Exclusive: Former VS Model Talks Coding, Couture & Changing The Status Quo
Maybe one day the world will stop underestimating Black women, but until then Lyndsey Scott —actress, Victoria's Secret model, first Black woman to receive a contract with Calvin Klein at New York Fashion Week, and a noted iOS coder— is here to put the haters in their place.
Earlier this fall, the meme Instagram account @Coding.Engineer originally reposted an image highlighting Lyndsey's coding and modeling experience, headlining the meme with the caption, "CODING IS FOR ANYONE!" Unsurprisingly, numerous people threw jabs in the comments, suggesting that her coding experience was overstated, concluding it was a "shame" that she chose to model.
In response, Lyndsey clapped back at online trolls who tried to box her in: "I have 27481 points on StackOverflow; I'm on the iOS tutorial team for RayWendelich.com; I'm the lead iOS software engineer for @RallyBound, the 841st fastest growing company in the US according to @incmagazine, I have a Bachelor's degree from Amherst where I double majored in computer science and theater, and I'm able to live my life doing everything I love. Looking at these comments I wonder why 41% of women in technical careers drop out because of a hostile work environment," she wrote in an Instagram comment responding to negative opinions.
According to statistics from Fast Company and the EEOC, the percentage share of Black female professionals in tech has continued to decline despite targeted diversity initiatives aimed at increasing underrepresented minorities. Between 2007 and 2015, there was a 13% decrease in the number of Black female professionals in the tech field and we can look to the historical intersectional struggles that women of color face in the STEM field, as contributing factors. Organizations like @BlackGirlsCode, @WomenWhoCode, and @GirlsWhoCode strive to introduce and support women and girls as they pursue technical careers, hopefully increasing interest and overall retention in the field.
In celebration of #NationalSTEMDay and providing you with your daily dose of #Blackgirlmagic, xoNecole recently connected with Lyndsey to discuss her modeling career, passion for coding, and her dream to change the status quo.
xoNecole: Tell us a bit about your background, modeling journey, and educational pursuits leading to your interest in STEM.
Lyndsey Scott: I entered Amherst College majoring in theater and realized at one point that I had time to pick up a second major. So, I tried economics and physics, then happened to take a computer science class on a whim... I took to programming right away [and realized that] I love that type of problem-solving. I ended up graduating as a theater and computer science double major. Immediately after college, I started acting in New York City and eventually ended up signing onto an acting agency with a modeling department. After a year and a half of doing both, the modeling took off first.
Before I knew it, I was suddenly the first African American to land an exclusive contract with Calvin Klein, and as a result, I decided to devote my energy to modeling. I ended up working with Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Vogue, W Magazine, and many other brands by the end of the year.
What motivates you?
Doing what I love motivates me. And I feel fortunate that I've been able to structure my life in a way where I have the freedom to do everything I love. I wrote a screenplay earlier this year that tells a true story that's very important to me, and it's currently in pre-production. Since I've been in Los Angeles, I've had the freedom to produce, audition, and go to my weekly acting classes, while still being able to code at home for 20 hours a week; working on cool technologies with great clients. I enjoy the balance that comes from using both sides of my mind.
What has been your biggest success or favorite moment as a model?
Last year, I put together a workshop for the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles. I assembled a team of badass female programming mentors. The Girl Scouts had so much fun coding their own websites and meeting a bunch of talented female role models.
What are some challenges and/or stereotypes that you face as a model, female in STEM, and Black woman – or a combination if they intersect?
I had trouble landing an iOS job until I went the extra mile to prove my expertise by answering a bunch of questions on Stack Overflow and writing tutorials. Before then, although I had coded several apps on my own and had a Bachelor's [degree] in Computer Science, I didn't feel like I was being taken seriously. There were times I'd walk into a room of male programmers and they'd abruptly end their conversation about coding because, as they said, "I wouldn't be interested."
Are there any resources/communities you believe women of color should pursue in order to find support for their interest in STEM?
Black Girls Code is a wonderful organization for young girls [interested in tech]. Although I haven't personally used Women Who Code as a resource, I hear great things about them as well. What's one piece of advice you would offer girls and women interested in pursuing a future in STEM?From the experience I've had after commenting under that @coding.engineer post, I've learned that it's important to speak up for yourself whenever you feel misunderstood.
Five Random Things:
- 1. Favorite
food? I love variety and trying new things. So, my favorites
don't stay favorite for long.
2. Favorite hair product? The Glamsquad app.
3. Instagram or Twitter? Instagram
4. Apple or Android? Apple — I'm an iOS developer after all! ;)
5. One thing you can't live without? I do love my dog an awful lot.
To keep up with Lyndsey, follow her on Instagram!
Featured image by lev radin / Shutterstock.com
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Lydia is a recent Ivy League graduate and lifestyle writer based out of NYC. Storytelling her way through her 20-somethings, her lens is all things career, self-care, and #BlackGirlMagic. Meet Lydia on Instagram @hello_lydia.
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 explained.
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 said. “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 said. "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 said. “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 said. "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