2023
THE YEAR THAT WOMEN STEP THEIR GAME UP
CREATING NEW BRANDS THAT ARE SECOND TO NONE AFTER RETIRING FROM SALON LIFE
T H E S T I
E T T O T A L K S M A G A Z I N E
Black Women are Tired of Explaining Themselves
VACATION FEATURE: LOS CABOS
SPOTLIGHT: CEO of The Stiletto Talks gets candid about retiring from behind the chair to increase her legacy and impact.
WOMENS HISTORY MONTH 2023
EDITOR'S NOTE
SPRING INTO LIVING SPACES
BLACK WOMEN CAN GET ALONG
LOS CABOS
THE CROWN ACT
SPOTLIGHT: STILL SECOND TO NONE
THE CROWN ACT
Spring is here! It is time to get our living spaces together. It is time to refresh curtains, sofas, and declutter. It is time to fluff those pillows, throw out anything torn or out of date and create a space that relaxes and inspires you.
Do not be scared by the task of organizing. Create a schedule that works for you and take one area to work on It may be a good idea to schedule your reorganization around your trash or recycle days in your community.
Welcome to our first issue of the year! How befitting that March is Women's History Month We celebrate all that we are because we are truly every woman We can do and accomplish anything including starting over
This month, I decided to write most of the articles myself I did so because I have lots to say and I am passionate about the communities that we serve I do not take my God given gift to reimagine or create for myself numerous opportunities Sisters it is time to do NEW THINGS We cannot go back to how we were prior to the pandemic and we cannot move forward successfully without owning where we are as of today. That means lots of reflection and upskilling to improve and be our best selves
This issue will discuss the challenges of women of color and our success We have come so far and must understand that it is a continuous journey We must constant work to preserve our rights, our health, our education, our families and our money, to name a few The articles will highlight what we are doing well and what we need to do to create legacy and impact
Recently, I had someone tell me that I should announce that I am no longer behind the chair I cannot wait to share with you all in this issue how I came to that point and how it is the best decision that I have made for myself at this time Please enjoy reading the articles and THANK YOU for always supporting our mission of creating collaborative safe spaces for women of color
ook to your left and to your right. Look in the front of you and behind you. Turn on the television or radio. Log onto social media. Everywhere you look, a woman is there.
Women's History Month allows us the opportunity to celebrate and reflect on all that we have accomplished. We have our first Black Supreme Court Judge, Kentanji. We have Black women who are now part owners of the Denver Broncos.
We are sitting on boards, building schools, creating businesses faster than anyone else and hold are the most educated by race and gender in the United States. That does not happen without the tenacity and grit that flows in our DNA.
What began as a week in 1981 quickly turned into a month in 1987. Women , especially women of color continue to make strides even as we fight for equal pay, body rights or positions that we have long earned.
Be not weary in well-doing. While not easy, women continue to take care of their families, upskill in education and diversify their portfolios. We are proud to be a part of the movement that is occurring in the sisterhood.
Patricia
The second photo shows attendees from the holiday soiree', hosted by The Stiletto Talks. The third picture is a recurring contributor, HR professional Charlsie Jackson.
ww.thestilettotalks.com/magazine
Los Cabos is a known destination spot with lots to do. Known for the Sea of Cortez, visitors come to seek adventure by land and sea.
According to the tourist site for Los Cabos(2023), 43% of the beaches are swimmable. There are ground activities and activities by air! If you are a surfer, they have something for you as well.
Dining includes some of the world's best. Fabio Quarta, Gustavo Pinet and Xavier Salomon are a few of the popular chefs from the area. The Sunset Monalisa allows for events and is considered one of the finest dining experiences. On the top of the Sunset Monalisa, you will find
Jazz on the Rocks. You are able to view the famous Land's End arch while listening to a live jazz band.
lastly, expect to see art and culture. Los Cabos hosts the International Film Festival (November). This event brings tourists and guests from all over the world. Los Cabos offers adults only and kid friendly resorts. Add them to your 2023 travel plans.
Being from the South, brunch is a requirement. It is a time for exclusivity, our favorite breakfast items and a god mimosa. We dress up, throw on a good hat and enjoy the goodness of the food and the eloquence of sisterhood. Lately, brunch has become very popular but not always done properly. Here are a few tips.
