During this time of social distancing, we turn to social media for uplifting messages and motivation as a means of connection and empowerment. On Instagram, with the help of our Explore page, we discover new pages to follow and people to connect with on mutual interests, coordinated color schemes and clever captions. Check out these Instagram accounts below that are building positive and powerful online communities for women of color in fashion, media, mental health and more!
@KicksAndFros
Chief Kicks Officer Melissa Cantey is creating the perfect online community for women like myself who love urban streetwear and melanated skin. "My purpose for starting the Kicks & Fros Instagram page was because I wanted to inspire. I'm able to show women and girls around the world that they can be bosses and comfortable, too!" the CKO tells xoNecole. "This platform has women rocking two things—beautiful, creative sneakers and their beautiful, natural fros. It's taken us women a while to feel comfortable in both of those things. But now that we are, there's no stopping us. I'm committed to highlighting it as much as I can. It's an incredible thing to see; women are truly the dopest!"
"My mission is to empower, elevate, and educate," Cantey continues. "Women are feeling more comfortable taking risks with both their sneakers and natural hair. I want to empower more women to keep taking those risks by showing how fun it is to express ourselves with our hair and sneaker selection, and educate women who think sneakers aren't for them. We ALL have a sneaker style, so I help them find it. Kicks bring so much versatility to our personal style, and we can all rock them."
@CoolAssBlackWoman
Ashley Glaspie has created a safe space for melanation to live and breathe mental health and wellness while being authentically and unapologetically themselves. "I couldn't find a positive Instagram page/outlet that really fed my soul as a black Woman and nothing I could really identify with. I started #CoolAssBlackWoman because it was something that I could relate to and I knew there were other women like me who needed a support system," Glaspie shares about her purpose for founding the Instagram page.
"#CoolAssBlackWoman is a safe space for black women to be vulnerable. A space that welcomes the mental growth and wellness of black women. We knew the Instagram page would help spread self-awareness and self-care at the consumer's fingertips," Ashley continues about her passion for Black women. "A few ways we engage with the cool ass Black women on the @CoolAssBlackWoman Instagram page are through self-care challenges, the #CoolAssBlackWoman podcast and virtual conversations to stay connected during our new normal."
@BrownGyrlSocial
Brown Gyrl Social is the brainchild of Tola L. inspired by the interaction and engagement of the Gyrl Wonder audience. "A lot of women who didn't fall into the Gyrl Wonder age range saw the work that we were doing for young women and asked about a community for the 25 and up crew," Head Gyrl in Charge Tola shares about BGS. "From those inquiries, the Brown Gyrl Social brand was created for women of color who are well into their professional careers and are looking for an authentic, inclusive community and support system."
On the mission of her new social platform baby, Tola L. states, "Brown Gyrl Social is a community of black and brown women creating and reserving space for one another, sharing resources for success. Through cultural impetus, authentic connections, and transformative conversations Brown Gyrl Social centralizes overall wellness, financial literacy and professional development."
@TransparentBlackGirl
Transparent Black Girl was founded by entrepreneur, writer and wellness advocate Yasmine Jameelah with the intention of being a wellness company shattering unconventional stigmas around what it means to be well for Black women across the diaspora. "Since our inception, we've grown to include Transparent Black Guy, which speaks to wellness for Black men," shares the xoNecole contributor about her male-centric platform. "Through our social media content and events, we create spaces for our community to heal in an environment where they are the priority."
@KnowTheZodiac
I don't know about y'all, but since COVID, I've been getting on the up-and-up about my zodiac sign and quite frankly, I'm learning more and more about myself as a Sagittarius everyday. Thanks to one Instagram page specifically catered to astrological knowledge for Black people, founder and CEO of @ScorpioMystique and @KnowTheZodiac Dossé-Via Trenou have created engaging, shareable content for all to behold about emotions, habits and quirks of each sign. On the commencement of her purpose, Trenou shares, "I began KnowTheZodiac's Instagram page due to my passion for astrology and spirituality that I wanted to share with the world, particularly with black people seeking an astrology platform where they felt seen, valued and recognized."
