Ruka CEO Tendai Moyo, hair extensions
Ruka CEO Tendai Moyo opens up about the company's innovative hair extensions and fundraising journey

Black-Owned Bio-Engineered Braiding Hair Company Launches In Sephora

Ruka Hair is making history as the first braiding hair brand to launch at Sephora in two decades.


Black-owned beauty brand Ruka Hair is making history as the first braiding hair brand to launch at Sephora in 20 years.

Founded in 2020 by Tendai Moyo and Ugo Agbai, the London-based company will launch online at Sephora on Aug. 4 before expanding to 10 stores in New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta on Aug. 14, reports Yahoo Finance.

The retailer will carry Ruka’s patent-pending Synths² collagen-based braiding hair extensions, along with a selection of styling products and hair perfumes. Unlike traditional synthetic braiding hair, the company’s biotech fiber is designed to be chemical-free, biodegradable, and hypoallergenic while performing like natural hair without plastics or carcinogens.

“For the first time in 20 years, we’re relaunching a whole new category in Sephora. We’ll be the ONLY hair extensions brand in Sephora, bringing bio-engineered fibers everywhere from Harlem to Times Square,” Moyo wrote on LinkedIn. “The first-ever braiding hair in Sephora. This is the biggest moment in our history because accessibility has always been fundamental to the store,” she continued.

The Sephora partnership comes after BLACK ENTERPRISE reported in May that Ruka Hair announced a $4.5 million funding round, bringing the company’s total funding to approximately $10 million. Freedom Trail Capital and Henkel Ventures co-led the round, with participation from Big Issue Invest and Backed VC, as well as angel investors.

“The funding will help us continue scaling Synths 2, our collagen protein fiber-braiding hair, and the wider fiber platform behind it,” Moyo told BE. “The right investors have understood that Ruka is not just a beauty brand. It is a science, community, and culture-led business tackling a huge global market,” she continued.

Moyo, who was born in Zimbabwe, launched Ruka Hair after recognizing the lack of innovative, high-quality products created specifically for Black women with textured hair. The company has built its reputation by combining biotechnology with beauty to address longstanding concerns around the sourcing of human hair and the chemicals commonly found in synthetic alternatives.

“We are trying to change the quality, safety, and experience of hair extensions for a community that has historically been underserved,” she told BE.

For Sephora, the addition of Ruka Hair reflects a broader shift toward expanding offerings for consumers with textured hair. For Ruka, it represents another step toward its mission of making innovative hair solutions more accessible to Black women around the world.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘The Steam Bar,’ Judy Koloko’s Black British-Owned Brand Makes A Splash Across The Pond

Nia Long, College
(Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images for STARZ

Nia Long Gives A Pep Talk To Grant Winners: Founders Must Plant Before They Harvest

Three small business owners who received $20,000 grants from Intuit reveal the sacrifices, funding hurdles, and persistence required to build lasting companies.


Success rarely happens overnight. Behind many thriving businesses are years of sacrifice, uncertainty, and persistence, often without the recognition or resources needed to scale. Actress Nia Long recently highlighted that reality while supporting small business owners through Intuit’s grant program, which awarded $20,000 checks to three entrepreneurs.

During an interview with Forbes, the 55-year-old Michael actress said founders must embrace the process of building rather than expecting immediate results.

“There has to be a period of planting, a period of harvest, and so those things don’t come overnight,” Long said.

While her message emphasized patience, the entrepreneurs who received the grants pointed to another major challenge facing business owners: access to capital. Anthony Purcell and his mother, Micki Purcell, for instance, have spent nearly a decade building Walking With Anthony, a nonprofit that helps people with spinal cord injuries access rehabilitation services that insurance often does not cover. The organization was created after Anthony suffered a spinal cord injury along with a difficult recovery. His healing journey inspired the nonprofit’s mission to help others facing similar challenges. However, neither Anthony nor his mother has taken a salary from the organization for nearly 10 years. He told Forbes that the $20,000 grant will help provide rehabilitation services for individuals who need immediate support.

“Getting rehab immediately is the difference between a life of isolation or a life of independence,” Micki said.

Stacy Bernstein, the co-founder of the first-aid brand All Better Co., talked about another challenge many entrepreneurs face: building a company without the necessary resources to grow. Her bootstrapped business is now sold in more than 100 retail locations, but Bernstein says securing funding remains difficult. She argues that some investors say they support early-stage businesses but often expect revenue milestones that many startups cannot reach without additional capital. One example is the company’s customer database, which includes more than 100,000 people. Bernstein, however, says maintaining communication with those customers can become costly as the business grows.

