Celebrity Stylist Law Roach Cites ‘Politics’ And Lies’ In Retirement Announcement, ‘My Cup Is Empty’
Celebrity stylist Law Roach has officially retired from styling. Roach is best known for styling celebrities such as Zendaya, Ariana Grande, Megan Thee Stallion, and many more. He is crediting the “politics and lies” within the industry for his exit.
Roach took to Instagram on Tuesday to make his dramatic exit from celebrity styling.
“My Cup is empty….. thank you to everyone who’ve supported me and my career over the years,” Law captioned his post.
“Every person that trusted me with their image, I’m so grateful for you all. If this business was just about the clothes I would do it for the rest of my life but unfortunately it’s not!
“The politics , the lies and false narratives finally got me! You win … I’m out. ❤️❤️❤️,” he wrote in conclusion.
Many in the industry sent messages of love and support, encouraging the famed celebrity stylist not to throw in the towel.
“Retire from the drama but not the fashion !!!!! Beauty and creativity always wins !!!!!!!! Love uuuu,” fashion stylist Dena Neustadter Giannini wrote.
“You will always have a home @britishvogue ❤️,” the magazine’s Editor-In-Chief Edward Enninful wrote.
Over on Twitter, fans speculated about the timing of Law’s retirement announcement, with it coming days after cameras captured an awkward moment he had with Zendaya at Milan Fashion Week.
“Is Law Roach still upset about this? Zendaya seemed to help his career,” one fan quipped.
The video showed Roach walking behind Zendaya at a fashion show, where she took the last front-row seat and pointed for her stylist to sit behind her in the second row. Many have commented on the exchange and wonder if it had anything to do with his sudden retirement announcement.
In addition to Zendaya, Roach has styled for A-list stars who stunned at Vanity Fair’s Oscars after-party, including Megan Thee Stallion, Hunter Schafer, and Kerry Washington. Other A-listers he’s worked with include Celine Dion, Priyanka Chopra, and Lindsay Lohan.
‘Clearing A Path’: Luminary Honoree Issa Rae Drips In Authenticity and Purpose at The Women of Power Summit
She doesn’t step. She doesn’t walk. She just floats. Can’t nothing bring down the real Issa Rae.
Our latest luminary honoree graced the ballroom stage at the Bellagio Convention Center for a conversation that counts with BLACK ENTERPRISE’s VP/Deputy Chief Content Officer Alisa Gumbs.
Black Enterprise’s Alisa Gumbs and Issa Rae in a conversation “Doing It My Way” at the Women of Power Summit (Image: Black Enterprise)
“There’s such positivity in power, especially when it’s in groups and especially when it’s very well-intentioned. It is about making sure whatever power that we yield is always well-intentioned… and with the right people,” Rae said.
It was a Black girl moment as the ladies’ stunning entrance cued Janelle Monae‘s Float, prompting Issa Rae to shout “my song” and the audience to embrace her authentic response.
“Cheers!,” Issa Rae exclaimed holding a glass of red wine.
Sponsored by United Health Group, the segment “Doing It Your Way” followed the illustrious second annual Luminary Awards and luncheon. Rae, an award-winning actress, writer, producer, and comedian, was honored among our sisters fighting the good fight, creating new paths, and lighting the way for us all.
While Gumbs acknowledged Rae”s overflowing résumé, the room couldn’t resist Rae’s punchlines and jokes.
“It’s not always as easy as it sounds to show up as your authentic self or to bring your full self to work,” said Gumbs as she opened up the stage to ask Rae about tapping into her authenticity.
“There’s a version of me that you present outwardly and then I just want to be at home chilling and not interact,” Rae said.
“Generally I don’t think I can do my job if I’m not authentic to myself. Like being a writer, a storyteller. even in creating businesses I’m always thinking about the most real version of myself,” she added.
Bringing laughter and empowerment to a room of 1,800 Black professional women, Rae broke down her testimony about how she is succeeding on her own terms — “creating authentically while intentionally celebrating the purpose.”
“If I was a false version of myself, or otherwise, it wouldn’t work,” Rae said.
Starting in the corporate world, Rae was able to leverage her unique skillset to succeed at her job, but she had other dreams. Corporate just wasn’t for her.
“I didn’t quite fit in,” Rae said. “My corporate experiences actually inspired The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl. So that was the best part of it.”
The New York Times best-seller, The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, was based on Issa’s third scripted web series and the first one she starred in herself.
She continued: “I’m glad I had the experience because it spawned my creativity and made me hungrier to leave this space.”
