What is #BlackGirlMagic exactly? Well, you just might find Lindsay Peoples Wagner's photo next to the definition. The World Wide Web describes Black Girl Magic as a concept and movement popularized by CaShawn Thompson in 2013. It was designed to "celebrate the beauty, power, and resilience of Black women", as described by Julee Wilson from the Huffington Post – essentially it is all about congratulating Black women on their accomplishments.
So, of course, when I heard that Lindsay Peoples Wagner, former Fashion Market Editor at The Cut, was named the new Editor-In-Chief at Teen Vogue, I just had to learn more about this young mogul. In many realms, she is known for using her voice to change the beauty and fashion world. From her countless interviews on the truth of being Black and working in fashion to her keeping it more than 100 when calling out photographers and platforms for making thin white women the nucleus of street style, Lindsay simply says what we are all thinking but can't always find the words to say.
When we asked her what it means to be a Black woman navigating through a predominantly white space, she countered confidently, "For me, I think it means just being my unapologetic self."
In this exclusive interview with xoNecole, Lindsay talks about her goals as EIC at Teen Vogue, what self-care looks like for her, and how she has consistently created space for her redefined lens of beauty and fashion.
xoNecole: You started in the fashion closet of Teen Vogue years ago. Did you ever in a million years think you would be the Editor-In-Chief of a giant glossy brand like Teen Vogue?
Lindsay Peoples Wagner: No, honestly I never thought it would happen but I'm so grateful that I am! I am really passionate about what I do, and I'm looking forward to using this platform to further conversations on inclusivity, diversity, and the future of fashion.
What are three things you believe are a part of the recipe for success?
Hard work, decisiveness, and a hunger for excellence in anything you do.
Fashion icon Anna Wintour said you are a gifted talent who can equally inspire and challenge audiences. How did this make you feel?
I felt incredibly honored, and just eager to do the work.
What does self-care look like for Lindsay?
On the weekends, I'm usually very quiet on social media because I just need to not be scrolling so much. I like go to museums, read the paper, draw out random ideas, and catch up with my family back home in Wisconsin.
You are widely known for creating space in relation to fashion and beauty but you aren't afraid to take it on through the lens of culture, race, and politics. How did you come to be interested in these large topics?
I was always interested in fashion and beauty, but I think as a Black woman it just took time for me to really develop the lens in which I talk about those things. I've had a lot of conversations with mentors over the past couple years about who I want to be when I 'grow up', and I realized there were bits and pieces of a lot of different people and career paths that I wanted to mold into one, even if it didn't exist already.
What are some of your goals in your new role as EIC?
Teen Vogue has really built up a space in the community to talk about relevant issues in politics and culture, so I'm excited to continue to do that and just elevate the content even higher.
There's a new narrative that "Fashion is changing," do you believe this? Please explain.
I think it's possible for any industry to change--as long as those who have a seat at the table are using it to push the culture forward.
Can you share some challenges you have faced on your journey? What got you through those moments?
It's no secret that a lot of people in creative industries come from privileged backgrounds--whether it be economic or just having connections to get a job, it really does change the trajectory of your career. Fashion doesn't have a timeline--it's not like going to medical school and being broke for a while but once you leave and start working, you start making a lot of money, so it doesn't matter that you've accumulated a lot of student loan and credit card debt. So while I was working at Teen Vogue as an assistant, I also changed mannequins at DKNY after work, and I worked the brunch shift on the weekends at a Jewish restaurant to make ends meet. And even after that job, I always had multiple freelance jobs on the side, which was incredibly challenging to juggle but it was worth it.
"It's possible for any industry to change--as long as those who have a seat at the table are using it to push the culture forward."
What advice would you give to young women vying for a seat at the table or looking to land a similar position?
Stay true to who you are and push yourself to do the work. A lot of people have great ideas, but few put in the time and effort to make them come to life.
Keep up with Lindsay by giving her a follow on Instagram.
I don't know about you but I can't wait to see how this gem continues to change the world. With her responsibilities of overseeing content in forms of video, digital, social plus events including the Teen Vogue Summit, we are in for something spectacular.