Dossé-Via is not shy about her passion and wants to share it with her people to have access to the knowledge they crave about spirituality, astrology and alignment. "Astrology, like most forms of spirituality, originated in the Motherland. OG astrologers were African women who tracked their menstrual cycles based on the phases of the moon. Our rich history as interpreters of cosmic patterns shouldn't be erased, but rather amplified, and KnowTheZodiac aims to do that," she adds, dropping knowledge. "Our team of astrologers are all women of color, and the media we use on our pages highlights the magic and melanin that exists within our community. Astrology is about getting to the root of who one is, and KnowTheZodiac's mission serves as a clear reminder that black women are the source from which life is derived."
@GrownAssBlackWoman
Founder and lead editor Narcisse Burchell is a woman of many hats, talents and sophistications - including the brains and beauty behind @GrownAssBlackWoman, where Black women who are #GROWNAF can engage in grown folk business while leaving the children to play out-back. "I created Grown Ass Black Woman after being stood up by all of my 'homegirls' for my bachelorette party and a long and lonely battle with depression. I needed to meet and bond with some real and ride or die women. I knew that I wasn't the only woman who needed to feel like she mattered," she shares with xoNecole.
"GABW was born to the multifaceted Proverbs 31 woman who enjoys taco Tuesdays, trap music and the occasional midnight jigga train to Georgia. Women want and need to be heard. Even more importantly, listened to. Without judgment. Without shame. We needed love. We needed laughter. We needed acceptance. We needed a space to snatch off our wigs after a long day of being Superwoman but still grow...together."
On her mission and engagement on her growing Instagram community, Narcisse says, "Life is hard and the answers we're seeking aren't always available in that group text of 4-5 friends who've never dealt with what we're going through. Grown Ass Black Woman provides a pool of passion-filled women from all ages and walks of life to weigh in, inspire and support in a space that encourages authenticity, vulnerability and transparency. Our experiences connect us to each other, our stories empower the next and this is where your voice gets heard."
@EpicFabGirl
For the dope Christian baddie looking to connect with other like-minded spirits, build profitable brands and grow their faith, then Epic Fab Girl is the online community for you! "We started Epic Fab Girl's Instagram after launching our blog in 2016 with a goal to be a community to help Christian women fearlessly pursue their purpose," founder and CEO Candace Junée shares.
"Epic Fab Girl's platform is made for Go-Getters - a place where faith and entrepreneurship collide for the modern-day Christian woman. We encourage our community to have a relationship with God over religion, while never forgetting that we are not 'self-made' entrepreneurs, rather we are building profitable brands with the help of a supportive community of women and God by our side," Junée continues to clarify about the mission and vision of how the brand engages with dope women of color. "We provide our community with the tools to build profitable brands, grow their faith, and connect with other women through our initiatives such as our annual Go-Getter Conference and the Go-Getter Confidential Virtual Summit."
@TheQueenSessions
What do you get when you take a woman who is passionate about the sociopolitical state of women of color and a social media handle? You get Autumn Myers, the founder and editor-in-chief of The Queen Sessions. As the former lead writer and current digital lead for America Hates US, Autumn gave birth to @TheQueenSessions through her love of content creation and media strategy to empower women of color. "I recognized that we want to go to a place that genuinely makes us feel good and inspired. So, once I started showcasing inspiring clips, memes, and women we aspire to be - some of who don't receive enough shine - I noticed a shift in interest which, overall, I love. To continually drop gems and highlight WOC who are impacting the world with their gifts," tells Autumn.
The editor-in-chief concludes, "We are now working on producing digital segments where we interview different queens and provide self-growth tips. Overall, the platform is growing and designed to impact women of color to reach their goals and feel heard."
@GirlsWhoListen
Instagram provides a really unique platform for brands like Girls Who Listen (GWL), founded by CEO Kadijat Salawudeen, to build an authentic fanbase. Girls Who Listen is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting female creators in the entertainment space that hosts a series of events such as panels, mingling mixers, songwriting sessions, and compile an internal networking database for upcoming artists and media professionals who aim to learn more about entertainment industries.
