MAGAZINE
BRONZE December 2020
BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM
Hip-hop star
sharaya j
on battle with breast cancer
SHOP OUR HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE!
shayla varnado THE CEO WHO is changing the way black women experience wine
Get on the journey to healing from toxic situations
BEAUTY BOSS
ELORIA MICHELLE ON HER PASSION FOR BEAUTY & WELLNESS
DEAR BRONZE BEAUTIES,
Merry Christmas! With love, peace and happiness into the new year! Love,
o r d e r
he r e
BRONZE MAGAZINE
december 2020
Editor’s note Dear Bronze beauties, we’ve finally reached the last month of 2020. Honestly, I am glad to see the year coming to an end and look forward to putting it in my rearview; but even with a brand-new year on the horizon, there’s still many challenges that lie ahead. However, with the presidential election behind us, I am feeling optimistic about the future. I have no doubt that the country and the world will somehow find its way back to some sense of normalcy, although none of us knows exactly what that looks like just yet.
Cover Credits: Cover Model: shayla varnado Cover Photography: Sheree Courtney of Thee Galore Media FOUNDER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Shawn Stuldivant CO-OWNER Barry Stuldivant ISSUE DESIGN BY shawn stuldivant WRITERS amber Krystal chelsea young BRAND PARTNERSHIPS Yaya Rey
If there was anything good that came out of 2020 it was our opportunity to pivot by finding better ways to connect with you, our audience. We did so with a major summer giveaway, live Instagram chats and takeovers with a focus on mental health, wellness and self care, and virtual, interactive beauty and wellness experiences. We also had the honor of being a media partner with Black Women in Media Conference and Awards. My hope is to bring you even better engagement and experiences in 2021. I want to take this time to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and all the health, peace, and happiness the new year can bring. And for all you wine lovers, this issue is for you! Our cover star, CEO of Black Girls Wine Shayla Varnado is on a mission to change how Black women experience wine. Enjoy and I can’t wait to see you again next year!
xoxo, Shawn
E di to r in Chief 's o p eni ng messa g e
Ra p A r ti st & Cho r eo g ra p her
CE O o f El o ria Mic hel l e Bea u ty & Wel l ness S er v i c es
A m ber Kry sta l, The Bea u ty Co a ch
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CE O o f Bl a c k G i r ls Wi ne
S ho p Cu ra ted G if ts
C ON TE N TS
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Shayla Varnado CEO of Black Girls Wine Photography: Sheree Courtney of Thee Galore Media
Meet Hip hop Star Sharaya J
By Chelsea Young
“I always say, I think music chose me,” says dancer, choreographer, and musician Sharaya Howell in an exclusive interview with Bronze Magazine. Howell, professionally known as Sharaya J, was born with Hip hop in her blood. Growing up in Jersey City, New Jersey with a dad who was a member of the 90s Hip hop group Double XX Posse, a career in music was inevitable. “My house was Hip hop. At any given time, I could walk in and there would be ciphers going on in the living room,” Sharaya explained. “I saw my father in the studio and on tour, and so at a young age I knew [Hip hop] was my path.”
"I always say, I think music chose me." Sharaya started dancing at a young age, learning by practicing in the streets of her neighborhood with other kids and performing in local talent shows. Although she never received formal training, she was signed to her first agency at 18. Clear Talent Group came to New York as one of the few agencies signing on Hip hop dancers. Sharaya was one of the first dancers to be signed. Sharaya’s dance career soared as she became both choreographer and dancer for well-known artists such as Jay-Z, Rihanna, and Madonna. After a prosperous and rewarding dance career, Sharaya was ready to transition to music, and that meant starting from the beginning. In what could be described as a twist of fate, Sharaya was invited to attend a dinner party with one of her dance friends. Little did she know, the party was being held by one of the most popular and respected names in music, the legendary Missy Elliot. “As usual, when dancers get in the mix we’re always in a circle battling,” Sharaya explained. “When I got out the circle Missy came up to me and was like, ‘You are an artist, and who are you signed to?’” Right there, Missy Elliot made the decision to take Sharaya underneath her wing and show her the ropes. Sharaya J was signed to Missy Elliot’s label The Goldmind, Inc. in 2010.
FRIEND S END Missy was an early example to me of a woman, a black woman, in the business that was writing, producing and executive producing.” Sharaya stated. “So, she really taught me from that mindset.”