Especially the 2018 Teen Vogue Summit, which took place in Los Angeles on November 30 and December 1. The new Teen Vogue EIC will be there leading several sessions. The lineup included heavyweights like Serena Williams, Cara Delevingne, Storm Reid, Eva Longoria, Ibtihaj Muhammad, Terry Crews, Kiersey Clemons, Arlan Hamilton, Noor Tagouri, among others.
Lindsay Peoples Wagner, thank you for your light. We are all rooting for you.
Featured image by lev radin / Shutterstock.com
- Lindsay Peoples Wagner - Editor In Chief - Teen Vogue | LinkedIn ›
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- Lindsay Peoples Wagner Named EIC, 'Teen Vogue' 10/11/2018 ›
- Lindsay Peoples Wagner Named New Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue ›
- Teen Vogue's New Editor Is Lindsay Peoples Wagner of the Cut ... ›
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Anyway, one of them was recently expressing in the chat that, although, according to her doctor, her hormone levels seemed to be fine, she felt like certain perimenopause symptoms were telling her otherwise. She’s probably right because the reality is you can be in a state of perimenopause — the transitional phase that comes right before menopause — anywhere from 4-10 years (keep in mind that the average age for entering menopause is 51).
And so, after hearing about some of what she was experiencing and recommending things like evening primrose oil and raspberry leaf tea, it reminded me that I should also pen an article on seed cycling — a practice that is gaining more traction when it comes to all-natural ways of keeping certain hormones in balance.
If you’re curious about what seed cycling is all about, I’ve got a few details that may interest you — and might provide you with some perimenopausal relief — below.
What Is Seed Cycling and Why Is It Becoming More Popular?
GiphyProbably the easiest way to define seed cycling is it’s all about consuming certain seeds during certain times of the month in order to balance out your hormones — well, not only balance hormones but boost fertility and also decrease symptoms that are directly related to menopause.
The thought process of seed cycling is if you consume certain seeds during the first half of your menstrual cycle, it will help to balance out your estrogen levels; then if you consume certain seeds during the other half of your menstrual cycle, it will balance out your progesterone levels.
So, which seeds are you supposed to take?
Flax and pumpkin seeds during the first 14 days of your cycle and then sesame and sunflower seeds during the last 14 days. And what if your period isn’t on a 28-day cycle? Well, then what you would do is take flax and pumpkin seeds during your follicular phase (the first day that you start your period through the day that you ovulate) and sesame and sunflower seeds during your luteal phase (the time that happens right after your ovulate and ends once your period starts). And why these seeds in particular? Were they just pulled out of thin air? Nope.
Flaxseeds contain phytoestrogenswhich is a form of plant-based estrogen. Estrogen is low at the beginning of your menstrual cycle, so phytoestrogens can help your body build up your uterine lining. When you are going through the latter stages of perimenopause/menopause, estrogen levels can significantly decrease; phytoestrogens can help to bring your levels back up. That said, as far as periods are concerned, flaxseeds can help to regulate your cycle (which can also make it easier for you to conceive, if that is something that you are trying to do). As far as perimenopause and menopause are concerned, they can help to make their symptoms more bearable.
Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of magnesium and manganese which help to ease PMS symptoms and reduce menstrual discomfort. When it comes to perimenopause and menopause, magnesium can reduce anxiety and depression and help you to sleep better which can reduce symptoms that are associated with both conditions. And manganese? Manganese helps to regulate blood levels and improve bone density. Pumpkin seeds also contain a considerable amount of zinc that helps to regulate hormones. Fertility-wise, pumpkin seeds can increase testosterone levels and they can help you to have a healthier pregnancy.
Sesame seeds also have phytoestrogens in them; however, the reason why sesame seeds are recommended for seed cycling is because the zinc, selenium, vitamin E, and fatty acids in them are what help to give your progesterone levels a boost during the second half of your menstrual cycle. Progesterone not only creates a healthy uterine lining, if an egg isn’t fertilized, but it also helps your body to shed the lining. When it comes to perimenopause/menopause, progesterone is needed because it can help reduce the impact of hot flashes and menopause-related insomnia. When it comes to conceiving, sesame seeds can help to reduce inflammation and boost your immunity — making it easier for your body to get pregnant.
