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Imani Ellis on Creativity, Her New Podcast, and CultureCon ’24 – Essence

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Imani Ellis. Photo credit: Maya Iman

Imani Ellis, the dynamic founder and CEO of CultureCon and The Creative Collective, pushes the boundaries of storytelling along with her recent video podcast. The show, which shines a light-weight on the creative journeys of Black cultural shapeshifters, offers everyone a primary-hand perspective on each the triumphs and challenges of their careers and personal lives.

As host, Ellis provides an area for guests to share their experiences, giving audiences the tools and learnings to grow of their fields. In this case, knowledge is something that isn’t the exclusive property of the listener. “I think I’ve learned something in every conversation because with , we’ve gone deeper than we’ve ever gone in those conversations,” she says. “That’s the joy of this series—being really unfiltered and raw.”

Each episode delves into the multifaceted nature of success, showing how creative people undergo different seasons of their lives. Ellis hopes listeners will see themselves in these stories, whether or not they’re in a season of stagnation or a season of abundance. “It’s not always a season of winning, it’s not always a season of conditioning,” she says. “We all go through these different seasons, so I think it’s going to be very encouraging for people.”

How CultureCon NYC is coming up in October, the show is the right introduction to the event. “It’s really a taste of what you’ll see in person at CultureCon,” the Vanderbilt alum notes. The podcast’s finale is timed to coincide with the conference, which will likely be full of programming, workshops, and celebrity appearances, and Ellis envisions the podcast as an extension of the CultureCon experience, helping to arrange the masses by offering intimate, weekly conversations.

Looking ahead, Imani is wanting to see growth. She envisions future episodes that proceed to push the boundaries of creative conversation. “The sky is the limit for us,” she says. With her signature optimism, Imani is poised to proceed to expand the impact of each the podcast and the broader platform, inspiring a brand new generation of creators to forge their very own paths, just as she has.

ESSENCE: What inspired you to begin in collaboration with Spotify?

Imani Ellis: CultureCon has develop into really known for telling really great stories where Black and Brown creatives get to indicate up of their full selves, each talking about triumphs and moments which are larger than life, but additionally sharing moments of vulnerability or once they’ve possibly encountered challenges. So we’re taking it a step further. We’re unfiltered, raw, uncensored, and just really talking to amazing people and talking about moments of incredible joy and moments where they weren’t sure what the subsequent step was.

So after we considered bringing these stories to the screen, Spotify and CultureCon have worked together in other ways through the years. It was just an excellent, seamless next step that we could take together, especially due to our shared values ​​and how well we work together.

How did you select the guests you desired to invite for the primary season of the podcast?

We just wanted individuals who really have something to say, especially concerning the struggles that they are facing. We have so many great conversations this season, we have now Rickey Thompson, who’s blowing up social media and doing it in his own way, and Fawn Weaver, who’s constructing a billion-dollar brand as an entrepreneur on Uncle Nearest. Elaine Welteroth, who obviously started off within the editorial space but is the definition of what it means to forge your personal path and change direction. Jay Ellis, who’s America’s favorite guy on Insecure, and then after all Jordyn Woods, really navigating what it’s prefer to grow up within the highlight and not be in it later in life. And so you may see it’s all very various kinds of conversations. We cover all the things from dating to waiting to the numerous joys and challenges of entrepreneurship. So there’s something for everybody.

You discuss with numerous people and interact with numerous people. When you discuss with a few of the guests, is there anything that surprised you about a number of of their journeys?

I believe one in every of the things that I actually liked was something that Fawn Weaver said in her episode. She really talks about reimagining challenges as an entrepreneur or should you’re not an entrepreneur. And so she calls herself a hurdler and she says, “Hurdlers expect obstacles.” And I really like that because I believe numerous times in entrepreneurship, when things get tough, we’re form of caught off guard and like, “Wait, this is tough.” But I believe she helped me understand that tough things are tough. So it isn’t that you simply don’t expect them, it’s, “How can I stay focused on my goal despite the obstacle, despite the obstacle?” And that actually stuck with me since it really broadened my horizons when it comes to living a life where there isn’t any obstacle, no obstacle. So knowing that, how can we prepare ourselves to face those challenges and not allow them to stress us out?

In addition to what you learned out of your guests, what lessons would you prefer to share with listeners concerning the creative journeys discussed on this podcast?

I believe one in every of the things that I hope listeners take away is de facto focusing on the seasonality of your life. I believe one in every of the things that we do is take these larger than life people, cultural transformers, and really show the duality and the seasonality of your life. So I believe that is going to be very encouraging for listeners who’re possibly in a waiting period and feel prefer it’s never going to vary, or possibly they’re in a slower period and feel just like the sun’s never going to come back up. I actually hope that they take away optimism and hope and can see themselves or pieces of themselves in all of those different conversations.

I really like this. I do know you are all excited because CultureCon NYC is just across the corner. How does this podcast function a prelude to that event?

We’re going to have the identical conversations that we have now live on our culture stage. And I believe that guests who’re really preparing themselves for what to anticipate or the sorts of sensitivities that they will expect can tune in every week to listen, and we have timed it perfectly in order that the finale happens right before CultureCon, in order that our community doesn’t must wait for much longer to experience the event of the conference.

You’ve been an inspiration as an entrepreneur, but additionally as a philanthropist. I desired to ask: What advice would you give to a creative who’s just starting out?

I believe the recommendation I’d give them is to pay as much attention to aesthetics as to operate. So I believe often creative individuals are so inspired and we’re very visually inspired people, so we are able to gravitate towards logos or brand colours or things which you could really feel and taste and touch. But I actually encourage creative people to also think concerning the within the pie, which is more functional. So what are you attempting to construct? Is there an actual audience for it? And is there any case studies or data that shows that it will be a viable business? Because one in every of the things that we are able to get away from is that not every idea needs to be monetized. Sometimes your ideas needs to be hobbies, and then while you attempt to monetize them, you discover that you simply don’t love them anymore.

I really like second-hand stores. I really like garage sales. For a second I believed I used to be going to begin a business where I used to be going to open an antique shop, but I discovered something that I loved as a hobby, and after I was attempting to sell tickets and earn cash doing that, I suddenly didn’t prefer it anymore. So I encourage creatives and entrepreneurs to essentially ask themselves, “Is this idea just for me, or is this an idea that I need to put out there in the world?” And once you have got that answer, you may just get all the way down to business.

“Not every idea has to be monetized.” See, I actually have to put in writing that down because that’s definitely a word, obviously.

We must break free.

As a fellow creative, you’re thinking that that whatever you do, you have got to have the opportunity to receives a commission for it. I absolutely love that advice and I’m going to take it. So how do you see CultureCon Uncut evolving in the longer term? Are there any topics or guests you would like to explore in future episodes?

I’m really enthusiastic about this chance. I believe the community, as we have seen, is de facto coming together and excited to see the sorts of conversations that we’re having that you simply really don’t see in numerous places. Of course, we’re focused on having a tremendous first season, but we would prefer to proceed to work together. [Spotify]I believe, as I said, we have now such amazing shared values, missions, and audiences that we’d like to proceed CultureCon Uncut and proceed to inform those stories.

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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