After a bad salon experience, Registered Nurse Alexis Stanley created her own natural hair products. Her unique hair formula was a success, selling out of her initial batch of products in less than 24 hours on the launch date.

In 2020, Stanley’s Uniqurl products reached $1 million in sales and landed in 43 Sally Beauty Stores. The company is looking to expand into more stores this year.

Although Stanley reached her first $1 million in revenue in only two years after launching, she tells entrepreneurs that it’s important to understand the stories behind the success.

“Overnight success does not exist,” Stanley shared during an interview with Black Enterprise. “A lot of people think ‘I’m just finding out about them and they are already a successful business’. But more than likely, they’ve been at it for a number of years before you found out about them. Business owners need to understand that persistence is key to making money. A lot of people quit too soon because they are looking for that overnight success.”

Registered Nurse Reaches $1 Million in Sales for Natural Hair Products

Stanley’s hair products were born out of frustrations with her salon experience.

After a stylist colored her hair, it became damaged and it wouldn’t return to its natural curly state. She also noticed that her hair was breaking off. Desperate for a solution to restore her hair, she tried tons of products in the market.

Unfortunately, there was no product that could cure her breakage. On top of that, her hair care routine was starting to become a job in itself, going through multiple steps to achieve her hair goals. Stanley needed a viable solution for her natural hair so she created it!

Uniqurl was the result of years of trial and error. After 13 failed attempts to create the perfect product, she finally created the ideal concoction. Uniqurl is a clean, multi-use product line formulated to effortlessly maintain natural hair. She was able to narrow her must-have products down and mix them together to create the model solution for natural hair.

In 2018, Uniqurl was launched with one product under the company’s name. Since Stanley already had a community of people who wanted the product before it was available, she sold out on the first day. Her success kept growing from there, achieving the $1 million mark during a pandemic.

“Understanding your customer is important,” says Stanley. “You have to know where they shop, where to advertise your product, and have a robust email list to target customers.”

Natural Hair Care Products in Sally Beauty Stores

The word was quickly spreading about Stanley’s special hair formula. In 2019, Sally Beauty approached her about placing her product in stories. At that time, Stanley was not ready for store placement and had to decline. She was making products out of her kitchen. But when the opportunity came back around, she had her team and infrastructure in place to make it happen.

For 2021, Uniqurl is on track to double sales. The company has a total of 8 products in the market and is looking to launch more. 

For entrepreneurs who are seeking to go to their next level in their venture, Stanley shares these words of wisdom: As an entrepreneur, never assume you know everything. Be comfortable with the things you know. Don’t be afraid to hire out and get people to help you. Having competent business partners can make or break your business. It’s important to have great business partnerships, relationships, and customer service.

More information about Uniqurl can be found on the company website and you can find products in Sally Beauty stores. 

Jai Essence left the United States and purchased a farm in Rwanda. She was frustrated with the paycheck to paycheck cycle and wanted to find a path to financial freedom and impact.

“My love for life and hope was dying, and I couldn’t see a way out. I left America and found those things again,” Essence told Travel Noire. “I was hearing that Rwanda has a visa for people who are retired, people were buying businesses, purchasing land, and even how safe it is. It’s one of the safest countries in the world. With all the growth and development, I kept thinking about how this is what I want my life to be.”

From Broke in the U.S. To Purchasing A Farm in Rwanda

Essence was playing all the rules to the success game but was still struggling to make ends meet. She graduated from college and secured a good-paying job. Even with a resume of accomplishments under her belt, Essence was still trapped in a cycle of financial frustrations. That’s when she knew it was time to move abroad so that she could use her money more efficiently.

She landed a job in Dubai which allowed her to pay off her debt. Then, she landed a job in Rwanda and crossed another goal off her list: Buying a farm. She tells Travel Noire that it would have been much harder to make these purchases in the U.S. — even with seven side hustles. Essence was tired of the narrative that focused on doing 10x more to barely get by. Now, she’s making investments in Rwanda that can help her fund her retirement goals.

“I want everything my ancestors were denied…everything,” Essence posted on Instagram. “I start with land ownership.”

Owning a Farm in Rwanda and Launching a Business

In October 2020, she launched her business, Jai Essence Designs. On her website, Essence sells eye-catching clothing, accessories, and bags. She even has themed merchandise, including the “Queen Tings” and “Desert Diva” collection. This includes Desert Diva Digital Art Pillows and beautifully adorned Desert Diva Laptop Sleeves.

“I am so happy to announce this launch based on the inspiration of my artwork and creative mind,” Essence posted on Instagram. “This is a blessing I am so excited to share.”

Jai Essence Designs was born out of Essence’s desire to make her apartment in Dubai more vibrant. She searched in many stores and couldn’t find anything that matched her creativity needs. That’s when she decided to create her first painting and transform her beautifully blended work into products.

