Black women have always been innovators and creators. Rising above many obstacles, we have strove to overcome adversity, and achieved this by staying true to our roots. We can’t commence Black History month without highlighting a few pioneers of #BlackGirlMagic. From the innovation of good hair brushes (I could not survive without one), to space saving furniture and Rock n Roll, many life-changing inventions would not have existed without the contribution of Black women.
Modern day women are continuing to bring the #BlackGirlMagic. To commence #BlackHistoryMonth, I wanted to highlight 5 influential black females leading in entertainment, skincare, and haircare that are making history in business, fashion, and entertainment- Here’s how:
Issa Rae, @issarae | 2.4 M Instagram Followers
Issa Rae’s unique personality, wit, and undeniable sense of humor has captured the hearts of many. She is an actress, writer, and producer, that grabbed viewer’s attention for her YouTube web series, Awkward Black Girl. Her hit HBO show, Insecure, piloted in 2015 is now critically acclaimed, receiving two Golden Globe Award nominations for Best Actress in 2017 and 2018, as well as a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Issa will be heating up the screen in the new film, The Photograph, which is set to release on Valentine's Day.
Issa is also an activist bringing attention to police violence and brutality against African Americans. She also partnered with co-founders Ajay Relan and Yonnie Hagos to open a second location for Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen in Inglewood, CA. If you are ever in that area, you should definitely check it out!
Yandy Smith, founder of Yelle.Skincare @yelleskincare | 118K Instagram Followers (@yandysmith) | 6.1M Instagram Followers
You may know Yandy Smith from Love & Hip Hop New York, but besides being a loving mother and wife, she is this phenomenal businesswoman! #gogirl Her skincare line, Yelle Skincare, is the first plant based skin care line that exclusively dedicates its products to melanin-rich skin. She has three different packaging systems with varying targeted solutions, a variety of products ranging from moisturizers to facial toners, and has products for varying skin types and other concerns such as sensitive or aging skin.
Psyche Terry, MBA, founder of Urban Hydration @urbanhydration | 83.6K Instagram Followers
Psyche Terry is a loving mother and wife, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, the founder of Urban Hydration, and overall a #phenomenalwoman. Urban Hydration is a natural hair and skincare line that is inclusive of everyone. Urban Hydration’s mission is to create global change through their philanthropic efforts. They have made tremendous global change such as building a freshwater well in Kenya, that gave 300 schoolchildren and their community access
to fresh water! Their global promise is that for every 1 product sold, 1 gallon of water is donated.
We asked, she answered!
We asked: "What drives consumers to choose Urban Hydration products?" She answered: "Women, men, and families love a great deal, and Urban Hydration provides just that. Our ingredients contain clean ingredients, which is an important component, and the proceeds go to a great cause." They also strive to be affordable for all people. Who doesn't want a competent product for a great price? Sounds like a deal to me...
Milan, founder of Milano Di Rouge, @iammilanrouge | 638K Instagram Followers
Milan grabbed attention through her social media with motivational words and passion for fashion. Starting her blog in 2012, she was able to further illustrate her passion through Iammilanrough.com. Her clothing brand, Milano Di Rouge, LLC was also launched in 2012. Making Dreams Reality is the message that Milano Di Rouge represents -- it's never too late to follow your dreams. Her brand empowers people to keep following their dreams. Keep pushing #Queens!
Lizzo, @lizzobeeating | 7.9M Instagram Followers
There's no way we could leave out our girl, Lizzo! She has had such an amazing year. Showing the world a multitude of her talents -- she is a singer, songwriter, flutist, and "100% that b****"
She is unstoppable and an inspiration to so many. Promoting body positivity, she emulates love and the desire to love yourself and others around you. Musically, she is breaking records -- TIME Magazine named her Entertainer of the Year in 2019. She was the most nominated artist for the 62nd Grammy's, having a total of 8 nominations and taking home 3 #wins for Best Pop Solo Performance, Best Urban Contemporary Album, and Best Traditional R&B Performance. I cannot wait to see how she continues to make history and inspire people, especially Black and young women.
Speaking of the Grammy's...
Did you see the #Google commercial highlighting trends in Black Americans that aired during the 62nd Grammy's? Google used U.S.-based Google Trends Data to compilate some of #TheMostSearched individuals in celebration of #BlackHistoryMonth. It's a must-see...
In closing, what makes these ladies so influential in the Black female community is their grit and passion. Despite obstacles, they continue to push forward and follow their dreams while maintaining dignity and integrity. They inspire us to be confident in our skin and graciously show the world our #BlackGirlMagic.
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