Lately, I’ve been really sad.

At first, I tried to make it make sense in a way that felt productive. I told myself it was business stress. Deadlines. Pressure. The weight of always building, creating, and showing up. That explanation felt easier—more controllable. But when I slowed down and really listened to myself, I realized the truth was quieter and heavier. It’s my heart.

As I get closer to a milestone birthday, my thoughts keep circling back to my dad. The memories are vivid, almost intrusive in the gentlest way. I can hear his laugh. I can picture his face. I can almost hear him saying, “You’re turning 40, girl?! Are you sure?!” in that playful, loving way that made everything feel lighter.

That’s the thing about grief. People say it gets easier, but I don’t think that’s entirely true. It doesn’t disappear or shrink it just changes shape. It shows up differently as time goes on. Sometimes it’s loud and consuming. Other times, it’s subtle, tucked into moments you don’t expect like a birthday approaching, or a quiet morning when the world feels still.

Right now, grief feels like a low hum in the background of my life. Not overwhelming, but ever-present. It sneaks in when I least expect it and reminds me of what’s missing. And in those moments, it’s not something I want to fix or rush through. It just wants to be acknowledged.
So instead of pushing it away, I’m choosing to be intentional.

I’m surrounding myself with things that bring me joy. Soft moments, comforting routines, beauty in small doses. I’m spending time with people who want to see that joy exist and grow, not dim or shrink to accommodate my sadness. I’m learning that I don’t have to choose between grieving and living fully. Both can live here. Sadness and light are not enemies; they’re often holding hands.
There’s a quiet strength in allowing yourself to feel both at once. In giving yourself permission to miss someone deeply while still celebrating who you are becoming. In understanding that healing doesn’t mean forgetting—it means learning how to carry love forward in a new way.

Sharing this isn’t easy. Vulnerability never is. But I’ve always used my platform for more than polished moments and highlight reels. I’ve used it to tell the truth. To say the things people often keep to themselves. To create space for honesty, especially when it’s uncomfortable or messy.
So why am I sharing this now?

Because someone reading this might be feeling the same way—navigating a season of sadness they can’t quite explain, missing someone they love, or realizing that milestones can stir emotions they weren’t prepared for. And if that’s you, I want you to know you’re not alone. Even when it feels isolating. Even when it feels like everyone else is moving forward with ease.

I’m reminding myself of that same thing, too.

Grief doesn’t mean you’re broken. It means you loved deeply. And choosing joy alongside it doesn’t dishonor that love, it honors it. Right now, I’m holding space for all of it. The tears. The memories. The laughter. The becoming.
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And that, too, is part of the journey.

Five years. Saying it out loud feels surreal.

From the outside, Herald Beauty looks like curated content, polished events, TV segments, brand partnerships, and “wins.” But behind the scenes of showing up online for five years straight? That story is layered, messy, emotional, and deeply human.

There were wins I dreamed about features I manifested, rooms I prayed to walk into, opportunities that felt like validation after years of grinding. Moments where I thought, Okay! maybe I really am doing what I’m meant to do. Those moments mattered. They still do.

But they’re only part of the story.

What people don’t always see are the quiet moments: editing content late at night when doubt creeps in, posting through exhaustion, questioning if my voice still mattered in an ever-changing digital space. There were days I showed up because consistency was expected—even when my heart was heavy and my energy was low.

There were losses, too. Not just business setbacks, but personal ones that changed me forever. Grief has a way of reshaping how you move through the world. After losing my dad, showing up online looked different. Some days it felt impossible. Other days, it felt like the only place I could still connect, still pour, still breathe. I learned that you can be heartbroken and still purposeful. You can be grieving and still building.

I’ve had content flop. Ideas ignored. Pitches declined. Algorithms shift without warning. There were seasons I questioned whether continuing was worth it whether the effort matched the return. And yet, every time I thought about walking away, I remembered why I started: to create space for Black women to feel seen, informed, confident, and empowered in beauty, wellness, and life.

Behind the scenes of five years is also growth. Learning to set boundaries. Learning when to say yes—and when to rest. Learning that visibility doesn’t always equal impact, and that quiet seasons can still be meaningful. I stopped chasing perfection and started honoring alignment.