An 11-year-old boy’s heartwrenching video made its rounds on social media on Saturday. 

Twitter user @Zackwyd posted that his mom passed away on Saturday morning. The woeful admission pulled at the heartstrings of all who watched the little boy pour his heart out in the 22-second video.  

“Guys. My mom just passed away today. She had diabetes,” he said as he wept. “And I just wanted to say that if I can post the videos because…”

The pre-teen paused seemingly tried to collect himself before continuing.

“I’m totally crying…*says something unintelligible*,” as he broke down and the video ended.

My mom just passed ❤️ pic.twitter.com/gBK8Riv42i

— Zack (@zackwyd) April 24, 2021

@Zackwyd appears to be a gamer with an affinity for Fortnite.

Related Story: NEW DETAILS FROM FOSTER MOM, ANGELA MOORE, EMERGE IN THE SHOOTING DEATH OF MA’KHIA BRYANT

The tweet which has garnered almost 500,000 views had  Twitter users completely in their feelings. The social media platform’s users and fellow gamers offered words of encouragement, support and even offered the 11-year-old boy help with resources and money. 

I’m here for you if you ever need to talk I lost my mom from diabetes as a kid as well DMS always open Keep chasing your dreams and make your momma proud

— Road To 1k Dub (@DownBadDub) April 24, 2021

The entire community is with you man ❤ she’s watching over you now. Continue to make her proud!

— UncleJacksGaming (@CoryRobinson19) April 25, 2021

Baby, I’m sorry for your loss. what do you need right now? Do you have support? There’s a whole world of Aunties ready to ride for you. Please dm me.❤

— Keka Araújo (@KAraujoNWT) April 25, 2021

Damn stay strong pic.twitter.com/UBMDbIaIRU

— (@AlexRey02563883) April 24, 2021

She’s gonna be looking down on you from now on, make her proud bro I believe you ❤️

— HVC Hamma (@OkayHamma) April 25, 2021

i’ve lost a parent as well, and zack please know from the sincerest part of me to you that i’m so sorry you’re having to go through this. I’m here if you want to talk to someone who knows what that feels like. Make her proud, babez. pic.twitter.com/4uLNzefJmJ

— apple lapple (@oopalfoopal) April 25, 2021

Losing a parent is life-changing, especially as a child. We’re praying for the little gamer and his family.

• News

by Keka Araújo

April 24, 2021

New Details From Foster Mom, Angela Moore, Emerge In The Shooting Death of Ma’Khia Bryant

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New details have emerged in the fatal police shooting of 16-year-old Ma’Khia Bryant. And the details make her death even more devastating.

According to CNN, Bryant’s foster mother, Angela Moore, has opened up about the events leading up to Bryant’s death. Moore revealed that the incident started over two of the woman’s former foster children coming to the home and telling the current fosters to clean up the house.

“It was over keeping the house clean,” Moore said. “The older one told them to clean up the house because ‘Mom doesn’t like the house dirty,'” Moore recalled being told after she arrived home from work. “So that’s how it all started.”

Bryant and the unidentified woman argued over the chores at the Columbus home. The women had come to visit to celebrate Moore’s birthday.

CNN reported that Moore revealed that arguments between Bryant and the other party were a regular occurrence. She also told CNN that she was relaying what she heard from another young lady present at the time of the shooting.

“You’re not the guardian of me,” Bryant allegedly told one woman.

“They argue all the time,” Moore expressed, “but I never thought it would escalate like that.”

The caregiver was not home at the time of the shooting. She said she learned of Bryant’s death through a phone call from the young woman wearing pink in the police video footage. She could be seen fleeing away from Bryant as Columbus police officer Nicholas Reardon fired four bullets into the girl’s chest.

“Mom, get home. Where are you? They’re going crazy,” Moore said the young woman told her. 

“She said they shot Ma’Kiah, and I said, ‘Huh?’ It was just crazy.”

It was crazy, indeed. When Moore arrived at the house on Legion Lane, a cop notified her that Bryant had died.

“I never in my worst nightmare would have thought it would ever come to this,” she said.

The honor roll student loved to cook and make TikTok videos. And she had only been at the home for a few months, according to CNN.

Outside Moore’s home,  mourners have created a shrine for Bryant. 

“She liked to dance. She did chores around the house,” the woman told the publication.

Bodine High School student Akayla Brown was selected as a Gates Scholar. She will receive a full scholarship to the university of her choice.

The 18-year-old was one of 300 seniors selected for this scholarship. There were over 34,000 students who applied for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation scholarship nationwide.

Brown plans to major in international business. The Philly resident has received more than 18 college acceptance letters. She hasn’t announced her top school yet but she revealed that her top three choices were Howard, Temple, and Villanova.

