Thoro Gem Thursday: Issa Rae

Since this is the last Thursday of the year I wanted to feature somebody who I not only admire but someone that has inspired me over this year. With that being said it's only right that I close out the year with this week's thoro gem is Issa Rae.

So....I have to be honest, I never heard of this magical black girl until the premiere of her hit show Insecure on HBO. After falling in love with the series and becoming more familiar with her work, I wish I was one of those people that can say I witnessed her journey from the beginning.

Through her writings and comedy, Issa expresses how beautifully frightening it is to be young, black, woke and especially a female in America. She concocts real life issues with a dose of lighter that anybody can relate to even if you're not first handedly affected by the topics. Whether you want to admit it or not she's just dope like that. From her debut with her web series entitled Awkward Black Girl to being the new face of CoverGirl, Issa demonstrates there is nothing you cannot have as long as faith is behind your gifts.

Not only does 2018 look to be promising for Issa with Insecure coming back for its third season but also it has been confirmed that she will be working on two new series with HBO. I'll be right in front of my TV with my snacks and in the company of my woes on black twitter.

If there was ever a time you doubted the transferring of energy, watching this gem would make you a firm believer that it is possible. You can't help but to be impressed with how humble and extremely honest she comes off. And not that ratchet " I'm going to say whatever is on my mind" honesty but that "this is who I am and I love me" honesty. This year, she has been one of the ladies that has encouraged me to continue writing when it felt pointless. Her drive, perseverance, and success has motivated the writer in me to wipe my tears, Boss up and tell the world that they `gon to get AAAAAL this black girl magic today.

Funny, Beautiful, Inspiring, and definitely for the culture. Issa Rae, you truly are a thoro gem.

IG: Issa Rae
WEBSITE: www.issarae.com

Thoro Gem Thrusday: Kelsey Chambers

They say big things come in small packages. I would absolutely say that about this weeks thoro gem Kelsey Chambers,owner and CEO of SlaybyKC Cosmetics.

On March 31st 2017, Kelsey launched her cosmetic line and has continued to soar upward ever since. With reality TV stars and makeup gurus already taken a liking to her brand and adding new, funky products to the line, it is safe to say SlaybyKC is solidifying its spot in the beauty world.

Last week, she held her first SIP SLAY & SHOP event for the launch of her latest line the BARE COLLECTION and promo video. I love this line. The rose gold highlighter and mint vanilla lip gloss are my faves and  have become staples in my makeup arsenal.

Aside from being a fresh business owner, Kelsey also works full-time and is actively furthering her college education. With less than a year under her belt she has accomplished much to be proud of. Her humble spirit, infectious smile and driven attitude is bound to take the world by storm and I cant wait to watch this rose blossom.

Ms. Chambers, you truly are a thoro gem.

Website: www.slaybykc.com

IG: slaybykccosmetics

Thoro Gem Thursday: Jennifer M. Gregg, M.S.

" Invest in yourself because...You were born to fly..."

This beautiful mantra is that of this week's thoro gem Jennifer M Gregg, M.S.

Jennifer is the founder of J. Gregg's Journey Innovations, a viral life coaching business.

Jennifer is a girl from South Jersey with a heart for the world. With a BA in psychology, sociology, and criminal justice and masters of Science in Behavioral Studies, Jennifer uses her knowledge and purpose to see people be their best on their personal life's Journey. She empowers her clients with life skills to tackle day-to-day obstacles that prevent one from walking in their fullest potential.

Yet life coaching is just one of Jennifer's many passions. She is also a notary and world traveler with visiting Paris and also Liberia were her cultural roots stem from. In her own life, Jennifer proves that life is meant to be lived totally and out loud.

Beautiful, educated, and a heart of gold, Jennifer you truly are a thoro gem.

IG: coach_jmg_ms

Website: jgreggji.com

Thoro Gem Thursday: Jade Slater

One thing about an Aries, we know how to get to a bag. We're innovative, creative, visionaries and all around leaders(do I said bias LOL) And that is just the least I can say about this weeks thoro gem Jade Slater.








Jade is the founder and creator of Hip Hop 4 Autism, Faux Locs by Jade, and a distressed denim line  Trybe_X. She wears so many hats as a mother, entrepreneur, designer, hairstylist and activists you begin to wonder what can't this girl do?! She inspires women to embrace their beauty and culture through style and expression. Known as the NJ Loc Queen, she is diligently sought after for goddess and faux loc styles.

Along with her partner Diamon, Jade founded Hip Hop 4 Autism.

Their organization brings awareness to the epidemic autism through education, encouraging posts, and helpful tips. Her passion to dispel the myths about autism was birthed to see her son,King, and other children effected by autism, to live their best lives without stigma or boundaries.














































Always moving and working,MORE LIFE should be her motto because through everything she does, she beams with love, compassion, and positivity. Jade,you truly are a thoro gem.

Instagram:

fauxlocsbyjade

hiphop4autism





Step One: Admittance

There was a time where I envied those free-spirited women who effortlessly wore themselves with love and pride.

I was never like that.

I wondered if I would ever be like that.

I use to pray that one day I would have their level of confidence and grace but it never dawned on me that they probably fought the worst mental battles

Cried endless streams of self-consciousness. Kick themselves over and over for constantly submitting to doubt and screamed until the lining of their throats became raw
We never know what a person goes through just to arrive, yet we still covet
I admire those women with their honey like testimonies

Full of substance, raw truths

and preserved flavor for the souls fullness
I admire those women who found victory in being vulnerable
You remember those women

You remember their stories and how they resonated and ignited inspiration by way of their expression
I admire the love that came by way of self-hate
Or maybe not hate but surely neglect
I believe I understand now.

I know how it feels to become numb from being over stimulated with a lot of "too much"
When my instincts knew the truth but my heart loved anyway.

Forgave anyway.

Stayed anyway.
Ironically, fear kept me running away from freedom by being stagnant in dysfunction
God and I have a lot of work to do.

I'm nowhere near the woman who wears the opinions of others like loose garments
But I'm no longer afraid to be seen.

Step One