Another year around the sun, and I can honestly say this one felt different. This year, I chose to ground myself in ways I never had before. I became more financially stable, which gave me not just security, but freedom. I took time to get more acquainted with myself—my needs, my desires, my goals, and the deeper purpose that fuels me. For the first time, I didn’t just move through life on autopilot. I paused, reflected, and honored where I am and where I’m going.
This year taught me that growth isn’t always loud—it’s often in the quiet decisions, the daily discipline, and the way you show up for yourself when no one is watching. I’ve been planting seeds of self-love, consistency, and faith, and I can already feel the roots taking hold.
But the work doesn’t stop here. This coming year, I’m doubling down—on my goals, my podcast, my content, and my vision. I’m hungry for what’s next, excited for what’s unfolding, and committed to showing up bigger, bolder, and brighter.
And when I look at where I’ve come from, I know this journey isn’t just mine—it’s ours. Every reflection, every episode, every post is about building something bigger than me. It’s about creating a space where we can heal, align, and grow together.
So stay tuned, because the best is yet to come. Let’s walk into this next chapter side by side—ready, rooted, and rising. Let’s do this together, because we deserve it.
Rich Rising Affirmations
Monday:
✨ I honor the woman I was, I celebrate the woman I am, and I embrace the woman I am becoming.
Manifest: Speak this to acknowledge your past, present, and future self with love.
Tuesday:
✨ I have prepared my soil for harvest and will not allow fear or control to stop the flow of abundance waiting for me.
Manifest: Use this to call in financial stability and expansion this year.
Wednesday:
✨ My voice, my vision, and my purpose are needed—and I will share them boldly.
Manifest: Repeat before creating content, podcasting, or speaking your truth.
Thursday:
✨ I attract opportunities, partnerships, and platforms that align with my highest calling.
Manifest: Say this when stepping into new ventures and collaborations.
Friday:
✨ This is my season of overflow, and I am ready to receive it fully.
Manifest: Declare this daily as you step into your new year with openness and expectation.
Alignment is not about perfection—it’s about harmony. When your choices, values, and actions all point in the same direction, life begins to move with more ease. You stop fighting yourself and start trusting yourself.
Living in alignment means choosing what nourishes you, even when it’s not the easiest path. It means letting go of what drains you, even when it’s familiar. It’s a commitment to being honest with yourself and brave enough to act on that honesty.
I know first hand how heavy seeking alignment can feel when you don’t know where to start. It’s almost like a DIY project. There is no real instruction manual. You just have hand-me-down tools that you don’t know how to work with. But that’s also the beauty in alignment. It isn’t one big project with a final destination, it’s a daily practice.
This week, I want you to practice checking in with yourself. Do this at least 3 times a day. Pay attention to moments when you feel out of sync. Instead of judging yourself, give yourself a jump-start with AAA (see what I did there):
1. Awareness: Pause & Listen to Yourself Slow down long enough to hear your own voice over the noise. Ask yourself: “What do I truly need right now?” Be honest with yourself. Your body, spirit, and intuition will always tell you when something is off. Pro Tip: Record video journals at the end of the day. Share how you feel and why. Play it back to yourself and listen as if having a conversation with your inner child. This will help you grant yourself grace and understanding.
2. Authenticity: Release What’s Not Serving You Misalignment often comes from holding on too tightly—whether to people, habits, or beliefs. Write down what drains you, then commit to letting it go. This means having clear and concrete boundaries. It’s not easy, but that’s when you lean into that grace you so often give others. Give yourself permission to start, even if it’s small. Small releases free up space for flow.
3. Alignment: Choose in Harmony With Your Truth Every aligned decision says: “I trust myself.” Resting when you’re tired. Saying no when you need to. Boldly stepping toward your goals. These actions bring alignment, which arises from making consistent choices. These choices are rooted in self-honor. Very much Queen status.
Where in your life do you feel most aligned? Where do you feel the tension of being out of alignment?
✨ Share your reflections or your own affirmation below—let’s grow in flow together.