Send out invitations digitally or by mail. Now everyone knows that we do not go anywhere without an invitation. Invitations allow the host to set the tone of the brunch and allows the guests to learn what is required of them. Choose good food items, even the healthy ones. Examples include , fruit, parfaits and signature selections. Don't be cheap with the coffee or champagne. Choose good coffee that aligns with the brunch Choose a good champagne that avoids a headache.
Sisters, education is wealth
There is simply no way around it No matter if you are a creative, trade worker, entrepreneur or work for someone else, advancing your skills may advance your bank account
Many are beginning to pursue certifications Certifications are often short classes with maximum impact For example , Cornell offers classes that cater to women entrepreneurship, executive development and diversity. There are credible programs that have been created by women who are tops in their field They are often online, which allows the opportunity to learn and be in the comforts of your home
According to the Center of Education Statistics, 68% of associate degrees are held by black women
Black women hold 71% of master degrees and 65% achieved doctorate degrees While we may not see it in the workplace, women of color have evolved to diversifying their portfolio. This means that women of color are choosing to invest in themselves to maximize their earning potential
Do your research when choosing courses Some free and many have a fee Be sure the benefit of the program aligns with your goals and mission At the end of the day, never be scared to invest in yourself
Quietasitiskept,Blackwomenaretiredofexplainingthemselves Wearetiredofthe falsenarrativethatwecannotgetalong Wearetiredofbeingusedasentertainment by pitting us against one another. The facts are, we are better together than we are apart.
InDecember,wehostedasoiree'inPhoenix Womenalloverthevalleyshowedupwith themindsettonetwork Therewasnofighting Wetookthetimetohonorwomenthat getitdoneforwomenwithoutexpectinganythinginreturn.Wewatchedeachwoman smile, cheer and clap for their sister. They may not have know them at the time, but theytookthetimetointroducethemselves.Strangersbecamefriendsandexpanded theirsisterhood.
Wearenottheenemy Wearenotatwarwithoneanother Nevertaketheactionsofa few and charge the entire group. We have requirements. We require respect. We requirehonesty.Werequireprotection.Werequireloveandrest.Werequireourproper pay. We do not require much, we just want what is rightfully ours. We are your sister, friends,neighbors,coworkers,andsupporters.Wearenott
It is often funny how life works No matter how we plan , create vision boards and fill planners with our hopes, life happens. Recently , a friend of mine stated that I had not announced to the world that I retired from behind the chair Now me being me , I was a bit stunned If anyone follows me , my life has been filled with transition, getting my skills and credentials together and minding the business that pays me. Honestly, I don’t feel the need as of today to announce nothing Nobody pays my bills, cared for my mother during her cancer battle or helped me when I was sick All many could give is prayers and words of encouragement
It is always a curious thing that our culture feels owed explainations that they do not deserve Life happens to us all I personally had been hosting classes on growing from behind the chair. For 29 years, I missed family events, football games , late for every event because I needed to attend late at night I had lots of doctors visits , sore feet , and poor health In fact , I had emergency gall bladder surgery to save my life. When the physician shared with you that you had one of the most gangrenous gall bladders he had ever seen , it let me know that I never made myself a priority I dedicated my life to helping others and my brand almost to death, LITERALLY But your girl is awake , approaching 50 , and quite frankly, I am ready to do ME
I decided to take all of the love , care , sacrifice and commitment that I give to others and shower myself with some of my Black Girl Magic I discovered my passion for building safe spaces for women of color , helping women develop their skills , connecting them to resources and making sure the next generation takes advantage of all that we have accomplished In other words , I GREW I spoke prophetically that I was growing from behind the chair in 2012. I was not just tired of late customers and the running of my salons, I wanted LEGACY
Since growing from behind the chair , The Stiletto Talks has grown Our each is further, the message is clearer and my health is better. I get to create books , courses, and foundations that will long outlive me You see part of living is understanding that there is a time and season for EVERYTHING I get to love on my grandson, expand , earn my doctorate in Educational Leadership with a focus on curriculum and instruction I’m living fully and to my highest capacity I don’t place limits on God and He doesn’t place them on me What He does often in my life is remove , build and improve He closes doors but leaves my legacy in tact. I’m created to be a creator and be creative. I am created to enhance communit and raise up other leaders Understanding your purpose and power isn’t just a flex it is SECOND TO NONE
Purple Hues| Orange Tones| Blushing and Glowing
Every quarter, trends change. This year is no different. We are choosing color that make us feel powerful and impactful. This means orange hues , neutrals that make a statement and purple hues for all shades. Some of our favorites are by the following companies:
Crayon Case
The Lip Bar
Mented Cosmetics
Fashion Fair
Nyx
Get to the nearest store, purchase and play with different looks at home. Discover is matte is your thing, if creamy textures work or if glossy does the trick. Happy shopping!