“I want to be an example to my peers and to the next generation and show them that you can make anything you want become possible,” Brown told Philly Mag. “I just live my life to the fullest. You live every day, but you only die once. And there’s no coming back.”

Scholarship Application Process

The Gates Scholarship is very competitive. Pell-eligible students from underrepresented backgrounds apply for a chance to have their entire tuition and board bill covered at any institution they choose to enroll in. Applicants must possess at least a 3.3 cumulative weighted GPA on a 4.0 scale.

Brown started her application months prior to the deadline. The application package was filled with paperwork and essays. But Brown was determined to get it done as her mom supported her during the entire process.

Gates Scholarship Will Help Expand Nonprofit Initiatives

Essays are a critical component of scholarship applications. It allows third parties to get to know a student beyond their GPA.

Brown has an impressive 4.19 GPA and is graduating third in her senior class. But her secret recipe to essay success was sharing her passion with the scholarship selection committee.

The high school senior started a nonprofit at the age of 13. During her application, she emphasized her goal to grow and extend her nonprofit with the help of the scholarship.

In 2016, Brown launched Dimplez 4 Dayz. Using her nickname ‘Dimplez’ as the inspiration behind the organization’s name, Brown’s goal is to keep the community uplifted with smiles. The organization has hosted events for the homeless, helped with back-to-school events, and developed a turkey drive. All community programs are led by the youth.

West Coast rapper Snoop Dogg dropped a new single on 4/20 titled “ Gang Signs” from his new EP, “From Tha Streets 2 Tha Suites.” And in the track, the 49-year-old OG, named  Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., eluded to blazing with former president Barack Obama.

According to the lyrics in question, Snoop stated, “Still sippin’ gin and juice while I’m smoking marijuana / I bet you never blew with Obama.”

Bars.

It hasn’t been confirmed if the rapper actually smoked weed with the former commander-in-chief, but it’s no secret that Obama partook in smoking Mary Jane in the past.

Get Fluent reported that 44 admitted that he had an up-close and personal relationship with herbs. 

“When I was a kid, I inhaled frequently. That was the point,” he said during his run for president in 2008.  

Obama also revealed he smoked marijuana in his memoir, “Dreams from My Father.”

Although it’s purely speculative, the thought of Snoop Dogg and Obama getting lifted while sharing anecdotes about life would be ill to see. 

If Snoop has smoked with the former president, Obama wouldn’t be the only big name in the rapper’s smoke cipher.

Lifestyle maven Martha Stewart divulged that she enjoyed getting buzzed from Snoop’s contact smoke.

When asked did she enjoy smoking weed, Stewart replied, “Well, um, maybe—maybe a little smoke. And not barbecue smoke! He actually does a good job at sharing his smoke with me, and I don’t even smoke!”

And Snoop’s seemingly obsessive love for the dutchie hasn’t gone unnoticed. 

In November 2015, the “Deep Cover” rapper launched his  very own cannabis line aptly named “Leafs by Snoop.” He was the very first big-name celebrity to venture into the booming industry.

• News

by Charlene Rhinehart

April 24, 2021

Family and Friends Honor DMX During ‘Celebration of Life’ Memorial

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A ‘Celebration of Life’ memorial service was held on Saturday, April 24th for Earl “DMX” Simmons.

The service took place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The arena has a capacity of 19,000 and is home to the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets. Due to health and safety guidelines, attendance was restricted to family and close friends. However, fans and supporters had the chance to tune in to the Live service on DMX’s  YouTube page.

“DMX was the biggest,” Swizz Beatz shared in a video after the artist passed away. “And let me tell you why he was the biggest. He was the biggest because he prayed for everybody else…more than he did himself.”

Celebration of Life Service for DMX

Ahmed Muhammad will graduate as the first Black male valedictorian at Oakland Technical High School. The 18-year-old has a cumulative 4.73 GPA and is on track to reach 5.0.

Muhammad’s extraordinary accomplishments have landed him acceptance letters from prestigious universities around the United States. He received admissions offers from 11 universities. Top schools such as Stanford, Harvard, and Princeton were a part of his acceptance list.

“It feels amazing,” Muhammad shared. “I’m grateful to be accepted to any single college, but 11 of them? I had never imagined this.”

Becoming the First Black Male Valedictorian at Oakland Technical

Muhammad rose to the top of his class, ranking at the top of the academic charts. On top of that, he also excelled in his extracurricular. The remarkable athlete played on the Bulldog’s varsity basketball team. The championship team is home to many popular athletes, including Marshawn Lynch and John Brodie.

