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Martha Stewart paved the way for influencers. But not everyone finds her brand empowering

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From showing us find out how to cook the perfect turkey to mastering the art of folding a fitted sheet, Martha Stewart’s name has long been synonymous with doing every little thing right at home – “how very ‘Martha Stewart’ of you.”

New Netflix documentary Martaprovides an insight into her extraordinary life from teenage model to original influencer and America’s first self-made billionaire, with a stint in prison and a friendship with Snoop Dogg along the way.

There is something more hidden behind the expertly folded linens and impeccably set tables.

Martha Stewart created a brand empire that redefined the home lifestyle, monetized it and paved the way for others.

Beginnings and barriers

Stewart’s relationship with home art began early.

Raised in New Jersey, she learned basic homemaking skills from her mother, akin to cooking and sewing, while her father introduced her to gardening.

She studied the history of art and architecture, but Stewart began her profession as a stockbroker. But her passion for domestic matters led her to entrepreneurship.

And she once reflected“The life of a housewife was more interesting to me than life on Wall Street.”

In 1972, she launched a catering business from suburban Connecticut. It quickly gained recognition for its elegant food presentations. A client of the publisher led to the creation of her 1982 book, entitled Entertaining. It included recommendations on find out how to prepare a clambake for 30 people, a cocktail party for 200 people, and the presentation was rated as highly as the food itself.

The book’s success led to a partnership with Kmart in 1987, ultimately bringing her brand of homewares to thousands and thousands of American homes.

In 1999, she took her company Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (which included her television programs, magazines, web sites and merchandising product lines) public, becoming America’s first self-made billionaire – not less than temporarily.

A number of years later, Stewart was brought into the case scandal. She received a five-month prison sentence for insider trading and obstruction of justice. Many expected this to be the end of her profession, but Stewart defied the odds.

Breaking latest ground

After her release from prisonshe wasn’t afraid of her past. Instead, she continued to share skills, including those she had honed during her stay POW camp – whether it’s crocheting or experimenting with latest recipes. As all the time, Stewart took every opportunity to grow her brand.

Her genius is that she willI sense a void in the culture” and switch your personal touch into business success.

From sells the brand whose name it bearsStewart stayed in the highlight, sometimes sharing it with others rapper Snoop Dogg. The unlikely duo struck up a seemingly real friendship that led to a TV series about potlucks, stand-ups and prison jokes.

She continues to attach with her thousands and thousands of followers on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where her long-term impact is maybe most visible.

Steward and rapper Snoop Dogg have grow to be close friends since he taught her find out how to make mashed potatoes in 2008.
Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP

OG influencer

Stewart’s living legacy is unmistakable in today’s digital world. As you scroll through social media, you will find traces of it in neatly arranged tables or perfectly organized cabinets.

Popular “cleanfluencers” identical to Mrs Hinch and Australia Mother Mila they built a fan base by turning household chores into visually charming content.

Minimalist, neat maven Maria Kondo has taken the world by storm with her philosophy of keeping only what “sparks joy.” Its global brand follows Stewart’s signature collection model. Stewart’s clean and white aesthetic and multi-channel branding may be seen in Goop Gwyneth Paltrow too.

When house responsibilities is reframed as life-changing and transformative, it transcends a personal duty and becomes a public, respectable, and potentially profitable business.

But is that this feminism?

However, the rise of domestic lifestyle influencers also raises critical questions in feminist circles.

Already in the times of Simone de Beauvoir The second sexpublished in 1949, house responsibilities is seen as a part of the trap of domestic femininity.

Figures like Stewart can represent success stories economic conditions. But their ventures may reinforce the stereotype that homemaking is inherently women’s work, often attached to an ever-growing array of consumer products designed to enhance it.

Stewart’s vision of domestic success – immaculate homes, immaculate dinners and ideal organization – sets a normal that’s unattainable for most. Scholars say it represents her media empire upper class fantasywhere the appearance of an affluent lifestyle is emphasized over its reality.

Focusing on domestic matters is not inherently regressive, but what happens when the standards of success are too high to realize?

The “solution” often lies in the trap of consumerism, where women endlessly purchase goods to chase an idealized lifestyle.

Stewart’s perfectionism contributed to her success. In her words: “Being a perfectionist will pay off“. But for women and consumers, the pursuit of “Martha Stewartness” often feels out of reach.