“I don’t have a PR team,” she said. “I am the PR team. I am the marketing team. I am the social media team.”

The experiences of these founders highlight what some describe as the “unfunded middle”—the gap between starting a business and receiving the financial support needed to scale. According to the Federal Reserve’s 2025 Small Business Credit Survey, only 42% of small business financing applicants received the full amount they requested. Although capital remains a challenge, entrepreneurship continues to grow among younger generations. Research from Intuit shows many Gen Z and millennial founders are driven by purpose and community impact.

While Long’s message about patience resonates, entrepreneurs say perseverance alone is not enough. Founders need access to funding, networks, and resources before success becomes visible.

RELATED CONTENT: Get Into These Small Business Grants For 2026

career coaching
AI-generated image via Magnific

1 in 4 Workers Feel Trapped In Jobs They Don’t Like Because of Health Insurance: Survey

Rising healthcare costs are forcing millions of Americans to remain in unwanted jobs.


A growing number of Americans are staying in jobs they no longer want for fear of losing their health insurance.

A new report from the West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare in America finds that nearly one in four workers who receive health insurance through their employer say they remain in unwanted jobs because they need the coverage. As a result, research shows that 23 million adults are experiencing what is described as “job lock.”

The number has increased significantly since 2021, when 16% of surveyed workers reported staying in jobs because of health insurance concerns. Today, that figure has climbed to 25%. Meanwhile, 41% of employees with three or more chronic health conditions say they feel compelled to stay in their jobs.

“Anybody having to stay in a job just to keep their health insurance, knowing that they want to leave, is crazy,” Ellyn Maese, a research director for the West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare in America, told NPR. “That is a concerning figure, even if it’s 10%. But when we’re seeing it rise to 1 in 4 employees, that’s pretty serious.”

The findings come as healthcare affordability remains a major concern for Americans. A recent KFF poll found nearly two-thirds of adults are worried about being able to afford healthcare.

“Healthcare tops the list of economic worries right now,” Larry Levitt, executive vice president for Health Policy at KFF, told NPR. “So it stands to reason that people would be concerned about leaving an unwanted job for fear of losing their health insurance.”

Experts say job lock can have broader economic consequences by limiting workers’ ability to pursue higher-paying opportunities, switch careers, or launch their own businesses.

“Leaving, moving, becoming entrepreneurs,” Maese said, “is what we need to see for our economy to really thrive.”

The expiration of expanded Affordable Care Act marketplace subsidies in 2025 may have further complicated the issue by making individual coverage more expensive for some middle-income workers.

Maese said many middle-class Americans are caught in a difficult position: “They don’t really qualify for assistance, but they also don’t make enough to be able to catch up with the rising costs of healthcare.”

Michael Cannon, director of Health Policy Studies at the Cato Institute, said the current system creates barriers for workers seeking change.

“Everyone acknowledges that job lock is real,” Cannon said. “Whether the extent of job lock is 8%, 24%, or something else, favoring employer-sponsored health insurance creates coverage gaps, reduces income mobility, and is crying out for reform.”

RELATED CONTENT: Why More Black Women Are Traveling To South Korea For Preventive Healthcare

Kroger, grocery, store, discrimination, Atlanta
(Photo: Ambrosia LaFluer/Flickr)

Kroger Announces New Black-Owned Brands Section In Ohio Store

The grocery giant is spotlighting Black-owned beauty, wellness, and personal care businesses.


Kroger is creating more shelf space for Black entrepreneurs by launching a dedicated section featuring Black-owned brands at one of its Ohio locations.

The grocery retailer recently unveiled the new section as part of the reopening of its Brewers Yard store in Columbus, Ohio. The renovated location now includes a curated selection of Black-owned products focused on skincare, haircare, and wellness, reports Spectrum News 1.

The Brewers Yard Kroger, which is located at 150 West Sycamore Street, underwent a $1.6 million renovation ahead of its reopening. The updated store includes enhancements to several departments, such as floral, cheese, and dairy, as well as expanded product offerings from local businesses.

“Our customers have been asking for these products for their everyday needs, and it’s our responsibility to do right by them,” said Mark Bruce, head of communications and public affairs for Kroger’s Columbus Division.