There were moments of reinvention and changing direction, expanding my voice, allowing myself to evolve publicly. That’s not easy. Growth in real time means letting people witness your becoming. It means risking misunderstanding. It means trusting that the right audience will grow with you.

Five years of showing up also meant community. Messages from women who felt less alone because of something I shared. Conversations sparked. Doors opened not just for me, but for others. That’s the part that keeps me going. The ripple effect you don’t always see immediately.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: consistency isn’t about perfection. It’s about commitment. About choosing to show up honestly even when it’s uncomfortable. Especially when it’s uncomfortable.

As Herald Beauty turns five, I’m proud. Not because it was flawless, but because it was real. Because I stayed. Because I adapted. Because I kept showing up, even when no one was clapping yet.

This milestone isn’t just about celebrating a brand. It’s about honoring resilience, evolution, and the courage it takes to be visible year after year. And if you’re in a season where showing up feels hard, I hope this reminds you: the quiet moments matter just as much as the wins.
They’re building something, too.

Let’s start with a confession: I did not set out to overdose on biotin.
I’m someone who genuinely tries to take care of her body. I read labels (usually), I stack my supplements intentionally, and I’m mindful about what I put in my system—especially as a beauty editor who believes skin health starts from the inside. But even with the best intentions, things can go left quickly.

It started innocently. I added a new gummy vitamin to my routine for fiber support. I didn’t think twice because, in my mind, fiber ≠ beauty supplements. What I didn’t realize was that this gummy also contained beauty-supporting ingredients, yes, including biotin. On top of that, I was already taking my regular hair, skin, and nail gummy.
Cue the chaos.

Within days, my skin began to freak out. Tiny red bumps appeared across my forehead and nose. They were itchy, irritated, and completely out of character for my skin. At first, I thought it was stress. Then I blamed the weather. Then I wondered if a new skincare product was the culprit. But nope, this reaction was coming from inside my body.

Here’s the thing no one really talks about: too much biotin can absolutely trigger skin issues, especially if you’re prone to sensitivity, congestion, or hormonal breakouts. Biotin can increase keratin production, which sounds great in theory, but excess keratin can clog pores—leading to bumps, irritation, and inflammation. For some people, it can even mimic an allergic reaction.
And listen… our bodies don’t care that something is labeled “healthy.” Too much of anything is still too much.

So once I connected the dots, I immediately hit reset. Here are the three steps I’m taking now to calm my skin and get my glass-skin glow back.


1. I Stopped All Beauty Supplements (Temporarily)
This part was hard because I love a good gummy. But the first thing I did was cut out all supplements containing biotin, including my hair, skin, and nail vitamins. I kept only what was absolutely necessary and gave my body space to rebalance.

Skin reactions like this are your body waving a little red flag saying, “Hey, chill.” So I listened. If you’re experiencing unexplained breakouts or itching, pause your supplements and reintroduce them one at a time later, slowly.


2. I Simplified My Skincare and Focused on Barrier Repair
When your skin is inflamed, less is more. I stripped my routine down to the basics: a gentle cleanser, a calming moisturizer, and sunscreen. I avoided harsh actives temporarily and focused on ingredients that soothe and support the skin barrier.

Azelaic acid has been a quiet hero for me it helps calm redness, smooth texture, and clear congestion without being aggressive. I also leaned into hydration-heavy products to help my skin recover rather than “fight” it.


3. I’m Letting My Skin Heal (Instead of Panicking)
This might be the most important step. I stopped trying to “fix” everything overnight. Skin takes time to calm down once it’s been triggered internally. I’m drinking more water, prioritizing sleep, managing stress, and reminding myself that this reaction doesn’t define my skin or me.
Beauty is not about perfection. It’s about awareness.


The Takeaway
If you’re stacking supplements, please read the labels. Especially with biotin. More is not always better, and your skin will absolutely tell you when something’s off.

This experience reminded me that wellness is a balance and sometimes the glow-up comes from knowing when to pull back. Glass skin is coming back just with a little more wisdom this time.

If this helped you, know you’re not alone. Our bodies are always communicating with us. We just have to listen.

