• Celebrity News

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 14, 2025

Beyoncé Delays Jan. 14 Announcement, Donates $2.5M To Families Displaced By Los Angeles Wildfires

'I continue to pray for healing and rebuilding for the families suffering from trauma and loss,' the superstar said on social media.

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Fans of Beyoncé will have to be patient. The megastar has delayed her Jan. 14 announcement due to the Los Angeles wildfires.

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A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce)

“I continue to pray for healing and rebuilding for the families suffering from trauma and loss,” Beyoncé, who lives in Los Angeles, said via social media. “We are so blessed to have brave first responders who continue to work tirelessly to protect the Los Angeles community.”

The star let the date slip to fans shortly after her NFL Christmas Day Halftime show performance on Netflix. Speculation on what the megastar’s annoucement would be ranged from a tour to a new Netflix special or Act iii.

For now, her charitable organization, BeyGOOD, has launched a fire relief fund and has donate $2.5 million to families who have lost their homes, the superstar entertainer added in an Instagram comment.

Beyoncé’s family was also impacted by the fires that have so far destroyed more than 12,000 structures, according to USA Today. Her mother, Tina Knowles, revealed that she lost her Malibu abode in the Pacific Palisades wildfire.

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A post shared by Tina Knowles (@mstinaknowles)

“This is what I was looking at on my birthday this past weekend from my tiny little bungalow on the water in Malibu! It was my favorite place, my sanctuary, my sacred Happy Place. Now it is gone !!’ she wrote in her caption.

The elder Knowles joined her daughter in spreading awareness, using her platform to share resources as well. As of Jan. 14, the wildfires continue as the Santa Ana winds threaten to keep the flames going.

In regards to Beyoncé, she did not give fans a new date for her reveal, but she asked those who want to offer support to visit BeyGOOD’s social media.

RELATED CONTENT: GoFundMe Directory Circulates As Black Families Mourn Lost Homes, History Amid Wildfires

• News

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

January 14, 2025

Saweetie, Vernon Davis, And Nigel Xavier Rock Affordable Luxuries With ‘Extraordinary Selects’

The campaign will allow fans to purchase ultra-limited items curated by these celebs for the low.

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Smirnoff, know for its premium vodka, has launched “Smirnoffstraordinary Drops” to delight fans with quality yet affordable goods hand-picked by celebs like Saweetie and Vernon Davis.

The company has also teamed up with three tastemakers to bring this campaign to life. Rapper Saweetie, Vernon Davis, the former NFL star, and fashion designer Nigel Xavier. The trio will offer their curated collections of priceless items fans can cop for the low.

Each celeb selected seven items for their assortment, each designated for their signature brand. For Saweetie lovers wanting a replica of her famous gold-plated Icy pendant or a “University Blue” sneaker signed by the rapper, these collectibles will go on sale for fans who can secure the affordable bag.

“’Smirnoffstraordinary Drops’ brings together Saweetie’s bold glamour, Vernon’s fun and relatable energy, and Nigel’s innovative style and craftsmanship, showcasing the diversity and inclusivity that Smirnoff stands for,” the brand shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE.

“Representing music, sports, and fashion, this trio embodies Smirnoff’s commitment to celebrating individuality and extraordinary talent from all walks of life.”

The campaign, the release explained, is “a celebration of how high-quality experiences and products can be enjoyed by everyone, everywhere.”

Fans can purchase these pieces for $12.99. However, these one-of-one pieces, ranging from signed memorabilia to jewelry and custom sneakers, aren’t destined to last long, so Smirnoff is encouraging customers to be on the lookout for when the link goes live.

Fans can visit smirnoffdrops.com to learn more.

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• Fashion & Beauty

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 14, 2025

Renowned Designer Launches 3 Gender-Neutral Fragrances In Native St. Croix After Losing Eyesight

St. Croix native Wayne James unveiled a new line of gender-neutral fragrances.

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St. Croix-native fashion designer Wayne James introduced three gender-neutral fragrances last month at the historic Bougainvillea Perfumery in his homeland.

On Dec. 30, James launched three gender-neutral eau de toilettes—“Rebellion,” “Freedom,” and “Celebration”—adding to his impressive portfolio of creations that began in his youth, St Thomas Source reports. The fragrances feature notes of lime, sandalwood, ginger, nutmeg, passion fruit, grapefruit, sugar plums, wood, and other aromatic oils.

They reflect his resilience as a designer, overcoming the challenges he faced after losing his eyesight due to mistreatment during a 30-month prison sentence. James was elected to the Virgin Islands Legislature in 2008, serving for two years. However, in 2018, he was found guilty of wire fraud and the theft of federal program funds totaling almost $90,000 while in the Senate.

He was sentenced to 30 months in prison, which he served. However, while incarcerated in Pensacola, Florida, prison officials neglected to provide the glaucoma medication James had requested, and by 2020, he had lost his sight. After a lifetime of relying on his vision for his work, he now depends on his sense of smell, which played a crucial role in inspiring his new fragrances.

In 2010, while a senator, James met Patrick Bodifee, a renowned “nose” in the perfume industry, at the Cannes Film Festival. This encounter is credited with inspiring his three new fragrances. Design has come easily to James, who comes from a long line of seamstresses.

He honed his craft at St. Joseph’s School in high school and further developed his skills while studying at Bradley University. By his final year at Georgetown Law Center, he had already begun building his business, Wayne James Ltd.

