Trenese “TD” Hicks

By Abena Boateng Trenese Hicks of Tuchéir Cosmetics

The demand for new beauty products and cosmetics is at an all-time high. Finding products that can cater to different skin tones and types has been a struggle many women of color face, especially women with darker skin tones. Coming across makeup products that define the sophisticated woman but also the fitness guru may seem very unlikely. Thankfully, professional makeup artist and body-builder Trenese “TD” Hicks made the impossible, possible. Hicks created her very own cosmetic line that is “portable and preventive,” so women can look fierce while on the go. Inspired by additional cosmetic brands such as Huda Beauty, Beauty Bakerie and Iman Cosmetics, which are all black-owned, Hicks decided that her passion for makeup was more than she expected, and soon she created her cosmetic line called Tuchéir Cosmetics. She wanted to design products that showed women can be gym savvy while being glammed up. Merging both fitness and beauty ultimately helped Hicks create a name for her brand; Tuchéir, derived from Touche’, meaning acknowledging a clever point made at one’s expense.

Growing up in New Orleans, fitness and beauty always played a major role in Hicks’ life. As she got older, she began working over 40 plus hours a week in Corporate America; which she still does to this day. “ I think women relate to me because I too struggle to find the ever-elusive balance between my work and personal life,” Hicks said. Being able to feel beautiful and making other hard-working women who have tough schedules feel beautiful came to play when creating her line. Bodybuilding helped Hicks attain routines and schedules, whereas makeup enabled Hicks to enhance someone’s beauty through art. She managed the best of both worlds by being a competitive bodybuilder and a freelance makeup artist. Believing that beauty starts from within, she wanted to create products that women could use while working on their physical appearance. Because of Hicks’ love and passion for both, she created a line of vibrant rich colors that can complement almost any skin tone while making sure it is fitness friendly. With a range of products for all skin types, Tuchéir Cosmetics is extremely diverse and to top it off, it is 100% cruelty free and vegan. Hicks and her team use focus groups of women of different ethnicities and from different geographies to ensure their products are long wearing and safe. “We also use toxicity testing to avoid using animals to test our products,” Hicks said. With the help of Hicks’ wonderful team made up of Marketing, Product Development, Social Media, and Product Design, she is able to hit the gym daily at 7a.m. and splits her time between working in corporate America and overseeing Tuchéir Cosmetics from 8a.m. to 5p.m. Though it is not easy, a typical day for Hicks usually ends between 1 or 2a.m.

“She’s busy, she’s selfaware yet she still wants to look and feel amazing”

Known for her business professional and body building ways, Hicks finds it a little difficult when it comes to branching out Tuchéir Cosmetics because it is a new up and coming cosmetic line, but due to her strong passion for makeup, she knows she will overcome any obstacles. Tuchéir Cosmetics embodies busy working women who still want to look fabulous in their own way. Breaking stereotypes that muscles aren’t sexy, or the persona that women can’t look glamorous while having busy schedules was something Hicks enforced. “She’s busy, she’s self-aware yet she still wants to look and feel amazing both in her work and personal life, I seek to demystify the myths that women with muscles cannot also look and feel feminine and further eliminate the unrealistic images women consume on social media that eat away at their self-work and personal self-esteem,” Hicks said. Constantly keeping up to date with the new beauty trends, Tuchéir Cosmetics is able to cater to all women at any time. The majority of their clientele are women at the ages of 30 or older, who have active lifestyles and don’t have enough time to get fully glammed up. These women are usually mothers, businesswomen, leaders and more. Tuchéir values being able to cater to women who are on the go, but still wanting to feel “stunningly beautiful.” Their best-selling products are their lipsticks and lip-glosses which range from 5-10 different shades with unique names such as NOLA GAL and Bronx. Though they only sell lip products, lashes and eyebrow pomades, they plan to expand with eyeshadows, moisturizers and other beauty products in the future. Tuchéir Cosmetics plans to launch their skincare products while also expanding their current line to a variety of more vibrant color this year. Tuchéir Cosmetics is an “all-inclusive and diverse brand” catering to the everyday woman.

Trenese Hicks has come a long way from being a makeup enthusiast to being in both the makeup industry and corporate America. Some of her tips that helped her breakthrough and fulfill her dream include knowing your audience, not allowing fear to control you and sharing your story. “People want to buy from relatable brands that make them feel a part of a larger community. Give the people what they want!” Hicks said.

Social media plays a huge role in Tuchéir cosmetics. Hicks and her team are extremely active in these outlets and share their message through multiple media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest, their handle is @tuceheir for all three.

A woman who wants to invest in themselves and make themselves feel good in a short amount of time is definitely a Tuchéir gal. “That’s what Tuchéir Cosmetics is all about, a community of fearless women who are On-The-Go!” Hicks said.

R&B Sensation Meli’sa Morgan is Hotter Than Ever Before!

