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‘Teen Mom OG’ Star Cheyenne Floyd’s Engagement Sparks Hot Topic With Baby Shower Proposal
If you follow Teen Mom OG, then you were elated last week (Apr. 25) when one of the show's stars, Cheyenne Floyd, celebrated baby no. 2 on the way with a beautiful baby shower she showed off on Instagram. There was also a surprise plot twist that happened during the shower—a proposal. The 28-year-old's on-and-off again boyfriend Zach Davis popped the question and the two are now officially engaged.
"Speechless," Cheyenne wrote under her Instagram post of shots from the proposal. "We said Yessss! Today was perfect! I can not put it into words yet but this is a moment I will cherish forever 🤍 thank you @z.terrel I love youuuuuu!!"
Zach also posted the special moment, revealing that he gifted Cheyenne's four-year-old daughter Ryder (which she shares with ex-boyfriend Cory Wharton) with a diamond ring of her own. "She said yes! Put a ring on both of their fingers! I love you fiancé @cheynotshy today we celebrate a lifetime together!" he wrote.
While social media seems happy for the newly engaged couple who first shared their love story on YouTube, their proposal brings up the hot topic of baby shower proposals. While the romantic in me believes, love is love and should be displayed whenever and however—say it loud and say it proud. I also feel that a marriage proposal during a baby shower seems like something contrived "after the fact" and seemingly disingenuous since you're both caught up in all the feelings that come with bringing a child into the world.
That said, I was curious to hear the opinions of my peers to get a better consensus of how folks view baby shower proposals. Below you'll find responses from men and women millenials on the subject that often get mixed opinions.
What Men & Women Think About Surprise Baby Shower Proposals
"To each their own."
"I'm a little more traditional so I would rather be engaged before the baby shower. But I do think that, yes, it's an opportunity for you to have all your family and your friends there celebrating with you. I mean, to each their own, but I still think that there should be some more thought behind the proposal—not just because a baby is coming. It's not happening before or after the pregnancy so it feels like it's being done out of obligation more than anything." —Edna Lareya, 32, HR VP Coordinator
"It feels forced."
"It feels forced like, 'Why is it now that you want to be with me forever? I wasn't worth forever before the baby?' It's not for the couple, but more for the critics as in family and friends that may have their own opinions. To me it's just adding to the embarrassment the woman may potentially feel that she's having a baby without being sure that there's a committed man in her life. It feels like a pity proposal." —James Cameau, 30, Behavioral Health Therapist
"I prefer intimacy."
"Personally, I would prefer an intimate proposal. With that being said, I don't see an issue with proposals (planned and not pressured) at a baby shower. I think they are so romantic and beautiful! Did I mention cost efficient?"—Natasha Sibre, 30, Teacher
"I'm good on that."
"I personally would not like a baby shower proposal. I would hope that by the time that I am ready to have a child, I'd be married."- Anne Marie Gonzales, 31, Digital Manager
"It shows an expression of a deeper love."
"In a nutshell, I think baby shower proposals are beautiful. It shows an expression of a deeper love acknowledged. To think that the love of your life saw this as not only a new journey, but a next chapter between the two of you and wanted to seal the deal on this special day. I'm all for it. I think, however, some things can be taken into consideration, naturally. Is this a proposal from the heart? Or, an opportunity that may be pressured by family and friends? Would a proposal have happened if this wasn't the situation? Was it ever discussed? Nonetheless, this moment is always special in a woman's life and I think it would always be treasured. You don't come across many occurrences when all of your family and friends are in one place at the same time, so why not use it!" —Saphia Louise, 31, Mother/Photographer
"A baby shower is not a place to propose."
"I personally don't appreciate them. It makes me think the guy is now pressured into proposing because a baby is on the way. And the pressure can come from the girl as well as her family and friends. A baby shower is to celebrate the arrival of the baby not to propose. The proposal also sometimes happens because the girl doesn't want to be just a 'baby mother' because that term has a negative representation."—Christina Singh, 30, Teacher
"Life gets complicated sometimes."
"I think making a proposal for marriage at a baby shower is fine. Of course, the goal is to be married before we have children, but life gets complicated sometimes."—Jeffrey DeRose, 31, Founder Startup Advisory Group
"Go for it."
