Entertainment
On the chair with: Yene Damtew – Essence

@yenedamtew / Instagram
Hairdresser Yene Damtew could lead on a master class in styling the locks of powerful women who meet at the intersection of beauty, popular culture, and politics. She’s worked with Zendaya, Michelle Williams, Tracee Ellis Ross, Kandi Burruss, and Cynthia Bailey, to call just a few. But her most VIP client thus far is Michelle Obama.
Damtew is the architect behind a few of the former first lady’s most iconic mane moments. When Obama showed off her natural hair on the cover of ESSENCE’s December/January 2020 issue, she made sure her curls were perfectly styled. The perfect layers Obama wore during her book tour were made possible by a stylist’s delicate touch. And those voluminous curls that turned heads at Joe Biden’s inauguration? Yes, Damtew did it!
She discovered her love of hairdressing at a young age, taking up her first “clients” as a highschool student after which enrolling in Cerritos Cosmetology School at just 16. “My earliest memory is using Sun-In to lighten my hair in the summer, replicating the natural lightening effects of swimming,” Damtew tells ESSENCE. “I remember secretly spending my pocket money to buy the product at a local drugstore.”
Although Damtew dropped out of cosmetology school to pursue a profession in higher education, she graduated from cosmetology school in 2009. Shortly after, the California native moved to Washington, D.C., to work for Michelle Obama’s then-hairstylist, Johnny Wright, who introduced her to the first family.
When she’s not styling Mrs. Obama, former President Barack Obama, or celebrities, Damtew may be found behind a chair in her Aesthetic Salon in Arlington, VA. “Creating a supportive, non-toxic work environment rooted in sisterhood is key,” she says of the hair haven. “For clients, it’s about confidence and putting a pep in their step. The human interaction we offer is the best gift in a world increasingly driven by automation.”
Below, Damtew shares her favorite products, hair myths, and more.
Her favorite hairstyles:
I really like creating natural styles, especially flat twists and roller sets in the summer. They add significant volume and movement while protecting the natural curls, allowing our hair to flourish during the blow-dry season.
Her current favorite products:
Personally, I prefer it Cecred AND amika hydro rush. In the salon, Amika can also be a favourite. Their heat protector, The Shield Anti-Humidity Sprayit’s incredible for moisture control and UV protection, which is essential for my colored clients. Soulfood Nourishing Mask, Normcore Signature ShampooAND Headstrong Intense Hold Hairspray are essential. Headstrong single-handedly saved my client’s hair during Joe Biden’s inauguration, keeping my client’s bouncy curls intact.
Her top tip for healthy hair:
Healthy hair starts from the inside out. What you eat can affect the health of your hair. Remember, cultivating good habits is important for healthy hair, which doesn’t necessarily mean having very long hair.
A hair myth I would like to bust:
It is a standard myth that you must have dirty hair before you dye your hair. I counsel my clients to evenly shampoo their hair before dyeing. Many leave-in conditioners can act as a barrier that forestalls the color from working. Additionally, when clients are available in for hairline dye, I remind them to watch out with their facial products. Residue from these products on the hairline can prevent the full coverage of stubborn grays.
What she learned from her clients:
Life goes on and beauticians often turn out to be one among our clients’ closest confidantes. The validation from clients of our importance is at all times shifting, especially in a society where we may feel our work will not be valued.
How it supports its clients:
I at all times remind my clients that nobody is you and that you simply should not like anyone else. Many people try to mimic what they see on the web or of their friends, family or coworkers, but accepting your unique self is actually empowering.
Entertainment
Usher to provide the address of the Emory University class start from 2025 graduates

It seems that there will not be much that Usher Raymond IV – Better, known to the world, simply as a USher – no. He can sing. He can dance. He can sing and dance while skating. He works. Sells Las Vegas residences. Performs philanthropic work.
And also performs the completion addresses. Usher was utilized by the University in its own yard. May 12 Usher will provide the address at Emory University 180. Ceremony of graduation and shall be awarded with an honorary doctorate in humanitarian letters from the institution. This will not be the first Usher Rodeo with an honorary doctorate; In 2023 Berklee School of Music in Boston He awarded the International Superstar with distinction. He also gave comments then.
Usher will not be alien to Emory University. His non-profit, New Usher Lookwhich according to the website“He transforms the lives of malnourished youth through a comprehensive program that develops passion, global leaders”, has established cooperation with Emory’s University’s University Goizueta Business School in a 400-hour program helping to prepare teenagers for faculty. Apparently, non-profit influenced over 50,000 students.
“I spent my life following my spark – my passion – and trying to support young people when they find and follow their own passions. I am excited that I have the opportunity to talk to these amazing Emory students who graduate and prepare for imprint in the world – said Usher in Billboard statement.
Usher is one of the most successful musical acts in history, selling over 80 million records, winning many Grammy awards and has toured throughout the world since his profession in the mid -90s. His album “Confessions” from 2004 is the second best -selling album from 2000 and is taken into account by Rolling Stone as one of the best albums of all of all of all.
YES!
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Entertainment
The most iconic moments of the beauty of Robert Flack – Essence

