahaha.
Girl.

The Treatment
When I tell you it felt like someone was pinching my nose x 10? Baby. They didn’t lie. It was a quick but spicy sensation — like your nose is suddenly the main character in a torture scene. But the doctor kept reassuring me, “I’ll do it fast,” and he did. The whole thing lasted maybe two minutes. A very intense two minutes, but two minutes nonetheless.
Then it was over.

Immediately after, my nose felt swollen. I looked in the mirror and had a moment like, What on earth did I just do? Not in a regretful way — more like that split second after you get a new wig installed and you’re like, “Is this… too much?”

I reminded myself: trust the process. I’ve done enough beauty treatments to know that the first five minutes are not the final result.

The Aftermath
An hour later, I started noticing the difference.
A week later, I loved it.
Now? Listen…

My nose looks like I woke up with my favorite makeup contour already done. The bridge is smoother, more defined, and balanced in a way that still looks like me — just the version of me I normally paint on every morning. It’s subtle, natural, and exactly the kind of enhancement that makes you look twice in the mirror like, Okay, we see the vision.

Would I Do It Again? Absolutely. Without hesitation. For $62? I might move to Seoul, honestly.

The results are exactly what I hoped for — a contoured, snatched-but-still-my-nose look that takes zero effort. And because it’s non-invasive, safe, and quick, it feels like one of those little beauty luxuries you can comfortably keep in rotation.
​
I’ll definitely be going back. And when I do? You already know I’ll be reporting back for the girlies.
Stay tuned — Seoul beauty content is just getting started.

 want to take a moment to pause and say thank you. Every comment on my Instagram posts, every heart on a travel blog entry, every DM or email cheering me on—I see it, I feel it, and I appreciate it. Truly. The love and support I receive from my community keeps me going, especially when I’m pouring my heart into documenting my travels and sharing my entrepreneurial journey.
But I also want to be real with you: this is a lot of work. Behind every curated photo or blog recap, there are hours of writing, editing, pitching, planning, and yes, second-guessing myself. Add on the emotional weight of grief since losing my dad, and some days it honestly feels overwhelming.

I try to be as transparent as I can, because it’s not always glitz and glamour. It’s rejection emails that sting. It’s waiting on payments that should’ve come weeks ago. It’s being in limbo with projects, or feeling stuck when creativity just doesn’t flow. It’s numbness that hits out of nowhere, or that voice of self-doubt whispering, “Are you enough?”

And let me tell you—it’s exhausting when companies don’t take you seriously, or when people make assumptions about where your income comes from. The work behind the sparkle isn’t always visible. The grind doesn’t stop. The questions and doubts don’t stop. Sometimes it feels like it never ends.

But here’s what keeps me grounded: you. My community. The people who don’t just double-tap a picture, but who understand what I’m building and why I share so openly. The ones who see my vision, who believe in me even when I’m struggling to believe in myself.

Because at the end of the day, my mission is bigger than me. I do this for the little Black girls who look like me—the ones who deserve to know that they can travel the world, build businesses, and live outside of every box society tries to put them in. I do this so they can see that the sky is not the limit. That there is no limit.

Grief has taught me that life is fragile, but it’s also lit a fire in me to make sure I’m living fully and authentically. Entrepreneurship has taught me resilience and creativity, but also patience and humility. Travel has taught me to see beyond borders, both physically and mentally. And all of it combined reminds me daily: I can’t give up, because someone is watching and needing to see that it’s possible.

So thank you—to every single one of you who supports, who comments, who shares, who cheers me on even when you don’t see the full weight of what I’m carrying. Your encouragement is fuel. Your belief in me is confirmation.

This journey isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. And I promise you, as long as I have a voice and a platform, I will use it to inspire, to uplift, and to remind the next generation that there are no ceilings, no boundaries, no limits.
​
The sky was never the limit. And I refuse to let young girls who look like me believe it is.

Listen, sis. Forget Sephora for a second—when you’re in Paris, the real beauty mecca is the pharmacy. And I’m not talking about your typical Walgreens run for Advil and gum. Paris pharmacies are like skincare heaven on earth. The aisles are lined with products that French women swear by—effortless, chic, and results-driven.

Every time I step into one, I feel like I’ve entered a beauty playground, only this one won’t make your wallet cry the way a luxury department store will. If you’ve never experienced it for yourself, let me put you on game about why Paris pharmacies deserve a top spot on your itinerary.

1. Exclusive Gems You Can’t Leave Without
French pharmacy shelves are stocked with brands that skincare lovers in the U.S. would pay double for—if they can even find them. Think:

• Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water – The OG micellar water that gently removes makeup without stripping your skin. In Paris? You can snag the big bottles for half of what they cost in the States. Girl math says that’s basically free.
• La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 – A holy grail sunscreen that layers beautifully under makeup. Lightweight, no white cast, and dermatologist-approved. It’s a must-have, especially since I never skip SPF (I also pack my Skin by Brownlee & Co. SPF, but I love having both in rotation).
• Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil – A chic, lightweight body oil that smells like summer in a bottle and leaves your skin silky smooth. I grab at least two every time.
• Caudalie Beauty Elixir – A refreshing spray that doubles as a toner, setting spray, or mid-flight pick-me-up. It’s luxury in a bottle, but without the markup.

These aren’t just “products”—they’re staples. Paris makes them affordable, which means I can stock up without guilt.

2. Skincare Advice from the Pros
Here’s the thing: pharmacists in Paris aren’t just there to hand you your prescription. They are trained in skincare science. You can literally walk in, tell them your skin concerns—dryness, hyperpigmentation, breakouts—and they’ll put together a whole routine tailored to you. No pushy upselling, just knowledge and real recommendations. It’s like having a personal esthetician on speed dial, only better.