"I've seen a couple of baby showers and/or 'engagements-while-expecting' turn out really well (as far as longevity). I have nothing against baby shower proposals because for all you know, he probably wanted to marry you before and/or feels pressured by outdated, societal norms to make your partner a wife before making her a mother. Who's to say that the couple wasn't always in love, intended to get married eventually but then boom--baby came first! It's not always about going by 'the order of your list' as it just sticks to checking off your list. So go for it!"—Soraya Joseph, 32, Journalist
"I'd rather propose on a separate occassion."
"I'm not big on mixing different events together, I'd rather propose on a separate occasion with something special planned."—Marco Cayetano, 31, Independent Contractor
"They should get their time and be well thought-out."
"Like Christmas and birthday gifts should be separate, a baby shower and a proposal are two very important days in your girl's life. They should each get their time and be well thought-out. Due to the day and age we are in though with COVID, it's hard to bring people together for things so just for that reason I think it's acceptable in 2021."—Hala Maroc, 29, Multimedia Personality
"Baby shower proposals are becoming cliché."
"Personally, I would like to be proposed to before a baby shower. These baby shower proposals are becoming very cliché. It seems like, 'Welp, she's pregnant so I gotta marry her now.' At least that's how I would feel. I want someone to love me so much that they want to spend their life with me regardless and the baby is the addition. I'd always wonder if I didn't get pregnant would he have proposed."—India Douglas, 31, LMSW/Therapist
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Featured image by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for MTV
Jazmine A. Ortiz is a creative born and raised in Bushwick, Brooklyn and currently living in Staten Island, NY. She started in the entertainment industry in 2012 and now works as a Lifestyle Editor where she explores everything from mental health to vegan foodie trends. For more on what she's doing in the digital space follow her on Instagram at @liddle_bitt.
Exclusive: Brandee Evans On Faith, Fibroids, And Chosen Family
Do you remember your first time at The Pynk?
We were first introduced to Mercedes at Uncle Clifford’s beloved strip joint, a matrix of secrets and self-discovery nestled deep in the heart of the Mississippi Delta. Brandee Evans, who plays the ambitious single mother and seasoned dancer in the STARZ original P-Valley, quickly won our hearts and has since earned widespread critical acclaim.
Her captivating command of the pole left many of us intrigued, perhaps even tempted, to explore pole dancing ourselves after witnessing the mesmerizing performances at Mercedes Sunday. But it wasn’t just her physical prowess that kept us hooked. Mercedes is a character of depth—empowering, complex, relatable, and deeply human.
These are qualities that Brandee embodies both on and off the screen.
(L-R) Marque Richardson and Brandee Evans on 'UnPrisoned' Season 2
Courtesy: Hulu
A Memphis native, Brandee is no stranger to dance. She boasts an impressive career as a choreographer, having worked with renowned artists like Katy Perry, Monica, Ke$ha, and Ledisi. But while it has been a significant part of her journey, Brandee has her sights set on more—expanding her acting career beyond dance-inclusive roles. This ambition nearly led her to pass on the opportunity to appear alongside Kerry Washington in Hulu’s UnPrisoned, where she plays Ava, Mal's (Marque Richardson) new girlfriend.
“When Kerry Washington slid into my DMs, I nearly said no,” Brandee revealed with a laugh. “She mentioned pole dancing, and I told myself and my team that once I was done with Mercedes, I wasn’t going to do that again.” Fortunately, Washington assured her that the role would be vastly different, leading to what Brandee described as an invaluable masterclass in comedy under the guidance of Washington herself.
“Kerry is a force of nature,” Brandee reflected. “She’s everything you’d hope she’d be—strong, compassionate, and incredibly talented. Working with her was like a masterclass in acting.” This opportunity was no mere stroke of luck; it was something Brandee had manifested years earlier. But make no mistake–she credits her faith and praying hands for her success. “I’m praying, you know what I mean? I’m asking God for what I want and working for it too,” she said.
"When Kerry Washington slid into my DMs, I nearly said no."
