Sometimes, our careers require us to radically pivot, and it’s a skill the best of the best learn to hone in their own unique way. It’s a skill that indeed keeps you not only relevant in your industry but fulfilled, especially when you’re a creative.
I know all too well, especially as someone whose livelihood and purposeful development depend on knowing when to shift. You might be great at one thing but crave the chance to do another, and you’re often giving in to that pull to see your greatest creative potential come alive across various mediums and opportunities.
Actress Naomi Ackie recently touched on this in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, stating, “When I look back on the work that I’ve done, there’s an elasticity about it, there’s a real contrast—and I’m proud of that."
She continued, “Maybe the whole theme of this whole thing is just trust. When it comes to my career, I’m like, it will be what it will be. I will find my way, whatever the way is, because it’s meant to be there. I’m in a space now where I’m like, I don’t change for the work, the work changes for me. I’m happy with that.”
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The actress infamously played iconic superstar Whitney Houston in the family-approved biopic Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody, reportedly losing 30 pounds for the role and considering getting rid of her gap for the role.
She recently starred in the hit dark comedic thriller Blink Twiceas Frida, a brash waitress who’s seeking more purpose and meaning in her life, showcasing her own range and “desire to level up.” Harper's Bazaar alsoreports that “while she wants to be in a place where she doesn’t have to fight for every job, the lack of privacy and scrutiny that comes with that status, especially as a Black woman, is a double-edged sword.”
“When you’re determined and ambitious, you go, ‘I want to touch the stars,’” she added. “The biggest way of being told, ‘Well done’ as an actor is by being famous. But at the same time, I go, ‘Do I want that kind of fame?’ I don’t envy anyone who has that. I really don’t.”
With a background in theater, she appeared in her first feature film in 2016 in the British period drama Lady Macbeth. She was also cast in Idris Elba’s directorial debut, Yardie, a drama that shifts from gritty London to the Caribbean drama of Jamaica. She’d then play a warrior named Jannah in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
“[Right before getting that role] I was near to quitting acting,” Naomi said. She’d worked as a hot dog vendor and barmaid before quitting to pursue acting full-time.
As creatives seeking to simply do the work we love, we all can relate to having to take on odd jobs in order to fund that in-between time, and we’ve all had that final breakthrough before we’d given up on the creative pursuit altogether. And once you’ve tasted that sweet victory—that powerful freedom after realizing that you can indeed live out the dream—there’s really no looking back.
“I feel entitled to a variety of characters. I deserve that," she powerfully asserted. "And anyone who tries to typecast me or put me into a box, I’m like, ‘Well, fuck you. That’s not going to happen.”
We all feel that, sis. And you do deserve. We all deserve.
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Featured image by Lia Toby / Stringer
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As we transition from summer to fall, there’s no need to spend too many coins curating a brand new seasonal wardrobe, especially in this economy. Instead of shopping targeted ads, we interviewed fashion-forward influencers to spark our imagination and gather insight on what they’re already wearing leading into the upcoming season. Keep scrolling to get the scoop on essential items these fashion-forward women are looking forward to wearing this fall.
Helecia Williams, Houston
Comfort
Helecia’s style in three words: “Structured, bold, and explorative.”
Helecia’s outfit inspiration: “I am most interested in comfort as a trend. I am truly enjoying the mix of flats with elevated outfits and the incorporation of street-style elements into the looks. I have seen so much juxtaposition that makes the outfits interesting and intriguing. I love the pairing of fitted caps with [suits] and ballet flats. That mashup is impeccable, and we saw some of that peeking through last fall, and now it's taken on a life of its own.
"As a sneaker lover and comfort sneakers, bringing back flats is just a reimagination of past trends with a fresh twist.”
What color(s) is on Helecia’s fall mood board: “Hands down, red! It's such a bold and bossy color. Now, we see it becoming much more accessible in fashion and realize how easy it is to style and incorporate into a look for that extra pop. It also pairs well with so many other shades and tones. Some of my favorite combos are red and burgundy, red and yellow, and red and brown. Even if you aren't fully convinced that it's the color of the season and still have reservations about it, you can go classic and incorporate it in an accessory or makeup like a red lip.”
