In this episode of xoMAN, actor and activist Kendrick Sampson joined Kiara Walker for a wide-ranging and honest conversation about masculinity, purpose, identity, pleasure, and polyamory. Known for his roles on Insecure and his outspoken advocacy, Kendrick shared how his spiritual and political awakening has reshaped his understanding of manhood, relationships, and power. --- Raised in Texas, Kendrick shared that his early view of masculinity came from harmful messages, believing that masculi...| xoNecole
Mýa is a shining example of what investing in yourself mentally, physically, and spiritually looks like. She has credited her ageless appearance to going vegan 10 years ago, practicing celibacy for several years, and she's also an independent artist. So while becoming better has been her focus, the "It's All About Me" singer admits that marriage and kids haven't always been...at least for now. --- The Grammy award-winning musician sat down with Melyssa Ford on her Hot & Botheredpodcast and o...| xoNecole
There’s a Scripture in the Bible that speaks to life expectancy. Psalm 90:10(NKJV) states, “The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years, yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” It’s interesting how much, all these years later (from when the Bible was written), science basically lines up with this. While some sources say that the average life expectancy is close to 76 for men and a smidgin’ ov...| xoNecole
This article is in partnership with SheaMoisture. The world may try to convince you that straight hair is a no-go for the summer heat, but if you’re an It Girl, defying the odds is embedded in your DNA. When it comes to achieving sleek strands for the summer, xoNecole and SheaMoisture have your blueprint for smooth, frizz-free, humidity and heat-damage-resistant hair throughout this season! --- From hair styling oils to bond repairing products, and strengthening shampoo and conditioner, She...| xoNecole
Ibiza has all the girlies calling it their favorite travel destination. While it has always been a hot spot for travelers, It Girls like Lori Harvey, who appears to have gone over the last few years, and Justine Skye, who dropped the new single "Bitch In Ibiza," are making us want to pack our bags and head to the Spanish island, like now. --- But what makes Ibiza so special? Here are five reasons below. Location, Location, Location Ibiza is an island located in the Mediterranean Sea off the c...| xoNecole
Lately, I've been captivated by the presence of angel numbers in my life. To me, they’re more than just numbers; they're messages from the Universe. Subtle synchronicities that are woven into the fabric of everyday life. I love the aesthetically pleasing way that their symmetry speaks to me, but more than that, I vibe with how deeply symbolic they are. Over the last couple of years, these signs have felt especially potent. As someone who’s highly intuitive and deeply connected to my feeli...| xoNecole
September is a month of opportunity. We enter the final Eclipse Season of 2025 this month, and change is necessary, empowering, and inevitable. With the sun in Virgo and clarity enhanced, life-changing guidance comes through in September, and this is the perfect month for healing, getting your ducks in a row, and claiming your abundance. Manifestations appear when the Sun is in Virgo, and a new beginning is everything you once hoped it would be. On Sept. 1, Saturn retrograde moves into Pisces...| xoNecole
What led me to the article, “The worst passive-aggressive phrases, according to Americans,” on Preply’s site? Who knows, chile? All I can tell you is that, as I was skimming through it and I caught some of the common/popular passive-aggressive phrases that were used in it, off the rip, I found myself getting irritated. “I’m fine.” “You’re too sensitive.” “I’m not mad.” “If that’s what you want to do.” --- “I was just kidding.” “Whatever.” “That was surp...| xoNecole
National Black Business Month may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean we won’t stop celebrating Black businesses anytime soon. Starting a business is no small feat, and ensuring its success is its own accomplishment. --- However, Black women are reportedly the fastest-growing business owners in the U.S., and they are using their voices to show others the power of entrepreneurship. xoNecole interviewed four Black women leaders in healthcare, tech, nonprofit, and entertainment about thei...| xoNecole
Fashion and beauty staples are a must for the It Girls who tend to turn heads! There’s no better way to make a statement than to stay up on trends while making them your own, while supporting Black-owned brands. Now, more than ever, it’s essential for us to own the stakes, especially when it comes to the things that make us unique. --- We’ve witnessed firsthand how the lack of resources and support for businesses like Ami Colé has led to brands designed by us and for us having to close...| xoNecole
