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Tennis sensation Coco Gauff is the new face of Wheaties – Essence

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Photo by Joshua Tua

On Tuesday, Coco Gauff became the new face to grace the famous A box of General Mills Wheaties cerealHe joins an extended list of athletes who’ve once graced the cereal box referred to as the “breakfast of champions.”

Tennis sensation Coco Gauff is the new face of Wheaties
Coco Gauff is the new face of Wheaties

While the front of the box shows Gauff in motion, the back of the box details Gauff’s early profession as a tennis player and the way she was inspired from a young age by Venus and Serena Williams.

Tennis sensation Coco Gauff is the new face of Wheaties
Coco Gauff is the new face of Wheaties

The new title is worthy of the 20-yr-old champion. In addition to being a Grand Slam champion in each singles and doubles, she made history at the 2023 US Open by becoming the youngest American woman to win a match since Serena Williams in 1999. She currently has seven Women’s Tennis Association singles titles to her name and is the second-most famous singles player in the world. In 2024, Gauff was the only female athlete and the youngest to be honored Women of the Year List.

“It means a lot to be in a Wheaties box, especially one as iconic as Wheaties,” Gauff tells ESSENCE. “And to be able to accompany Billie Jean King is also a huge honor, so I’m really happy and excited to share that with everyone.”

The announcement comes on the heels of tennis legend and activist Billie Jean King’s debut in a Wheaties box earlier this yr, roughly a yr after she won the U.S. Open title. And the timing is perfect, as the 2024 U.S. Open Fan Week kicks off. On Aug. 20, Gauff joined King onstage at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

“Getting to know Billie on a personal level over the years, she’s just the type of person who’s a go-getter,” Gauff says. “If I had to give you a quote that would definitely describe her, she’s the type of person who says, ‘Why not me?’ because she’s just pushing the boundaries. I know what she did wasn’t easy,” she continues. The tennis star is referring to the advocacy and activism of Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients who’ve also excelled on the tennis court. King has won 39 Grand Slam titles in her profession and won the 1973 “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match against Bobby Riggs. King is also known for fighting for equal pay in the sport.

Like the WTA organizer, Gauff also desires to be an advocate, each on and off the court. “To me, you’re a human being before you’re an athlete. I know in the past, people have told athletes to stick to their sport, stick to being an athlete, but at the end of the day, you’re a human being,” she says. “But once I step on the court, [grocery] in the store, they will see me as a black woman before they see me as a tennis player or something.

“At 20 years old, Coco Gauff is already showing the world that anything is possible when you dare to dream — the definition of a Wheaties champion,” said KC Glaser, senior manager of brand experiences for Wheaties. “We are thrilled to recognize Coco as our newest Wheaties Champion amidst her incredible season on the court and her ongoing activist work off the court.”

Coco Gauff is on a journey to change into one of the best tennis players in the world. Despite her young age, she has consistently set ambitious goals for herself and has remained steadfast in pursuing them, even when faced with challenges. Reflecting on her path to success, Coco emphasizes the importance of trusting your instincts and never letting outside influences dictate your potential. As she says, “I feel for me, [it’s important] dream big, I feel from a young age, I talked about my dreams and I never wavered in them,” Gauff says. “Just know that you just’re the only one who can judge your abilities and sometimes even you do not know your potential. Sometimes you possibly can go further, but for me, just know where you should be after which follow it. Don’t let outsiders or other people change your view of yourself because at the end of the day, you are the one who puts in the work. You’re the one who has to go on the market and compete, so only you already know how far you possibly can go.”

Limited-edition Wheaties by Coco Gauff boxes shall be available at major retailers starting this month for $6.19. While Wheaties continues to honor world-class athletes with its iconic Orange Box, the brand is also celebrating on a regular basis athletes with the launch of Wheaties Protein cereal, introduced earlier this yr. This new offering is General Mills’ highest protein cereal, with over 20g of protein per serving, available nationwide in two delicious flavors: Honey Pecan and Maple Almond.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit

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Lauren Sánchez has apparently gained a popularity for her fashion hits and misses as social media users began following her every move.

Billionaire Jeff Bezos’ current fiancée stepped into the highlight long before she met the Amazon co-founder, after years spent as co-host of “Good Day LA,” a reporter for “Extra” and host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and he even starred in a number of movies like “Ted 2.”

She faced criticism for posting a sultry selfie in November in a negligee-inspired gown by designer Laura Basca. In October, the 54-year-old again faced backlash when she showed off her latex Halloween costume as Catwoman.

Now, weeks after being deemed “cheap” and tasteless, the founder of Black Ops Aviation has turn out to be a subject of discussion.

Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez shows off a “winter white” look, weeks after critics slammed her busty latex outfit. (Photos: @laurenwsanchez/Instagram, Theimagedirect.com via Page Six)

On December 5, Sánchez and the business mogul attended The New York Times’ DealBook event in New York City. For the occasion, she wore a white Alexander McQueen suit and a white lace corset. The beaming bride-to-be sent two mirror selfies of her outfit, which she signed: “winter white.”

One follower particularly was stunned by the whole look he ejaculated that she was “very attractive and beautiful, gorgeous and stunning, charming and fantastic young lady, sexy, charming, charming and elegant” in the photos that Sánchez took.

Two other people swooned over the photos and wrote: “So chic and elegant!” and “You look great.” But as you would possibly expect from online viewers, not everyone was impressed.

