I’ve been having an existential crisis.

Where I should be and where I am Don’t. Match. Up.

But I’m in none of those places, y’all.
None.

The danger of the highlight reel is real.

Because I had to remind myself that I’m not in terrible places.

I’m in a school building with kids who give me so much joy it’s unreal.
At home with a husband and a dog who give me more love than I can stand.
Under the covers with books that take me on emotional rollercoasters and far away places.
Alongside dope friends who are also dope creatives filling voids and making space in a number of different niches and industries.

But my instagram account had me feeling like I’m that one kid sitting all by herself in the lunchroom while all the dope creatives are living their dopest most creative lives without me.

And it hit me.

The people in my circle are the next wave of Issas, Luvvies, Yvonne’s, Myleiks, and Tiffanys. I don’t need friends in my head because I have dope friends in real life! (But I mean if Issa invited me to her next meeting of the minds, I wouldn’t say no.)

But let’s be clear, there’s no shortage of dope melanin greatness in my life right now.

And you should know about them because the content they’re creating, space they’re making, and merchandise they’re selling are the stuff black girl magic is made of.

The Davis Gals

Ever wonder where the world’s dopest black girl cartoon (my logo) came from? From none other than Brianna and Sabrina Davis of  The Davis Gals.

I have known Sabrina since 2012 when we became middle school English teachers in Charlotte, NC. Armed with nothing but a whole lot of faith, we forged an incredible bond with our students and each other. Since then she has done everything from recruitment for top non-profits to work in higher education. Most recently, my boo is on a mission to get her MBA. Come on somebody. Say my girl ain’t it and you lying.

Throughout all of this Sabrina has always been this creative doodling spirit with business savvy and a fire for Jesus. Together with her sister Bri, The Davis Gals create everything from stationary, to beautiful drinkware, and custom cartoons. With caligraphy and doodles serving as their love languages, you can’t beat their spirit, creativity, and professionalism.

As an avid shopper of their products from their stock merchandise to custom orders I can tell you that you’re missing out on some awesome small business finds if you ain’t shopping with The Davis Gals.

Booked for the Weekend

Next up, Booked for the Weekend

Not only did I trust the creator of Booked for the Weekend, Gabrielle, to be my Maid of Honor, I also trust her with my book selections. This is the friend who I can always count on to read the book and then critique the movie with me (next movie in the queue: A Wrinkle In Time).

Gabrielle has curated a  blog for book lovers while sprinkling in bomb brunch spots in Atlanta, super thoughtful and creative ways to gather your girls, and everything else cute and creative.

What makes Gabby’s blog super unique? She will give you book recommendations at her Book Bar (HELLO SOMEBODY HOW FLY IS THAT!) Sorry for yelling, let me calm down and explain. Not sure what to read next? Simply go to Booked for the Weekend and click on the image on her homepage entitled Get Booked. From there you’ll fill out a quick form helping her better understand your preferences and she’ll send you back book recs!

Married 2 the Mission

I wish I loved Kale more than I loved Krispy Kreme Donuts, I really do. But I don’t, which is why Married 2 the Mission gets my whole life together.

Don’t you love when friends who’ve turned family introduce you to new friends…who become family? Welp, that’s how I met Tyler almost a decade ago now. Girlfriend of my homie turned sister for life is the best way I know to describe Tyler. She is a quiet storm who will out work anyone I know in the gym.

Tyler teamed up with a really stellar group of women who are all on fire for Jesus, their spouses, and their mission to inspire women through fitness and faith. From everything to detoxes to workout routines, this is where I go when I need anything health related.

Ya girl has her 10 year high school reunion this June and Married 2 the Mission is about to get me snatched, okay? So stop playing and come on and lets get snatched together. (While still eating donuts..after June. ‘Cause stuntin’ is a full time job).

 

Cultured OGs.

I’ve given you a place to shop, two blogs to read and now I’m thinking you need something to double tap. Enter: Cultured OGs.

What.Do.You.Mean you aren’t following @cultured.og on Instagram?
Do better.

Why should you follow? Girl, just read the tagline:

For those who do it for the culture and take over for the 99’s + 2000’s.

If you don’t understand the significance of that tagline…it aint for you no way.

Cultured OGs’ creator, Brea, is the holder of all pop culture and music knowledge. And like Tyler and Gabby has been rocking with me since my eyebrows were as thin as my arms, I was faithful to a box of relaxer and a fresh wrap, and 90% of my wardrobe came from Forever 21.

I literally find myelf screaming at my phone in places where that is totally inappropriate everytime I scroll through this goldmine of throwback videos, book pics, quotes, and images of Black women living their absolute best lives.

So here’s my challenge for you.
When’s the last time you promoted the creative magic of the bomb women in your life?!

They’re working hard to bring you content, merchandise, current events, and inspiration. The least you can do is share their greatness with the world.

There’s magic in our musings…and our creativity,
Nicole