You saw the title, so you already know that this is about to be good ‘n crazy (and it absolutely is). Before we get into everything, though (le sigh), let me just say that I will be the first one to quote the Scripture, “It rains on the just and the unjust.” (Matthew 5:44-46). It’s a wise verse to keep in mind whenever challenging things head your way because…just like wintertime comes to some parts of the world while others are experiencing the summer season, a similar point applie...| xoNecole
This article is in partnership with SheaMoisture. Yes, the girls and the curls just wanna have fun. Summertime is filled with the best opportunities to flex your tresses. From attending a WNBA game to vacationing in Jamaica; from catching a flight to Martha’s Vineyard, and everything in between, there’s a reason for the saying “curls for the girls” — especially when you are THAT girl. --- SheaMoisture and xoNecole have everything you need to simplify your summer curl routine. Becaus...| xoNecole
In this revealing episode of xoMAN, entertainer and entrepreneur Spectacular Smith shared his transformative journey from his early fame with Pretty Ricky to living a purpose-driven life centered on family, business, and emotional healing. Growing up in Miami, Spectacular admits he was constantly searching for attention and validation: “When I was growing up... I was looking for attention. My dad was in prison for 12 years. My mom was a single mom. We were struggling. And I was in trouble a...| xoNecole
I don’t know what it is about my information feed in my browser right now but I promise you that, for the past two weeks or so, something that has kept coming up are articles on fibermaxxing. Since I knew that it wasn’t a “technical” term, I decided to go on social media to figure out what all of the hype was about. Social media did not disappoint and actually, unlike some of the other so-called health tips that I see on there, fibermaxxing is something that has some real validity to ...| xoNecole
When she isn’t making lists and crossing off items at lightning speed, an It Girl leans into things that make her life easier. And what better way to do so than through escaping the world with a good read? There’s so much that comes with exploring a whole new world in a good book. No matter the genre, the power of flipping through fresh pages, powering up your Kindle, or simply pressing play on an audiobook is unmatched. That’s why we’ve got an It List of books to read that will get y...| xoNecole
Coco Jones is closing one chapter of her life and embracing the next. TheBel-Airstar has spent three seasons playing Hilary Banks in the reimagining. However, the series will end after season four. Coco spoke to Variety about the bittersweet moment. "We literally just wrapped our last days, dude, the other day. It was so emotional. Because I’m very much not a crybaby at work. I’m like, I don’t feel things at work, I clock in, thank you," she said. --- "But when they were like that’s a...| xoNecole
This article is in partnership with SheaMoisture. We’re officially in the thick of summer, which means it’s protective style season. Not only is it essential to get off those new looks with versatility and ease all summer long, taking care of your hair in the process is also a non-negotiable. If you’re opting for a protective style this season and want to achieve the perfect aesthetic, xoNecole has you covered with our It List routine for braided styles. --- Start With A Clean Slate The...| xoNecole
Megan Thee Stallion is off the market thanks to Dallas Mavericks star Klay Thompson. The two have had social media in shambles ever since rumors swirled that they were dating. Once they confirmed the rumors were true, fans have been glued to their every move. Before getting together, both have dated other people in the spotlight. --- The four-time NBA champion has reportedly been linked to singer Coco Jones and Spiderman actress Laura Harrier. While Meg has previously dated Chicago Bulls play...| xoNecole
If 2025 has been your year for jet-setting or road-tripping, this It Girl guide is for you, especially if you like to pack light. Abiding by Erykah Badu’s wise words, xoNecole has you covered with some space-saving carry-on essentials that will add a little razzle-dazzle to your getaway. --- Be Rooted Reset Reflect Refocus w/ Coloring Pages 8x10 Notebook A travel journal is the perfect accessory to document all of your travels and jot down ideas on the go. This cross-functional notebook eve...| xoNecole
