We had to have our CEO, Tyra Shange, do an unboxing for The BAGJUNKIShop’s “Encrusted Lucite Clutch” when it arrived!
Category Archives: beauty
Only moves + vibes. 🎯
Friday Night Lights
Poems are short stories. This one needs a title
Morning Prayer. 🙏🏾
Running Errands
It gotta be family to get an answer these days. #otf #mine #thelife
ICYMI: Milwaukee was MIND-BLOWING!
If I had to try and describe it: Last weekend was really interesting, dope, eye opening, and just overflowing with love…
What “Turned It Around for Me?”
There was a time when I was so fed up with myself and my surroundings that I actually considered… …It’s a “turning point” story in all of us! To hear how it turned around for me and each of the speakers on the 2021 Art of Transparency Tour, grab your tickets and meet us inContinue reading “What “Turned It Around for Me?””
I Have An Announcement! 🎉
“Why have I never added that to my Facebook profile?” (Insert a 🤦🏾♀️+ a 🙄) …Guessing now this means, at some point, I need to do a proper launch party, huh?! 😏
New Quarter = New Goals Accomplished
You know, I think I’ve always wanted to start a clothing line. I vividly remember sketching designs for our cheerleading uniforms in grammar school and re-designing all the hottest Nikes I couldn’t afford. I was customizing Nike’s before it was ever an option on a website. So earlier this year when I decided that IContinue reading “New Quarter = New Goals Accomplished”
ISSA POP-UP EVENT!
We’re excited to announce that our mother company, EbonySun Chicago, is partnering with this dynamic group of Black-owned businesses next week to offer you all NEW merch (like new NEW… not even on our website… exclusive NEW) and of course, boxes of Sincerely, Tyra-authored books! Join us and share the good news! Happy Sunday! —Sincerely,Continue reading “ISSA POP-UP EVENT!”
Love: A New Inquiry
So I’ve been listening to a lot of Drake and Anita lately. But somehow in between them, I was able to come across this song, Sacred Space, by India.Arie. Honestly, between her and Anita’s Tidal playlists, I’m rethinking the type of love that I need and want in my life. There’s a lyric in thisContinue reading “Love: A New Inquiry”
What About Self-Awareness?
I want to hide… Literally just want to get under the covers, ball up like a baby and hide. Why? Because of this feeling of rejection—and how I chose to respond to it. Disclaimer: This post is going to share my flawed reactions to a recent male friend’s choice to be in a relationship withContinue reading “What About Self-Awareness?”
Protecting Us…
Warning: The following video is footage of a memorial that was built to honor Oluwatoyin “Toyin” Salau, a 19-year-old Black Lives Matter activist from Florida who’s body was found dead one week after she went missing. What does it mean to protect the Black woman at all costs??Physically…Spiritually…Emotionally…Can we finally have a conversation about this?Continue reading “Protecting Us…”
Prayer for Inner Peace
Here’s a question: What does it mean to “match energy?” The other day I was writing and reflecting on a few things and a thought came to me: “Vow to never again reciprocate anyone’s negative energy….” It’s no secret to the people that know me the best: I don’t “match energy” well. When someone doesContinue reading “Prayer for Inner Peace”
Know Your Worth: A Self-Care Update
So, “The Goddess of Self-Care” looked up and realized I’d been taking care of everyone else’s needs first. I love to help others and am usually the person friends and family run to when they want something done. I also really struggle with saying the N-word, at times. You know, “no” is not as easyContinue reading “Know Your Worth: A Self-Care Update”
Defining Black Womanhood: A Conversation with us, by us, and for us
Good morning Family! I pray that you are all healthy, happy, and adhering to the Shelter-in-Place guidelines in your area. #StayAtHome (as much as possible). There has been so many movement-building moments happening in the past couple of weeks. I have been participating in marches, reading up on the Black Panthers and Toni Morrison, researchingContinue reading “Defining Black Womanhood: A Conversation with us, by us, and for us”
Go Vote—with Your Children!
Listen, sometimes what looks like an obstacle is actually an opportunity! If you can, take the babies with you to vote today. It’s a reason they are out of school and we are off work at the same time! It’s the perfect opportunity for them to see the process and learn something. My Joy hadContinue reading “Go Vote—with Your Children!”