"GWL is actually an extension of Industry News Magazine (INM), a digital platform for keeping up with the latest music, news and fashion trends," tells Kadijat. "It wasn't enough for my team and I to feature local up-and-coming creatives, we felt it was necessary to curate this tight knit community for the ladies - sorry boys." GWL is actively engaging with dope women of color by partnering with brands that align with their mission and hosting giveaways and contests. "We also began curating a weekly Instagram series called '#LockedIn.' For the first two weeks we were able to feature Music Choice video producer Chazeen and Rebekah Espinosa (°1824 Director at Universal Music Group). Weekly, viewers can engage with our featured guests and really tap into their expertise as executives and creatives."
Featured image by Shutterstock
A Cosmic Guide To Love In 2025: What The Stars Have In Store For Your Heart
The most important lesson we are learning about love in 2025 is change. Many major Astrological transits are happening this year, and these will last for years to come. As we walk through this new year, we are being asked to let go of the things we can’t control, and give more grace to the things we can. This is a year of a new perspective on love, finding gratitude in the little things, and watching as the universe supports us and the dreams we build for ourselves here.
At the beginning of the year, we are being shown how significant 2025 will be for love. From March 1, 2025, until April 12, 2025, Venus, the planet of love and relationships, will be retrograde. Venus goes retrograde approximately every 18 months and hasn’t been retrograde since the Summer of 2023. With love taking a step back at the beginning of the year, we move through a time of understanding the emotional world better and letting go of trying to control outcomes here.
What Does 2025 Have in Store for Love?
It’s time to refocus your relationship priorities overall, and with this retrograde happening in both Aries and Pisces, Aries being the first sign of the zodiac and Pisces being the last; there is a chapter we are closing and a new one we are walking into.
Another significant factor that is influencing relationships this year, is Jupiter’s entry into Cancer. Jupiter brings blessings, abundance, luck, and expansion, and in water sign Cancer, brings these gifts to your emotions. Cancer rules emotional safety, foundations, close loved ones, family, support, and emotional well-being, and with Jupiter in this sign from June 9, 2025, until June 30, 2026, we experience blessings in stability within love. This is a good year for building stronger foundations in love, aligning with those who are loyal and supportive, knowing what you need emotionally, and being a lot clearer on it.
Letting Go of the Past: The Astrological Theme of 2025
Overall, the guideline for the year when it comes to love is to focus on the bigger picture and let things work themselves out without forcing them to. Magic will come in for you this year when you can assess your needs and wants, let go of illusions or smoke and mirrors, and focus on the things you want for yourself rather than what you don’t. Your focus and beliefs on love are the priority right now, and things will be coming full circle for the better.
Read below to see your personal 2025 love forecast. Read for your sun, moon, and rising signs.
What Does Your Zodiac Sign Say About Your 2025 Love Life?
ARIES
2025 is one of the more significant years for you, Aries. A lot of the major transits are happening in your sign, which includes Venus retrograde in Aries at the beginning of the year, Neptune in Aries from March 2025 until 2039, and Saturn in Aries from May 2025 until 2028. Not to mention, Chiron, the wounded healer is currently in your sign until 2027.
What this means for you when it comes to love, is that you have learned a lot about where you want to be here, and it’s the year to implement more of these tools and knowledge of the heart.
This year for love is about honoring your integrity and what you need personally to thrive in life and creating that space to let it in. You need someone who will be there for you through whatever you are experiencing in life and not someone who adds to these challenges. This year is a time of rising above, and choosing better for yourself.
TAURUS
2025 for you when it comes to love, is all about perspective and taking better care of your heart, Taurus. Uranus, the planet of change, rebellion, progress, and upheaval, has been in your sign since 2019, and this year you get a break from all of the surprises. From Jul. 7, 2025, until Nov. 7, 2025, Uranus leaves your sign and enters Gemini, giving your mind and your heart some time to breathe.
This year you are being given the opportunity to see things for what they are, rather than what you fear them to be. You are able to see your relationship dynamics clearer, allowing you to feel more confident in what you are building and creating for yourself in this area of your life. What you are working on this year is letting go of overthinking, and allowing things to play out the way they are meant to in love.
GEMINI
This year you are feeling in balance when it comes to love, Gemini. Relationships are important to you in life overall, as you are a relationship-oriented sign, but it can be difficult at times to keep the balance and perspective here. This year, with lucky Jupiter in your sign until June, you have the opportunity to be blessed with some fortunate circumstances personally and within romance.