After years of prioritizing her career, Meagan Good is now ready to have a family. The Harlem actress, who reportedly married Jonathan Majors in March, opened up about her decision during her recent appearance on Sway's Universe. When asked why now, she replied, "A lot of things. One, I just, I really love doing life with Jonathan. And that's not a comparison to anything else. He's just my best friend, and we just have so much fun together and we just love to experience life in the same way. ...| xoNecole
With summer in full swing, it’s never too late to add a few more activities to the roster. And xoNecole has you covered with the places to be for you and your girls, this season and well into fall and winter. Whether you’re looking to connect with like-minded creatives somewhere like CultureCon or mix and mingle with fellow Black women in tech at AfroTech, we’ve got a little something for all the It Girls. --- Kwame Onwuachi’s Presents The Family Reunion (Middleburg, Virginia – Augu...| xoNecole
We see you, It Girl! Storming the streets, looking fly at Pilates, and catching flights — and maybe some feelings. Summer ‘25 looks good on you, sis. And we want it to feel good, too. That’s why xoNecole has launched The It List, our inaugural curation of the hottest products and events to ensure you have the season you deserve. Relish in a collection of beauty must-haves, from dewy moisturizers and sunscreens to Black-owned concealers and fragrances. Elevate your space with home essent...| xoNecole
Sometimes y’all, no matter what everyone else might be doing (or thinking about what you are doing), you’ve got to go with your best mind concerning what is actually best for you. And as you can tell by the title of today’s dig in, what I’m referring to, this time, is being perfectly fine with choosing to be natural, and while also having straight hair at the same time. What those women are called are “straight naturals,” and I’ve found it to be the best thing for me and my hair...| xoNecole
In this refreshingly grounded episode of xoMAN, veteran radio personality Ferrari Simmons joined host Kiara Walker to talk all things fatherhood, emotional maturity, love, therapy, and modern masculinity. From raising five children across blended households to finding deep partnership with his wife,...| xoNecole
After the world watched her find and marry the love of her life, Lauren Speed-Hamilton felt like she gained family members. But that was both a gift and a curse. “We think of [our supporters] as extended family. But at the same time, it could be a bit much, especially when it came to us getting pregnant,” she recently shared on the Pregnant Pause podcast. Speed-Hamilton met her husband Cameron on season 1 of Netflix’s Love is Blind. She said shortly after the show ended, fans asked repe...| xoNecole
Issa Rae has been running her own race for years, and winning while doing it. From the breakout success of The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl to creating and starring in HBO’s Insecure, launching her record label Raedio, and building her production company Hoorae, she’s proof that you can build an empire by staying true to your lane. Now, she’s adding a new passion to her wellness routine: running. And in a recent interview with Refinery29 for Beyond Yoga’s Seek Beyond collection...| xoNecole
Being feminine (insert Eric Benet’s song “Femininity” right here). It is something that I absolutely adore about womanhood. There is just something that is so beautiful, so soft and so necessary about feminine energy and what it brings into just about any space that will forever be unmatched. And that’s why I adore quotes on the topic like, “Beauty and femininity are ageless and can't be contrived, and glamour, although the manufacturers won't like this, cannot be manufactured. Not ...| xoNecole
It's always inspiring to hear a story of someone who has not only created their own opportunities, but has won big by doing so. Alicia Scott, CEO and founder of Range Beauty, is an avid researcher and savvy communicator who initially Googled her way into finding a solution to a problem that impacted not only her life, but the lives of other Black women: inclusive yet clean cosmetics. And her efforts took her to business and bankable success, turning $300 into $300,000 within the first three y...| xoNecole
Not too long ago, I wrote an article for the platform entitled, “Why You Should Strongly Consider Premarital Counseling BEFORE Getting Engaged.” One of the things that I shared is that, it’s my personal belief that premarital counseling should actually transpire before two people decide to get engaged, while actual engagement counseling should be more about budgeting for the wedding and receiving tips and tools to get through the newlywed years. Kinda-sorta along these same lines, a few...| xoNecole
