I have spent a lot of time in New York City, well mostly in Brooklyn, but much of my time in Manhattan has been spent visiting art museums like the MET and MOMA and eating cake at Magnolia's Bakery and any other institution that has been deemed "cool" due to pop culture or fashion magazines.
On this particular visit, I chose to stay in Harlem. I wanted to stay in the same area where black creators who forged the way for me to be able to write and create for a living spent their time. Like most black neighborhoods in major cities across the country, gentrification is happening at a rapid rate with white people moving into areas and erasing (well, trying to erase) the history and uniqueness of what we've built. But, I digress.
There is now a Whole Foods and a Starbucks (you know when you see either those gentrification is coming). However, that doesn't take away from the spirit or the black-owned businesses that are thriving in this historic piece of Manhattan. I won't pretend to know all there is to know about Harlem because I don't, I can only speak on the business that I supported during my two-day stay.
Here are eight black businesses to support the next time you're in New York City.
Harlem Hops
Harlem Hops is the brainchild of Kevin Bradford, Kim Harris, and Stacey Lee, who are all HBCU grads. The beer bar has 16 rotating taps with two offerings from Harlem Brewing Company and Harlem Blue, which are both black-owned breweries out of Harlem. If you're hungry, their kitchen offers up an assortment of spicy pies made with Habanero Beef, spicy crab, and potatoes and chickpeas. One last thing, if you're not a beer drinker, they didn't leave you out. Ask for a Langston's Choice cocktail if tequila is your spirit of choice or a Harlem High Roller made with Harlem Haberdashery's Bespoke Rum.
Yatenga French Bistro
This little french bistro was just a block away from my Airbnb. From the moment I walked in, I could tell this was a neighborhood haven that also happened to have good food. I ordered a glass of wine and the macaroni and cheese because it was made a little differently than the southern style I am used to with bechamel sauce, parmesan cheese, and parsley.
Lee Lee's Rugelach By A Brother
Mr. Lee has sold handmade rugelach in Harlem for over fifty years and doesn't show any signs of slowing down. My favorite was the chocolate, but they also come in raspberry and apricot.
Ponty Bistro
Since I was eating pretty late, I decided to make a reservation at Ponty Bistro. When I walked in, I immediately noticed the stunning bar design and the friendly face waiting to show me to my table. The restaurant serves French & West African cuisine, though what I ordered was definitely for the American palette. I ordered the Lobster BLT and a ginger martini which didn't disappoint.
The Edge Harlem
I had a few hours before my flight and was in search of a coffee shop to get some work done, and The Edge came up on my search. When I got there, I quickly realized the "brunch all day" restaurant wasn't quite what I was looking for, but the menu and the packed house made me decide to stay. The owners, Juliet and Justine Masters', offer up cuisine native to Jamaica and New York from a coconut fish burger with plantains (which I had) to their version of the classic shrimp and grits.
Barbara's Flowers
Whether you need flowers for a special occasion or went to send your best friend a celebratory bouquet, Barbara's Flowers (run by a mother and daughter team) has you covered. The floral shop also sells candles from Harlem Candle Co.
Trunk Show Designer Consignment
There was a time when I was obsessed with TSDC, but my bank account was like, "Girl, you need to do better." This consignment shop is one of the best I've found because of their pristine finds and outstanding customer service. The shop is open by appointment only, but even if you're not in Harlem, you can make purchases online.
The Studio Museum Harlem
The Studio Museum has supported black artists since its founding in 1968. Their permanent collection now houses over two thousand works of art created by artists of African descent. Their 144 W. 125th Street location is closed for construction while they build their new home. But, you can visit the museum Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 6 pm. at 429 West 127th Street between Amsterdam and Convent Avenues.
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Featured image by Getty Images
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Bianca Lambert is a proud Atlanta native soaking up the Los Angeles sun. She is the founder of Mae B: a stationery company for women of color and a digital content creator on a mission to elevate the voices of women of color everywhere.
Reset Your Relationship: How To Start 2025 Strong With Your Partner
As the calendar turns and a new year unfolds, many of us are laser-focused on our career goals, fitness resolutions, and vision boards that outline the journey to our best selves. But amidst all the planning and self-improvement, have you made room for another important part of your life? Your relationship.
It's easy for couples to fall into a routine, going through the motions and letting their connection sit on autopilot. While comfort is natural in a long-term relationship, it’s important to remember: that what you don’t nurture, eventually fades. So, why not make 2025 the year you reset your relationship? Here’s how to start the year with a renewed bond, reigniting the spark that brought you together.
Step 1: Schedule Your Reset Meeting
The first step to hitting the reset button is a State of the Union meeting with your partner. This is your chance to take a pulse on the relationship, discuss what's working, and identify areas that need attention. It’s all about creating space to reflect, without distractions.
Grab a pen and paper (or open a shared note on your phone) and come prepared to share your top 2-3 desires for your relationship.
What do you both want to feel more of in 2025? Maybe it’s feeling more appreciated, or perhaps you want to reignite the passion you had when you first started dating. Whatever it is, get clear about it, and make sure both of you are on the same page.
This isn’t just about listing your own wants, it’s also about discussing ways to nurture each other’s needs. Relationship goals should be focused on fostering deeper intimacy, trust, and mutual respect. Use this time to check in, not only with each other but with your individual feelings and expectations. Set the foundation for a fulfilling year ahead.