You are feeling yourself this year, and this is attracting you success and new opportunities within love.
Uranus will also be in your sign this year from Jul. 7 until Nov. 7, and some surprises are in store for you. Pay attention to what happens in your love life during this period, as similar themes will be coming back around for you when Uranus officially enters its Gemini transit from 2026 - 2032. Overall, this year is about balancing what’s coming and going in love, and finding your peace within your inner confidence for it all.
CANCER
2025 for you, Cancer, is about stability in love. You are growing emotionally from the ground up, and are feeling a sense of support, confidence, romance, and receptivity in your love life this year. You are one of the lucky signs of 2025, and this is due to Jupiter, the planet of blessings, entering your sign from June 9, 2025, until June 30, 2026. While Jupiter is in your sign, your life expands and you are able to see the gifts of your world that may have been harder to come by previously.
This is a year of spending more time with your loved ones and feeling more heard and supported emotionally. Safety and security are especially important to you this year, and you are only entertaining the people who feel that way about you and provide that. Many Cancers will be expanding their families this year or developing a long-term relationship, and overall this is a year of feeling stronger when it comes to love.
LEO
When it comes to love this year for you, Leo, it’s about trusting your intuition and listening more to what your heart is telling you. There are not many major transits happening in Leo in 2025, which means there is a lot of room to grow, but you may be feeling a lack of support or encouragement to do so. A lot of Leos are taking a step back to look at where they are currently in love, and yearning for some change and a new direction here.
Neptune will be in your 9th house of adventure for most of this year, and you are being asked to get inspired and do things differently, but don’t take unnecessary risks in love that may not serve you in the long run.
It can be easy to get lost in the fantasy of love rather than the actual reality you’ll live in here, and taking more time to understand yourself, your relationships, and the dynamics in your love life will be necessary. Overall, your heart is healing this year and you are moving away from the past and creating your new future.
VIRGO
This year when it comes to love, you are going through changes that are aligning you closer to your goals and dreams here, Virgo. You are focused on making things work that you want to see bloom, and also letting go of putting effort into people that aren’t reciprocating the same energy. With the North Node entering your sister sign Pisces and the South Node moving into your sign from Jan. 11, 2025, until Jul. 26, 2026, you are doing a lot of letting go over the next year.
However, with the North Node being in your 7th house of love, new doors and gifts are also opening up for you and your partnerships. The more you can let go of perfection and overworking your mind and your heart, the more blessings you will experience when it comes to love this year. In 2025, you also have two Eclipses in your sign, and there are overall a lot of changes Virgos are moving through this year. Your main guidance for love is to stand by the things that serve your heart and release yourself from what burdens it.
LIBRA
Love is coming to fruition for you this year, Libra. You have been through a lot in your personal life these past few years, and walking into 2025, you are ready for some positive change. This is a year of feeling in balance with your personal goals and dreams, and what you are experiencing romantically and financially as well. Relationship dynamics are serving you and your sense of abundance, and many gifts are coming your way in love this year.
With Neptune, Chiron, and Saturn all being in your 7th house of love, your love life and partnerships are the main focus for you in 2025.
You are moving through changes, overcoming previous obstacles, and bringing back the dreamy energy here. With Chiron in the 7th, you are still doing some healing of the heart, but with Neptune now entering, it all feels a little more romantic and spiritual at the same time. This year is about believing in the impossible in love, taking care of yourself, and allowing someone else to take care of you as well.
SCORPIO
This year is all about opportunity when it comes to love, Scorpio. You have your eyes on the prize and are focused on what you want for yourself, but also how you want to show up for love as well. You have goals and intentions that you are setting for your love life this year, and a lot of them reflect the passion and strength you are feeling as you enter the year. Vesta is in your sign this year until September, and you have a spark within you that is a magnet for success and love. You are walking forward confidently and are feeling inspired, sexy, and magical this year.
This is a very sensual and powerful year for you, and this energy is being reflected in the relationship experiences you are having. Jupiter also enters your 9th house of adventure halfway through the year, and there is something special about the trips you are taking and the risks you are taking in love. Overall, this is a year of doing things your way and attracting love to you through your inner confidence and charisma.