This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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Elaine Welteroth and Jonathan Singletary welcomed their second child

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Elaine Welteroth, Jonathan Singletary, Elaine Welteroth has baby, Black famous mothers, Black mothers, Black maternal health, birthFUND, theGrio.com

Elaine Welteroth has a brand recent bundle of joy!

The 37-year-old media personality and founding father of birthFUND welcomed her second child, a son named SantiGold, together with her husband, musician Jonathan Singletary, in early November.

While Welteroth said People Magazine that she and her growing family are “healthy and happy” – she admitted that she has been affected by sleep problems since welcoming the most recent member of the family.

“I’m not sure my brain is working at full speed,” she told the web site. “I’m sleep-deprived, but I’m fine, I’m fine.”

Recalling the precise day she went into labor, she stated that she just knew it was the day.

“His birth was largely orchestrated by God,” she explained. “I just instinctively said, ‘I’m going to send my kid to school, and when he comes home, he’ll have a little brother.'”

In addition to her general spidey senses, Welteroth had an impulse to be outdoors, so she went to the park.

“The moment I sat down on the grass, I felt the first contraction,” she said. “I assumed, ‘Let’s go, honey.’ “It’s happening.”

Still, there was no immediate sense of urgency for the young mother of two, even stopping to do some Reiki within the park together with her midwife. Shortly thereafter, she returned home for what she described because the “most beautiful” and “peaceful” home birth. SantiGold’s peaceful delivery could also be a part of the inspiration behind his name, which she said means “peace” in Thai.

“I think you’re more confident in the process the second time around,” she noted, adding, “You can trust the method more. The baby was born inside three hours, I could not consider it.

Welteroth, who welcomed her first child, a boy, together with her husband in April 2022, has long touted her second pregnancy as a “redemptive pregnancy.” Its first stage was marked by complications and anxiety. Halfway through, after learning concerning the full scope of the Black mother’s health crisis, she began working with a midwife and decided to have a house birth. She also learned what number of families couldn’t afford the life-saving care of midwives and doulas, which led her to launch the FUND birth fund earlier this yr.

Elaine Welteroth shares her pain story in Advil's 'Believe My Pain' campaign

It was through the organization’s official opening that she learned she was pregnant together with her second child, announcing the primary group of beneficiaries. Now her organization is preparing to reward 41 more families.

“I started with the mantra: ‘We are the ones who have to save ourselves,’” she said. “I’m just very, very proud of our team and that we can help women and families, especially in this moment when we see how the system is failing families. I am truly encouraged and hopeful.”

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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The ultimate Black-owned gift guide for Divine 9 members

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When it involves honoring the wealthy legacy of the Divine Nine, selecting the proper gift is about greater than just aesthetics – it’s about celebrating the history, culture and unwavering bonds of Black Greek letter organizations. Whether it’s Founders’ Day, inheritance ceremonyor just to point out like to a valued senior or fraternity brother, a meaningful gift reflects the pride, strength and purpose these organizations embody.

From stylish accessories to memorabilia that captures the essence of those organizations, these Black-owned brands can assist you to honor the spirit of service and sisterhood – or brotherhood – that outline the Divine Nine experience.

Truth 2 Code

(Photo: True 2 The Code)

Truth 2 Code offers a variety of fashionable accessories for members of the Divine Nine. Adding street style to classic Greek pieces, the True 2 Greek collection allows members to point out off their letters and private style.

Estelle coloured glass

(Photo: Estelle Colored Glass)

Although they might not be sold as a Greek seller, Estelle coloured glass prepares amazing gifts for members of Greek literary organizations. With a wide selection of coloured glassware designs, consider giving your favorite soror or fraternity brother a set of glasses of their organization’s colours.

(*9*)

DVN

(Photo: DVN)

DVN is a Greek clothing brand that hopes to redefine traditional Greek accessories by offering designs that completely fit people’s on a regular basis style. Founded by Danielle Render, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., DVN combines progressive design and meticulous craftsmanship to create jackets, necklaces and custom pieces that allow all D9 members to “represent their affiliations with confidence and authenticity.”

Vontélle Divine glasses collection

(Photo: Vontélle)

Designed for us, Vontélle is a Black woman-owned eyewear brand offering optical frames and sunglasses that complement Black facial expression. Vontélle “Divine” Collection combines the brand’s mission to create better-fitting, vibrant, fashion-forward styles with colours and patterns inspired by historically black sororities and sororities.

