State Champ Radio Juneteenth
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I don’t know who needs to hear this but the President of the United States is not the president of Israel and yet here we are issuing an ultimatum to two warring nations that have no vested interest in America.
For some ungodly reason, and mostly because President Trump doesn’t know how to mind his damn business, Elon Musk’s frenemy has ordered Iran and Israel to figure out their issues in a two-week period or America will start bombing Iran.
The craziest part of all of this is that Israel just started bombing Iran last week and now Trump and Israel want Iran to relent or face more bombing.
Here’s how CNN put it:
The hope among Trump and his advisers is that Iran — under constant Israeli attack and having suffered losses to its missile arsenal — will relent on its hardline position and agree to terms it had previously rejected, including abandoning its enrichment of uranium, according to US officials.
The deferred decision, which came after days of increasingly martial messages from the president suggesting he was preparing to order a strike, also gives Trump more time to weigh the potential consequences — including the chance it could drag the United States into the type of foreign conflict he promised to avoid.
But negotiating a diplomatic solution in Trump’s condensed timeline appeared to face significant early hurdles.
First, Trump put together some kind of peace team that included Assistant Senior Advisor Steve Witkoff and Vice President JD Vance to talk with Iran but that fell apart before it got started.
According to CNN, “Foreign ministers from Britain, Germany and France are traveling to Geneva on Friday to hold talks with Iranian representatives, and have been briefed on the details of the last deal Witkoff offered to Iran, which Tehran ultimately rejected before the Israeli strikes began. Among US officials, there were not high expectations of success for Friday’s meeting in Geneva, one US official said. But a White House official kept the door open to progress.”
“This is a meeting between European leaders and Iran. The President supports diplomatic efforts from our allies that could bring Iran closer to taking his deal,” a White House official said.
Iran has been consistent in their messaging which is this: “I’m not talking about a ceasefire while Israel is still bombing us.” I’m paraphrasing but you get the point. And here is the funniest part of it all: America hasn’t told Israel to stop bombing Iran! Don’t believe me? Trump literally told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, just last week, to “keep going.”
Iran is like,”Why do you keep talking to us when we are just trying to defend ourselves. Talk to your folks.”
I don’t know why the president keeps pump-faking and yet, here we are.
“I think the president has made it clear he always wants to pursue diplomacy. But believe me, the president is unafraid to use strength if necessary,” press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday. “And Iran and the entire world should know that the United States military is the strongest and most lethal fighting force in the world, and we have capabilities that no other country on this planet possesses.”
This is clearly not our fight and for some reason Trump is allegedly willing to back Israel and their bullying ways with all of the force of the American military.
I would like to defer to senior Black official of all Black military affairs who left this message for Iran:
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President Donald Trump’s complaint about federal holidays on Juneteenth prompted social media to show his past support for it while campaigning.
As the nation observed Juneteenth on Thursday (June 19), the most noticable action — or inaction — was in the federal government save for a Truth Social post by President Donald Trump. He stated that he would get rid of “non-working holidays”, complaining that “Soon we’ll end up having a holiday for every once working day of the year,” without acknowledging Juneteenth by name, concluding “It must change if we are going to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
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Juneteenth observes June 19th, 1865, the day when those Black Americans enslaved in Galveston, Texas were informed by a Union Army general that the Civil War had ended and that they had been freed by President Abraham Lincoln’s signing of the Emancipation Proclamation two and a half years before. It was made a federal holiday by President Joe Biden in 2021, and it cannot be revoked without an act of Congress.
Trump’s stance was echoed by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt during her press conference. After answering a question concerning a potential proclamation for Juneteenth, she replied: “I’m not tracking his signature on a proclamation today. I want to thank all of you for showing up to work. We are certainly here.” Trump had signed up to eleven proclamations in the past week alone for Father’s Day, Flag Day as well as the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, which are not among the 11 annual federal holidays.
