There is something about Arizona that makes you want to slow down. Maybe it's the sunshine, the beautiful desert landscape, or the fact that almost every resort seems to have the perfect pool. During my recent trip, I quickly realized that a day by the water wasn't just about packing a swimsuit it was about having all of my favorite essentials to stay comfortable, protected, and looking cute while soaking up the sunshine.


I'm all for relaxing poolside, but I'm also a planner. I like having everything I need within arm's reach so I can spend less time digging through my bag and more time enjoying the moment. Whether you're planning a girls' getaway, a solo wellness trip, or simply enjoying the last days of summer, these are the items that earned a permanent spot in my pool bag.


My Poolside Essentials

• A Cute Pool Bag: A spacious yet stylish pool bag is a must. It should be large enough to hold your towel, beauty products, water bottle, and a few snacks while still complementing your vacation style. Bonus points if it's lightweight and easy to carry.

• A Claw Clip: Arizona heat is no joke, and after a swim or a few hours in the sun, I always reach for a claw clip. It's the easiest way to keep my hair off my neck while still looking effortlessly put together.

• Black Girl Sunscreen (Body & Face): Sunscreen is the real MVP of every pool day. I packed Black Girl Sunscreen for my body and a separate one for my face to make sure my skin stayed protected without leaving a white cast. I love a summer glow, but protecting my skin always comes first.

• A Pressed Juice: Staying hydrated in the Arizona heat is essential. A refreshing pressed juice is one of my favorite poolside treats because it keeps me feeling energized while adding a little wellness to my vacation routine.

• A Pool Hat: We all love a beautiful tan, but not on our face! A chic pool hat keeps your face protected from the sun while instantly elevating your poolside look. Pair it with oversized sunglasses, and you're vacation ready.

• Hand Sanitizer: This one is small but mighty. Between touching lounge chairs, sunscreen bottles, and your phone, having hand sanitizer nearby is a must—especially before enjoying those delicious poolside snacks.

Sometimes the best part of vacation isn't the packed itinerary or checking off another attraction. It's finding a comfortable lounge chair, ordering your favorite drink, listening to good music, and giving yourself permission to simply relax.


My Arizona getaway reminded me that slowing down is just as important as staying busy. Taking care of yourself can be as simple as protecting your skin, staying hydrated, and packing the little things that make your day more enjoyable.


If you're planning your next warm-weather escape, don't forget these poolside essentials. A little preparation goes a long way, and having the right items on hand means you can spend less time worrying about what you forgot and more time making memories under the sun.

There are seasons in entrepreneurship that no one really prepares you for. We hear a lot about the excitement of launching a business, landing new clients, growing your revenue, and celebrating milestones. Social media is filled with announcements about sold-out events, dream collaborations, and six-figure years. Those moments are worth celebrating, but they aren't the whole story.


What we don't talk about enough are the quieter seasons. The seasons where the phone isn't ringing as often. Where the inbox feels unusually still. Where the contracts you've grown accustomed to simply aren't there. The seasons where you're left wondering if you're doing enough or if you've somehow lost your momentum.


If I'm honest, that's the season I've been in lately. For the first time in a long time, I don't have any monthly contracts. After years of building Professional Pretty, Herald Beauty, producing events, creating partnerships, consulting, and constantly moving from one opportunity to the next, my calendar suddenly has more white space than I'm used to seeing.


At first, I didn't know what to do with it. Like many entrepreneurs, my instinct was to fill every empty space. Send another email. Reach out to another contact. Refresh LinkedIn. Update my website. Apply for another opportunity. Surely if I kept moving, something would happen.
But somewhere between the endless to-do lists and the constant pressure to stay productive, I realized I was uncomfortable with something much deeper. I had forgotten how to simply be still.


As entrepreneurs, we often tie our value to our productivity. We celebrate being busy. We wear exhaustion like it's proof that we're committed to our dreams. Somewhere along the way, many of us begin believing that if we're not constantly producing, achieving, or building, then somehow we're falling behind. I've realized that's a dangerous mindset.


Because our worth has never been measured by how full our calendars are. This quieter season has given me something I didn't know I needed space. Space to think. Space to reflect. Space to ask myself questions I've been too busy to answer.


