Celebrity Coverage
The Mielle Pop-Up Salon in the Olympic Village is the first of its kind for textured hair – Essence
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Even as the 2024 Paris Olympics come to an in depth, the world’s biggest Black athletes are still winning gold. But in between the history they’ve made — the first all-Black podium in women’s gymnastics and the all-Black mixed U.S. 4x100m team breaking a world record — the business of Black beauty has also broken its own barrier.
For the first time at the Olympic Games, Mielle organic products has been named the official textured hair care partner of this 12 months’s Games. “This is the first time a textured hair care brand has offered products and high-quality ingredients at the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” founder Monique Rodriguez tells ESSENCE. The beauty and hair care salon in the Olympic Village, run by French stylist Raphael Perrieremploys a number of stylists who specialize in textured hair, giving athletes greater access to hair services.
“It’s important for Black female athletes to have access to textured hair products because there’s been an underrepresentation,” Rodriguez says. “Historically, Black female athletes have always been subject to a lot of scrutiny and criticism for how they wear their hair on the court, on the court, no matter what they do at the Olympics.” The most decorated gymnast of all time, Simone Biles, struggled with unsolicited opinions in connection along with her escapes, in the meantime Venus Williams has been historically punished over her famous beaded braids.
WITH hair discrimination forcing black athletes to evolve to Eurocentric beauty standards resembling former ban on swimming caps for natural hair, Mielle helps break down racist, unfair expectations at the Games. “Access to high-quality products can directly affect their level of self-confidence“which impacts their overall performance,” he says.
To do that, Olympic athletes can review Salon Lookbook select their service, which incorporates curly, textured hair, facial and nail care. For example, “there’s a styling option called ‘Smooth Start,’ which is a smooth style for anyone with relaxed hair,” she explains. “It’s a one-hour service that features a shampoo and conditioner, and [then] our serums and Mielle thermal protection products for every styling.”
Another service called “Champion Curl” is for athletes with textured afro hair that is washed after which styled with Mielle Avocado and Tamanu Curl Protector, Curl defining mousseAND Super Hold Edge Gel“I got to experience it myself and have curls without the frizz,” she says. Curling athletes, resembling track stars Vashti Cunninghamheptathlon Taliyah Brooksand WNBA Ambassador Mielle Aja Wilson all visited the salon during the competition.
Given their performances and appearances around the world, “one of the biggest concerns about hair is of course maintaining it to keep it looking its best,” says Rodriguez. “Being on some of the biggest stages in the world is a major concern for athletes, and the lack of access to the right products and the right stylists is a huge issue,” she continues. “We wanted to be a brand that understood the need and filled that gap.”
Now, as the 2024 Olympics wrap up next week, athletes can leave the Olympic Village feeling more included. “Being the first textured hair care brand to be there is a really huge milestone,” she says. “It’s a really exciting moment because I know my brand is going to reach so many people and make them feel confident and excited to perform at their best.”
Celebrity Coverage
ICYMI: Cardi B’s rally look, Adut Akech’s baby bump and more – Essence
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Ahead of the 2024 election week, stars supported each political and classic hair and makeup moments. From micro bobs and presidential updos to butterscotch lipsticks with matching manicures, moderate shades complemented this season’s trendy hairstyles.
Cardi B’s updo meant business Kamala Harris rally in Milwaukeeturning a straightforward sleep pin-up right into a political statement. The rapper’s beauty moment was the most recent after last week’s rally star look “dance party” with Beyoncéblonde bombshell and microbob Kelly Rowland. However, dominant hairstyles weren’t limited to election campaigns.
Traditional, edgy styles like Coco Jones’s bob and supermodel Anok Yai’s ponytail are transformed into prim and proper with curled ends. The former combined an asymmetric cut with undecided French suggestions: black on one side, white on the opposite. Meanwhile, a sensual nude manicure rested between her lips. To end the week, pregnant Adut Akech styled her baby bump with blackberry nails to match the thick, dark line of her fall lip.
In case you missed it, take a have a look at 9 celebrity beauty moments from the week.