Rich Rising Affirmations
Monday: ✨ I move in alignment, and alignment moves blessings toward me. Manifest: Begin your week with clarity, calling in ease and opportunity.
Tuesday: ✨ Every choice I make brings me closer to my divine purpose. Manifest: Speak this before making decisions—small or big—to guide yourself with intention.
Wednesday: ✨ I release what no longer serves me and make space for what does. Manifest: Repeat this during moments of letting go—whether it’s habits, people, or thoughts.
Thursday: ✨ I honor my truth, even when it challenges comfort. Manifest: Say this when you’re tempted to stay silent or play small; alignment requires honesty.
Friday: ✨ I am magnetically aligned with peace, prosperity, and joy. Manifest: End your week declaring abundance and harmony as your natural state.
One of my goals for this year is to stop using gender specific pronouns in group settings. I’m still working on it. It’s challenging, but whatever weak minded excuse you can put here to pardon our comfortable ignorance simply isn’t a good enough reason to ignore people’s identities. Plus for me personally, there’s like this weird voice that comes naturally when I start filming content that makes the phrase “hey guys” sound worse than it already does. No bueno.
As we celebrate PRIDE MONTH and the 52nd anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, It’s my responsibility to encourage active alley and creating inclusive environments, especially in this little corner of the internet. So I took the liberty of making this handy little list of alternative and inclusive pronouns in hopes we can all continue to grow and be the best advocates for EVERYONE (see what I did there), not only during PRIDE, but each and every day.
*Friendly reminder: These are strictly for group settings. When interacting on a personal level, I encourage you to seek out the individuals name and preferred pronoun and address the person as such.
Everybody / Everyone
Folks / Folx
Yall / You all / We all
All Yall / All of you / Each of you
We all
People
Humans
Members
Humankind
Yinz (if you’re in/from Pittsburgh)
‘N them (followers n them)
Any appropriate adjective with the word people (Party people, Beautiful people, Good people)
Friends
Darlings
Crew
Chums
Congregation
Allies
Beings that aren’t defined by social constructs like pronouns—haha!
Food names (Pumpkins, Muffins, Cupcakes, etc.)
Beloved
Peeps
Comrades
Squad
Team
So now that we have a starter list of alternative and inclusive group pronouns, let’s put them to practice! Look for opportunities to use these words and build a habit of inclusive language. Like I said before, no excuses!
This pandemic had my nails looking sad, sorry, and all out of sorts—and I know I’m not alone.
In addition to nail salons shutting down, technicians are booked up weeks in advance, and there is little sign of an end in sight. While I realize this certainly isn’t the worst problem or even a big deal in the grand scheme of things, the uncertainty of future nail appointments has left me scrambling to find affordable, between-appointment solutions to keep my nails looking good.
I’ve taken to the habit of getting a full set each appointment so each set lasts a little longer, but that brings us back to the nail removal.
Whew chile.
I’m either ripping apart my nails bed, or taking time I don’t have to soak them off while simultaneously drying my nails out from all the acetone.
Well, I’d like to introduce you all to Mrs. Darlene Willis, or as I like to call her, the EZ Nail Lifter Lady, and like many other lady entrepreneurs, an answer to our (broken-nail) tragedies.
I had the opportunity to pick Mrs. Willis’s brain and get the skinny on her new invention, EZ Nail Lifter, a beauty tool used to separate and lift the false nail from your natural nail in a quick, easy, and painless way. Check out the Q&A below.
Who is Darlene Willis?
A Universal Child of the MOST HIGH with intensive training in Customer Care and Human Relations skills.
What do you do?
For over 35 years I was an Administrative Assistant until 2016 I had to take a medical leave do to carpal tunnel and Rheumatoid Arthritis. That lead me to developing the E-ZNAILLIFTER and my company TRY Product, a product development company.
How did you start?
In 1997 I started wearing artificial nails and did not like the removal process. Acetone makes my eyes tear profusely, and my throat gets scratchy due to an allergy. Plus my fingertips would be dried out for days. I knew there was a better way to remove them, so I went all over Michigan looking for something to take them off without soaking and could not find anything. So, I created a handy tool that would remove the acrylic nails and made it look like a tool a manicure set.