When I was struggling with dullness after long travel days, a pharmacist introduced me to A313 Vitamin A Pommade—a French retinol alternative that’s a cult favorite. Life. Changing.

3. Girl Math Approved Savings
We all know beauty products can get expensive. But Paris pharmacies are where your coins go further. Buying directly in France means no import costs, no luxury markups, just straight access to the good stuff. You can snag full skincare routines for the price of a single serum back home. Stock up now, thank yourself later.

Trust me, your suitcase might be heavier, but your skin (and your bank account) will thank you.
Paris is the city of light, love, and yes—luxurious skincare. If you’re planning a trip, do not leave without carving out time to wander through a pharmacy (or two, or three). It’s not just about the products—it’s about the experience. You’ll discover cult classics, get expert advice, and maybe even uncover a new holy grail that becomes part of your forever routine.
So sis, save your Sephora run for when you’re home. When in Paris, the pharmacy is the real glow-up destination.

Milan in the fall has its own magic. The streets are lined with warm shades of brown, camel coats sweep past cobblestone walkways, and the air smells faintly of espresso and ambition. And of course, the beauty scene is just as intentional as the fashion. Milan doesn’t chase trends—it refines them, elevates them, and somehow makes them feel timeless.
Here’s what I’ve been spotting on the ground, straight from the sidewalks, showrooms, and quiet cafés:

1. Glossy Skin Over Matte
Matte had its moment, but Milan this season is all about the glow. Think skin that looks hydrated, dewy, and radiant—almost like you’ve just come from a facial. I’ve noticed women layering lightweight serums, skipping the heavy powders, and embracing “glass skin” that reflects light in all the right places. It’s skin-first, makeup-second. A good SPF and hydrating cleanser (yes, I travel everywhere with my Skin by Brownlee & Co. favorites) are the real MVPs here. When your skin is glowing, everything else feels effortless.

2. Deep Berry Lips
Fall in Milan is painted in shades of burgundy, plum, and rich wine—and the lips are no exception. I’ve seen everything from high-shine glosses to bold, matte lipsticks in deep berry tones. What makes it so chic? The pairing. Most women keep their eyes minimal—just a soft wash of neutral shadow and clean lashes—so the lip is the centerpiece. It’s giving understated luxury, the kind of look that says, I didn’t try too hard, but I still command the room.
​
3. Sleek, Sculpted Hair
Hair in Milan this season is unapologetically polished. Middle parts, sleek ponytails, and sculpted buns are everywhere, especially during Fashion Week. It’s not fussy or overdone—it’s precise. It’s the kind of hair that looks like it took effort, but also whispers confidence. And the beauty of it? It pairs with literally anything: a statement coat, a power suit, or even a cozy knit sweater for a dinner date. It’s very “boss babe in Milan” energy, and I’m here for all of it.

What I love most about Milan is that it never feels like it’s trying too hard. These trends aren’t about reinventing beauty; they’re about elevating the classics. Radiant skin. Bold lips. Sleek hair. It’s simple, timeless, and confident—the same way Milan approaches fashion.
So whether you’re walking through the Duomo, sipping cappuccinos in Navigli, or scrolling for inspo from your couch back home, remember: Milan beauty is about balance. Let your skin shine, let your lips speak, and let your hair tell the world you’ve arrived.

Milan is more than just the capital of fashion—it’s a city that demands long walks, late-night dinners, and a lot of time outside soaking up the scene. Between the city smog, back-to-back exploring, and of course, indulging in an Aperol Spritz or two, your skin can take a hit here. As much as I love strutting through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, I also know that protecting my skin has to be just as much of a priority as choosing the right outfit.

Here are my three Milan-tested skincare tips to keep your glow intact while living your best boss babe life:

1. SPF Always, Even in the Fall
Milan may not feel tropical, but don’t let the cooler temps fool you—UV rays don’t care about the season. Protecting your skin is a year-round commitment. I never leave the hotel without applying SPF, even under my makeup. For this trip, I packed my favorite Skin by Brownlee & Co. sunscreen. It’s lightweight, layers perfectly under foundation, and doesn’t leave that dreaded white cast. Plus, it gave me peace of mind knowing I could wander through Duomo Square, shop in Brera, or sip espresso outdoors without sacrificing my skin’s future. Because let’s be real—wrinkles and sun spots are not part of the glow-up plan.

2. Don’t Skip a Hydrating Cleanser
City air = pollution = clogged pores. And when you’re hopping from museums to boutiques, your skin collects more dirt than you think. At the end of a long Milanese day, I reached for my Botanic Hydrating Cleanser from Skin by Brownlee & Co. It’s gentle yet powerful enough to wash away city grime without stripping my skin. My post-cleanse glow felt like a reset button after hours of sightseeing. Pro tip: double cleansing at night (oil first, then hydrating cleanser) is a must if you’ve been wearing makeup all day.
​
3. Indulge in an Italian Pharmacy Stop
Just like Paris, Italy has a pharmacy culture that feels like a hidden skincare treasure hunt. Don’t sleep on it! In Milan, I discovered brands I’d never seen in the U.S. One standout? Avène Hydrating Thermal Water Spray—a cult favorite here. Perfect for refreshing your skin mid-day, soothing irritation from pollution, or giving you that “just left the spa” feeling. Pharmacies here also carry luxurious body creams and serums at prices that make stocking up a no-brainer.

Your skin deserves as much luxury as your wardrobe when in Milan. It’s easy to get caught up shopping for Prada, but don’t forget to shop for peptides, too. Protect, cleanse, and treat your skin like the VIP it is, and I promise you’ll glow just as hard as the Milan streetlights at night.