Under Missy Elliot’s mentorship Sharaya released her single’s BANJI and Smash Up Da Place. In 2016, when she had learned all she could from Missy Elliot, Sharaya left The Goldmind and launched her own production company Banji Entertainment. In 2018, Sharaya joined the reality TV competition series The Four: Battle for Stardom. While Sharaya had been asked to be on other reality shows before, they never resonated with who she was. “The thing that I liked about The Four was that it was a talent-based competition,” Sharaya explained. “This was a show that was going to be solely based around your talent and how much of a superstar you were.” At the same time Sharaya was being offered this amazing opportunity, she also found herself in a fight with breast cancer. Before flying to L.A. to meet the shows’ executives, Sharaya had already been diagnosed and began chemotherapy treatments. “The funny part is, I’ve always been into fashion and being creative with my look, so initially everyone thought I was rocking a bald head as a fashion statement.”
The producers were extremely supportive of Sharaya’s diagnosis, not only giving her the choice to keep it private, but also setting her up with doctors in L.A. so she wouldn’t have to keep flying to Atlanta for treatments. After completing The Four as runner-up and longest seat holder, Sharaya returned to L.A. a year later to complete treatment and is now in remission. “I was just keeping so connected with God at the time because the whole situation was just bigger than me.” Sharaya reflected. “At times I would be like, ‘How am I even pushing through? But I knew with my connection to God and my positive mindset that I would make it through.” Sharaya is now focused on what’s next. She recently dropped her single NuNu along with a video she directed and wrote the treatment for. She has also been recently cast in a musical rendition of Sister Act 2, the beloved film originally starring Whoopi Goldberg and Lauryn Hill. Sharaya also told Bronze that she is set to appear on another reality show in 2021! While we don’t know the exact one, we’re looking forward to any performance Sharaya J is ready to put on! To stay up to date with what Sharaya had in store next, follow her on Instagram @banjiraya
Sharaya did not want to share her battle with cancer until she was sure she would be on The Four, so the executives were unaware until she was officially a contestant. “We were wrapping up our stories and one of the producers asked me if there was anything else I wanted to add to my storyline. I thought about it to myself and I said, ‘You know what, if I’m going to go on this show, I’m going to be 100% myself and walk in my truth.’”
"Missy was an early example to me of a woman, a black woman, in the business that was writing, producing and executive producing. So, she really taught me from that mindset.”
ELORIA
MICHELLE
"I'M A FIRM BELIEVER OF FAITH IN ACTION." -ELORIA MICHELLE
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HER BREAKOUT MOMENT IN THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY: I was signed to Blue Chips modeling agency as a key makeup artist in 2005. Jason Swanson, CEO of Onvio TV took a chance and trusted my genius and craft by giving me an opportunity and platform to network with the industry’s finest on a weekly basis. Jason hosted a weekly showcase that featured up and coming models, designers, actors, stylists, and makeup artists. My good friend was a model at the time. I went to support her and little did I know I was at the right place at the right time and destiny took hold. It all happened at the Gershwin hotel on Madison Avenue in NYC and that exposure as well as my offering of pro-bono services at the time led to my very first music video, "Unpredictable" starring Jamie Foxx and featuring Ludacris.
THE ROLE ENTERTAINMENT PLAYED IN HER CAREER JOURNEY: Entertainment has been an absolute game changer, opening new doors and opportunities for me. I've been able to showcase my talent and show the contrast between orthodox makeup and clean beauty, utilizing makeup artistry as a launch pad to bring out the best version of my clients from the inside out. To really take my skillset to the next level with male grooming, I was blessed with an opportunity to work with Concr8s (Production) powered by Rock Nations Artist/Rapper Casanova.
HOW SHE PIVOTED INTO THE WELLNESS INDUSTRY: For the love of people and GOD. It's called Agape Love. I've been in the medical wellness space for as long as I can remember, almost 20 years to be exact. I’m a medical major first with a B.S. in Health Services, which made my transition very smooth. Bringing a smile to patients/clients who need guidance, providing TLC and bringing hope to others who are in despair brings me joy. Assisting clients with restoring their selfconfidence is one of my many superpowers. Introducing new regimens during consultations also help with lifting one’s self esteem. All these things are a part of wellness; even a MD will tell you that wellness starts within.