Anthony Barboza/Getty Images
Robert Flack, a valued singer, songwriter and pianist, died on February 24, 2025, at the age of 88. The legendary singer, whose velvety voice again defined the soul and R&B, stays a everlasting icon of elegance, emotions and artistry. With timeless classics, resembling “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and “The First Time Ever and Wis See Your Face”, the singer died the audience captivated the audience along with her ability to weave delicacy and power in every note. Not only will we take heed to her repetitive music, but we won’t stop eager about its most iconic moments of beauty.
In the 70s Robert seriously swayed Afro – a daring statement of being black and proud – during performances at live shows, including the famous Newport Jazz festival. Two years later, she honored the scene of Ronnie Scott in London along with her hair drawn into the band, combined with dramatic long eyelashes, which defined her characteristic appearance. Always to experiment with hair, she also accepted braids decorated with beads, without effort combining style and cultural pride.
Just a few many years quickly forward, and Robert was still turning her head. While playing in Gillette Civil Rights 2010 between Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals, she stunned the navy blue eye shadow, a dark light highlighter and daring red lipstick. The following yr, she performed at Bideawee Ball from 2011 with full rhythm – eyeliner, mascara, highlighter and its characteristic red lips. And in 2020 she performed unforgettable during the 62th annual Grammy Awards, wearing a beautiful curly crown and the same red lipstick that we met and loved.
In honor of her everlasting legacy, we glance back at some of the most iconic beauty moments of Roberta’s incomparable flack.
Entertainment
Joe Freshgoods X New Balance 992 “Starn Well” is celebrating cooperation

Joe Freshgoods selects five years and counts with New Balance because of his latest version 992 “Arged Well”, a tribute to his creative partnership with a characteristic brand of sportswear, which still supports his design talents and a contagious passion.
After Debut On the Joe Freshgoods New Balance 992 website, Chicago Creative is preparing for a wider version of February 28 via newbalance.com and chosen retail sellers. The new edition of the sneakers means the fifth anniversary of Joe of New Balance, milestone after almost stood before closing his now widely beloved and known brand.
The document coming in June 2025 is shared within the history of Joe’s success, from his start as an area Streetwearus brand in his hometown of Chicago to providing New Balance partnership in 2020, when he wasn’t sure find out how to keep his business.
“He examines how the partnership influenced the global culture of sneakers and development transparency”, Joe common In the announcement on Instagram, “which was more important to me than just doing it about tennis games. This is a real life. ”
The trailer of the documentation offers access to Joe’s journey, presenting his modest approach to success and its influence on the Boston brand of sportswear founded in 1906. Since joining New Balance, Joe Robinson (higher referred to as Joe Freshgoods), a champion with a young history.
Five years later, with 20 Sneakers Publishing House and counting the most recent cooperation of New Balance Joe Freshgoods is a love letter for his creative journey with the Boston brand.
“Sometimes I feel that I shouldn’t be here. But I am here and say, “Oh, I’m good at what I do,” he says within the film.
Project 992 “Agnish well” attracts the inspiration from the primary cooperation of Joe Freshgoods from New Balance – the edition of New Balance 992 “No Emotions”, also referred to as “heart anatomy”. It was a right away hit and celebrated in the course of the NBA All-Star weekend, and now charges resale prices around $ 3,000.
While the explanations for the New Balance revival may vary, many consider the primary release of Joe 992 to be a catalyst that enlivened the brand. Sneakers have pink and red suede silhouettes placed on an olive mesh base and accented saddle skin on the tongue and rear card.
Four sets of lace are attached, and the box is decorated with unique details reflecting the theme “aging well”. In addition, Joe Freshgoods designed the “Championship Dreams” leather university jacket to commemorate his five -year success as a designer.
“I wanted this jacket to capture the essence of the last five years – each project was a milestone, another closed chapter, another dream,” Joe signature Post on Instagram. “Over time, I had the honor to tell culturally important stories, and this jacket reflects this travel project according to the design.”
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