Promises to My Joy, The Princess
I promise to show you how extremely talented you are.I promise to listen before I say no.I promise to hear your point of view.I promise to make room for your heart’s desires.I promise to remind you that you are the princess (and yes, I’m The Queen—although it sounds softer when you remind me).I promise theyContinue reading “Promises to My Joy, The Princess”
Chicago Peace Project Revisited
(Politickin: The Chicago Peace Project participants discussing future goals, ancient societies, and their favorite cartoons while creating art in trauma-informed breakout sessions facilitated by the Teen Arts Council members.) (Drop Me Off at the L: Teen Arts Council members facilitate an icebreaker called Mr. Taxi Driver for The Chicago Peace Project participants.) Is it stillContinue reading “Chicago Peace Project Revisited”
Move on, Sis!
“If we both wanted the same thing, we would be in a relationship right now.”
I had to explain to my friend that I knew this because he never made a deciding move. Don’t get me wrong now, we’re not on bad terms. We don’t hate each other. We simply aren’t meant to be committed to each other. And ultimately, his actions (or lack thereof) spoke for his desires.
Living on Cloud Nine
I’m on cloud nine and I don’t wanna come down. | Natural high, haters can’t make me calm down. | Hunting for it and I could eat it right now. | These mf’in poems ain’t gon sell theyself na. | 😂… (Okay, I got it out of my system! I watched the entire season ofContinue reading “Living on Cloud Nine”
#DearSelf
Honestly, I haven’t been feeling like myself lately… Then, I remembered I’m cut from a different cloth: I’m a Queen. I’m genuine and caring. I have goals achieved and that are making progress. I’m stronger than I give myself credit for. AND, I know my purpose. So despite everything, I was born to win. WomenContinue reading “#DearSelf”
Worth the Work
Writing this post thinking of some of the ways that I have blocked my own blessings in the past: A. By moving too fast, B. by trusting too quickly (yes, there’s a difference between trusting people and being naive like I was), C. by doing my own thing out of pride, D. and by notContinue reading “Worth the Work”
Comments on Control and Being Still
Bruh, here’s a not-so-secret secret: I struggle with being in control. If I’m being real, I can paint a picture for you. Give me a second… Okay, so: A. Sometimes, I roll my eyes at people who I think don’t know what they’re doing instead of helping them. B. Although I’ll say when I’m wrong,Continue reading “Comments on Control and Being Still”
Happy Mother’s Day!
Yo I’m tired now that I’m actually sitting still —BY MYSELF. Finally. Hosted an event, facilitated class today, and an hour and a half-long admin meeting. But God gave me the strength… This is a Gal. 6:9 moment. Just being able to sit still, alone. Grateful for a day filled with great conversations, but IContinue reading “Happy Mother’s Day!”
Voice and Freedom
I used to be “the quiet one” in the family. But my fam knew how to uplift me stoically. Voice is still only revealed or reeled in when necessary—mostly to heighten the sound of another’s. It’s tougher out here for the introverted mind that’s alerted by the time we usually tend to run out ofContinue reading “Voice and Freedom”
Light, Zest, Space | #GRWM
“Light, space, zest!” This whole idea that God our light, the creator of every space, and our zest/spice of life is really special. It’s a simple reminder that God is really everything and with Him, I should have no fears! I mean in the NIV version it literally says WHO shall I fear? Well, whom actually, but you feel me. This reminder that if the CREATOR OF EVERY CREATURE, the PRODUCER OF ALL LIFE has my back… WHO gon stop me if God be for me?! Like WHO? I’ll wait…
The Overflowing
Just that quick smh…But not today Satan.Be slow to anger, Tyra.Be the example, Tyra.Be in this world, Tyra, not of it.I speak life over the people that wish to test my faith. I pray happiness over you, beloved. There are people struggling in my midst and you will not serve as a distraction as IContinue reading “The Overflowing”
#HealitGod: Fear of Love
I read somewhere that God can’t heal what you are unprepared to reveal. This is an interesting concept that requires us to do a bit of work. Mainly, if you are not in the mindset to be self-reflective and confess your flaws and sins to God, they’ll remain thorns in your side. As my relationshipContinue reading “#HealitGod: Fear of Love”
Free Woman
No one wants a free woman. They want us to be small and contained, unopinonated and ashamed of all our own ideas. When I say, “Stop that. It hurts me.” They’d rather recall how strong I was before and parade my wounds around like a trophy. I just want to be a free woman, fullContinue reading “Free Woman”
Bellies & Babies
Sometimes I look at my stomach and cannot believe there used to be a living, breathing being inside of it… at least until My Joy decides to randomly pat it and says “I used to be in Mommy’s tummy” or “I wanna be in Mommy’s tummy” or… the most infamous one of all: “its looksContinue reading “Bellies & Babies”
My Joy the Mastermind
After tub time, My Joy likes for me to pick her up and stand in the mirror and hug her—like I did when she wasn’t half my size. Last night— My Joy: Pick me up, please. Me: I did pick you up (literally sitting on the side of the tub with her wrapped in herContinue reading “My Joy the Mastermind”
I talked to God in Public.