SAGITTARIUS
This is a beautiful year of feeling balanced and abundant in love, Sagittarius. There is a lot of energy coming in and you are giving a lot of love as well. This sense of synergy you are feeling within your love life this year has a lot to do with Juno, the asteroid of soulmates, in your sign from Feb. 19 - Apr. 15. Your people are coming in and you have options this year, Sag.
This is a year of feeling loved for the inspiring, outgoing, and unique being you are, and meeting more people who match your energy.
Saturn also enters your 5th house of romance this year, and you are learning a lot through your experiences with others. You are learning how to be more confident in who you are and what you want for yourself and also recognizing the importance of making more time for fun and playful experiences. This is the year to see love as a more light-hearted experience and to not take yourself too seriously.
CAPRICORN
You are letting things come to you when it comes to love this year, Capricorn. You are feeling beautiful, capable, and worthy, and you are receiving the gifts that come from this sense of confidence and patience. This past year, you were setting a lot of new goals for yourself and your relationships, and in 2025, you are experiencing the results of these efforts.
Jupiter moves into your sister sign Cancer from June 9, 2025, until June 30, 2026, and enters your 7th house of love, partnerships, romance, marriage, and harmony. Your love life and experience of it all are expanding this year, and benevolent Jupiter is sending blessings to this area of your life. This is a year of things coming full circle for you in love, and you feel less confused about it all and more sure of yourself and what is becoming for you here.
AQUARIUS
Love is a highlight for you this year, Aquarius. You are coming together with another, and many Aquarius’ will be forming new relationships or growing within a strong relationship. You are experiencing the fruition of your dreams in love, and are also able to heal and let go of past emotional experiences that have been overwhelming for you in the past.
The North Node enters your 12th house of closure this year, and you are motivated towards change, cleaning house, and releasing the cobwebs of the past.
You are walking into new emotional experiences with less baggage and self-doubt, and are experiencing a fresh start in love. This is a year of asking for what you need emotionally and receiving it. Love is coming in for you in harmonious and magical ways, and you are rewriting your story in love in 2025.
PISCES
You are moving through a lot of changes when it comes to love in 2025, Pisces. This is a year of closure, healing, and giving yourself a fresh start, and the way you enter the year will be a lot different than the way you end it. The North Node of Destiny enters your sign this year, and the South Node of Karma enters your 7th house of love. So, a lot of your focus this year is on your personal goals and path, and there may be some neglect or lack of focus on your relationships.
This can create some discord with those close to you, and your guidance for this year is to try to balance the personal successes and wins you are experiencing, with the love changes that also need your attention right now. Know that what leaves your life this year is being replaced by something better, and also know that your healing doesn’t need to have a timeline and you can take as much time as you need to grow. Overall, you are turning a new page in love in 2025.
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Featured image by Anchiy/Getty Images
New year, new dating style. Courtesy of a former sugar baby.
Being a sugar baby had its (obvious) perks, but the most significant ones didn’t center around the material benefits. To date, I have a bigger appreciation for the lessons I’ve learned and applied them to my dating life.
Dating men of higher social status shortened my tolerance for a lot of things I was convinced were normal. I blamed the universe for attracting undesirable men when it was my fault for allowing undesirable behavior. An interesting dichotomy between those guys and sugar daddies was the treatment I accepted.
It was easier to put my foot down with men of opulence because their privilege meant there was no limit to meeting my desires. Plus, recognizing my own worth made them (the good ones) want to treat me with the same high regard.
I’ll admit you don’t NEED to be an SB to enhance your dating style, but that’s the path I journeyed. It taught me how to be gracefully tough on men based on the simple fact that I’m invaluable. I’ll never convince anyone to be an SB, but feel free to pick a few gems I learned that might take your 2025 dating style to the next level.
Don’t overdo it by showing gratitude.
Let’s stop praising men for the bare minimum.
Yes, it’s okay to make a man feel affirmed but don’t let those affirmations come off too intensely, especially for things that require minimal effort. Don’t tell him about your ex never opening the passenger door for you, don’t brag about him being "The One" because he texted to make sure you got home safely, and most definitely don’t offer up the cat just because he paid a $150 dinner bill (give it because you want to, not out of obligation).