(L-R) Brandee Evans, Kerry Washington, and Marque Richardson on 'UnPrisoned' Season 2
Courtesy: Hulu
This role marked Brandee’s first foray into comedy, and while she was eager to embrace the challenge, she found herself in the hands of an incredible mentor. “Kerry was always so kind in her critiques,” Brandee noted. “She’s not a diva by any means. She knows exactly what she wants, but she’s gentle and encouraging in bringing it out of you. That’s something I’ve taken with me to other sets—I want to lead with the same kindness and openness that Kerry showed me. It’s a lesson I’ll carry for the rest of my life.”
Brandee speaks with profound respect and gratitude for her peers and fellow actresses as many have shown her genuine sisterhood and support in an industry often notorious for its competitiveness. “Danielle Brooks sent me a prayer the other day, and I was just so touched. Those are the moments that people don’t see,” she shared. “I call Sheryll Lee Ralph my fairy godmother, and Loretta Devine is like my auntie. Being able to pick up the phone and seek advice from these incredible women is a true blessing.”
And she pays it forward.
Brandee Evans
Courtesy: Hulu
But her commitment to supporting others extends far beyond her career. As an advocate for health and wellness, she empowers women to prioritize their well-being. “Azaria [Carter], who plays my daughter on P-Valley, mentioned wanting to start a weight loss journey and get more fit. I told her, ‘Well, let’s work out together,’” Brandee recounted. But her dedication to healthy living goes beyond physical fitness, encompassing a holistic approach to wellness. “When she came to my house and tried to microwave something in plastic, I said, ‘Let’s use glass instead. At 20, I wasn’t thinking about that, but let me share some tips now so you’re not battling fibroids in your 30s.’”
Because she was.
While filming the first season of P-Valley, Brandee faced enormous stress—not only as a caregiver for her mother, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, but also due to the physical demands of the role. Yet the impact on her body was far greater than she expected. “I was literally on my cycle every day while playing a stripper, which is far from ideal,” Brandee revealed. It was Harriet D. Foy, who plays her mother, who urged her to get checked for fibroids.
"I was literally on my cycle every day while playing a stripper, which is far from ideal."
Brandee Evans graces the 2024 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards Ceremony.
Arnold Turner/Getty Images for ESSENCE
The statistics are staggering—80% of Black women develop abnormal uterine growths by age 50, making them more likely to suffer from fibroids than any other racial group. But like many, Brandee was initially unaware of these growths and their debilitating effects, and the prospect of surgery was daunting. “I was scheduled to have a myomectomy on my birthday, but I thought about what it would mean for my career. How am I going to climb the pole? The healing process is similar to a C-section.” Determined to avoid surgery, she committed to healing herself naturally.
After a deep dive, she sought treatment at The Herb Shop of Vinings in Atlanta, which ultimately led to a remarkable recovery. “This man saves lives. His name is Jeff, and I call him my doctor.” Brandee shared. “I started detoxing my body with herbs and following his program. During my follow-up with the gynecologist, they said, ‘We don’t know what you’re doing, but your fibroids are shrinking.’”
Emerging on the other side of this journey not only fibroid-free but with a regulated cycle and a renewed outlook on life, Brandee is now focused on sharing her story and advocating for women’s health. “I know y’all want to hear about P-Valley, but I want to talk about regulating your period,” she said with a laugh.
Of course, she didn’t leave fans hanging when it came to what to expect in the upcoming season. “It is worth the wait. The world is about to go crazy. Oh, the world is about to lose it,” Brandee teased. “Y’all might be mad at us right now, but baby, it’s going to be worth it.”
All episodes of Season 2 of UnPrisoned are now streaming on Hulu.
Featured image courtesy of Hulu
This Rideshare Company Grants Women An Extra Layer Of Safety During Travel
Summer is the season of travel. Whether it’s a trip with your girls, a baecation, a special time with family, or a beloved solo trip – this is many people’s favorite time to run down their PTO and enjoy some much-needed R&R. However, life has taught me that to truly enjoy your time, the getaway itself is not enough. Planning is essential. For example, I like to know the deets about where I’m staying.
There’s no “we’re not even going to be at the hotel” vibes for me - the location matters, and I want to see reviews. Also, I think it’s helpful to have a few pre-planned activities to ensure you make the most of the time. Finally, one of the most important elements is travel. How are we getting around?