Step 2: Set A Date (Or Multiple!)
Having the meeting is only the first step. Now, it’s time to take action. One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a relationship is by reintroducing consistent, intentional time spent together. For many couples, life gets busy, and date nights fall by the wayside. But dating doesn’t stop when you say "I do"—in fact, it’s even more essential.
During your reset meeting, lock in a regular date night that works for both of your schedules. This could be a weekly dinner date or an every-other-week adventure—whatever keeps things fresh. The goal is consistency. It’s easy to push date nights aside when life gets hectic, but if you set a specific date each week or month, you’re making your relationship a priority.
If you’re unsure what to do for your date nights, don’t worry! The key is creating new experiences together. This is what sparks excitement and brings you closer as a couple. Whether it’s cooking a new recipe together, trying a dance class, or exploring a nearby town, it’s about creating shared memories that build your connection.
Step 3: Find an Accountability Partner
Just like you might have a personal trainer to help you crush your fitness goals, an accountability partner for your relationship can do wonders for keeping both of you on track. Consider hiring a marriage coach or therapist—someone who can meet you where you are and guide you in strengthening your relationship.
When selecting a professional, it’s important to choose someone who truly wants the best for your marriage and can provide actionable advice.
Don’t be afraid to set high standards for your relationship, and seek guidance on how to keep it thriving for the long haul. In your reset meeting, discuss your commitment to growth, and be honest about areas where you may need support.
Marriage isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor—it’s an ongoing process. Regular check-ins with a professional can help keep your relationship in tip-top shape and “divorce-proof” by addressing issues before they become insurmountable.
Step 4: Try Something New Together
Stale routines can easily make a relationship feel monotonous. Spice things up by trying something new! Couples that explore new activities and create new memories together have stronger, more fulfilling bonds.
My husband and I host one of the top luxury marriage retreats, A Weekend For Love, designed to help couples experience new things together. From couples' workshops to outdoor adventures, the retreat provides a platform to rediscover each other and reconnect on a deeper level.
The element of surprise can reignite your connection. It’s exciting, fresh, and shows your partner that you’re committed to growing together. This doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—it could be as simple as trying a new hobby or planning an impromptu weekend getaway.
Your Relationship Should Be A Priority
As you start the year with personal goals in mind, don’t forget the importance of nurturing your relationship. It’s easy to get caught up in work, fitness, and family obligations, but your bond with your partner deserves to be at the top of your list. Resetting your relationship offers an opportunity to reignite that spark and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.
In 2025, make a commitment to prioritize your partnership, to nurture it daily, and to invest in its growth. Take time to celebrate each other’s victories, support one another’s dreams, and build a foundation of love and respect. When you start the year with a clear focus on your relationship, you’re setting it up for success.
So, before you start mapping out your new workout plan or work goals, do yourself a favor: put your relationship at the top of that list. Your love story deserves a fresh start, too.
Happy New Year, and here’s to a love-filled 2025!
Couples, if you are ready to do the work and invest in your relationship register for A Weekend For Love: Heart Retreat Feb 21-23, 2025.
Featured image by zamrznutitonovi/Getty Images
WNBA star Angel Reese stuns on and off the court, and now she’s spilling her beauty and skincare secrets with us. The 22-year-old gave some insight into her beauty and skincare routine while speaking to Vogue, including her game day routine.
“My grandma used to always put mascara on my eyes when I was younger, and I used to go on the basketball court; that’s how I got the name 'Bayou Barbie' ‘cause I always had my nails, lashes, hair done,” she explains.
Below, Angel shares the skincare products that make her skin glow and her go-to makeup looks.
Check out her routines below.
Skincare
Vogue/YouTube
Angel starts with La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser. “I love skincare. Makes me feel good, makes me feel cleanse, especially after a long day because I’m always on the go,” she says. “I play sports, so my face is always drenched with sweat, and I always gotta keep it clean.”
Vogue/YouTube
Angel uses two moisturizers. She uses Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer SPF 30 first and follows it up with Cetaphil Soothing Gel Cream with Aloe.
"You have to use the thinnest layer and then the thickest layer," she says. "I learned these tips because one time I posted a skincare routine and they were like, you need to run that back. And they taught me you need to do thin then thick and then I could see the complete difference with my skin."
Vogue/YouTube
She keeps Laniege Lip Balm with her at all times, including during games.
Vogue/YouTube
One-Size Setting Spray is her go-to for keeping her makeup fresh on the court. “I usually spray my beauty blender with my setting spray,” she says. “People usually wet the beauty blender under the water, but why not set it with this.”
Vogue/YouTube
She rounds out her beauty routine with mascara, brows, and her lip combo using Rare Beauty Kind Words Lip Liner and Covergirl Clean Fresh Yummy Gloss. But before closing, she made sure to give flowers to the WNBA stars before her who were also known for getting glammed on and off the court.
“I gotta give kudos to the girls who were wearing makeup before. Lisa Leslie, Skylar Diggins, Candace Parker. Everybody already had their edges and their lashes, lipstick on," she says. "Tina Thompson; she used to wear a full red lip on her lips during the game, but that’s something I could probably never do.”
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Feature image by Vogue/YouTube