Betty Plus promotion

For over 30 years Betty Plus promotion, Black, a family business, is a one-stop shop for Greek accessories, clothing and custom embroidery. Offering deals for every Divine 9 organization, Betty’s Promo Plus offers collections of transition gifts, holiday gifts and more.

Fashionably Greek

(Photo: Fashionably Greek)

Fashionably Greek provides a various range of trendy and customizable clothing options, offering clothes and niknaks for all D9 sororities and choose fraternities (Kappa Alpha Psi and Omega Psi Phi). Its products are perfect for any occasion, from homecoming to social events and even to the office.

University nativity scene

University nativity scene is certainly one of the biggest Greek accessories stores. This Black family-owned business offers a big selection of merchandise for each D9 and non-D9 Black Greek organizations. Customers can shop online or visit a store near Tennessee State University in person.

Macy’s Divine Nine Fraternity and Sorority Collections

(Photo courtesy of Macy’s)

Macy’s Divine Nine Brotherhood collection AND Kasper Sorority Collection pay tribute to the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) organizations by offering men’s and girls’s clothing that highlights the distinct colours of every organization. These business-style garments are perfect for members to subtly have fun their affiliation at work events and/or branch meetings.

Black-owned brands will be able to shop from Oprah's 2024 favorites list

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Lifestyle

Why Denzel Washington quit drinking at 60

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Denzel Washington, alcohol use, sobriety, drug abuse, Gladiator II, Denzel Washington retiring, theGrio.com

Denzel Washington has been sober for nearly a decade, but he had one particular vice: wine.(*60*)

In a brand new profile, the 69-year-old actor talks about his history with wine, drugs like LSD and growing up in New York within the Seventies. Esquire magazine..(*60*)

“Wine is very difficult,” he warned. “It’s very slow… It’s not like boom.”(*60*)

He explained that, unlike harder substances, he had “the perfect idea for wine tasting and so on – and that’s how it was in the beginning.”(*60*)

“And this is a very subtle thing,” he added.(*60*)

Washington said his habit really took off in 1999, when he built a house with a ten-thousand-bottle wine cellar and “learned to drink the best of it.”(*60*)

He added: “My passion was wine, and now I was pouring $4,000 bottles just because it was left.”(*60*)

The “Gladiator II” star eventually developed an intake management system; he frequently ordered the 2 best bottles of wine available at his favorite liquor store.(*60*)

“And my wife says, ‘Why do you only order two?’ I said, “Because if I order more, I’ll drink more.” So I limited it to 2 bottles and drank each in the course of the day,” he told the publication.(*60*)

Even though she drinks wine day by day, the “Equalizer 3” star said she never drank alcohol while working or preparing for a task, even while filming “Flight,” which tells the story of an alcoholic pilot.(*60*)

“I would clean up and go back to work – I could do both,” he said. “Regardless of the months of shooting, bang, it is time to wrap up. And then boom. Three months of wine and time to get back to work.(*60*)

The actor admitted that when he was younger, it was easier to take care of this pattern.(*60*)

“Two months off and we’re going. But the drinking was a fifteen-year pattern. And truth be told, it didn’t start in 1999. It began earlier,” he explained.(*60*)

Washington, who was born and raised in Mount Vernon, New York, described what it was like growing up there within the late Seventies. Spending time on projects with individuals who exposed him to heroin, cocaine, hard alcohol and more, he admits that he experimented but personally “never got hooked on it.” (*60*)

In fact, much of those formative years experiences were passed on to a few of Washington’s best and most complex figures. Still, he said, “I am unable to consider a single role where I said, ‘Man, that is me.’ Completely me? No, no.(*60*)

Since he quit drinking, he appears like “everything is opening up to him.”(*60*)

Will one of Denzel Washington's last films be

“It’s like you’re seventy,” he said. “This is real. And it’s okay. This is the last chapter – if I get one other thirty, what do I would like to do? My mother lived to be ninety-seven.(*60*)

The husband and father of 4 also pays more attention to fitness today, due to Lenny Kravitz, who introduced him to his trainer.(*60*)

“I’m doing everything I can,” he said.(*60*)

As he noted in the course of the “Gladiator II” press session, he’s also enthusiastic about upcoming projects which will become his last – and yes, they include two more “Equalizer” movies.(*60*)

“People love these daggone ‘Equalizers,'” he said. (*60*)

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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