“We’re excited to be one of five locations in Columbus that offer this unique support for Black-owned local businesses,” Bruce added, according to ABC local news affiliate WSYX.

The new section is part of Kroger’s broader effort to highlight Black-owned brands across its stores and online marketplace. The retailer has previously showcased Black entrepreneurs and brands like The Honey Pot, Partake Foods, and A Dozen Cousins.

Securing product placement with a major national retailer can be a game-changer for Black businesses, providing them with increased visibility, access to new customers, and growth opportunities. Retail partnerships are often a critical step for consumer brands looking to scale beyond direct-to-consumer sales.

By dedicating physical retail space to Black-owned brands, Kroger is positioning itself as a platform for entrepreneurs seeking broader distribution while responding to shoppers who want more representation among the products they purchase.

RELATED CONTENT: Jay-Z’s Partnership With Target Sparks Debate With Black Consumers

Kai Cenat, Streamer, live, twitch, mental health
(Photo: Christopher Polk/Penske Media via Getty Images)

Kai Cenat Is Going Global With Streamer University Initiative

Selected alums will have an opportunity to attend.


Kai Cenat is taking Streamer University international, announcing that the creator development program will launch its first European edition in 2027 as the livestreaming initiative continues to expand its reach beyond the U.S., Afrotech reports.

Cenat made the announcement during the closing ceremony for the 2026 Streamer University on July 20, revealing that the next installment of the immersive creator program will be held in Europe. Selected alums from the 2025 and 2026 classes will also have an opportunity to attend the international program as full-time participants.

“We will really, really be watching, and I would love to see amazing USA creators collaborate with amazing European creators,” Cenat said during the livestreamed ceremony. “I’m very excited because this is now the first step into making this for not just the U.S. but for the entire world and seeing cultures clash.”

Streamer University debuted in 2025 at the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio, offering aspiring and established creators mentorship, networking opportunities, and hands-on content production experience. Participants receive travel, housing, and technology support to attend the program. Tech Times reported the inaugural event generated 27 million hours watched on Twitch, underscoring the initiative’s growing influence in the creator economy.

The 2026 program was held over six days at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas, and concluded on July 20 with a livestreamed awards ceremony recognizing standout students, professors, and club directors.

Among the program’s top honorees was creator “ijustlovepuzzles,” who served as the university librarian and received the Heart of the Community Award. During the ceremony, she said her audience grew to more than 100,000 followers and 6,000 subscribers throughout the program. She also received a $30,000 cash award from content creator MDMotivator, which she said she plans to use for dental surgery.

“I only did that because all of you came by and shared your communities with me,” she said. “Every time someone came and sat in a chair next to me, the followers went up, and the subs went up. I love you guys. I appreciate you so much.”

Other honorees included Wardrobe Winter, who received the Steady Growth Award; Surburb Baby, who earned the MVP Award and a brand deal with Dell; and Markell Washington, who was recognized as the program’s top club director. Professors included Ludwig, Lizzo, and Agent00, while T-Pain directed the musical arts club.

RELATED CONTENT: Kai Cenat Breaks From Streaming To Pursue Career In Fashion

Americans, tax utility, government, tenant protection laws
Photo by FabrikaCr/Getty Images

Former Harlem Globetrotter ‘Big Brown’ Joseph Provides Air Conditioning Units To Louisiana Seniors

His civic leadership earned him the 2017 Jim Casey Community Service Award.


James “Big Brown” Joseph, a former Harlem Globetrotter and longtime UPS driver, installed 50 air conditioning units for elderly residents in Livingston, Louisiana, July 18. This continues his 17-year campaign to protect vulnerable seniors from extreme summer heat.

Through his nonprofit, Big Brown Reaching Back, Joseph has installed more than 2,500 air conditioners since 2009, including 100 units delivered statewide in two days. The wider campaign, supported by volunteer UPS workers, has distributed over 23,000 window units to low-income households across Louisiana under the slogan “Strengthening South Louisiana One Family at a Time.”

For the BLACK ENTERPRISE community, Joseph’s mission highlights the intersection of Black corporate leadership, mutual aid, and environmental justice. Extreme heat events disproportionately affect Southern Black communities, where seniors on fixed incomes often face energy poverty and must choose between paying utility bills and buying needed medications.

Readers who want to help can donate window air-conditioning units, contribute to local organizations like Big Brown Reaching Back, or volunteer to assist with installations. By supporting or replicating these efforts in their neighborhoods, community members can protect vulnerable seniors and extend the impact of this work.