Sunflower seeds are loaded with vitamin Eand that alone makes them great when it comes to your menstrual cycle and dealing with perimenopause and menopause-related symptoms. That’s because vitamin E helps to reduce period discomfort and, if you happen to have heavy cycles, it can help to decrease the amount of blood that you lose during your cycle as well. For those dealing with perimenopause and menopause, vitamin E helps to bring relief to symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Sunflower seeds can also aid in fertility, thanks to the fatty acids in them that can make it easier to conceive.
So, as you can see, there is a method to the madness when it comes to the seeds that are selected for seed cycling. Okay, but how do you actually incorporate seed cycling into your lifestyle? Good question.
How to Do Seed Cycling in Order to Receive the Most Optimal Results
GiphyIf you want to try seed cycling in order to see if it helps you and your hormones out, this is what you will need to do:
During days 1-14 (again, your follicular phase), you will need to take one tablespoon of ground flaxseeds and one tablespoon of ground pumpkin seeds.
During days 15-28 (again, your luteal phase), you will need to take one tablespoon of ground sesame seeds and one tablespoon of ground sunflower seeds.
The strategy here is if you do this consistently for 3-4 months, you should start to see an improvement when it comes to the imbalance of your hormones. It should also go on record that some health experts recommend adding 1200-1500 mg EPA/DHA to the follicular phase of seed cycling and evening primrose oil to the luteal phase. That’s because EPA/DHA are fatty acids that help to reduce bodily inflammation and evening primrose oil helps to decrease PMS symptoms as well as hot flashes.
As far as side effects go, there currently aren’t any drastic ones that have been reported. The main thing to keep in mind is that you may experience some gas, bloating, or changes in your bowel movement patterns for a moment. That’s because certain seeds are filled with fiber.
How These Seeds Will Benefit Your Health Regardless
GiphyNow that you know more of what seed cycling is all about, you might be wondering if it’s truly worth your while. The truth is that research is still being conducted which means that there are articles out in cyberspace that tend to Elmo shrug seed cycling more than anything else. My two cents? I mean, the fact that the four seeds listed have other health benefits, if you’re someone who prefers to take all-natural approaches to your health, it can’t hurt to up your intake of flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds anyway. Here are a few (additional) reasons why.
Flaxseeds. Aside from the fact that flaxseeds are a beneficial source of fiber and protein, they are also good for you because they are rich in omega-3s (which reduce inflammation and decrease cholesterol levels), they can help to keep your blood sugar levels in check, they are good at assisting with weight management and they can strengthen your digestive system.
Pumpkin seeds. If you’re currently trying to eat less meat yet you don’t want to do it at the sacrifice of your daily protein needs, pumpkin seeds are the answer to your prayers. They are off-the-charts when it comes to how much protein is in them (almost nine grams per serving), plus they contain a solid amount of copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, zinc, and antioxidants. If you want to improve your bladder health, pumpkin seeds can help to make that happen. If you want a stronger heart, pumpkin seeds offer support in that department.
Something else to keep in mind is, that since pumpkin seeds have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anti-ulcerative properties in them, they can also help your body to heal from minor issues and wounds faster — which is always a good thing.
Sesame seeds. If you are looking to get more fiber and protein in, lower your cholesterol and blood pressure levels, keep your bones in good shape, uptick your vitamin B intake, and/or strengthen your immune system, these are the areas where sesame seeds can be of great assistance. Something else that’s cool about sesame seeds is they have a reputation for helping to keep your liver and kidneys in peak condition as well.
Sunflower seeds. As far as snacking goes, probably the most popular seeds (on this list, anyway) are sunflower seeds. If they are something that you enjoy indulging in, you can feel good about that since they contain properties that fight cancer, help to regulate your thyroid, assist with preventing muscle cramps, provide you an energy boost, reduce your blood sugar levels, and make your gut (where 80 percent of your immunity resides) healthier.
Hmph. Looks to me that if you take these seeds in, your health is only going to improve — if that includes when it comes to your hormones, then that is just a bonus.
___
Now that you know more about seed cycling, of course, it is totally up to you if you want to give it a shot. Again, though — since all of these seeds are good for you, what do you have to lose in trying it?
I don’t see one damn thing, y’all. Not one.
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