This article is in partnership with Target. From the co-ed who loves to lounge to the athletic enthusiast who loves to rock a popped color, college brings out all sorts of personalities. Whether you’re The Sporty Oneor The Cozy One, we have the perfect solution to decorate your dorm in a way that suits your personal style. These products will help your dorm room double as a perfect place to relax between classes or kick your feet up after a workout. --- xoNecole and Target have you covered ...| xoNecole
A few months ago, I checked out a feature that Complex did on actor and artist Mack Wilds. It all centered around effective time management and how Mack is able to accomplish so much in the same 24-hour time frame that we all have. The entire article was good. Two things stood out the most: how he h| xoNecole
When I graduated from business school (believing full well I would never use that degree in its intended capacity…or at all), I was always chasing something. At times it was a fat salary because…hello? Other times, I was sprinting, trying to catch up to clout, wanting a title and awards so I could b...| xoNecole
I've never been a person who thrives on routines or waking up early, and I know I'm not the only one. But we can do a few things in the morning to help us get a good start to the day. Ayurvedic medicine, also known as Ayurveda, is an ancient form of Indian medicine that has been practiced for thousa| xoNecole
Believe it or not, even in this tough U.S. economy, there are fast-growing careers to explore that pay a decent salary and don’t require an advanced degree. These jobs are often also less likely to be at risk of becoming obsolete due to the advancements of AI. Resume Now analysts reviewed data from ...| xoNecole
When Brianna Arps, founder of the indie fragrance label MOODEAUX, was laid off from her role at a women's media publication in 2018, the loss impacted her confidence and state of mind. “As someone who had always wanted to be a writer and to be in beauty, I thought I had reached such a pinnacle, and| xoNecole
If your mom, grandma and aunties were fans of Black fiction back in the day, then Bebe Moore Campbell was among the icons—with her work being a mainstay on any reading list in the ‘90s. Your Blues Ain’t Like Mine, Singing in the Comeback Choir, Brothers and Sisters—those books lined our living room ...| xoNecole
In this compelling and vulnerable episode of xoMan, David Banner joined host Kiara Walker for a wide-ranging conversation on legacy, love, masculinity, and the realities of being a multi-hyphenate in the entertainment industry. Banner is unfiltered, passionate, and introspective—offering truth bombs...| xoNecole
Love Island USA season 7 had the internet in a frenzy all summer long. While many of us were living for the girls and couples in the villa, the rise in hate against certain islanders, particularly Chelley and Olandria, began to take over the internet. Both had been in the villa since day one, but th...| xoNecole
Being in the water (beyond a bathtub). Hmph. Personally, when I think about my childhood, some of my very first memories consist of spending time in the water. That’s why I find myself rolling my eyes whenever I hear someone flippantly say that “Black folks can’t swim.”Actually, more of us can than ...| xoNecole
Here’s an indisputable fact: Black is beautiful. It always has been and it always will be. No one understands this more than Diarrha N'Diaye-Mbaye. As a little girl growing up in Harlem, New York, the Senegalese-American entrepreneur spent a lot of time in her mother’s hair salon watching the carous| xoNecole
Performing at our absolute highest has been the most important thing to and about Black women for ages. Papa Pope told Olivia, “We have to be twice as good…” and the rest of us felt that. Deeply. But what happens when you’re not performing at your highest level in your work, relationships, and just ...| xoNecole
In 2016, Shaina Wiel started a simple group chat with friends and colleagues in the New York sports industry. What began as a space for professionals of color in sports to share resources and opportunities blossomed into the Minorities in Sports Business Network, a thriving community of more than 1,...| xoNecole
Here’s an indisputable fact: Black is beautiful. It always has been and it always will be. No one understands this more than Diarrha N'Diaye-Mbaye. As a little girl growing up in Harlem, New York, the Senegalese-American entrepreneur spent a lot of time in her mother’s hair salon watching the carous| xoNecole
Tristan Mack Wilds is one of those rare artists we’ve watched since childhood and continue to follow today. He was hands-down one of my favorite characters on the beloved fifth season of HBO’s The Wire and continues to grace our screen on projects like Peacocks’ Praise This and the upcoming season o...| xoNecole