According to reporting from The Guardian, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth requested a “passive approach to Juneteenth messaging” in an email sent out earlier this week. The news comes after Hegseth has obeyed orders from Trump to carry out his elimination of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), seen in renaming military installations like Fort Bragg and warships such as one named after the slain Civil Rights leader Medgar Evers.
But Trump’s social media post was swiftly called out by many on social media who noted that during his presidential campaign in 2020, he promoted Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday as part of his “Platinum Plan” geared towards earning votes among the Black community. Former President Joe Biden spent the day on Galveston Island, attending the Juneteenth Emancipation March and Service held at Reedy Chapel AME, where he also paid homage to the late Texas Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee who worked to make Juneteenth a federal holiday.
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Juneteenth is just around the corner, and on Thursday (May 30), President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden announced the lineup for their second annual concert in celebration of the holiday. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news The event, which will take place on June 10 on […]
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As many celebrated Juneteenth across the nation, Candace Owens went on to trash the holiday—and received some serious backlash after her comments.On Monday (June 19th), numerous celebrations were being held across the United States to celebrate Juneteenth as it marks its second year of becoming a federal holiday. Owens, who’s known for making a slew of incendiary remarks targeting Black people and other marginalized groups, went on Twitter and wrote: “Juneteenth is still ghetto and made up. Hope everyone enjoys it!”
She has railed against Juneteenth before on Twitter, having “described it as ’emotional programming for black people that choose to opt in to the perpetual victim mentality,” according to a report by Newsweek. “Juneteenth is soooo lame. Democrats really need to stop trying to repackage segregation. I’ll be celebrating July 4th and July 4th only. I’m American,” she stated at the time. While there was the usual gaggle of right-wing advocates and online bigots who responded to her tweet applauding her appalling statement, the rude remarks didn’t go unchallenged for long. Some took it upon themselves to educate Owens on the history of the day, sharing informative articles and links. Many decided to pull up and tell Owens all about herself in a wild and witty fashion, with a few of her followers actually siding with supporters of the holiday.
Here’s a sampling of some of the more entertaining clap backs served up to Candace Owens online. Maybe next time she might reconsider putting her foot in her mouth about the significance of the day – but we doubt it.
1. KesendraB
Twitter user Kesendra B pretty much set the tone for the barrage of digital beatdowns coming Candace’s way.
2. Cutie Superstar
“Oh Klandace” might be a t-shirt in the making.
3. Blue Resisters In Red
4. IV Film TV & Comedy
This user utilized the key scene from Django Unchained of Samuel L. Jackson and Leonardo Di Caprio with their blunt caption.
5. MellBivDevoe
This Twitter user decided to make his point all the way clear with the raccoon imagery.
6. DonJuan The Boy Wonder
The striking Mantan scene from Spike Lee’s Bamboozled gets some play here.
7. Ebony Diamonds
8. Kenjah King
Beyoncé is celebrating Juneteenth in style. In honor of the national holiday — which this year marked 158 years since the people enslaved in Texas were told they were free on June 19, 1865 — the 41-year-old superstar showed off a concert wardrobe crafted exclusively by Black designers, including pieces created by Queen Bey herself. […]
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Source: Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers via Getty Images / Getty
It’s Juneteenth weekend and there are numerous celebrations around the country that one can participate in now that it’s an official holiday, which we’ve compiled in a shortlist.
As a cherished part of Black history, Juneteenth has gained greater recognition nationwide within the last few years thanks to the efforts of advocates like Opal Lee. Also known as The momentum culminated in it being recognized as a federal holiday by President Joe Biden in 2021. As this weekend kicks in, we’ve assembled a list of events taking place nationwide that one can attend to honor Juneteenth the right way.
Fort Worth, Texas
Opal Lee began her crusade to get Juneteenth recognized in her hometown of Fort Worth, first beginning in 2016 with a walking campaign from Fort Worth to Washington D.C. at the age of 89. This year, several events held in honor of the day include the chance to recreate part of the activist’s walking campaign and a cookout. More information can be found on their website.