“I showed my first collection on March 30, 1987, at the Anita Shapolsky Gallery at 99 Spring Street in SoHo,” he recalled of his New York debut, which led to selling his first collection to Bergdorf Goodman. Over the years, his designs have been featured in prestigious stores worldwide, including Nordstrom, Victoire in Paris, and Saks Jandel in Washington, D.C.

After working in politics and serving his time in prison, James is back to creating and plans to launch his fragrances globally. Next month, on Feb. 15, James will launch www.WayneJamesLtd.com, where shoppers can purchase a leather carry-on, a luxurious bathrobe, a leather scarf, Manley Man (three volumes), the History of St. Croix Cuisine, and other upscale items developed over the last 20 years. He is also finishing up a reality series for YouTube.

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• Career

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 14, 2025

5 Steps To Plan Your Corporate Exit Strategy As Remote Work Recedes

More workers are opting out of the traditional corporate ladder. Here are 5 steps on how to join this growing trend.

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With more corporate workers being forced back to the office, a growing number of employees are preparing their exit from the traditional career ladder.

What used to be the desire to remain at a company and climb the ladder to a C-Suite corner office has shifted toward pursuing portfolio careers, independent consulting, freelance work, and fractional executive roles. The increase in return-to-office policies are seeing more workers rework their corporate journey into careers that work for them and not the other way around.

Making the shift from a traditional work model can be both rewarding and challenging, especially when your livelihood is on the line. For those contemplating a career change that involves leaving or scaling back their 9-to-5 role, Fast Company offers five tips to help guide your transition.

Step 1: Delve Into the Concept

The first step in transitioning from the traditional corporate ladder is to delve into the concept you have in mind. Share your idea with trusted confidants to gather feedback. If you have a coach or advisor, collaborate with them to identify the major obstacles holding you back and strategize potential solutions to overcome them.

Step 2: Analyze the Financials

Coins are key to deciding on your next career move. With income often being the biggest hurdle, analyzing the finances behind a career transition is essential. Key questions to address include: How much income do you need each month to meet your basic needs? How much would make you feel secure and comfortable? Keep in mind that this initial amount won’t define your revenue forever—it’s simply a starting point that feels manageable and achievable.

Step 3: Identify Your Unique Value

Identifying your value proposition is a critical step in making a career transition. Take time to reflect on what you have to offer and who would benefit from it. The aim is to separate external factors from your skills and understand who you’re best equipped—or most passionate—to serve. No matter what kind of transition you’re making, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your strengths and target audience. Write it down in the simplest, most direct way possible and incorporate it into your outreach. This will become both your guide and business plan as you move forward.

Step 4: Reach Out to Your Network

See who can support you in your career transition. You can’t expect help unless you ask, and people won’t know how to assist you unless you’re clear and direct about what you’re seeking. As mentioned earlier, trusted confidants can offer support, along with mentors, former colleagues, and old classmates. Keeping your value proposition in mind, be clear about your goals and needs. Your champions will appreciate hearing from you and will value knowing how they can best help.

Step 5: Make Your Voice Heard

Visibility matters when you’re trying to get noticed for new opportunities. Utilize social media to share your latest projects and achievements, attend industry events, and leave comments online to increase your digital footprint. Stepping out of your comfort zone and engaging beyond your usual circle will help you feel more connected to others, who may eventually become partners, advocates, or clients. Creating original content and showcasing your expertise can be challenging and uncomfortable for some. But it’s a powerful way to signal to both familiar and unfamiliar audiences that you’re available, experienced, and ready for business.

RELATED CONTENT: Employers Are Offering Lower Salaries To Remote Workers

• News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 14, 2025

Influencers Sue Capital One On Claims Company Stole Affiliate Marketing Sales

Capital One is being accused of stealing affiliate marketing sales from content creators.

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A group of influencers has filed a lawsuit against Capital One, alleging that its shopping browser extension misappropriated affiliate marketing commissions.

Two content creators, Jesika Brodiski and Peter Hayward, filed a class-action lawsuit in a Virginia court on Jan. 6. They claim that Capital One’s Shopping browser extension harmed their affiliate marketing commissions by taking credit for driving sales, Business Insider reports. The influencers, who promote products on social media, allege that Capital One’s Shopping browser extension is designed to “systematically appropriate commissions that belong to influencers.”

However, Capital One denies the claims and looks forward to pleading its case in court.

“We disagree with the premise of the complaint and look forward to defending ourselves in court,” a Capital One spokesperson said.

The Capital One Shopping browser extension is a free tool that finds discount codes and compares prices at approximately 30,000 online retailers. Users are able to earn rewards redeemable for gift cards when they make purchases through its merchant partners.

The influencers’ lawsuit claims that Capital One Shopping “stole credit” by replacing creators’ affiliate marketing browser cookies with its own. Cookies are small data files stored on a user’s device that enable companies to track browsing activity. Brodiski and Hayward accuse Capital One Shopping of taking credit for sales and conversions they believe were originally derived from affiliate-marketing links they shared to social media.

Brodiski alleges that Capital One removed her affiliate marketing cookie and replaced it with its own when she shared product links for Walmart.com on social media. According to the lawsuit, Brodiski earned approximately $20,000 through affiliate marketing in 2024, but her income was negatively impacted by Capital One Shopping’s actions.

The lawsuit claims Brodiski and Hayward “face future harm in the form of stolen referral fees and sales commissions because the Capital One Shopping browser extension continues to steal affiliate marketing commissions with each passing day.”

The plaintiffs are requesting a jury trial. If the case is certified as a class action, other influencers may be able to join the lawsuit.

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