Am I building the business I truly want, or am I simply maintaining the business I've always had? What work actually brings me joy? What opportunities align with who I'm becoming not just who I've been?Those aren't easy questions, but they're important ones.


I've also started realizing that every season serves a purpose. There are seasons for planting. There are seasons for growing. There are seasons for harvesting. And then there are seasons that simply ask us to wait. Waiting has never been my strength. Guess I’m learning to now.

There was a time when I believed the secret to growing a successful business was saying yes to every opportunity that came my way. Yes to every networking event, collaboration, client, partnership, speaking engagement, and new idea. Like so many entrepreneurs, I thought staying busy meant I was making progress. In many ways, that mindset helped me build the businesses and community I'm so proud of today. But after years of entrepreneurship, I've realized something that has completely changed the way I approach my work: growth isn't always about saying yes. Sometimes, the most powerful strategy is knowing when to say no.


As I continue navigating this milestone year of turning 40, I've found myself reflecting not only on life, but on what entrepreneurship looks like today. The business landscape feels very different than it did just a few years ago, especially for women entrepreneurs and minority founders. Much of my work has been built through partnerships, sponsorships, and initiatives that invested in diverse voices and underserved communities. Through Professional Pretty, Herald Beauty, conferences, wellness experiences, media opportunities, and community events, I've always been passionate about creating spaces where women could connect, feel represented, and realize their potential because I understood firsthand how valuable those spaces could be.


Over the last year, however, I've watched many of those opportunities evolve. Marketing budgets have tightened, DEI initiatives have shifted, and partnerships that once seemed like natural fits have become more difficult to secure. Like many entrepreneurs, I've found myself spending more time pitching, negotiating, and creating opportunities instead of simply building on the momentum that once existed. While I still believe deeply in the work I do, I've also realized that constantly chasing every opportunity isn't necessarily creating the business—or the life—I want.
If I'm being honest, there have been moments when I've questioned whether I wanted to continue operating at the same pace. Not because I've lost my passion, but because entrepreneurship can be emotionally exhausting. Behind every social media post, event, client meeting, or business milestone is someone carrying the weight of uncertainty, making difficult decisions, and wondering if they're focusing on the right things. The more conversations I have with fellow entrepreneurs, the more I realize I'm far from alone. So many brilliant founders are working harder than ever, yet feeling more stretched than they did a few years ago.


For a long time, many of us believed that working harder was the answer. We wore burnout like a badge of honor, convinced ourselves that every opportunity deserved our attention, and measured success by how full our calendars were. But lately, I've started asking myself different questions. Does this opportunity align with the business I'm trying to build? Will this partnership move me closer to my long-term goals? Is this something I genuinely want to pursue, or am I saying yes simply because I'm afraid of missing out? Those questions have shifted everything.


I've come to realize that every "yes" comes with a cost. Every commitment requires time, energy, creativity, and focus. When we say yes to everything, we often leave very little room for the work that actually moves our businesses forward. Sometimes the opportunities that look exciting in the moment become distractions from the vision we've worked so hard to create.


One thing I've learned over the years is that passion can only take you so far. At some point, every entrepreneur needs strategy. We need the confidence to make intentional decisions and the guidance to recognize where our energy will have the greatest impact. That's one of the reasons I've enjoyed learning more about the work of Tasha Randle and 828 Leadership Group. Tasha helps entrepreneurs and leaders clarify their positioning, communicate their value more effectively, and build businesses that can grow sustainably. What I appreciate most about her approach is that she doesn't encourage founders to simply do more. Instead, she helps them determine what truly deserves their time and attention so they can stop spinning their wheels and start building with purpose.


I think that's a lesson many of us need right now. We don't necessarily need another marketing tactic, another networking event, or another thing to add to our already overwhelming to-do list. Sometimes what we really need is the courage to simplify, refine, and focus on the opportunities that align with who we are and where we want to go.