Heat equity reports from Moms Clean Air Force and public health data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that Black Americans experience significantly higher rates of heat-related illness and mortality due to systemic infrastructure disparities, historic redlining, and city heat islands. Grassroots relief efforts like Joseph’s help address these gaps.

“Bring an AC to an elderly family who can’t afford an AC because they’re on a fixed income… you’ve relieved some of the heat from our elderly families,” Joseph explained in an interview with WBRZ News.

Big Brown Reaching Back Grew Out Need And Community Concern

Joseph began by raising funds to buy room air conditioners for disadvantaged families along his Louisiana delivery route. Seeing a greater need, he mobilized UPS coworkers to pool resources, donate units, and volunteer for installations.

His civic leadership earned him the 2017 Jim Casey Community Service Award, the highest honor for a UPS employee. Since then, Joseph’s charitable activities have expanded to include distributing protective gear during the pandemic, sponsoring youth sports teams, and supporting local food banks.

To ensure long-term impact, Joseph partnered with the Baton Rouge Area Foundation to manage the Big Brown Cares Fund. The initiative relies on individual donations, corporate partnerships, grants, and community fundraising. These sources sustain the program’s ability to buy and install air conditioning units for those in need. Individuals and organizations can support or expand the program by contributing funds directly to the Big Brown Cares Fund or by donating new air-conditioning units.

This collective approach strengthens sustainability and helps reach more families each year. In addition to providing AC units, the grant initiative offers financial aid to Louisiana UPS workers facing sudden hardships like critical illness, bereavement, or natural disaster recovery.

By using corporate networks to build community resilience, Joseph demonstrates how Black-led grassroots philanthropy can address economic and environmental inequities in the South. His work connects local relief efforts with wider systemic change.

RELATED CONTENT: VIDEO: The Lasting Legacy Of George E. Johnson Sr. Will Not Be Forgotten

Colin Kaepernick, Know Your Rights Camp, ACLU, Ralph Ellison Award for Defenders of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties in the Arts, Business, Science, and Sports
American civil rights activist Colin Kaepernick attends the F1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas at Las Vegas Strip Circuit on November 18, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Kym Illman/Getty Images)

Colin Kaepernick Receives ACLU’s Inaugural Ralph Ellison Award

The new civil rights honor recognizes how athletes, activists, and entertainers use capital and visibility to promote systemic change.


Former NFL quarterback and social entrepreneur Colin Kaepernick has been named the inaugural recipient of the American Civil Liberties Union’s Ralph Ellison Award for Defenders of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties in the Arts, Business, Science, and Sports. He will share the honor with rock icon Bruce Springsteen, whose ongoing advocacy for racial and social justice, support for excluded communities through his music and philanthropy, and outspoken stance on civil rights issues have made him an esteemed voice for equality.

The new biennial honor recognizes prominent individuals who use public platforms outside traditional courtroom advocacy to advance racial justice, economic equity, and free expression. According to The Spun, the awards will be presented July 24 in Washington, D.C., during a ceremony hosted by actress and advocate Laverne Cox.

The Legacy of Ralph Ellison and BLACK ENTERPRISE

The award pays homage to Ralph Ellison’s landmark novel Invisible Man, published in 1952. Ellison’s masterpiece reshaped 20th-century American literature by dissecting Black identity, systemic disenfranchisement, and the societal refusal to recognize Black humanity.

For BLACK ENTERPRISE readers who sit at the intersection of commerce, culture, and social progress, Ellison’s legacy underscores a long-standing truth: true economic advancement requires cultural self-determination and unapologetic visibility. By naming the award after Ellison, the ACLU demonstrates how sports executives, creative artists, and business leaders act as essential guardians of civil liberties.

Readers can embody Ellison’s legacy in their careers and communities by mentoring young talent, supporting Black-owned businesses, and speaking out against injustice in their workplaces. Taking an active role in local advocacy, participating in professional organizations to drive diverse policies, and fostering creative expressions that reflect authentic Black experiences are ways to remain visible and influential. Ellison’s example reminds us to use our platforms, big or small, to advance equity and empower those around us.

Kaepernick’s Blueprint for Enterprise and Activism

Since kneeling during the national anthem in 2016 to protest police brutality and racial inequality, Kaepernick, 38, has evolved from star quarterback into business owner and social enterprise builder. While his protest ended his playing career, Kaepernick transformed his personal brand into an engine for community investment and legal defense.

