

Sweet Life: Los Angeleshas been renewed for a second season, and now is the perfect time to catch up on past episodes. Produced by Issa Rae, the reality series follows seven young, Black, and poppin' creatives based in South LA. What’s unique about the show is that it gives a really authentic view of what it’s like to balance friendships and relationships while trying to make your dreams come true.
And the cast does everything full speed, from enjoying extravagant events to owning thriving businesses, they live life to the fullest. But, let’s be honest—there’s a bit of drama, too! And while you’ll likely be happy with how the cast is represented on screen, you might still yell at the TV every now and then because some of your favorite characters will definitely disappoint you from time to time.
To get a better idea of what I mean, check out Sweet Life: Los Angeles on HBO MAX. But before you do, get to know the cast:
Tylnn Burns, 26
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Tylnn Burns is a Los Angeles native who describes herself as “the nucleus” of her friend group. After graduating with a dual degree in advertising and public relations, she used her knack for marketing and love for throwing parties to create a boutique event planning agency called House Party Creative.
Her goal is to construct future opportunities for her loved ones such as her mother, grandmother, and father, who is currently incarcerated.
Jordan Bentley, 24
Alexis Hunley/HBO Max
This may not be the first time you’ve seen Jordan Bentley on the big screen. He previously competed on Netflix’s Floor is Lava. But, it’s not all about entertainment for him. Jordan is also the CEO of Hypland, a worldwide fashion brand.
Amanda Scott, 25
Alexis Hunley/HBO Max
Amanda Scott is a real one who is not afraid to speak her mind. She moved to Los Angeles from Chicago and completed her public relations studies at Howard University, and met her boo. She is a proud homeowner who works in marketing communications and is the creator of The Kollection, a beauty and lifestyle brand.
P'Jae Compton, 27
Alexis Hunley/HBO Max
P’Jae Compton is an entrepreneur who has a passion for music and fashion. Professionally he works in artist management and as an influencer. He also owns a record label and a clothing line called His & Hers Clothing. His dating life can get a bit messy, but I don’t wanna give any spoilers. All I’ll say is—you will be entertained.
Briana Jones, 27
Alexis Hunley/HBO Max
Briana Jones, or Bri (as the group calls her), is somewhat of an LA newbie who moved to the City of Angels from Kalamazoo, Michigan. She graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Although she works in the healthcare industry, she was inspired by her friends to become an entrepreneur, leading to the creation of Butter'd by Bri, a skincare line.
Bri is the single-and-ready-to-mingle one out of the women, but don’t be fooled. She wears her heart on her sleeve.
Cheryl Des Vignes, 26
Alexis Hunley/HBO Max
Cheryl Des Vignes, aka C-Nasty (her alter ego), is a designer and owner of Des Vignes Clothing, a sustainable online fashion brand that sells handmade clothing and swimwear. She’s been with her high school sweetheart, Jerrold, for nine years, and is ready to take things to the next level.
Jerrold Smith II, 25
Alexis Hunley/HBO Max
Jerrold Smith II is a former athlete who graduated from UCLA. He works at Westbrook Inc., Jada and Will Smith’s media company. He's has been in a long-term relationship with fellow castmate Cheryl for nine years.
Featured image by Jessica Perez/HBO Max
Kirby Carroll grew up in VA but now calls Atlanta, GA home. She has a passion for creating content and helping brands grow through storytelling and public relations. When not immersed in work, you can find her sipping a mimosa at brunch or bingeing a new TV drama on Netflix. Keep up with her on social media at @askKirbyCarroll.
'He Said, She Said': Love Stories Put To The Test At A Weekend For Love
At the A Weekend For Love retreat, we sat down with four couples to explore their love stories in a playful but revealing way with #HeSaidSheSaid. From first encounters to life-changing moments, we tested their memories to see if their versions of events aligned—because, as they say, every story has three sides: his, hers, and the truth.
Do these couples remember their love stories the same way? Press play to find out.