Although Rae may have jokingly found the title “serial entrepreneur” insulting, there is no denying her powerful presence as a creator and owner in the eatery, hair, and television industries. But she acknowledged her ongoing journey of navigating time management and longing to be around the people she cares about.
On her own terms: The gate is open
With business dreams from an early age, Rae aims to “have a company and several companies that consider us first and not as a stepping stone.”
“There is something about building businesses from the ground up that is so satisfying to me,” Rae said.
According to Rae, breaking out into the television industry is hard. The Rap Sh!t creator is no stranger to the wrath of gatekeepers who told her no. She recalled how disheartening it was getting a lot of pushback in her earlier days, especially as a creator who proudly repped her Black roots. But the craving for that nostalgic feeling of Black love stories inspired her to create.
“I never knew If I could, that I could be successful at that.”
She continued: “Because we’ve always seen that we’re kind of a flash in the pan.”
“This would be my ticket,” she recalled about her previous online creations, “and that didn’t happen” until she started playing by her own rules and building on online following.
“The journey to be fearless and in the pursuit of what I wanted to was absolutely terrifying because in my mind if I take this leap, I don’t why it seemed like a public leap. But it can also be a very public leap.”
She added: “It doesn’t feel like anything to be a trailblazer,” Rae said. In so many ways, I am still having to clear a path and prove myself all over again. And I am willing to do that. But you can’t take that position for granted at all.”
‘Thank You Bullies!’: Actress-Entreprenuer Tia Mowry Gets Emotional Sharing What Makes Her Fulfilled During Women of Power Summit
There’s no shame in asking for what you want.
For beloved actress and entrepreneur Tia Mowry, putting herself first ahead of success and happiness wasn’t a walk in the park. But she took the time to discover her passions and spread love despite the bullying way.
(Black Enterprise)
During BLACK ENTERPRISE‘s 2023 Women of Power summit, Mowry shared stories, shed tears and dropped some gems of advice for a ballroom full of 1800 Black professional women. Emmy award-winning anchor and reporter Tashara Parker was fully tapped into Mowry’s testimony as a moderator of Permission to Put Yourself First, one of the multiple conversations that count.
Captivating and raw, Mowry lit up the stage.
When asked what makes her fulfilled, the mother of two left us all mesmerized. From tears to laughter, she was unapologetic in showing us the depth and range of human emotion, while inspiring us all to embrace our vulnerability and authenticity.
“Talk is cheap,” said Mowry. “Children learn from observation. Fulfilling my purpose is showing my children that when you have a dream or a passion, go for it. And you can do it. You can do anything you put your mind to.”
“Sometimes growing up, we feel like we have to force our way into our career or into doing something. What I have done I’ve allowed myself to experience life. Allowed myself to really find out who I am as a person.”
TheFamily Reunion star became a household name when she graced television screens alongside her twin sister Tamera in the hit 90s TV sitcom Sister, Sister. She said she often faced rejection in Hollywood because casting directors described her big curly hair as a “distraction.”
Straight hair was more desirable, and although Mowry believed in the hype too, she realized that falling in love with her curly hair was more fulfilling. And so she created an affordable hair care line, 4U by Tia, to encourage woman to do the same.
“I didn’t always have a great relationship with my hair because of what society thought beauty was until I ended up on Instagram and seeing this amazing beautiful community where there so many women like myself … putting perms in their hair …trying to fit in,” Mowry shared. “They were basically putting their foot down and saying no more. I am no longer going to conform to what society says is beautiful. I am beautiful just the way I am.”
The room returned the love with ovation.
“When you’re passionate about something, time is not really there,” she added. “You can be working 14 hours, but when you’re having fun, it feels like five.”
Love wins
In addition to having the lived experience of a woman of color with curly hair plus her decades-long tenure in the entertainment industry, Mowry knows firsthand what it’s like to be underrepresented in the hair and beauty space. Sh recalled the dark time when she and her twin were called the Buckwheat twins.
“It was terrible. When you’re young and you’re vulnerable and you’re still learning about yourself…then have people talk about you in my opinion a racist way was terrible. That is one of the main reasons why I am an empath today. I don’t want anyone to feel how I felt when people were bullying me,” Mowry explained.
“I would cater to the kids who bullied me. Because people were being so mean and so cold to them. But I wanted to give them love,” she continued.
“Thank you bullies! Now I am a better person because of it.”
Back in her 20s, Mowry was diagnosed with endometriosis, which is a highly inflammatory condition that causes infertility and may affect more than 11% of women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the U.S., according to an exclusive interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE.