By Tobbylola Oniga R&B songstress and this month’s cover star, Meli’sa Morgan has outdone herself once again in the music industry. Morgan is best known for her 1985 hit song “Do Me Baby,” originally performed by the late and great Prince. She has also worked alongside some of the top names in R&B such as Chaka Khan, Patti Labelle, and the late Whitney Houston. After releasing her latest album “Love Demands” in over 12 years, Morgan’s music is still a force to be reckoned with. With six songs from “Love Demands” that came very close this year at the 62nd Grammy Awards ballot for possible nomination, Morgan won’t be going anywhere no time soon.

Bronze Magazine: The last time we interviewed you, you had just released your CD “LOVE DEMANDS.” How did that work out for you? Meli’sa Morgan: My latest and recent CD “LOVE DEMANDS” was a pure blessing for my recording career and life. I say that because I have not recorded a full album/CD of myself in over 12 years!! I think I was a little afraid because of how much the industry has changed- with online retail, streaming, and most records and songs being bought on internet channels. I did not know if I could hold up to all of this. I have always known I could sing and with all my classic hits like “DO ME BABY’, “FOOL’S PARADISE’, “LOVE CHANGES W/KASHIF,” “DO YOU STILL LOVE ME” and more! I believe I got a little afraid to record some- thing new. However, it turned out great for me! We released a new video of the song “NO MORE” from my new album. Digital radio loved my remake of Aretha Franklin’s “NEVER LOVED A MAN (The Way I Love You).” People in the industry and my fans were glad to see I was back with new music. It was refreshing and the indus- try embraced me. I received a lot of good media and press since my album release. I have also been featured on 12 magazine covers and counting! Then, six songs from my album “LOVE DEMANDS” made this year’s 62nd Grammy Awards Ballot for possible nominations in the R&B categories, best roots performance, and rap/song category. Unfortunately, I did not get nominated but look how close we came. It was a wonderful achievement for me to be that close to getting nominated.

Bronze Magazine: What places have you toured lately? Any favorite, most memorable shows you’d like to share? Meli’sa Morgan: Oh Wow…. I have toured Japan (Osaka & Tokyo) doing Billboard Live. London, Birmingham, England and Los Cabos, Mexico. All over the UNITED STATES (Philadelphia, Washington, Chicago, Atlanta, Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Cincinnati, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Miami, Las Vegas, and more!) I love performing live and touring and visiting different countries and cities. My most memorable show recently had to be in Japan because I had not performed in Japan in almost 19 years! I don’t know why, but it had been such a long time since I had been there and they had seen me. The love they showed me was beyond awesome! I cried and they cried …. It was so touching and emotional. The love they have for me and my music and is very special in my heart. My fans in England love all my music! It always amazes me how in Japan and England they come to my shows with all my album and CD covers for me to sign… I LOVE IT!

Bronze Magazine: You recently attended the 62nd annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. Tell us about that. Meli’sa Morgan: I have been a Recording Academy member since the beginning of my recording career. It was important for me to be a true part of the music industry by being able to vote and attend The Grammy Awards, which is the biggest night in the music industry! My first time going to the Grammy’s was with Freddie Jackson… I was his date when he got his nomination back in the late 80’s. I have since made it a point to go to the Grammy’s whenever I could. This year, I wanted to attend especially after being on the Ballot. It is always a great experience attending the Grammys. I love networking and meeting all the different artists in the recording and music Industry. You get to dress up really elegant and be amongst all your peers. Everyone looks so nice and it is a night to celebrate the best music of the year! I must mention, this year on the morning of The Grammy Awards, right as we were leaving. we heard that basketball icon Kobe Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash with his daughter and other passengers. It changed the dynamics of the Grammy’s because they’re held at The Staple Center where Kobe and The Lakers play. So we experienced more security than ever around the venue.

Bronze Magazine: You looked amazing in pink at the Grammys. Even your hairstyle was pink! Tell us the story behind what inspired it. Meli’sa Morgan: I do have a story behind the Pink Hair! I had been planning what I wanted to wear for months. I bought my Christian Louboutin pink suede heels and matching Louboutin nail polish in Manchester, England. My pink dress was purchased in Augusta, GA. MY Fiancé Sabastin Commas got his tuxedo, matching Bow tie, and his Christian Louboutin Sneakers to coordinate with me! We were so ready. I decided I wanted to wear a ponytail to really show off my face. Well, I was in California and picked out the color of hair I wanted. It was not that pink at first. On the day of the Grammy Awards… when I went to do my ponytail, I noticed we picked the wrong type of hair! We had two hours before we were supposed to leave for the Grammys and the hair store was closed. It was Sunday! We had to call the store to ask them to open earlier on Sunday so we could go in and get the right hair. My Fiancé Sabastin, bless his heart… went to the store and called me on FaceTime and I picked out different hair and I saw the beautiful pink colors and said “Bring me the pink hair, too!” I mixed all the colors together and did my Ponytail! YES, I DID MY OWN HAIR AND MAKE-UP FOR THE GRAMMY AWARDS! No one else…. JUST ME! I did not know how all the colors in the Ponytail were going to flow and fall, but when I flipped my hair… All that beautiful pink hair came to light! It was an aha moment! Even I was surprised at how pretty the colors in my ponytail came out! It just goes to show that sometimes what you plan is not what is meant to be. Sometimes it is the unexpected things that can make something great! I received sooooo many compliments on my hair and make-up. A lady came up to us at the Awards and asked for the name and number of my hairstylist! Now that was a huge compliment to me and my hairstyling and make-up skills. Learning and experimenting with my hair and make-up all these years of being in the music business, has really paid off!