I think I’ve just now decided to call this what it is. I’m not a preacher, not an evangelist or a even a great intercessor. But I am consistent. And I’ve been consistently praying over us. Yes, even you–who I may not know. But you’re reading this right now–so yes, definitely you, too. There’s aContinue reading “I talked to God in Public.”
18 Love Lessons I Learned in 2018
I took some time to reflect on my relationships. This list represents the love (and sometimes lackluster love) that I experienced in the form of my family ties, friendships, and more intimate relationships. Ultimately, I realized that I should pay special attention to the ones that were blessings and found some important lessons in the rest. Please take what you need.
Dear Self,
1. Sex will not sustain you.
Not Your Average 4-Year Old
I love when people talk to My Joy likes she’s an actual person. Don’t treat my big girl princess like a four-year old that’s not up on game. She is too smart for that and will let you know as much with her level of conversation. Honestly, we should make it a practice of treatingContinue reading “Not Your Average 4-Year Old”
Happy New Year
If you’re reading this, it’s 2019. Dope things happened for us in 2018. Don’t let the mishaps, missteps, mistakes, or even the misfortune fool you into to believing that you didn’t make it through gloriously. It’s time to reflect, be grateful, increase your faith and do even more this year! —Sincerely, Tyra #SlayTheDream #ChiPeaceProject
Kujichaguli-whaat?!
Today, I had an important appointment earlier with an associate which ended up in me having to reflect on a few of my past mistakes. I had to remember times when I thought poorly of myself and times when I allowed other’s perception of me to infiltrate my own self-image. In fact, I used toContinue reading “Kujichaguli-whaat?!”
Excerpt from “Soul Fed”
Dear Self Project
We have ten days left in 2018. You’ve made it this far despite this year having been a test of of your patience, your strength—and possibly—your sanity. But there is definitely something to look forward to and many more things for which to be thankful. Remember, my words you’ve made it THIS far. Keep going!Continue reading “Dear Self Project”
The Meaning of Tyra
Someone called me the Goddess of Self-Love. I find this interesting because according to Google the name Tyra in Scandinavian is the feminine variation of Tyr: god of War, Battle. Most of my life, I’ve been trying to figure out how to reframe that “definition” into a positive one or redefine my name based onContinue reading “The Meaning of Tyra”
God Promoted Me
On this day last year, I found myself accepting a new job… Since then, everything I’ve touched has been favored and blessed. The only thing I miss are my residents and the dance studio. 😊 Less than a year later, that opportunity shifted from a new position to a new promotion. This year has beenContinue reading “God Promoted Me”
Career Change?
I think that I may have missed my calling… I have been off work for two days and now I’m thinking about becoming a stay-at-home mom/home-maker. Bruh, I was so productive earlier in the day, started cooking dinner at 4PM, and we have cleaned the kitchen and eaten all before 7PM. I luhh my job,Continue reading “Career Change?”
Sameyah Haile
I love conversations with My Joy. She is so free with her emotions that I learn something new about confidence, imagination or love with each dialogue. You can’t teach this type of self-love. It makes me weary wondering how I can protect her from the darkness of the world. So I pray her light neverContinue reading “Sameyah Haile”
Go VOTE!
Today’s intention is to VOTE: 1. bc my life depends on it. 2. bc Sameyah’s life depends on it. 3. bc someone needs to know that they have the right to vote despite their past mistakes. 4. bc if you’ve been convicted of a felony in Illinois AND served your time, you can register toContinue reading “Go VOTE!”
So Why Are You Single?
I was asked a couple of weeks ago why I didn’t have a boyfriend (of course, it was man–only men ask that question). While I told the truth, I also should have given the following list of reasons that keep me from “plummeting” into the abyss of love and relationships. (Funny, I used to beContinue reading “So Why Are You Single?”
The Party is Over | Chicago Ideas Week
Y’all. Today, we ended up at an event that we technically weren’t supposed to be attending because of a change in venue… After a great set of Chicago Ideas Week discussions, I gave Michael Eric Dyson my business card. He basically asks what I do and starts cracking jokes about how I’m too young toContinue reading “The Party is Over | Chicago Ideas Week”
Fill Your Holes
#SundayFunday
We went on a mission to see Shakespeare in the park and failed up with an extraordinary play date with some new friends, a photo shoot, and ice cream.* We were sharks, zombies, frogs with sharp teeth, and zappers (whatever that is). Oh, and I can’t forget–astronauts discovering new galaxies! —Sincerely, Tyra 🖤 Sometimes IContinue reading “#SundayFunday”