Episode 1: Indira & Desmond – Love Across the Miles
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but for Indira & Desmond, love made it stronger. Every mile apart deepened their bond, reinforcing the unshakable foundation of their relationship. From their first "I love you" to the moment they knew they had found home in each other, their journey is a beautiful testament to the endurance of true love.
Episode 2: Jay & Tia – A Love Story Straight Out of a Rom-Com
If Hollywood is looking for its next Black love story, they need to take notes from Jay & Tia. Their journey—from an awkward first date to navigating careers, parenthood, and personal growth—proves that love is not just about romance but also resilience. Their story is full of laughter, challenges, and, most importantly, a love that stands the test of time.
Episode 3: Larencia & Mykel – Through the Highs and Lows
A date night with police helicopters overhead? Now that’s a story! Larencia & Mykel have faced unexpected surprises, major life changes, and 14 years of choosing each other every single day. But after all this time, do they actually remember things the same way? Their episode is sure to bring some eye-opening revelations and a lot of laughs.
Episode 4: Soy & Osei – A Love Aligned in Purpose
From a chance meeting at the front door to 15 years of unwavering love, faith, and growth, Soy & Osei prove that when two souls are aligned in love and purpose, nothing can shake their foundation. Their journey is a powerful reminder that true love is built on mutual support, shared values, and a deep connection that only strengthens with time.
Each of these couples has a unique and inspiring story to tell, but do their memories match up? Watch #HeSaidSheSaid to find out!
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Celebrate International Women's Day With Wellness, Empowerment & More
International Women’s Day, celebrated on Saturday, March 8th, presents an excellent opportunity to honor and celebrate women. As March marks Women’s History Month, there are numerous chances throughout the month to pay tribute to the remarkable contributions of women.
Both International Women's Day and Women's History Month serve as reminders of the progress made toward gender equality and the work still left to do.
They inspire ongoing advocacy for women's rights, fostering discussions on issues such as workplace discrimination, healthcare access, and representation in leadership. By celebrating women's contributions and amplifying their voices, these observances help pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.
Here are four ways to celebrate International Women's Day and Women's History Month.
Attend a Women History Month Event
This month, there are numerous events happening, particularly for International Women’s Day. One such event is organized by Media Girls Network, which will be held over a multi-day period starting on Thursday. The entire event is dedicated to celebrating women.
On Friday, the organization will honor prominent women in business and entertainment, including the OMG Girlz, celebrity restauranteur Gocha Hawkins, and more.
On Saturday, guests can indulge in a day of wellness and self-care, featuring a fitness class, massages, a journaling workshop, and other activities. For more information about these events, visit www.mediagirlsontour.com.
Support a Woman-Owned Business
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Reports indicate that women constitute 39.1% of business owners, and this percentage is steadily rising. In light of this, let’s celebrate and support women-owned businesses this month.
Here are a few ways to do so: shop at their establishments, leave positive reviews, follow and engage with them on social media, collaborate with them, or contribute to their crowdfunding efforts.
Support Women's Rights Groups
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Since President Trump took office, we’ve witnessed an unprecedented number of rights being reversed, including DEI programs. Women have been particularly concerned about his decision regarding abortion and reproductive rights. Recently, he dismissed the Idaho Emergency Abortion case, which was a legal battle to ensure Idahoans had access to emergency abortion care.
Writing in her Substack blog, Abortion, Everyday, journalist and abortion rights advocate, Jessica Valenti, said, “By dropping this case, the Trump administration is sending a clear message that anti-abortion states don’t have to adhere to [the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act] by giving pregnant patients life-saving care.”
Instead of waiting on Trump's next move regarding women's rights, support women's rights organizations and charities like In Our Own Voice Action Fund and Planned Parenthood.
Empower Others
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Use your voice to raise awareness about the challenges women encounter. This can be achieved through social media platforms or by speaking at local rallies and events. By leading by example, you can inspire others to get involved and contribute to the support.
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