PaulaJ.Hutchinson
Editor-in-Chief
www.thestilettotalks.com
Aslongastherehasbeenhair onourhead,wehaveadorned ourtressesindifferentways.The journeyfromAfricatotheWest didnotstopourcultural intuition.Wehaveusedourhair asroadmapstofreedom, storageforriceandgrains,and toprepareusforcomingofage eventssuchaspromsand weddings.Trendscomeandgo butonethinghasremained...our hairmustbeonpointand protected.
CreatingaRespectfulandOpenWorld forNaturalHair,ortheCrownActisa movementforlegislativeprotections. AccordingtoDove,Blackwomenare 80%morelikelytohavehair expectationsintheworkplace. Additionally,1in2Blackchildrenhave experiencedhairdiscrimination.Asour hairisapartofouridentity,pleaselearn moreatwww.dove.com
Paula
April7,2022isadaythatwillneverbeforgotten.Mymother transitionedtotheothersideafterashortbattlewithpancreatic cancer.Sheleftaletterthatoutlinedwhatshewantedforher remainingfamilymembers.Thisbookwillsharethatandmypersonal journeytomentalfreedomwhiledealingwithgriefandthenext chapteroflife.Stayconnectedwithusforthepre-orderdate.
Wearelookingforwomenwhoaredoing theirthinunapologetically.TheStilettoTalks Podcastcoverslifestyleandcareertopicsfor theadvancementofourcultureandour women.Toshareyourideas,perspectiveor brands,emailusat contact@thestilettotalks.com
As many are now working from home or working on their businesses, having a space that qualifies as an office is a critical win There are affordable a simple ways to convert closets, corners and rooms into the space you need to make your coins. Here a couple of tips for the office at home.
Our personal favorites are IKEA and Amazon Influencer Why stress when what you want may have been curated ? Type in a few key words and put in the effort to identify what you need IKEA often has rooms set up to show how small spaces can be maximized for productivity
Plants and accessories make a huge difference in adding life to a room or space If you do not have a green thumb, go artificial! Choose plants that do not need a lot of work. Choose different textures of plant holders.
Accessories showcase your personality Check online for great sales or for someone that may be looking to sell some things Shop local markets and influencer pages to identify the right look
No Clutter
Do not clutter small spaces with too many things Instead, consider switching them out with the seasons or my quarters Switching up looks keeps your spaces refreshed and open to creativity Remember, clutter is chaos.
Love for self includes making sure our areas that we draw energy from are well preserved Our bedrooms are where we spend a large percentage of our lifetimes Invest in a room that allows you to relax, relate, and release
Let those old covers go! Add some pop to your resting area with unique color palettes Consider Pinterest or other sites that allow you to see rooms that align with your vision. Accent colors add another lever of depth Purples, greens and gold will be big hits and make statements
Have you listened to a good audiobook or podcast? These are great ways to get your fill of information and inspiration Hands-free tools allow for listening and productivity Podcasts are everywhere and many are converting books to audio Listening has benefits! It allows us to better understand the perspective of others, persuade in effective ways and to learn We have opportunities to obtain missing information Additionally, the conversation on podcasts can be deep! Get online and search for podcasts and audiobooks that align with your mission and goals.
Relaxation does the following:
Lowers blood pressure
Improves digestion
Reduces stress hormones
Reduces chronic pain
Reduces anger
Lowers fatigue
The benefits to relaxation are proven and effective Many are so busy, that we often forget how many benefits are attached to relaxation You do not need social media, cell phones and your favorite television show to live You do however need proper rest Please know that it is ok to skip an event , miss a call. or do something for yourself. Do not wait until your body is so out of whack that it takes professional help to get you in formation. Make relaxation a priority.