Atlanta, Georgia
The city of Atlanta is steeped in Black history, which lends itself well to its slate of Juneteenth celebrations. There is the annual Juneteenth Parade, held at the Centennial Olympic Park in addition to free concerts sponsored by the NAACP and a 10K event. There will also be a beauty pageant and a block party event downtown. More information can be found on the Discover Atlanta website.
New York City, New York
The nonprofit organization Juneteenth NYC has set up a full weekend of events under the theme “Kaleidoscope of Culture”. Per their website, their aim is to have “20,000+ attendees local to the NYC community to enjoy a vibrant day of rich culture through music, dance, poetry, skits, history, vendors, and family activities,” all set in Brooklyn with a virtual summit held on Friday (June 17). Tickets to the festivities can be found here.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The “City of Brotherly Love” is home to the Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade and Festival. It promotes itself as the largest celebration of Juneteenth nationwide with 25,000 people who have attended since its 2016 inception. This year will see festivities held at Malcolm X Park, featuring an art festival and vendors. There will also be a Hip-Hop concert with Lil Jon, Lil Mo, and Fatman Scoop performing.
Los Angeles, California
As home to many Black Americans who trace their roots to emancipation in southern states after Juneteenth, Los Angeles is putting on an extensive and varied celebration this weekend. In addition to the Juneteenth Festival taking place at Leimert Park on Juneteenth itself, there will be a star-studded concert at the Greek Theatre to be aired live on CNN. Miguel, Kirk Franklin, SWV, Davido, Coi Leray, and Jodeci will be performing at the event among other guests, with Vice President Kamala Harris making an appearance.
Washington, D.C.
The nation’s capital will play host to multiple events celebrating Juneteenth this weekend, from the National Museum of African American History and Culture hosting a Juneteenth Community Day with indoor and outdoor events including African drumming concerts to the Scotland Freedom Day concert being held on Sunday (June 18th) featuring Wyclef Jean, Tarrus Riley with Dean Fraser & Black Soil Band, Patrice Roberts, DJ Ablaze and other performers live at the Anthem concert venue. The National Archives will also be displaying the original Emancipation Proclamation and General Order No.3 which was read in Galveston, Texas ending slavery in that state on June 19th, 1865.
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The White House announced on Wednesday (June 7) that President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden will be hosting a Juneteenth concert on the South Lawn on June 13. The event comes two years after Biden signed a bipartisan legislation establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday. Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19 annually, commemorates the […]
Following their 2022 debut concert, Live Nation Urban and Jesse Collins Entertainment are returning with this year’s Juneteenth: A Global Celebration for Freedom, set to take place at Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre. This year’s lineup includes Miguel, Kirk Franklin, SWV, Davido, Coi Leray and Jodeci, with other performers and presenters to be announced. Explore Explore […]
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Black-owned businesses surged since the pandemic, but it hasn’t always been easy staying afloat. In an effort to showcase some of the many Black-owned companies that you might not be familiar with and some you may already know, we collected a list of more than a dozen fashion and beauty brands to support, now and forever. Black History Month is the perfect time to spotlight these Black-owned brands that you can shop all year long.
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See below for our list of Black-owned beauty and clothing lines.
Mielle Organics
Mielle Organics is a name that you may have already seen around the web, especially after the bestselling Rosemary Mint Scalp Hair Strengthening Oil went viral last month. Founded by Monique Rodriguez in 2014, the health-conscious brand of shampoos, conditioners, hair oils, vitamins and other products have been promoted by reality stars and social media influencers alike.
Amazon
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil With Biotin & Essential Oils
$8.99 $9.99 10% OFF
Mielle Organics carries dozens of products that you can find at Sally Beauty, Amazon, CVS, Target and other major retailers. Aside from the Rosemary Mint Oil, Mielle has an entire Rosemary Mint Collection which includes moisturizer and sealing cream in addition to the other collection such as mango & tulsi, pomegranate & honey, oats & honey, rice water, sea moss and more. Looking for a deal? Shoppers can save 40% off haircare bundles inspired by the character from the Prime Video series, Harlem.