Bronze Magazine: Any favorite Grammy moments? Please share! Meli’sa Morgan: The best moments at the Grammy’s for me was first going with my fiancé and us experiencing The Grammy’s in Los Angeles. We had been to the awards show in New York the year before and it was wonderful. I walked The Red Carpet that year and was voted one of the best dressed by Vogue.com. This year, enjoying the show with my fiancé Sabastin was more important to me. I really wanted to enjoy the experience of watching the show with him. That was a special moment for me. Seeing, talking to and taking photos with Grammy winners this year like PJ Morton (Won for best R&B song) and his beautiful daughter. Seeing my friends in the industry like AL B Sure, Flavor Fav, Terry Lewis and more. Watching The production of performances like Lizzo and John Legend with DJ Khaled was great! All of those were Great Grammy moments for me. I also loved how me and my fiancé coordinated our outfits. The fun is in the preparation.

Bronze Magazine: As a veteran in the entertainment/music business, what advice would you pass on to newcomers who are trying to establish themselves in such a competitive industry? Meli’sa Morgan: Learn and study not only your talent in this music industry but learn the business and how to hold on to your money and make it work for you! The Music business and industry is a very competitive career to be in! Everyone thinks that if you have talent, that is all you need. However, that is not true. Even though that is a big part of it most of the time! You still need to learn about how you make your money off of record sales, publishing, and song writing. Even if you’re an artist that does not write… learn where your artist royalties come from. Learn about the recoupment system of the Recording industry and how it works; all aspects, if you can. SAVE YOUR MONEY!!!!! It is ok to splurge when you get signed and get a hit record, but make sure you save and have some money for when the records are not #1 and you still have to pay bills and live! I had someone tell me recently in this industry that they wish they would have been saving when the hit records and the money was coming in! Learn about saving and making your money work for you in your career and in your life. We all don’t get to make millions, but if you learn to save and live within your means being a Recording Artist…. You can live very good and have a great career and life!

Bronze Magazine: Will there be a follow-up to “LOVE DEMANDS?” Why or why not? Meli’sa Morgan: Oh, yes…. right now I am looking at starting my own independent record label and releasing my next CD! I have my own production company… now it’s time to take the next step. I learned about things like this from attending the Grammy’s. I get to talk to the Artists who win and have their own independent record labels and are now winning Grammy Awards! They don’t depend on or wait for the major labels to sign them to record and release their songs. It is a new wave for the Music Industry. There are business minded artists out there that are doing it themselves and winning!!! Making a huge difference, too! I want to be one of those people that work to make a change. I want to work hard and be a part of the change in the music industry and my life. I don’t like staying still!

FACEBOOK@MELISAMORGANFANPAGE1 FACEBOOK@MELISAMORGAN2 INSTAGRAM@MELISAMORGAN1 TWITTER@MELISAMORGAN22 Bronze Magazine: What’s next for you? Anything you’d like to share such as new projects, tour dates? Meli’sa Morgan: I am working on new songs for my next CD. I am emotionally in a great place. I am engaged, in love, and planning a 2021 small wedding in Hawaii. I look forward to writing songs that reflect the place I am in now emotionally. Love is such a great subject to express and write about! I am also ready to start the process of writing my first book. It will be a Lifestyle book, talking about the place I own in Aruba. I want to talk about the happiness going there brings me and share the peace and tranquility it brings to my soul. I love renovations and I just bought some beautiful land that I will be building my dream home on from the ground up! It is a very exciting process in my life. I am also launching my boutique crochet line of blankets and scarfs. Doing more of my Meli’sa Fruit Sticks Fruit Arrangements for events. I love doing them and they look and taste so good! Tour Dates…. I will be doing more city winery venues across the country. I have already done Washington and Chicago. I have performances coming up in Atlanta, GA and Connecticut. I will also be headlining my own tour in England and the U.K. in the spring/summer of this year. I am in a great place in my life and career ……… I look forward to what the future brings me! You can always go to my social media to find out upcoming show dates and events I will be at attending!