ABOUT HER BRAND'S BEAUTY, WELLNESS, AND PERSONAL CONCIERGE SERVICES: I offer one-on-one personalized Beauty and Wellness concierge services such as on-site Full-Face Airbrush or Traditional Makeup Artistry, Weight Loss Management, Vitamin Infusion, Anti-Aging, Bio Identical Hormone and Coaching. I also offer Personal Executive or Bridal Assist Services, Bridal Weight Loss Boot Camp, À la cart services, as well as 15-minute complimentary consultations by appointment, on-site and virtual. (Continued >>
ELORIA'S WINTER SKINCARE TIPS: First things first, judge whether the skin is oily, dry, a combination of both, or sensitive.You will want to buy products specifically for you recommended by a dermatologist and/or medical aesthetician. with gentle cleanser (try to use organic if possible). Use a gentle non-abrasive twice a week, preferably with the following active ingredients: AHA, Lactic acid, Glycolic acid, and Multi-fruit acid. Perform an at home facial and/or have a professional facial done with extractions quarterly and perform at home facials at least once or twice a week. with Rosewater witch hazel or your favorite toner. in the morning with SPF and moisturize in the evening with hyaluronic acid. This can be your glowing regimen.
ELORIA'S FAVORITE BEAUTY REGIMEN: Skincare and skin prep is one of my favorite things to focus on. During the winter months I tend to use products that are more hydrating. Here’s my daily regimen. (Night only) (Morning and Night) (Morning and Night) (Morning and Night) (Morning and Night)
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WHAT THE PHRASE "STOP EXISTING, START LIVING" MEANS TO ELORIA: For me, being complacent is just existing. Living is when you challenge your potential, do things that are positive, make you smile and help others to become more optimistic, especially now during very unpredictable times. By living, laughing, and loving. Those kinds of things can be very contagious. I don't just talk the talk; I walk the walk. I’m a firm believer of faith in action.
FAVORITE PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL MOMENTS: My personal favorite experience as a beauty boss was doing make up for my youngest sister's wedding. My best professional experience is happening now; I am doing makeup artistry for Whitney Houston’s mother, Dr. Cissy Houston. This year, Whitney was inducted into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame and shortly after, both of my grandmothers passed away this past summer, six weeks apart. So, Cissy Houston is now officially my bonus grandmother. My most recent favorite professional moment is the Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali documentary with (client) Ilyasah Shabazz (Malcolm X’s daughter) powered by The BBC Network.
TOXIC TRAUMATIC SITUATIONS
Amber Johnson is a Beauty Coach, Columnist and Speaker. She is passionate about helping women overcome hurtful, traumatic areas in their life and helping them discover their true beauty from within. For more information visit: website www.theebeautycoach.com Instagram: @TheeBeautyCoach Twitter: @TheeBeautyCoach Facebook: Official.AmberJ Public Figure (Facebook) : OfficialAmberKrystal
We all have been in situations that may display one or two things that raises a lot of questions, but a toxic situation often features alarming signs when you’re battling internal unhealed things from within. You cannot rightly divide when toxicity is involved, and you easily become blinded by red flags because of low self-esteem, inferiority and rejection. It’s easy to become trauma bonded to this level of toxicity because of this strong emotional attachment between an abused person and his or her abuser, formed as a result of the cycle of trauma. There are three stages to be in a trauma bonded toxic situation: The first stage is showering you with fake love, affection and care {you might even feel like this is what you’ve been looking for your whole life} They use this technique to gain your loyalty and trust. The second stage is Verbal, emotional, and mental abuse and their true character is revealed, to control and manipulate the true perception of yourself. You are disrespected on a level no human can imagine. The last stage is what I call it the “hooking stage.” It’s where fake love and affection are mixed with an apology to keep you hooked and loyal to their needs, wants and desires. A gross level of power and isolation is used in these situations to secure attachment and to increase incompetence and helplessness. Healing from within is extremely important in these situations because once you begin your process of healing, you will then recognize what’s actually happening or what has happened to you. You are about to embark into a new year; I admonish you to not get trapped, blinded or trauma bonded by a toxic situation because it will keep you from realizing and cultivating your true potential within. There are people that will stay in a toxic, broken and traumatic situation because image, status, level of success and what they’ve built means more to them than healing. Don’t get in the trap of using coping mechanisms to subdue the very thing you won’t face. Get on a journey of healing so you won’t continue to be blinded by toxic, traumatic situations.