If business has been feeling harder than it should, I encourage you to start with Tasha's free audio guide, Why Sales Feel Harder Than They Should (And 5 Signs Your Value May Be Getting Lost in Translation). It's a thoughtful resource that explores why your value may not be reaching the people you're trying to serve and offers practical insight into how small shifts in your positioning can make a meaningful difference. And if you're ready for more personalized guidance, Tasha's Strategic Advisory Intensive is designed to help founders strengthen their messaging, clarify their strategy, and create sustainable growth with confidence.


The longer I've been in business, the more I've realized that success isn't measured by how many opportunities you say yes to. It's measured by whether the opportunities you choose bring you closer to the business and the life you truly want to build. Sometimes your biggest breakthrough doesn't come from adding something new. Sometimes it comes from having the confidence to let something go.

One thing about me? No matter what city I'm in, I'm going to find my wellness routine. Whether I'm home in Cincinnati, spending the summer in Montreal, or hopping over to Toronto for a few days, I've learned that if I don't take care of myself first, everything else suffers. As much as I love discovering new coffee shops, restaurants, and hidden gems while I travel, one of the first things I started researching after arriving in Canada wasn't where to eat it was where I could book a lymphatic drainage massage.


That may sound surprising to some people, but over the past few years, lymphatic massage has become one of my favorite forms of self-care. It's one of those wellness practices that I didn't fully appreciate until I made it part of my routine. Now, it's something I genuinely look forward to because I know how much better I feel afterward.


As someone who's committed to living a healthier lifestyle, traveling often, and spending hours on airplanes, I know my body needs a little extra care. Long flights, carrying luggage, different time zones, eating out more often, and working from coffee shops all take a toll. My body can feel tired, sluggish, and inflamed after weeks of constantly being on the move. Scheduling a lymphatic drainage massage has become my way of hitting the reset button.


For me, wellness isn't about waiting until something feels wrong. It's about consistently doing the little things that help me feel my best. Back home in Cincinnati, one of my favorite places to do that is Viva Body Sculpt. If you've followed my wellness journey for a while, you've probably seen me talk about my appointments there. What I appreciate most isn't just the treatment itself it's the intention behind the experience. Every appointment reminds me that taking care of yourself isn't selfish. It's necessary.


One of the reasons I love supporting Viva Body Sculpt is because of Lorraine's vision. She has created more than a wellness studio she's built a space where women are encouraged to prioritize themselves. From the moment you walk through the door, you feel welcomed, cared for, and reminded that investing in your health is never something to feel guilty about. As women, we're constantly pouring into everyone else. Lorraine has created a place that encourages us to pour back into ourselves.


That's a message I've been carrying with me during this season abroad. This summer has been a little different for me. I intentionally stepped away from the constant hustle to spend time in Montreal, reflect on my business, work on new ideas, and simply slow down. While my scenery has changed, my commitment to taking care of myself hasn't. That's why I've made it a priority to book lymphatic drainage massages while I'm in Montreal and again when I spend time in Toronto. My wellness routine didn't stay behind in Cincinnati it traveled with me.


I think that's something we all deserve to remember. Self-care shouldn't only happen when life slows down or when we're home. It can happen wherever we are. Whether that's booking a massage, taking a Pilates class, going for a walk, or simply making time to rest, our bodies deserve that same care no matter what season of life we're in.


I'm especially excited because Viva Body Sculpt is entering an exciting new chapter! Lorraine is expanding into a larger space, and I couldn't be happier for her. Watching women entrepreneurs continue to grow, dream bigger, and invest in their businesses is always inspiring. As a fellow entrepreneur, I know those milestones don't happen overnight they come after years of hard work, faith, and believing in your vision.


If you're in Cincinnati, or you've been thinking about adding lymphatic drainage to your own wellness routine, now is the perfect time. Be sure to follow Viva Body Sculpt on social media for all the details about their grand reopening this August. I have a feeling this next chapter is going to be something really special.


As for me, I'll keep searching for wellness wherever my passport takes me. Because I've learned that one of the best things you can bring home from any trip isn't a souvenir it's returning feeling rested, restored, and having taken care of yourself along the way.

Somewhere along the way, many Black women were taught that being "strong" meant pushing through. We show up for our families, our careers, our businesses, our communities, and everyone else around us. We wear busy like a badge of honor, often believing that slowing down means we're falling behind. But what if true strength looks a little different? What if strength also looks like rest?