To be honest, I barely even say thank you when a man finds me attractive. “You are so beautiful.” I would respond, “Aww, you’re so sweet.” When he holds the door open, I graze his arm and smile.
Showing too much excitement about the bare minimum strokes his ego and draws a ceiling, which he doesn’t feel he needs to surpass. It tells him you’re not used to regular treatment, so you’ll be grateful for anything. Why do more than necessary? I like my men reflecting at the end of our date, thinking, “What can I do to impress her?”
Don’t stop having manners, though. Just keep it simple and move on.
There’s no such thing as “dating for potential.”
Hold my hand with this one.
There comes a time when the word “potential” shouldn’t be a part of your dating vocabulary. It’s nothing more than the encouragement of false hope. He’s not flaky with time because his schedule is too busy between balancing family and work. It’s because you’re not important enough to prioritize making time for.
He’s not stingy on dates because he’s having a rough time handling all his financial responsibilities. It’s because he’d rather spend his money on things that don’t involve you.
Trust me when I say men don’t date with potential in mind. Many of them hold themselves in very high regard with an “I can do better” mindset, and so should you. There’s A LOT of weight in the saying, “If he wanted to he would.” So stay away from Mr. Shoulda Coulda Woulda because, at the end of the day, he didn’t.
*P.S. If he ever says he doesn’t deserve you, he’s not being sheepishly humble. Take his word for it and run.
Do NOT be afraid to say no.
How many times have you put yourself through something you didn’t want to do based on feeling obligated? You compromised yourself in order to please the person you’re dating because it seemed like the easier option. Let me just remind you of the old saying, “Nothing good in life comes easy.”
I like comparing men to children, not to demean them but to draw similarities. Children often like to push and see how much they can get away with until the parent says no. Once you allow them to get away with one thing, they’ll nudge the limits to see how often they can skate by.
Dating is just like this. Get comfortable giving rejection. It can be an uncomfortable concept for some, so consider saying no and following it with a light reason. For example, “Do you want to come over and watch Netflix?” “No, I don’t feel comfortable going to strangers’ houses.” If his response is anything but understanding with a Plan B, on to the next.
Those boundaries were created to protect you. Any man who respects you will respect them too.
Don’t lay all your cards on the table.
When a man asks, “So what exactly are you looking for?” The vaguest response comes to mind.
It’s a common mistake to think men (not all) ask questions for unselfish reasons. That one, especially, is basically like asking for cheat codes to a game. Describing your idea of a perfect man, dating intentions, etc. allows him to know who he needs to morph himself into in order to get what he wants. Enter love bombing, physical intimacy, delusions of potential, then ghosting.
I’ve said the below on a few first dates and wasn’t surprised by how quickly the guys weeded themselves out.
"I’ve been having fun figuring things out as time goes on. There are times when I love going out to meet new people and times when I love cuddling up on the couch. It depends on how I’m feeling.”
I just said a whole lotta nothing, leaving it up to him to decipher. It’s open-ended, which forces him to show his intentions and let things play out naturally with as little manipulation as possible.
The first date defines how he views you.
This is where all those conversations leading up to this day come into play.
The perfect first date doesn’t only have to consist of 5-star dining and lavish wine collections. Those are merely perks. The perfect first date is valued based on how much effort he put in to show he’s been listening.
You’ve been dropping subtle hints that tulips are your favorite flowers. Did he show up empty-handed? You shared your discomfort with driving to far places at night. Did he book a 9 p.m. reservation somewhere 30 minutes away? You told him about your new venture into veganism. Did he take you to his favorite steakhouse?
These aren’t small things and they’re DEFINITELY not things for you to take on as a challenge. These could be easy signs of a life full of selfishness and laziness if shrugged off by the belief you should be satisfied with him making time for you.
Will taking my advice find you a husband faster? Who knows? But, ultimately, dating isn’t supposed to be an earnest search for a man. It should be a time of personal growth while sorting through experiences to find a partner who will appreciate the valuable woman you are.
Having high standards for yourself doesn’t make you difficult or unreasonable. To the right man, it definitely won’t make you undateable. Like I said before, nothing good in life comes easy.
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