Wine, like coffee or tea, is a universal drink. It is created and drunken all over the world as a way to relax, celebrate, or to simply enjoy. Shayla Varnado did not discover her love for wine till she was fresh out of college having drinks with her more seasoned girlfriends. Shayla took her newfound passion and created Black Girls Wine alongside a weekly talk show entitled “Wine Down LIVE� to create a space for black women in a market that regularly excludes them. In 2019 she started the Black Girls Wine Society, a sorority with over 30 chapters with more than 300 members and even more applications pending. This past year during COVID-19 she launched a virtual chapter for women without chapters in their state. We spoke with our December cover star about the creation and inspiration of Black Girls Wine and what she has planned next.
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Who is Shayla, the woman behind the glass? I’m originally from Richmond, VA where my husband and I now live. I grew up in the driest home in America (the deacon & deaconess did not drink in front of us) that, while void of wine, was filled with faith, family, and love. My parents are amazing and huge supporters of everything my sister and I have come up with that we want to do! Even with BGW, they may not have understood at first, but they definitely supported the vision. My life growing up was filled with creativity. I went to a Governor’s School for high school (think Fame) and studied writing. I loved helping out in the costume department for theater and later went on to study fashion merchandising in college. When did you discover your love of drinking wine? What is your favorite type of wine to drink? I discovered my love for wine post-college with some of my more seasoned girlfriends from my first job after graduating. That’s all they drank. I learned early to sample everything in the kitchen before making a selection. My favorite thing to drink is champagne.
Why did you create Black Girls Wine? When did it evolve into a movement? I created BGW because I felt like I wanted to recreate the magic that I felt being surrounded by girlfriends, feeling connected, and celebrated. I felt like the wine industry was missing that magic, especially since the Black consumer is still very much ignored when it comes to the marketing efforts of the industry to be more “inclusive.” A few are getting right but most are ignoring the fact that Black women love wine, drink all kinds, and have had a very different experience when it comes to our exposure to wine. My goal is to change the way Black women are experiencing wine by making it a personal and cultural experience. What are your thoughts on diversity and wine? The diversity inclusion efforts are improving in some ways. There is still a long way to go.
Tell us about your role as a business strategist. What are some common challenges your clients face when it comes to growing their business? One of my favorite things to do is help brands find their audience, tell their story, and create an offer their audience can’t refuse. One of the biggest challenges I see when working with entrepreneurs is that they don’t consider WHO they’re creating their product and service for. When you define "the who" it makes it easier to share, sell, and scale. Without a defined audience, it’s like standing on the corner selling lemonade to anyone who walks by. You get what you get. But when you do your research, find out what neighborhoods have more connected efforts of support, love food/beverage, and have high foot traffic— now you’re creating a product with intention. That’s what I love to do most in my work as a business strategist, helping other boss women connect those dots.
"My goal is to change the way Black women are experiencing wine by making it a personal and cultural experience."
"Self-care for me looks like making sure there’s some balance to each and every day."
Tell us about Wine Down LIVE and its impact on the Black Girls Wine community. When I started Wine Down LIVE I had NO CLUE it would grow the way it did or that people would love the show so much. My intent was always just to share my experience with wine and people loved the honesty and vulnerability of my growth from a wine lover to a professional. It’s inspired other wine professionals to come out of their shells, wine lovers to get more connected to this community, and people trust my palate. They want to know what I’m drinking all the time! It’s amazing and so much fun! Your curated events through your membership driven Black Girls Wine Society offers women the opportunity to connect, expand their palates, and build sisterhood. What effect has COVID had on these rewarding experiences? While COVID has made us scale back on events in some areas, overall, we’ve gotten super creative.
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It’s actually given us the opportunity to get more connected as an organization to the international wine industry and offer our members a chance to learn from the pros and winemakers around the world. Our members are growing and learning even more! Aside from being a successful Girl Boss, how and when do you take time to practice self-care? Whew! That was a struggle for me and sometimes still is. I’ve started being more intentional about how I start my day. Making sure I take time for myself in the morning and in the evening so Shayla doesn’t get lost in being a CEO, leader of 30+ women across the country, wife, daughter, sister, church group leader, and friend. All of those roles are an important part of my life, so self-care for me looks like making sure there’s some balance to each and every day.
decEMBER 2020
What piece of advice can you give to another woman of color about breaking into the wine industry? Do your research like you would any other industry on WHAT you want to do. Connect with someone who’s done it before. Build with patience and know the wine lovers will find you. Also, put your heart into it. People like wine but more importantly people like PEOPLE. Will there be a Varnado Wine in your future? Why or why not? Haha— I get that question a lot. Yes, one day for sure. But that would be one of those super fun things I’d do when the partnership and the time are right. Right now I’m focused on building the Society. This sisterhood of women is already so near and dear to my heart. I want the Society to be strong before I take on my next venture.