There is nothing worse than feeling forced to rent a car at the last minute or attempting to use public transportation only to get lost in the middle of nowhere. (Yes, I’m speaking from experience). That’s why I personally appreciate rideshare apps.
However, unfortunately, the dangers of these platforms are getting more and more severe. I’ve personally been in cars where men have asked about my views on dating, politics, and more- only to drop me at my house 10 minutes later – talk about awkward. I’ve also heard more startling stories where friends felt so uncomfortable that they hopped out of a car to avoid potentially dangerous situations.
Personal testimonies like this are why I was so excited to learn about HERide, a woman-owned, Black-owned rideshare service based in Atlanta, GA. Check out xoNecole’s conversation with the founders, Jillian Anderson and DeVynne Starks, below to learn more about their business, ongoing strides in the tech community, and why you need to add HERide to your travel hacks list ASAP.
Jillian Anderson (L) and DeVynne Starks (R).
Courtesy
xoNecole: Let’s start at the beginning. Can you tell me a little bit about yourselves?
Jillian Anderson: From a young age, I've been deeply involved in sports, earning scholarships for basketball and volleyball at Albany State University. My passion for competition and resilience was further honed during my time playing professional basketball in Morocco, where, unfortunately, an injury brought me back to the U.S. Throughout my journey, I've always been drawn to technology and entrepreneurship. Starting with selling candy bars in grade school, I later founded a successful fashion brand called BEA$T during my college years.
My background in computer science and my entrepreneurial spirit laid the foundation for HERide. The challenges I faced as a tech founder are nothing compared to the determination and drive instilled in me through sports and entrepreneurship. These experiences have shaped me into the competitor I am today within the tech industry, where I continue to push boundaries and innovate for HERide's mission.
DeVynne Starks: Growing up around entrepreneurs, I quickly understood both the hard work that entrepreneurship requires and the freedom that it offers. After earning my Bachelor's degree in Mass Communications from Albany State University, where Jillian served as my RA and we first connected, I pursued a Master's Degree from USC Annenberg in Communication Management with a focus on Public Relations.
My career path led me to establish Cultiv8PR, a boutique agency specializing in PR, social media, and content creation. We've worked with diverse brands across various industries, always prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion in our strategies. I'm passionate about storytelling and have a knack for finding unique narratives that resonate and cut through the noise.
In 2022, Jillian approached me to co-found HERide, recognizing my dedication to client success and my commitment to driving impactful change. Together, we've grown HERide into what it is today, leveraging our combined strengths in technology, entrepreneurship, and communications to make transportation safer and more inclusive for everyone.
xoN: What made you start HerRide?
Jillian: As the CTO and founder of HERide, my journey began from a deeply personal place. During my time as a rideshare driver for Uber and Lyft, I consistently heard from women about their concerns and fears surrounding safety when riding with male drivers. Women would share stories of relief when they saw a female driver approaching or even canceling rides until a woman arrived. Some would go as far as asking to be dropped off at a nearby location if a female driver was unavailable.
These experiences opened my eyes to a significant gap in the ridesharing industry—a lack of options that prioritized women's safety and comfort. In 2019, I founded HERide with a clear mission: to provide a safer and more inclusive ridesharing experience for women. We launched our app in 2020 on both Google PlayStore and the Apple App Store, and in 2022, with the addition of my co-founder DeVynne Starks as our CMCO, we began offering live rides.
HERide is about more than just providing convenient transportation. It's about challenging the status quo and advocating for meaningful changes in ridesharing safety regulations. Women's voices had been silenced, and their needs overlooked for far too long. We made it our priority to give women the option to choose a female driver if that makes them feel safer and more comfortable.
Our vision is to be disruptors in the industry, not only by offering convenience but also by integrating cutting-edge technology to enhance safety measures. We are committed to transforming the ridesharing landscape, ensuring that everyone, regardless of gender, feels secure during their journey. HERide is not just a service; it's a movement toward greater safety and equality in transportation.
xoN: Have you dealt with pressure to open the platform to men? How do you combat that?