As an entrepreneur, I know how easy it is to keep going. There are always emails to answer, clients to serve, content to create, and goals to chase. Over the past year, I've had to learn that pouring from an empty cup isn't sustainable. Sometimes the most productive thing we can do is simply pause.


The truth is, rest isn't selfish, it's healthcare. According to health experts, chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, anxiety, depression, and poor sleep. Black women often experience higher levels of chronic stress due to the combined pressures of work, caregiving, financial responsibilities, and systemic inequities, making intentional rest even more important for long-term health.


Here are three simple ways to begin making rest part of your wellness routine.


1. Give Yourself Permission to Pause
Rest doesn't always mean taking a week-long vacation. Sometimes it's saying "no" to one more commitment. It might mean taking a walk without your phone, reading a book for 20 minutes, sitting outside with your morning coffee, or simply allowing yourself to do nothing without feeling guilty. Your body was never designed to stay in "go mode" 24/7.


2. Protect Your Mental Wellness Like You Protect Your Calendar
Many of us schedule meetings, appointments, and deadlines but never schedule time for ourselves. Block off an hour this week that's just for you. Visit your favorite coffee shop. Take a Pilates class. Journal. Listen to music. Pray. Meditate. Whatever fills your cup deserves a place on your calendar, too. When we prioritize our mental health, we're better equipped to show up for every other part of our lives.


3. Remember That Wellness Is More Than Physical
Wellness isn't only about eating healthier or exercising more. It's also about how rested you feel, how supported you are, and whether you're making space for joy. Sometimes the healthiest decision isn't another workout it's going to bed an hour earlier. Sometimes it's asking for help.
Sometimes it's taking a deep breath before saying "yes."


At Our Health in Focus, Marcy continues to remind our community that good health starts with education, prevention, and making small, intentional choices every day. Wellness isn't about perfection; it's about creating healthy habits that support your whole self mind, body, and spirit.


As Black women, we've inherited a legacy of resilience. That's something to be proud of. But resilience doesn't have to mean exhaustion. This season, I hope you'll choose to redefine what strength looks like. Let it include boundaries. Let it include peace. Let it include rest.


When we take care of ourselves, we're better able to care for the people and communities we love. So here's your reminder: close the laptop a little earlier. Go for the walk. Take the nap. Drink the water. Protect your peace. You don't have to earn rest. You deserve it.

If you're from Cincinnati, then you already know Cincinnati Music Festival weekend is one of the biggest weekends of the summer. The city comes alive with incredible music, family reunions, rooftop parties, brunches, and thousands of people celebrating culture, community, and some of the best performances of the year. It's one of my favorite weekends in the Queen City, but if you've been before, you know there's one thing that can quickly put a damper on the experience: traffic and parking.


In fact, I remember one year trying to leave downtown after the concert. I made it to the parking garage. only to sit there for what felt like hours waiting for traffic to move. I wasn't even on the highway yet I was literally stuck trying to get out of the parking lot. By the time I finally got home, I kept thinking to myself, "I could have just hopped on Metro and been home by now."


If you're planning your weekend, here's my biggest pro tip: leave the parking stress behind and take Metro instead. One thing I've learned through my wellness journey is that reducing stress often starts before you even arrive. The more we can simplify our plans, the more we actually get to enjoy the experience. Whether I'm traveling internationally or exploring my own city, I'm always looking for ways to make getting around easier and Cincinnati Music Festival weekend is no different.


Taking Metro means you can skip circling downtown looking for parking, avoid expensive event parking fees, and spend more time enjoying everything the weekend has to offer. Instead of worrying about traffic, you can sit back, relax, and let someone else do the driving.
And if you need even more flexibility, don't forget about MetroNOW!


Metro's on-demand rideshare service makes it even easier to get around. Whether you're connecting to a Metro route, meeting friends before the concert, or heading home after an unforgettable night of music, MetroNOW! gives you another convenient transportation option that fits your plans.