Holiday Gift Guide 2020 'Tis the season of thoughtful giving, Bronze beauties! Once again, we’ve taken all the guesswork out of finding the perfect gift for that special someone with an amazing curated list of unique items to choose from. There’s something for almost everyone in your life!
This holiday guide currently appears on bronzemagonline.com
Deanna First – $28 L O V E Illustration deannafirst.com
If Eye Ever – $40 Eartha Peppermint Glasse ifeyeever.com
Unique Gifts for Her
RockLove Jewelry – $135 Marvel X RockLove Thor Winged Ear Climbers rocklove.com
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Samara - $118 The Jewelry Box samarabags.com
ARTISTIX – $110 Artistix Athletics Dept. Pullover – Navy artistixfashion.com
OneBlade – $179 HYBRID Black Tie Shave Kit onebladeshave.com
Unique Gifts for Him
Tall Order – $18 Men’s Dress Socks tallorder.com
Three Commas Apparel – from $29.95 Men’s and Women’s Tees threecommas.com
AH-SO - from $12.98 Organic Canned Wine
Broken ShedVodka – $29.99 shopus.brokenshed.com
ahsowines.com
Gifts for Cocktail Lovers
The Busker Triple Cask, Triple Smooth Irish Whiskey thebusker.com
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Copalli Barrel Rested Rum, White Rum copallirum.com
Disaronno Velvet Cream Liqueur diasoronno.com
Shibui Japanese Whisky shibuiwhisky.com
LA GIOIOSA Prosecco D.O.C. Treviso Brudiasolagioiosa.it
Two Chicks Sparkling Canned Cocktail twochickscocktails.com
Barner - $72 Screen Glasses
Everlasting Comfort – $34.95 Essential Oil Diffuser
barnerbrand.com
everlastingcomfort.net
GoBiotix – from $21.97 All-Natural nutritional supplements and powders gobiotix.com
Gifts for Health & Wellness Enthusiasts
Nourished -– monthly from $59.99 Gummy Vitamin Stack us.get-nourished.com
Wick and Glow Candle Company -– from $15 Soy Wax Candles wickandglow.com
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AirPop Pocket Mask Black 4pcs - $24.99 Sleek and Slim Storage Case $9.99
E-Cloth - $7.99 General Purpose Cloth e-cloth.com
airpophealth.com
Gifts to Help You During COVID
Sharper Image - $31.99 UV Sanitizing Portable Wand bedbathandbeyond.com
Twin Zings - from $1.80 Disposable Mini-Covers twinzings.com
Caru - $135 Ayurvedic Face Serum
Clinique - $29.50 Dramatically Different™
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Dear Dahlia - $18 Sensuous Matte Lip Suit Mini Collection deardahlia.global
Gifts for Beauty Fanatics
Estée Lauder - from $27 Revitalizing Supreme+ esteelauder.com
HipDot - $26 FacedByKareem Pressed Powder Eyeshadow Palette hipdot.com
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Luna Nectar - $85 Moon Boost Lash & Brow Enhancing Serum lunanectar.com
Luxie Beauty - $85 LUXIE Face Essential Brush Set Rose Gold luxiebeauty.com
Manna Kadar - $24 Michael Kors White - $108 Sea Minerals Hand Sanitizer 3.4 oz White and Anti-Bacterial Soap Caddy Eau de Parfum Spray mannakadarcosmetics.com Limited Edition michaelkors.com
Origins - $7 Flower Fusion™ Violet Nourishing Sheet Mask
Orpheus Resurrection -– $160 Stem Cell Power Couple
Qveen Studio x Gostrider -– from $16 Lips and Eyes
Stellar Girl - $48 Glimmer Lotion
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Perfect Image -– $29.95 Anti-Aging Peptide Mega MUD treatment perfectimage.com
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Wink Brow Bar - $28 Brow Perfecting Quad winkbrowbar.com
Bokksu -– from $39.95 Monthly Snack Box Subscription bokksu.com
Bon Temps -– $16 Home Essentials Teas shopbontemps.com
Christina Cooks… - from $13.95 Cookies christinacooks.com
Gifts for Foodies
Mostra Coffee - from $16.95 Brazil Oberon monstracoffee.com
Rise Brewing Co. $13.99 | 4 pack, $34.99 | 12 pack Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Original Black risebrewingco.com
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Stash Tea Company - $24.95 Silent Night Holiday Gift Packstashtea.com
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