Celebrity Coverage
Quincy Jones, iconic producer and entertainment mainstay, dies at the age of 91 – Essence
Quincy Jones at TIFF in 2018 (Photo: Chris Pizzello / Invision/AP)
Quincy Jones, a outstanding figure in the music and entertainment industry, died peacefully on Sunday at his home in Bel Air, California, surrounded by family members. He was 91 years old.
“Tonight, it is with full but broken hearts that we must share the news of the death of our father and brother Quincy Jones,” Arnold Robinson, publicist for the 28-time Grammy winner, said in an announcement. “And while this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the wonderful life he lived and know there will never be another like him.”
Born on March 14, 1933 in Chicago, Quincy Delight Jones was raised in a turbulent environment marked by the Great Depression and his mother’s mental illness. At the age of 11, discovering a piano at a neighborhood recreation center in Bremerton, Washington became the pivotal moment that modified his life from petty crime to a profession in music. He eventually mastered the trumpet and at the age of 14 was performing in jazz clubs with a young Ray Charles, which allowed him to showcase his limitless talent and set the stage for a unprecedented profession.
Jones’ journey began in earnest when he played trumpet in Lionel Hampton’s band at age 19, and continued as he collaborated with jazz legends equivalent to Dizzy Gillespie. In the Sixties, he began pursuing film scores, earning three Academy Award nominations in 1968 and 1969 for his work on , and , breaking barriers as one of the first black composers in Hollywood. His groundbreaking role as the first black musical director of the 1971 Academy Awards cemented his pioneering status.
Despite serious health problems in the Nineteen Seventies, including two life-threatening brain aneurysms that left him unable to play the trumpet, Jones remained undeterred. He then composed iconic themes for and Emmy Award-winning movies.
Most notably, Quincy’s profession peaked in the Eighties when he teamed up with Michael Jackson, producing the movies , and . itself secured eight Grammy Awards and became a cultural touchstone that transformed the music industry. In 1985, Jones organized and produced the all-star film “We Are the World,” which raised thousands and thousands for African famine relief and won three Grammy Awards. His work continued to influence the industry, from producing Sinatra to overseeing (*91*) Davis’ final album.
Known for his enduring versatility, Jones was the first African-American to carry an executive position at a significant record label, was a movie and television producer – directing such hits – and co-produced the 1985 and 2023 film versions of the film.
A loyal father, Jones’s personal life was full of complexities, including three marriages and seven children, amongst them actresses Kidada and Rashida Jones. The autobiography details his extraordinary journey from the gang-infested streets of Chicago to the pinnacle of global recognition, marked by each triumphs and challenges.
The iconic artist leaves behind an unparalleled legacy, combining music, film and television and inspiring future generations. His contributions to the arts and philanthropy proceed to resonate, highlighting the indelible mark left by a remarkable man whose story will remain a testament to resilience and innovation.
Celebrity Coverage
This Week’s Best New Music: The Weeknd, Kiana Ledé, Tyler, The Creator and More – Essence
Happy Friday, people. As we enter November, the music scene is buzzing with fresh releases that can surely boost your playlists. From genre-mixing collaborations to introspective solo projects, this week’s lineup offers a various range of sounds to suit every listener’s taste.
Headlined by Tyler, Creator’s latest album, EARTHGANG returns with , and The Weeknd teams up with Anitta on “São Paulo,” combining their unique sounds right into a fascinating track. Kiana Ledé offers soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics, while Pink Sweat$ serves up smooth single “Coffee.” Our list also includes music from Freddie Gibbs, IDK, Sheryl Lee Ralph and more
You can try today’s news roundup below.
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Press Release7 months ago
CEO of 360WiSE Launches Mentorship Program in Overtown Miami FL
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Business and Finance5 months ago
The Importance of Owning Your Distribution Media Platform
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Press Release7 months ago
U.S.-Africa Chamber of Commerce Appoints Robert Alexander of 360WiseMedia as Board Director
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Business and Finance7 months ago
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Fitness7 months ago
Black sportswear brands for your 2024 fitness journey
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Ben Crump7 months ago
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Theater7 months ago
Applications open for the 2020-2021 Soul Producing National Black Theater residency – Black Theater Matters
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Ben Crump8 months ago
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