Are you bringing anything back from your 2023 fall wardrobe? “I will be returning and recycling all of my 2023 fall wardrobe and just styling it differently or giving it new life. Despite my love for trends, I've curated a wardrobe that I love so I will mix the old in with the new. And not to toot my own horn but a lot of my fashion moments are ahead of the times and still very relevant for this upcoming fall. Expect to see tons of texture, juxtaposition, unexpected color combos, and street style.”
How Helecia is accessorizing this season: “I hate to admit it, but the one trend that has me in a chokehold this fall is bold jewelry, particularly in gold. I've realized that accessories can do wonders, and the Schiaparelli era has me shook. I am a ‘Stan’ of Shop Khoi, a Black-owned jewelry brand that creates some of the most amazing, high-quality fashion jewelry. It just sets off any outfit no matter how simple it may be and easily becomes a conversation piece.”
Courtney Blackwell, New York City
Courtney’s style in three words: “Vintage, oversize, and sexy.”
Courtney’s most anticipated fall fashion items: “The fashion item I am anticipating wearing is vintage leather in all colors!”
Courtney's color picks for fall: “Cherry reds, forest greens, and different shades of gray.”
The trend that has Courtney in a chokehold this season: “Skirts! I’ve never been a skirt girly, well mini skirts girly, but I think I’m going to step it up with the minis this fall.”
Shaniqua Jordan, New York City
Timeless
Shaniqua’s personal styling tip for fall: “I hate to admit it, but the one trend that has me in a chokehold this fall is any oversized outerwear piece, especially oversized blazers. And as basic as it may sound, I can't get enough of them. They instantly elevate any look, and they're so versatile, whether I'm going for a polished vibe or something more casual. Plus, they are perfect for layering as the weather cools down.
"I know most people wouldn't typically opt for suede, but if you've been following my style, you know I'm all about my outerwear. I love adding texture to my looks, even if it's subtle, and a good suede jacket does that for me. The soft texture and rich hues of suede add that cherry on top for any fall look. Whether I'm rocking a bomber style in a jewel tone or a tailored trench in a neutral shade, a suede jacket is one piece I'm looking forward to wearing to elevate my fall wardrobe.”
These colors are all over Shaniqua’s fall mood board: “The colors on my fall mood board are rich earth tones like deep browns and olive greens paired with classic neutrals like camel and cream. I'd like to throw in a pop of butter yellow. I know it might seem more spring-like, but I love how it pairs with deep browns, oxblood, and even grays. It's the perfect way to brighten up those cozy, moody fall vibes. I'm also loving pops of bold jewel tones like emerald and burgundy to add a bit of luxe to the season. These shades give that cozy yet elevated feel I'm always aiming for in my fall wardrobe.”
Shaniqua describes her fall wardrobe in three words: “If I describe my fall wardrobe in three words, they would be chic, layered, and timeless. I love combining unique pieces with a classic touch, creating looks that stand out without trying too hard. It's all about finding that perfect balance between staying true to timeless fashion and adding my own signature flair.”
Are you bringing anything back from your 2023 fall wardrobe? "I am definitely an outfit repeater, so not only will I bring back pieces from my 2023 fall wardrobe, but I also have so many oldies but goodies that I’ll be incorporating into my fall 2024 looks. I think that's what really helps convey my personal style; buying pieces I genuinely love and being able to work them into my style season after season. It's all about longevity and staying true to what I love."
Alasia Allen, Los Angeles
Provocative
Alasia describes her style in three words: “Opulent, sleek, provocative.”
The fashion item Alasia anticipates wearing the most this fall: “I’m really into gloves this season. Whether it’s biker style or long, sleek, leather gloves, they add an interesting take to a fall look.”
The fall colors catching Alasia’s eye: “I’m loving navy or a super deep purple this season so I’ll be adding those into my wardrobe. They’re both so sophisticated and a good alternative to black.”
The fall staple Alaisa plans to bring back from her 2023 wardrobe: “Every year, I wear a shearling coat. It’s timeless, it’s warm, it’s my thing. There’s something very elevating about shearlings that have drawn to me year after year, and that’s what makes them my favorite style of outwear.”
The accessory that has Alasia in a chokehold this season: “Boots. I love a good boot as my go-to accessory for the fall/winter season. My favorites are boots that have a little flair to them and an interesting shape.”
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