Cincinnati Music Festival weekend is all about having a good time. The music is playing, the parties are going, and for many people, the drinks are flowing. Choosing Metro is also a smart way to make a safer choice. Instead of worrying about getting behind the wheel after a long night out, you can enjoy yourself, get home safely, and let someone else handle the driving.


One of the things I love most about Cincinnati Music Festival is how it brings our city together. Restaurants are buzzing, local businesses are thriving, hotels are full, and downtown becomes a celebration of music, culture, and community. It's one of those weekends that reminds you just how special Cincinnati really is.


Whether you're heading downtown for one night or making a full weekend of it, a little planning goes a long way. Check Metro's routes ahead of time, consider using MetroNOW! for even more convenience, and make transportation one less thing to worry about. The best part of Cincinnati Music Festival isn't sitting in traffic or waiting in a parking garage it's singing along with your favorite artists, catching up with old friends, and making memories you'll talk about long after the music ends.


This year, skip the parking headache, make the safer choice, and let Metro help get you there. Your future self will thank you.

If you know me, then you know I love a good designer find. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely appreciate investing in quality pieces that I'll wear for years. But I've also learned that great style isn't about spending the most money. It's about knowing where to look, finding pieces that fit your personal style, and giving beautiful fashion a second life.
That's one of the reasons I love shopping at Clothes Mentor Hyde Park.


Every time I walk through the doors, it feels like a treasure hunt. You never know what you're going to find, and honestly, that's part of the fun. Unlike traditional retail stores where everyone is shopping the same collection, every visit to Clothes Mentor is different. One day you might stumble upon a designer handbag you've had your eye on, and the next, it's the perfect pair of shoes that somehow look like they were waiting just for you.


As someone who creates fashion and travel content, I'm always looking for pieces that feel elevated without necessarily paying full retail prices. I also love mixing pre-loved luxury with newer pieces already in my closet. It allows me to create outfits that feel unique while making smarter shopping decisions along the way.


Lately, I've been thinking a lot about sustainability not just in fashion, but in the way we consume everything. We live in a world where trends change almost overnight, and it's easy to feel like we constantly need something new. But the truth is, some of the best pieces are already out there waiting for someone to love them again.


Shopping resale is one of the easiest ways to make fashion more sustainable. Instead of contributing to fast fashion or buying something you'll only wear once, you're extending the life of quality clothing, handbags, and accessories. It's a simple shift that can make a meaningful impact, and it's one that doesn't require sacrificing your personal style.


That's what I appreciate most about Clothes Mentor Hyde Park. It's a reminder that fashion doesn't have to be brand new to feel exciting.
During my latest visit, I spent plenty of time browsing the handbag and shoe sections, two of my favorite places to start. If you're anything like me, you know that the right handbag or a great pair of shoes can completely transform an outfit. Whether I'm traveling, heading to a television segment, speaking at an event, or simply grabbing coffee with friends, those finishing touches always make me feel a little more put together.


And because the inventory is constantly changing, every visit feels like a new experience. That's what keeps me coming back. You truly never know what hidden gems you'll uncover.


As I've gotten older, I've also become much more intentional about what I buy. Instead of filling my closet with pieces I'll only wear once, I'd rather invest in timeless styles that can be worn season after season. Shopping resale has become part of that mindset. It's allowed me to build a wardrobe that feels authentic to me while making more thoughtful purchasing decisions.


Fashion has always been about self-expression, but I also believe it can be about responsibility. Choosing to shop secondhand is a simple way to reduce waste, support circular fashion, and prove that style and sustainability can absolutely go hand in hand.


Of course, I couldn't leave without finding a few treasures of my own—but I'm going to make you head over to my Instagram to see exactly what I discovered! Let's just say if you love handbags, shoes, and finding designer pieces at amazing prices, you're going to want to see this haul.


If you haven't visited Clothes Mentor Hyde Park yet, consider this your sign. Go in with an open mind, take your time browsing, and enjoy the thrill of the hunt. You might walk in looking for one thing and leave with something you didn't even know you needed.


Because sometimes the best fashion finds aren't the ones sitting on the newest store shelves they're the ones waiting to begin their next chapter. I think that's what makes sustainable fashion so much fun.