Mented Cosmetics
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Mented
Mented Cosmetics Complexion Bundle $52 $65
A conversation about not being able to find the perfect lipstick shade sparked the idea that became Mented Cosmetics. Amanda E. Johnson and KJ Miller created the company because “every woman should be able to find herself in the world of beauty no matter her skin tone.” Made for your lips, face and skin, the Mented product lineup includes lipsticks (matte and liquid), concealer, blush, eyeshadow, foundation, eyeliner, lip liner, makeup brushes and more. The products are vegan, paraben free, cruelty free, dermatologically tested and available at Ulta Beauty, Amazon and MentedCosmetics.com.
Eden Body Works
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Amazon
EDEN BodyWorks Lavender Aloe Anti-Breakage Deep Conditioner & Moisturizing Cowash Bundle $17.46 $19.40
Like a lot of great ideas, EDEN BodyWorks was also born from necessity. Created in 2004 by Jasmine Lawrence, the brand offers body and hair care products made from clean, cruelty-free ingredients at an affordable price (everything in the line retails for less than $10-$12). One of EDEN’s top-reviewed products is the Coconut Shea Cleansing Co-wash, which is designed to remove buildup, along with restore, moisturize and detangle hair. You can purchase EDEN BodyWorks products at Target, Amazon, Sally Beauty and at EdenBodyWorks.com.
Unsun Cosmetics
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Macy’s
Unsun Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen $29
Unsun Cosmetics grew out of a lack of sunscreen options for people of color. Founded in 2016 by Katonya Breaux (Frank Ocean’s mother), the company offers tinted sunscreens, body lotions, highlighters, body butters and more. You can purchase Unsun products at various retailers including Macy’s, Amazon, Nordstrom and UnsunCosmetics.com.
Black Girl Sunscreen
Ulta Beauty
Black Girl Sunscree Make It Glow SP30 Sunscreen
$14.99
Speaking of sun protection, Black Girl Sunscreen is another great option. The sunscreen is available as a lotion or spray and in stores and online at Target, Ulta Beauty and BlackGirlsSunscreen.com.
Bevel
Beards need love too! Bevel’s Beard Grooming Kit for Men comes with beard oil, conditioner, 2-in-1 beard balm and pomade.
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Amazon
Mens Beard Grooming Kit by Bevel – Includes Beard Softener, Beard Balm, and Beard Oil to Soften, Hydrate, and Soothe
$59.99 $64.99 8% OFF
The company was founded by Tristan Walker to help customers embark on a positive beard journey. Bevel products have been clinically tested to help prevent clogged pores and skin irritation and are available at major retailers such as Amazon in addition to the Bevel website.
Pattern Beauty
Curl power! Emmy-nominated actress Tracee Ellis Ross launched Pattern Beauty because she wanted to “create a line of products that gave our hair the support it needed to be true to itself.” The brand carries shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, styling creams, hair tools and accessories including an edge tool, combs and the new Pattern Beauty blow dryer, which is “designed for curlies, coilies and tight-textures.”
Pattern Beauty
Pattern Beauty Blow Dryer
$189
This sleek and stylish blow dryer includes four unique attachments to help shape, stretch, smooth, and define your hair and is equipped with a powerful AC motor that reduces dry time and an ion generator to smooth the hair cuticle.
TPH by Taraji
Healthy hair starts at the scalp. Having spent years on movie set, photo shoots and red carpets wearing different hairstyles –- some of which damaged her hair — Taraji P. Henson took matters into her own hands.
Walmart
TPH by Taraji Make It Rain Hydrating Deep Conditioner
$9.97
The Oscar-nominated actress began mixing her own hair concoctions over a decade ago and in 2020, she decided to let the world in on some of those haircare secrets with the launch of TPH by Taraji. “I was having issues keeping my scalp and hair clean,” said Henson. “There was nothing on the market that was servicing my needs, so I concocted something in the bathroom with an applicator and I perfected it with TPH,” Henson told Women’s Wear Daily in 2020.