DeVynne: While our primary focus is on providing a safe and inclusive platform for women and non-binary individuals, we also welcome everyone to use our services. Our decision to prioritize these groups stems from a critical need to address long-standing issues of safety and comfort that have been overlooked in the ridesharing industry for far too long.
From the outset, we designed HERide to answer the urgent call from women and non-binary individuals who often felt unsafe or uncomfortable during ridesharing experiences. Our commitment to safety is evident in the technology we've implemented, such as piloting biometric features and our rigorous 1:1 driver onboarding process.
While many men have been supportive of our mission, we understand there may be questions about why we choose to prioritize specific demographics. We ask those who question this decision to consider the urgency and importance of feeling safe during transportation. If you were in a situation where your safety felt compromised, wouldn't you want a service that prioritizes your well-being?
It's important to note that by prioritizing women and non-binary individuals, we aim to improve safety standards for everyone. Our ultimate goal is to transform the entire ridesharing landscape by advocating for better safety measures that benefit all passengers. We believe that everyone deserves safe and secure transportation, and HERide is committed to making that a reality for everyone who uses our platform.
It's important to note that by prioritizing women and non-binary individuals, we aim to improve safety standards for everyone. Our ultimate goal is to transform the entire ridesharing landscape by advocating for better safety measures that benefit all passengers. We believe that everyone deserves safe and secure transportation, and HERide is committed to making that a reality for everyone who uses our platform.
xoN: Do you have any plans to expand, can you walk me through your process to scale the business?
Jillian: Expanding HERide to other major cities is definitely part of our vision for growth. Currently, we are focused on scaling our operations in Atlanta, Georgia, where our goal is to onboard 1,000 drivers who each complete 10 rides per week. Achieving this milestone will ensure that we have a robust and reliable service in place before expanding further.
To support this expansion, we are actively raising funds with a target of $1.5 million. These funds will be crucial in enhancing our technology, expanding our marketing efforts, and establishing a strong operational base in Atlanta.
Once we've successfully met our driver and ride targets in Atlanta and secured the necessary funding, we plan to identify and evaluate potential new cities for expansion. Our expansion strategy will involve careful market analysis, assessing demand, regulatory considerations, and establishing local partnerships to ensure a smooth and successful launch.
Ultimately, our goal is to replicate the success we've achieved in Atlanta by offering safe, reliable, and inclusive ridesharing services to more cities across the country. We're excited about the future growth of HERide and the opportunity to make a positive impact on transportation safety and accessibility for all.
xoN: It's a big deal to be the first Black-owned rideshare company to partner with Hartsfield Jackson Airport in Atlanta. What does that mean to you, and how did you advocate for yourself – particularly when it came to the signage?
DeVynne: Being the first Black-owned rideshare company to partner with Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta is a monumental achievement for HERide, and it means everything to us. Jillian and I have always seen ourselves as disruptors, driven to challenge the status quo and create meaningful change. Our journey to secure this partnership was both challenging and rewarding.
Jillian: The process to become approved as a rideshare service at the airport was rigorous and took nearly a year. We had to ensure that our systems seamlessly integrated with the airport's infrastructure and diligently followed up on all required paperwork. On September 13, 2023, when the airport officially announced our partnership, it marked a significant milestone not only for HERide but also for our commitment to providing inclusive and secure travel experiences for all passengers.
DeVynne: One of the key challenges we faced was advocating for ourselves to receive directional signage within the airport. After months of persistent advocacy, in February 2024, we successfully secured signage that significantly increased visibility and traffic to the HERide app. This advocacy effort didn't just benefit us; it also paved the way for another emerging rideshare company to receive signage, demonstrating our commitment to opening doors for others in the tech industry.
Jillian: In a tech world where gatekeeping is prevalent, DeVynne and I believe in breaking down barriers and empowering other tech founders, especially those from underrepresented communities.
We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with the airport and excited about the future. Moving forward, we aim to replicate this success in other major cities that share our values of inclusivity and innovation in transportation. This partnership not only strengthens HERide's presence but also inspires us to continue pushing boundaries and creating opportunities for others in the tech particularly the ridesharing industry.
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Feature image by zamrznutitonovi/ Getty Images