Muhammad has an exceptional resume of experiences under his belt at only 18-years-old. But the accomplishment that he’s most proud of is starting Kits Cubed. Launched during the pandemic in Muhammad’s garage, he aims to use this company to inspire future scientists.

“I’m most proud of the impact that Kits Cubed has had on our community’s youth,” Muhammad said during an interview with KTVU. “Founding Kits Cubed was the culmination of all of the valuable lessons I learned throughout high school from so many amazing people.

He adds, “I’m glad we were able to create something meaningful before graduating.”

Kits Cubed is a science education company. It’s led by a team of community-driven youth in Oakland. The students are determined to use this opportunity to become change agents in their community. The company provides engaging and creative kits to help elementary and middle school-age kids develop an appreciation for science.

Muhammad’s entrepreneurial and philanthropic ventures will serve him well on his journey to becoming a leader in the engineering and computer science space.

• Black Lives Matter

by Derek Major

April 23, 2021

D.C. Firefighter Released From Prison After Fairfax County Police Stop Deemed Unlawful

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A former D.C. firefighter was released from prison Wednesday after evidence surfaced that a Fairfax County officer lied about the reason for a traffic stop.

Elon Wilson, a Black father and a respected member of his community, was released Wednesday after almost two years in prison. Judge Daniel Ortiz tossed Wilson’s conviction writing “Freitag’s false statements undermined judicial integrity in the public’s eyes and left a man sitting in prison for almost two years,” according to NBC Washington.

“What occurred in this case exposed a failing in our criminal justice system,” Ortiz added. “When the rules work together, they turn the gears of the judicial machinery towards justice. Instead, this officer’s false representations disrupted the entire mechanism.”

Former Fairfax County police officer Jonathan Freitag, who stopped Wilson, resigned from the force and is currently under investigation by the FBI. Freitag is accused of racial profiling and lying in the police report that he filed.

Wilson was pulled over by Freitag one morning in April 2018. Wilson and a passenger were searched and an officer found 450 OxyContin pills and two guns. The stop led to Wilson being sentenced to more than three years in jail.

According to the Washington Post, Freitag wrote in his police report that he pulled Wilson over after he drove over the yellow line, took too long to pull over after Freitag hit the lights, and had illegally tinted windows. Freitag added that he smelled marijuana which led to him searching the car.

Wilson said the pills and guns belonged to his passenger but prosecutors threatened Wilson with a decade in prison for distributing drugs and carrying a firearm. With a daughter and a family to think about, Wilson took a three-year plea deal.

In August 2019, Fairfax County police received a complaint about Freitag and began reviewing his traffic stops. Within a month, Freitag was taken off the streets and having all of his traffic stops reviewed with county prosecutors notified that Freitag was under investigation

Freitag was an officer for two years before the FBI began investigating him and by last summer the Fairfax County Police Department was trying to fire him citing sloppy traffic stops and bad reports. However, Freitag resigned in May as part of an agreement where none of the internal affairs files would be added to his personnel file.

Freitag has not been charged with a crime for his actions.

• Business

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 23, 2021

Choreographer JaQuel Knight Launches Company to Copyright Dance Moves

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After a growing number of Black TikTok creators complained of having their signature moves stolen by white influencers, a Black choreographer has launched a company to protect their creativity.

JaQuel Knight has enjoyed success as a choreographer who has worked with the likes of Beyonce and Megan Thee Stallion. His work on Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” video helped him find fame and notoriety in the industry. Now, Knight has made history as the first choreographer to get his dance moves copyrighted, Variety reports.

“Copyrighting movement is about putting the power back in the artist’s hands,” Knight said. “We set a historic precedent with our ‘Single Ladies’ copyright achievement, and we are thrilled to be launching Knight Choreography & Music Publishing, Inc. so that the next generation of artists are afforded the same platform, resources and tools to thrive, creatively and financially, in the commercial music industry.”

In recent years, Knight has continued creating memorable dance moves seen in Jennifer Lopez and Shakira’s 2020 Super Bowl Halftime Show and Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s “WAP” video. Now with his Knight Choreography & Music Publishing, the dance instructor will license out dance moves the same way music executives license out song rights.

In addition to copywriting his own dance moves, Knight’s company will also represent other creative talents who are seeking rights over their dances. Other types of talent across various mediums can seek out Knight’s assistance in copyrighting and licensing their creations.

Knight’s experience in the field includes having his signature “Single Ladies” dance moves copyrighted after it shot to fame in 2008. Most recently, Tik Tok star Addison Rae faced backlash after she appeared on The Tonight Show and performed a series of popular TikTok dances that were created by mostly Black creators.

As a result, host Jimmy Fallon apologized and invited the original dance creators to come on the show and perform their dances. Now those same creatives can get backing from Knight’s publishing company to see to it that they’re paid when influencers like Addison perform their moves.