The line takes a “scalp-first” approach to hair car offering including gental but hydrating conditioners, cleansers, clarifying shampoos, hair milk and style defining gel. TPH by Taraji is available at Target, Walmart and Amazon and will be relaunching this year according to a statement on the brand’s website.
Sienna Naturals
Co-founded by Hannah Diop and Issa Rae, Sienna Naturals is a hair care brand for textured hair that features shampoos and conditioners free of harsh sulfates, parabens, silicones, artificial fragrances, dyes and other chemicals.
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Sienna Naturals
Issa Rae’s Wash Day Ritual $82 $92
One of the brand’s best sellers is The Issa Wash Day Ritual bundle (pictured), which comes with H.A.P.I. Shampoo, a Plant Power deep hydrating treatment mask, Dew Magic leave-in conditioner and Lock & Seal sealant.
The Nina Parker Collection
Founded by TV host and content creator, Nina Parker, the Nina Parker Collection is sold exclusively at Macy’s and features an array of affordably-priced styles ranging from sizes 0X-4X.
Macy’s
The Nina Parker Collection Plus Size Faux Wrap Dress
$59.40 $99 40% off% OFF
A show-stopping, plus-size fashion line filled with trendy, comfortable and fashionable finds like the faux wrap dress pictured above and these pleather leggings with a cropped blazer, Parker’s collection aims to help you confidently embrace your curves while expressing your personal style. The line also carries bodycon dresses, tops, dusters, wide-leg pants, jeans, pencil skirts and more.
Fear of God
This luxury streetwear brand founded in Los Angeles in 2013 by designer Jerry Lorenzo. Fear of God offers a “distinct interpretation of American expression” by way of a collection of timeless pieces which includes outerwear, knitwear, tops, bottoms, suits, loungewear, footwear and accessories. This celeb-loved brand has been worn by Dwayne Wade, Justin Bieber, Michael B. Jordan, Selena Gomez, Queen Latifah, the late Virgil Abloh and more.
Pac Sun
Essentials Fear of God Off Black Coach Jacket
$170
The more affordable sister brand, Essentials Fear of God is nearly sold out at Pac Sun but there are still pieces in stock like the black coach jacket above. The Essentials collection includes sweatshirts, tees, shorts and pants.
Re Ona
Founded by sisters Christina and Philiscia Abayomi, this ready-to-wear label believes that clothing should be “effortless minimal and comfortable.”
Revolt
Re Ona Halterneck Dress $122 $135
Re Ona carries a selection of transitional and structural, ethically-produced tank tops, shirts, bodysuits and dresses like the halterneck design pictured. Purchase via ReOna.ca and Revolve.
Pashko
Fashion for a good cause! Founded by Patrick Robinson, Pashko is a clothing brand that focusses on combatting the impact of racial and social inequality in the United States by bringing jobs to underserved communities.
Pashko
Pashko Tech Trousers $188
The brand carries tank tops, shirts, pants, blazers, jackets and more via the Pashko website. Some of the best sellers include the Impecabbly Cut Tech-Trousers ($188) pictured above and the Slim-Fit Tapered Stretch Track Pants ($168).
Victor Glemaud
New York born, Haitian-American designer Victor Glemaud launched his collection of statement knitwear in 2006. Glemaud’s fashionable, figure-hugging designs include the long-sleeve, cutout dress pictured below.
Revolve
Victor Glemaud Boat Neck Long Sleeve Dress with Side Cut Outs
$525
Prior to launching his own label, Glemaud worked for Paco Rebanne and Tommy Hilfiger. Victor Glemaud clothing is available at Revolve and Glemaud.com.
Anima Iris
A high fashion brand founded by Wilglory Tanjong, Anima Iris carries a piece of Africa in every design. After graduating college Tanjong, who was born in Cameroon and raised in the U.S., spent months traveling around the Motherland exploring African cities like Nairobi, Dakar, Marrakech and Accra.
Amazon
Baby ZURI, Ariel
$425.00
The brand’s collection of gorgeous bags are handcrafted in Dakar, Senegal, and manufactured with a “zero-waste philosophy” in mind as materials are sourced in limited quantities. The Baby Zuri ($425) handbag above is a mini version of the traditional Zuri bag ($910) and available in four different colors.