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be all about couples — and this year, I had the chance to share that message with the Local 12 audience. In a recent lifestyle segment, I talked about how celebrating Valentine’s solo can actually be an opportunity to love yourself well, create meaningful experiences, and embrace joy on your own terms.

So often, culture tells us that Valentine’s Day is about romance or paired perfection — but there’s so much love that exists outside of a relationship. Whether you’re spending the day with friends, family, or simply yourself, this holiday can be a reminder to show up for the person you are right now. During the segment, I shared ideas and inspiration for treating yourself with intention — from self-care rituals to solo experiences that nourish your heart and spirit.

One of the most powerful parts of celebrating solo is the permission it gives you to define your own joy. You might start your day with a morning walk, treat yourself to coffee or brunch, connect with a friend you’ve been meaning to call, or even plan a future adventure just for you. The beauty of this approach is that it centers your wellbeing — reminding you that love is expansive, and it starts from within.
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Valentine’s Day is ultimately about connection — not just with others, but with ourselves. If you’re solo this year, know that the love you give yourself matters. It sets the tone for everywhere love lives in your world, and it’s worth celebrating with as much intention as any romantic date.

Let’s be honest, winter doesn’t just get cold. It gets disrespectful. One day it’s 40 degrees, the next it’s freezing and the wind decides to jump you on the sidewalk for no reason. If your skin has been feeling tight, dull, flaky, or just plain confused lately, trust me you’re not alone.

Winter weather is one of the biggest glow disruptors. Cold temperatures, harsh wind, indoor heat, and low humidity all work together to strip moisture from our skin. And if you’re anything like me, you still want to look hydrated, radiant, and pulled together  even if you’re bundled up in a coat and scarf most days.

The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice your glow just because winter showed up with attitude. Here are three ways to fight back and keep your skin glowing all season long.

1. Hydration Is Non-Negotiable (Inside and Out)
If you hear nothing else, hear this: hydration is everything in winter.
Cold air holds less moisture, which means your skin dries out faster. On top of that, we’re blasting heat indoors, drinking less water, and sometimes skipping the skincare steps we know we should be doing.

Start from the inside. Aim to consistently drink water throughout the day yes, even when you’re not sweating. Adding electrolytes or sipping warm herbal teas can help if plain water feels boring.

Now let’s talk topical hydration. Swap lightweight summer moisturizers for richer creams or balms that help seal in moisture. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin, and squalane. And please don’t forget your lips a nourishing lip mask or thick balm before bed will save you from winter cracking.

Pro tip: Apply your moisturizer on slightly damp skin to lock in hydration. Your glow will thank you.

2. Facial Treatments That Actually Work (Winter Is the Time)
Winter is prime time for professional skin treatments, and honestly, your skin needs the extra love.
Hydrating facials, oxygen facials, and gentle exfoliating treatments help remove dead skin buildup while restoring moisture and radiance. If your skin feels dull or rough, a professional facial can reset everything.

This is also a great season to focus on skin barrier repair. Treatments that prioritize calming, nourishing, and strengthening the skin instead of aggressive exfoliation  will help prevent irritation and dryness.

And don’t sleep on lymphatic facial massage. It boosts circulation, reduces puffiness, and gives that “I drank water and mind my business” glow we’re all going for.

3. Protect Your Skin Like It’s Luxury (Because It Is)
Winter skincare isn’t just about adding products  it’s about protecting what you already have.
First, don’t skip sunscreen. Yes, even in winter. UV rays are still very real, and sun damage + dry skin is a combo we don’t need. Second, simplify your routine. Over-cleansing or over-exfoliating can wreck your skin barrier in cold weather. Stick to gentle cleansers, fewer actives, and products designed to soothe and protect. Lastly, invest in a humidifier. Indoor heat dries out your skin fast, and adding moisture back into the air can make a noticeable difference especially overnight.

​Winter may be cold, windy, and a little rude, but your skin doesn’t have to show it. With consistent hydration, the right treatments, and protective habits, glowing skin is still very much achievable.
Because no matter the weather, we’re not dimming our shine.