When Page six published paparazzi photos from the trip, the critic commented: “It’s 30 degrees in New York and she gets out of the limo in a white Miami smock, her bra visible to everyone. No taste. Nothing. A cashmere turtleneck, flannel trousers and a wool jacket can be classy.

Someone else sharply asked: “Who can be the first to tell her that she looks tacky and not elegant and refined? Does she even know what sophistication means? A 3rd person noted: “She looks more like she’s wearing a bathrobe.”

Another person wrote in a comment from a licensed pilot: “White means…” possibly referring to rumors that Sánchez and Bezos are scheduled to exchange vows over Christmas. At least one person doubted the couple would have the opportunity to say “I do.” This person said: “This will be the longest engagement ever. They will NEVER get married and we all know why!!!!”

Sánchez told the “Today” show hosts that she was in the process of planning the big day last month. She didn’t comment on speculation about exchanging Christmas vows.

Renewed interest and scrutiny of Sánchez has increased as the pair have been spotted in various locations in recent months. The couple reportedly began dating in 2018. Their engagement was announced five years later, in May 2023. Their upcoming wedding can be a second journey for each of them.

Sánchez was previously married to celebrity agent Patric Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She can be the mother of a son, whom she shares with Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Bezos was married to the mother of his three children, Mackenzie Scott, for 25 years once they divorced in 2019.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape

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India Shawn is a contemporary muse with a chilled nature, crafting love stories and heartfelt tales in smooth, charming songs. With over a decade of experience in the music industry as a singer-songwriter, Shawn has incredible strength. She was born in Los Angeles, and her musical roots reach throughout the country. Beginning her profession in her hometown, Shawn eventually found herself in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in the city’s deep-rooted R&B scene, further shaping her artistry.

“I transferred to ATL, I was in 10th grade, and that’s when my music journey really started,” Shawn told Andscape. “I met people who were trying to get by, so I ended up recording and learned what songwriting was really early on.”

Before releasing her debut EP in 2012, Shawn wrote songs and collaborated with artists similar to Chris Brown, El DeBarge, Keri Hilson and Monica. In 2013, she gained much more notoriety when Solange Knowles published her song “I’m Alive” on the Saint Heron compilationmarking her as an artist value watching.

Following the release of the single “There Must Be a God” from the Andscape soundtrack, she caught up with Shawn to learn more about the muse behind the vibes.


Singer India Shawn grew up singing in church with her family. “I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” she said.

India Shawn

Name:
India Shawn

Hometown:

Los Angeles

Artistic soundscape

Airy, soft, telling a story, multidimensional, soft, mysterious, atmospheric

The oldest musical memory

Shawn’s soulful sound is deeply rooted in her upbringing, with influences drawn from her childhood memories and the musical culture of her church. “I sing with my sister all the time, and I also grew up singing behind my mom in church. She was the leader of praise and worship. So I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” Shawn said. “I had these little solos in church, and I believe what made me consider in it was that after the service people got here as much as me with tears of their eyes and said, ‘You really moved me while you sang.’ “These early moments of connection with music and audiences laid the foundation for conveying depth and sensitivity through her music.

Influences

For Shawn, music, especially R&B, has all the time held a special place in her life. “Me and my sister are harmonizing in the living room, just picking some of our favorite songs, including for me Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men and (and) Brandy,” she said of her early music memories.

Creative process

Shawn often draws inspiration from real-life experiences and relationships that influence her music. She weaves this into the authenticity and atmosphere of her songs, but she didn’t immediately recognize where her inspiration got here from. “It’s funny that it took me so long to make that connection, but I realized that I was telling my whole story and presenting my business through my music,” she said. “It took me two albums to realize, wait a minute, I’m giving people a lot to understand here… these aren’t just songs. This is truly the life I live.”

Challenges and development

As Shawn’s profession grows, so do his moments of appreciation and reflection. “I literally just thought about a very gradual progression of my career. It’s like step by step, but there are more breakthrough moments. My first tour, which was so beautiful, I just knew I could pack a room and people knew my lyrics and sang my songs to me. Those moments that make the waiting not in vain.”

Shawn has plenty of recommendation for up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Her biggest sacrifice? Collaboration is essential. “I think (cooperation) is really why I’m still here. So find your people… you’ll know when it feels right, you’ll have that freedom and fluidity, and you’ll be able to really create things and create without having to think too much.” He also shares the importance of patience. “Just be patient during the journey. This has been a theme throughout my profession. Let it develop. I feel like more things come from being in that flow and being present reasonably than forcing all of it.

Current project

There should be a God”, the lead single from Andscape , now streaming on Hulu, also serves as a teaser for Shawn’s solo album. “(This song) is such a manifestation of God’s love,” she said. “I think when you find yourself in a place of waiting, you can feel very hopeless. So when you see glimpses of God’s love again, or the fact that you know there is a higher power, there is a source that is thinking about you, has you in mind, has a perfect plan for you, it’s just like the clouds parting. And this is the moment, I understand. I understand that I had to go through all this to get here. And that’s exactly what I felt in the studio that day.”

Sheila Matthews is a digital producer at Andscape and a proud HBCU graduate. She believes “Return of the Mack” must have won a Grammy, and her Twitter mentions are open to all debate.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence

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With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is anticipated to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.

Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.

From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.

In case you missed it, take a take a look at 17 of the very best celebrity beauty moments from the week below.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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