Click here to shop Amazon’s Buy Black hub featuring Black-owned brands in beauty, fashion, food and other categories.
Love Vera
Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty might be the biggest Black-owned lingerie company, but it’s certainly not the only one. Meet Love Vera, a Black-owned lingerie brand that’s “raising the bar for representation and inclusivity.”
Love, Vera
Love, Vera Appliqué 3 Piece Garter Set Black $97
Founded by Vera Moore, the brand carries bras, panties, bustiers, garters and more in sizes ranging from small to 4X.
Jessica Rich
Jessica Rich made PVC pumps into a fashion movement. Chloe Bailey, Saweetie, Lil Kim, Cardi B, Jennifer Hudson and Keke Palmer are just some of the celebs who have been snapped in her stylish shoes.
Nordstrom
Jessica Rich Monaco Ankle Strap Sandal
$162.50 $250 35% off% OFF
The shoe designer, fashion expert and former host (who’s also the great-niece of Patti LaBelle) made PVC her signature, but the line also has mesh pumps, sandals, mules and platforms in varying styles and designs.
D. Bleu Dazzled
A little sparkle never hurts! Founded by Destiny Bleu, this dazzling line landed on the map for its selection of crystallized fishnets pictured and thigh highs — featuring phrases like “F–k You,” “Keep Your Distance” and “Look But Don’t Touch.”
Etsy
D. Bleu Dazzled Crystallized Black Fishnet Tights $75
Beyoncé, Shania Twain and Lady Gaga are a few stars who have worn D. Bleu Dazzled creations, which includes a selection of bejeweled gloves, mesh skirts, hoodies, joggers, sports bras, durags, lingerie and other bedazzled items available at DBleuDazzled.com and the D. Bleu Dazzled Etsy shop.
Buttah by Dorion Renaud
Buttah Skin is an organic animal- and cruelty-free unisex skincare line created for all shades of melanin skin. The brand, founded by actor Dorion Renaud, uses “proven-effective, good-for-your ingredients” which are made to target different skincare needs including dryness, discoloration, oiliness, and blemishes.
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Buttah Skin
Buttah Skin Transforming Kit $53.99
Did we mention that it’s Beyoncé approved? Buttah Skin is available in major retailers such as Amazon, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, and Ulta Beauty.
Design Essentials
From shampoo and conditioners to detanglers and scalp tonics, Design Essentials has just about anything that you might need to cleanse, condition, prep, style, train and maintain your hair.
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Design Essentials
Design Essentials Kukui & Coconut Hydrating Leave-In Conditioner, 12oz $12
This Black-owned, women-led hair care brand offers up a huge list of products with best-sellers like the Kukui & Coconut Hydrating Leave-In Conditioner ($12) featured above, and the Almond & Avocado Curl Enhancing Mousse ($16.99). Shop by texture, regimen, hair solution or by a specific collection to suit your hair needs. You can find the brand’s products at Ulta, JCPenny and DesignEssentials.com.
Foot Nanny
A collection designed for the sole. Gloria Williams launched Footnanny with her mother’s legacy of health and wellness in mind.
Amazon
Footnanny – Vegan Foot Cream Feet Massaging and Pre Pedicure Relaxing 100% Vegan & Cruelty Free
$46.95
The line of foot creams and butters in different scents, including lavender, lemon and peppermint as well as unscented options and gift sets available at Footnanny.com and Amazon.
We Dream in Colour
Founded by Jade Gedeon, We Dream in Colour has gorgeous, handmade earrings, necklaces and bracelets that will glam up any look.
Neiman Marcus
We Dream in Colour Little Laelia Earrings $135
The dazzling design inspirations are inspired by Gedeon’s childhood in the Caribbean and her nomadic lifestyle. Every piece is assembled by an all-women team and range in price from around $45 and up. We Dream in Colour is available at Neiman Marcus and through the brand’s website.
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