After enduring excruciating symptoms and two surgeries, Mowry took her doctor’s advice and changed her eating habits and lifestyle.
“One of the first times I became extremely vulnerable was when I was very open about having endometriosis,” Mowry revealed, crediting her community for fulling her cup.
“What I realized and learned was in that vulnerability and by me sharing my story and saying ‘it was very difficult for me or hard for me to have children. There was even a time in my life that I didn’t even think I was going to be able to have children.’ I was so scared and nervous about what people would think about me.”
“I was inspiring others and they were also inspiring me.”
Chase the joy
“You are worthy and deserving,” Mowry affirmed the room.
“Sometimes we don’t feel like we deserve to be happy. Chasing the joy means in your head, what are the things that make you happy. What are the things that make you feel alive? What are the things that you make you feel like you are making a difference in this world?”
Additionally, Mowry said, “Be aware of who you are around. Who’s supporting you. Who’s encouraging you to love on you.”
That’s Love: NC Boutique Owner Gifts High School Senior $700 Juicy Body Goddess Prom Dress
“So, this dress is $700…but it’s free,” Juicy Body Goddess owner Summer Lucille told a grateful teen who drove nearly six hours to shop for her high school senior prom dress.
According to Today, 18-year-old Elyse Monroe was looking for the perfect-fitting gown to wear for her special occasion, and after trying on multiple dresses, her and her family agreed on a shiny, floor-length, purple dress that hugged her curvy figure so elegantly. In love with the shoulders of the garment and other details that made Monroe feel like a princess, they made a final decision to head to the counter to make the purchase.
In a video posted to TikTok, Monroe and her family can be seen full of tears after Lucille extended the dress to the teen free of charge as her way to give back.
Lucille opened her Juicy Body Goddess boutique in Charlotte, North Carolina. She was inspired by her own experiences shopping for formal dresses as a plus-sized girl, something she dreaded doing as kid of the ’90s.
“If you weren’t skinny, there weren’t many options, and it was devastating for me because I’ve always loved fashion,” Lucille said. “I went to my prom looking like a church lady in a suit dress with a jacket because it was the only thing that fit.”
“It was a very sad period in my life,” she shared. “But I’m thankful for those experiences now.”
“I know what it’s like to be a fat girl in a fatphobic world,” she added.
In 2021, Lucille became known for posting videos hyping up her clients as they shopped for their perfect fashion pieces in the Northlake Mall. Her boutique offers clients clothing up to a size 6X.
“I love that on you! It is so beautiful,” Lucille is heard saying in the video to a twirling Monroe.
Monroe is ready to confidently strut into her prom next month wearing the shimmery purple dress.
“Not only does it fit—but it makes me feel good about myself,” Monroe said. “Shopping is usually pretty stressful for me, which is why I mostly shop online—but we were laughing the whole time. It was actually fun.”
Academy President Says Will Smith Can Get His Oscar Engraved, ‘He Earned It’
Last spring, Will Smithwon an Oscar after he slapped comedian Chris Rock in front of the whole world. Traditionally, winners of an Academy Award get their nameplates added to the award at the Governors’ Ball after the conclusion of the ceremony.
Smith never made it to the Governors’ Ball, so his Oscar doesn’t bear his name and the honor he received. However, he can still get the nameplate.
Janet Yang, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, told The Hollywood Reporter that Smith can still get the nameplate although he “can arrange” to have it done.
After the controversy at last year’s Oscars, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences banned the King Richard star from attending any events by the Academy for 10 years. Yet, Yang said that since Smith legitimately won the award, he should have that nameplate attached to the award.
“He earned the Oscar. He should have his name engraved on it. I don’t know if he should personally come. But yeah, we can arrange.”
She was also asked about what went through her head when the actual assault took place last March. She said that she went “numb” but initially thought, like most people that night, that when Smith approached Rock, it was an act. Until she found out it wasn’t.
“Like everyone else, in the beginning when Will walks onto stage, we’re like, ‘Oh, this is a funny bit. He is going to pretend he slaps him, and then Chris is going to act stunned,’” she said. “And then it was like, ‘OK, well that’s over.’ And then he goes back to his seat and then he starts shouting—that’s when, of course, everyone said, ‘Oh my God, this is real.'”
Yang said Rock was asked to host this year’s event, but he declined.
Report: Almost 40% of Black Americans See Themselves Now As ‘Quiet Quitters’ At Work
New research shows that 63% of Black employees don’t believe hard work will help them get ahead in today’s workplace.