Through his initiative, the Know Your Rights Camp, Kaepernick has funded legal support for protesters, established educational youth programs, launched publishing ventures, and expanded access to emergency relief funds in Black and Brown communities. This work offers a modern case study for Black executives and athletes on turning corporate visibility and capital into lasting equity and community power.

Professionals in other industries can draw inspiration from Kaepernick’s approach by finding ways to invest in community resources, create educational or mentoring programs, or support social justice causes aligned with their field. Launching new ventures, partnering with grassroots organizations, and reallocating resources to serve underrepresented groups are adaptable strategies that can help any leader create meaningful and sustainable impact.

“Colin Kaepernick’s activism off the field has changed lives for a decade, long after the backlash he received for speaking out against racial injustice,” said Anthony D. Romero, executive director of the ACLU.

A Broad Cohort of Honorees

The ceremony will also recognize former U.S. Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta with the Roger N. Baldwin Medal of Liberty. Gupta is well known for her leadership in civil rights litigation, criminal justice reform, and efforts to advance voting rights nationwide. UC Berkeley Law Dean Erwin Chemerinsky will receive the ACLU Presidential Prize in recognition of his groundbreaking scholarship on constitutional law and his unflagging advocacy for First Amendment protections. South Carolina advocate Elizabeth Foster will be honored as the Next Generation Leader in Civil Rights for her local activism and devotion to expanding access to education, voting, and fair legal representation within underserved communities.

RELATED CONTENT: Colin Kaepernick and Ava DuVernay’s ‘Colin in Black & White’ to Premiere on Netflix

Trump, EEOC, DEI
(Photo: Gage Skidmore/Flickr)

EEOC Race And Sex Reporting Almost A Wrap Thanks To Trump’s Administration

The EEOC has voted to begin dismantling the requirement .


The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has voted to begin rescinding a decades-old requirement that large employers submit annual workforce demographic data by race and sex. Critics of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) applaud the move, arguing that it will reduce regulatory burdens, while critics warn that it could make workplace discrimination harder to detect.

The Current EEOC Reporting Requirement

In a 2-1 vote on July 21, the Republican-led commission approved a proposal to eliminate the EEO-1 Component 1 reporting requirement, which has been in place since 1966. The rule currently requires private employers with at least 100 employees and certain federal contractors with at least 50 employees to report workforce demographics across various job categories, reports The Associated Press. The proposal will now undergo a public comment period before a final rule can be adopted.

EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas, a vocal critic of DEI, argued that the reporting requirement conflicts with the agency’s mission of enforcing equal treatment under the law.

“It may promote racial stereotyping at work, and it may encourage employers to engage in discrimination,” Lucas said ahead of the vote.

Lucas has also maintained that categorizing employees by race and sex encourages employers to make employment decisions based on protected characteristics rather than merit. The EEOC estimates that eliminating the reporting requirement would save employers roughly $275 million annually in compliance costs, Reuters reports.

Another Way To Eliminate DEI Efforts

Civil rights organizations and Democratic Commissioner Kalpana Kotagal strongly opposed the proposal, arguing that EEO-1 data has long served as one of the federal government’s most important tools for identifying patterns of workplace discrimination and tracking employment opportunities for women and racial minorities. Kotagal also warned that ending the reporting requirement would weaken the agency’s ability to enforce anti-discrimination laws and reduce transparency around workforce diversity. Civil rights advocates similarly contend that the data helps employers evaluate their own hiring and promotion practices while providing researchers and the public with a clearer picture of workplace equity.

The proposal marks another significant shift in the Trump administration’s effort to roll back DEI initiatives. Since taking office, administration officials have increased scrutiny of corporate DEI programs, with the EEOC under Lucas investigating companies and employers over what it describes as “DEI-related discrimination.”

RELATED CONTENT: DOJ Deems EEOC Protection Against Worker Discrimination Is Unconstitutional

black fashion brands, black designers, Telfar Clemens
(Photo: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

Telfar’s ‘Downsizing’ Announcement Is Actually A Clever Marketing Play For Its Newest Bag

The Black-owned fashion brand sparked concern among fans with a dramatic business update.


Telfar had customers bracing for bad news when the beloved Black-owned fashion brand announced it was “severely downsizing” on Instagram.