Where do I even begin with getting my body ready for 40? If you know me, you know that turning 40 isn’t something I’m approaching half-heartedly. It’s a celebration of all I’ve been through heartbreak, growth, loss, healing, and becoming. And it deserves to be honored from the inside out. But that doesn’t mean I’m not also committed to feeling amazing physically along the way.

This year, I made a decision to be intentional about my body  not in a “quick fix” mentality, but in a wellness, self-care, and strength approach. That’s where Viva Body Sculpt in Cincinnati and their Vtox massages came into my life.

If you haven’t heard of Viva Body Sculpt, let me paint the picture. This place is more than a beauty spa. It’s a wellness sanctuary designed for women who want results that feel good, look good, and support your body’s natural health. The Vtox massage, in particular, has become my go-to.

So what exactly is a Vtox massage? It’s a deep, therapeutic massage that goes beyond relaxation it combines lymphatic drainage with targeted body sculpting techniques. The goal? To help your body release trapped fluid, reduce puffiness, boost circulation, and support your body’s detox pathways.

Let’s be real for a second: if you aren’t getting lymphatic massages, why not? I used to think it was a luxury something “extra” to do only on special occasions. But after my first session at Viva, everything changed. I walked out feeling lighter, more defined, and honestly more in tune with my body. It’s like hitting reset after weeks of stress, travel, or late nights.

Here’s what I love most about lymphatic work and Vtox specifically:

1. Reduced Puffiness & Bloat
We hold fluid in places we don’t even realize especially after flights, salty meals, or long workweeks. Lymphatic drainage helps move that stagnant fluid out so you feel less swollen and more sculpted.


2. Enhanced Circulation
Better circulation means more oxygen and nutrients reaching your muscles and skin. This doesn’t just help you look better  it helps you feel better.

3. Support After Travel
You know I’m always on the go and travel can take a toll on the body. The Vtox massage is like the detox your body didn’t know it was craving.

4. A Deep Reset for System & Mind
This is self-care with intention. It’s restorative. It’s healing. It’s not just physical  it’s emotional too.
If your body has carried you through hustle seasons, breakups, wins, losses, and life it deserves to feel supported. Turning 40 isn’t about chasing perfection it’s about honoring the vessel that got you here.

Getting my body ready for 40 with Viva Body Sculpt and Vtox massages isn’t just about aesthetics  it’s about feeling strong, aligned, and cared for. And if you haven’t tried lymphatic work yet, consider this your sign.

Your body is worth the love. Now who is ready to book an appointment and join me!

​A new year always makes me pause and check in with myself not just about goals, but about how I’m moving through life. After years of entrepreneurship, travel, loss, growth, and rebuilding, I’ve learned that sustainability matters just as much as success. If something doesn’t support my real life, it doesn’t stay.


My days rarely look the same. One morning I’m heading to a coffee meeting to talk brand partnerships. By noon, I’m answering emails between events. By evening, I’m showing up for community, beauty, wellness, or media work. And in between all of that, I’m also navigating grief, healing, and protecting my energy. Movement literally and figuratively has to feel intentional.


That’s why I’ve been loving MetroNow!


MetroNow! is Metro’s on-demand ride service designed for real life. It works like rideshare but without the unpredictability. You book your ride through the MetroNow! app or by phone, get picked up within your service zone, and head where you need to go for just $2.50 per ride. No surge pricing. No last-minute panic. Just a reliable option that meets you where you are.


MetroNow! operates in areas like Springdale/Sharonville, Forest Park/Pleasant Run, Northgate/Mt. Healthy, and Blue Ash/Montgomery, helping riders get to work, meetings, appointments, shopping, and connections to Metro’s fixed-route buses. For me, that means one less thing to think about on already full days.


As a woman building brands, platforms, and spaces for others, I’ve learned that access changes everything. Transportation isn’t just about getting from point A to point B it’s about showing up. Showing up when you’re tired. Showing up when you’re building something bigger than yourself. Showing up even when life feels heavy.


This year, I’m choosing tools that support ease, alignment, and momentum. MetroNow! fits seamlessly into that choice. It supports my lifestyle, my schedule, and my commitment to moving forward  even on the days when the glow-up looks quiet.


Here’s to new meetings, new moves, and choosing support that actually supports us.