Hence, that is among the reasons why those workers may “quietly quit” jobs more frequently than others. In fact, 38% of those people consider themselves quiet quitters, versus 33% of overall respondents.
The quiet quitting concept does not mean someone has left their job but refers to a person only doing the bare minimum to keep a job. It also may indicate that a worker is unhappy with their current position and are even prepared to make a job change.
The data is from a new study tied to an online survey paid for by Real Estate Witch. Respondents answered many questions about their occupations, work habits, and views on workplace-related issues.
The study noted that quiet quitting often stems from how people are treated at work. It revealed that “86% of employees say they care about their company’s success, 39% say their company doesn’t care about them.”
And though 62% of Black workers don’t consider themselves quiet quitters, 84% have taken actions that constitute quiet quitting. That is roughly 8% more than all respondents.
“Traditionally, workers of color have had to work twice as hard to get half as far,” Clever Real Estate content writer Jamie Seale shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE. “That’s not only discouraging, but it can lead to more stress and burnout, leading to quiet quitting as a result.”
She pointed out employees frequently talking on cell phones or watching TV at work are some signs of potentially quit quitters.
The bottom line is with no incentives to work harder, not seeing any benefits to hustling above and beyond their basic job duties, and not being recognized for their efforts, the survey showed workers might become disillusioned and turn to quiet quitting.
Conversely, some minorities, particularly Black workers, have stated in other reports that quiet quitting is not a reality for them as they are already micromanaged. They maintain they must be higher achievers than their non-diverse peers. As such, Black workers are more likely to leave a job outright if they are unsatisfied with their working conditions.
Along those lines, Real Estate Watch disclosed that 37% of Black workers are considering leaving their job, making them 19% more likely than the overall respondents to consider doing so.
Another interesting finding revealed that 28% of Black workers would take a pay cut of $20,000 or more to be guaranteed happiness at work. That is 40% more than all respondents.
A whopping 49% of Black workers feel underpaid, and 36% say they’re underappreciated. Some 64% of Black workers report they will not do more work without extra pay, versus 55% of all workers who say the same—a 19% difference. And many are not pleased with a “toxic workplace environment”: 33% of Black workers have a negative opinion of their supervisor, and 29% resent their job.
Rep. Pamela Stevenson Gives Passionate Viral Speech To Kentucky Leaders Against Anti-Trans Bill
Leave it to a Black woman to stand up for what’s right.
The rights of people who identify as trans seems is hot topic among conservative politicians. Advocates on the other side, like Rep. Pamela Stevenson (D-KY), are taking a stand to make sure those rights stay in place.
In a speech that has gone viral, Stevenson made a emotional speech against an anti-trans bill circulating the Kentucky House floor. The bill in question is House Bill 470, which according to WKYT, would ban healthcare providers from doing anything to help transitioning children. The bill was passed by a committee and approved by the full House earlier this month.
Stevenson made cries that there are other things to focus on, while calling out politicians who are policing children as well their parents who are giving them the freedom to live how they so please.
“This country is built on parents being responsible for their children. In this bill, are we substituting the opinions of legislators for the right for parents to raise their children?” Stevenson asked. “I’m not even sure how we even got here. As a 27-year military veteran, Ii fought so that all people can have freedoms, not just the ones I like.”
The party of small government sure do love the government telling the “others” what they can and cannot do! Fought folks over a mask 😷 though. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/SWjeOCrXUb
The District 43 representative said God’s descendants are perfect, but with bills such as these, it is like telling God He is wrong. ‘
“And now we’re saying He’s imperfect because we have to fix it. Don’t tell me its about irreparable harm ’cause you’re not doing anything for the children who are hungry….you’re not doing anything of the little Black kids who experience racism everyday. It is not for irreparable harm, its because they’re not like you.”
While the bill takes away healthcare for trans children, supporters of the bill, claim it’s looking out for the long-term mental health of children. Stevenson said that’s simply not true, calling out the hypocrisy as the same officials professed similar rhetoric during the pandemic.
“There is no scientific evidence in existence that shows long-term mental health outcomes will be improved,” Stevenson said. “A couple of months ago, you were saying the government can’t tell me to wear a cloth mask to prevent a global pandemic. Now you’re saying the government can tell a mother and a father what to do with their kid.”
Steve Harvey Encourages More Black People Go Back to the Motherland to Visit Africa
Multimedia star Steve Harvey is encouraging Black Americans to go visit the homeland of Africa.