However, the shocking reveal turned out to be a carefully crafted marketing strategy designed to generate buzz around the company’s newest product—a miniature version of its signature Shopping Bag, reports AfroTech.

Founded by Liberian-American designer Telfar Clemens in 2005, the New York-based unisex fashion label has built a global following by challenging traditional ideas of luxury and creating accessible, community-driven fashion. The brand’s iconic “Shopping Bag,” which is often referred to as the “Bushwick Birkin,” has become a cultural symbol, worn by celebrities and everyday consumers alike.

On July 17, Telfar shared an announcement citing challenges facing businesses, including tariffs, shrinkflation, and declining support for Black-owned companies.

“Facing the pressures of tariffs, shrink-flation and industry-wide declining interest in black-owned businesses — Telfar is saddened to announce that on July 17th 2026 we will be severely downsizing,” the brand wrote on Instagram.

The message continued, suggesting that the “cut-backs” represented a 90% reduction in scale. However, the announcement was not about layoffs, store closures, or the end of the brand’s expansion. Instead, Telfar was teasing the launch of its new Baby Bag Charm, a tiny, functional version of its signature tote. The miniature bag features the same recognizable silhouette as the original Shopping Bag, along with a zipper, card pockets, and a strap designed to attach to larger bags. The accessory launched for $78, turning a seemingly alarming business update into a viral fashion moment, reports TheGrio.

The campaign reflects Telfar’s reputation for unconventional marketing and its ability to create cultural conversations around its products. Rather than simply announcing a new accessory, the brand transformed a product launch into a conversation about the challenges facing Black-owned businesses and the broader fashion industry. For many Black entrepreneurs, Telfar’s strategy highlights the power of storytelling, community connection, and authenticity in building a lasting brand.

RELATED CONTENT: Telfar’s New Collection Draws Inspiration From Plastic Grocery Bags

career coaching
AI-generated image via Magnific

Loving That Job Could Cost You Your Self-Worth

Relationship coach Francesca Hogi says professionals need to rethink what it really means to "love" their careers.


Many professionals proudly proclaim that they love their jobs. But according to relationship and dating coach Francesca Hogi, that devotion may actually be costing some their well-being.

In a recent episode of the FROM THE CULTURE podcast, Hogi joined award-winning marketer and University of Michigan professor Dr. Marcus Collins to discuss the principles behind her book, How to Find True Love: Unlock Your Romantic Flow and Create Lasting Relationships. During the conversation, Hogi, a former corporate lawyer, argued that the same framework for cultivating healthy romantic relationships should be applied to help people evaluate their careers.

“We treat love as a feeling,” Hogi said, explaining that many people remain in unhealthy relationships because they allow their emotions to outweigh poor treatment. The same pattern, she suggested, often plays out in the workplace as employees justify staying in jobs where they are underpaid, undervalued, or passed over for promotions simply because they “love” what they do. Hogi, however, challenged that mindset, arguing that genuine love extends beyond emotion and is grounded in mutual respect, intimacy, safety, joy, and appreciation. Applying that standard to work raises difficult questions.

“How can you really love your job if you don’t feel safe in your job?” Hogi asked during the conversation. If the dedication and respect you give your employer isn’t reciprocated, then she says you run the risk of normalizing mistreatment, often because you don’t see yourself as worthy of better. If a workplace consistently undermines an employee’s dignity or sense of security, she argues, remaining in that environment may signal a disconnect between professional commitment and personal worth.

Hogi also challenged the belief that people must earn love—or validation—through constant achievement. She said many professionals internalize the idea that working longer hours, sacrificing personal time, and proving themselves repeatedly will eventually make them worthy of recognition.

While Hogi describes herself as a workaholic, she emphasized that she refuses to tie her value to her productivity. Dr. Collins reflected on how that distinction resonated with his own career, admitting that being “chosen” for opportunities helped build his confidence but can also become a trap if external validation becomes the primary measure of self-worth. Rather than waiting to be selected by an employer or organization, Hogi encourages people to remember they also have the agency to choose workplaces that honor their humanity.

For professionals navigating burnout, toxic work environments, or career transitions, her message is a timely reminder that passion for work should never require sacrificing respect, psychological safety, or personal dignity. She encourages workers to ask themselves if their job doesn’t respect them, is it really a relationship worth loving?

RELATED CONTENT: Adults Under 30 Are Saving Money By Living With Their Parents

×