An Instagram account posted Harvey speaking about the virtues of Africa as he described several places within the continent that he suggested people visited.
The Family Feud host encouraged anyone who goes to the motherland to visit Ghana, Botswana, and Johannesburg. Those places, he said, will give visitors a better understanding of who they are.
“Forget everything you’ve ever heard,” he said. “After you go to Africa, you got to go to Ghana first, then you need to go to Botswana because you need to see what we… Botswana is the second richest diamond producer nation in the world–them Black people over there got something. And then you got to go to Johannesburg, that’s what you’ve got to do. You’ve got to do that jump right there. Once you see that, you’ll understand who we are.”
The comedian then discussed the misconception that some Americans have about African musicians “stealing” from us when it comes to music.
“Them Africans ain’t stole nothing from us! They talk about Burna Boy stole this? No. We stole from Burna Boy. Them Africans is us, man. They’re the beat. They the rhythm. They the soul. They the hard work. We get our courage from them. When you see them people, they look just like your family,” he expressed to the crowd.
Burnaboy didn’t steal from us, we stole from Burnaboy.
Earlier this year, Harvey spoke about visiting Africa. When he appeared on The View, he expressed that he was in Africa conducting business. He created an African version of the Family Feud television game show. With his involvement, the show became the No. 1 show in South Africa and Ghana.
Just Blaze Reveals How Michael Jackson Ended up on Jay-Z’s “Girls, Girls, Girls” Remix
Just Blaze revealed that Jay-Zworked with Michael Jackson not only on “Rock my World” but on the “Girls, Girls, Girls” remix as well.
Just Blaze, who has produced for the likes of Jay-Z nad Cam’ron, sat for an interview with Noah Callahan-Bever for his Idea Generation web show, which is where he revealed the news.
“So Michael Jackson is on the “Girls, Girls, Girls’ remix – the A version,” Just Blaze said. “And I never knew that. I don’t know if I didn’t go to the studio that day. I thought it was an urban legend or something that Jay said like in jest one day or just was some kind of a myth.”
The Grammy nominee discussed how he randomly came upon the remix. “One day I was looking for something on the server and I find this folder that says MJ vocals. And I’m like, ‘MJ? Don’t that mean Michael Jackson? Oh, whatever.’ And I’m thinking it’s probably stuff from–remember Jay had or remember they had the ‘Rock My World’? So I’m thinking it’s like, takes from that session.”
He added: “And I realize as I’m listening to it, it’s him singing on ‘Girls, Girls, Girls.’ And I’m like, ‘It’s true!’ Like I never…the last 20 years… I just found it during quarantine. So all these years, I’ve never known it was actually a real thing. And turns out the files had been sitting downstairs this entire time.”
During the interview, Just Blaze also spoke about his upbringing, his parents, being a student of his craft, his first beat, and his time at Rutgers University.
“People always ask what’s my secret to success, I tell them, my parents were very supportive once they realized the talent I have,” Just Blaze said.
Vice President Kamala Harris Heads to Africa To Boost U.S. Outreach
Vice President Kamala Harris is heading to the motherland.
In an effort to deepen its outreach, the United States is flying Harris out to Africa at the end of March to spend a week in Ghana, Tanzania, and Zambia.
According to PBS News Hour, as the first Black and female vice president, Harris will be closely watched during her visit as she promotes democracy, climate adaptation, women’s economic empowerment, and food security.
“The trip will strengthen the United States’ partnerships throughout Africa and advance our shared efforts on security and economic prosperity,” the vice president’s spokesperson Kirsten Allen, said in a statement.
Harris is set to meet with the presidents of each country she’s visiting and Zambia, where her maternal grandfather worked years ago. Allen revealed Harris will also use her time communicating with young leaders, business representatives, entrepreneurs, and members of the African Diaspora during her visit.
“Our administration will be guided not by what we can do for Africa but what we can do with Africa,” Harris said during a summit.
The visit comes in response to the global competition between the U.S. and China. Reportedly, the Democratic administration hopes to form a partnership with Africa by ensuring African leaders that they are not being tossed in the middle of a geopolitical contest.
According to a senior administration official, the White House is stressing an “affirmative agenda” that incorporates concerns about China and ripple effects from Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Harris travels to Africa after visits by first lady Jill Biden and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will head to the continent this week, while President Joe Biden plans his visit to Africa for later in the year.
Harris plans to be in Ghana from March 26 to 29, Tanzania from March 29 to 31, and Zambia from March 31 and April 1.