What has your journey entailed thus far?
A lot of INTERNAL FORTITUDE and learn as you go. Sometimes it feels like I’m in over my head to even want to launch a product without knowing where to start or having the finances to develop it properly. I work as an Administrative Assistant and saved to get a patent. I found a manufacture company to make me a prototype. I saved to get them made and test on the market. I’m building a brand with the goal of becoming a household name product.
How do you know you’re (not) within your purpose.
I look at life differently. My purpose in life is not to be the problem, but a solution and the best person I can be. If my mission is simply to be a solution, then any project The Most High allows me to take on is my purpose.
What is my magic —-the one thing you need no outside validation on?
I know I am a child of THE MOST HIGH. The Spirit gives me the will to manifest anything I put my mind to, the only thing it never said is it would be easy.
Biggest life lesson thus far?
Never think someone will see your vision. I realize God gave the vision to me and they just might have not arrived to it mentally.
You can learn more about E-Z Nail Lifter, and get your own at www.e-znaillifter.com —tell them Ari sent you, and tell your nails I said you’re welcome.
Okay, yall. I’ve got some good stuff to talk about today.
I recently had the opportunity to learn about a new beauty brand called Edge Naturale, which is an all-natural hair care brand that uses fresh ingredients to strengthen and nourish natural hair. I was able to get my hands on their magical Follicle Enhancer cream and share the results with you all in my latest youtube video.
I really like this cream. In a short 6 weeks, I notice it left my baby hairs looking long and lustrous, as well as soft and full. It also helped keep my box braids protected and intact.
Learn about my entire experience by visiting the All Things Ari YouTube channel—and while you’re there, be sure to like and share the video, and subscribe to the channel.
You can grab your own container of the Edge Naturale Follicle Enhancer on their website. Be sure to tell them Ari sent you!
I am so here for this style session—oh, that’s cute— we may need to officially name these Style Sessions…
Anyway, last week I had the opportunity to visit my Alma Mater, California University of Pennsylvania. Since the campus was closed due to COVID-19, my sister and I got to do fun little fall shoot at some of my favorite places on campus, mask free.
I wanted to do a super neutral look, because… well, I love her, and I wanted something comfy since we’d be walking all over campus. I ended up styling the Katherine Side Zip Sweater, which is an oversized cream pullover with gold zipper details on the side from Fashion to Figure. I paired it with these super comfy Jordana High Rise Shiny Leggings, also of the Fashion to Figure variety.
From there, I threw in these over the knee boots, which are super vintage Fashion to Figure, and my favorite fall accessory, a camel colored wide brim hat from Forever 21. This look is super comfy, super cute, super neutral, and super in season.
This Blog was sponsored by Fashion to Figure and you can use my code, FTFARI, for money off on all of your orders from fashiontofigure.com.
Fall fashion is everyone’s favorite, me included. I love the layers and extra accessories, as well as the nude and earth toned colors. Simply put, fall fashion is my aesthetic, and I love it here.
Most of you know I have an ongoing partnership with one of my favorite plus exclusive brands, Fashion to Figure. Because of this, I decided to start better documenting the outfits I style with their pieces and get consistent with blogging the style details again, and what better time than Fall to start?
I wanted to do a cute & casual warm weather fall look, with semi basic pieces, so I started with the Black Ultra High Rise Self Tie Skinny Jeans. These pants are ultra-fitted with a good amount of stretch. I especially love the self-tie belt because it gives that extra detail to your outfit whether you do a crop top or a bodysuit.
I coupled the pants with the Naomi Animal Print Ruched Blouse. This is my favorite crop top of the season so far. I love the sleeves, the material, and the neckline. More than that, I love the crop tie strings that allow you to adjust the shirt’s length. To style, I added a black wide brim hat with gold detail from forever 21, and these very comfy red strappys from Torrid, paired with a red lip. Because my shoes have the bow detail around the ankle, I cuffed my skinnys, and what do you know? A look!
This Blog was sponsored by Fashion to Figure and you can use my code, FTFARI, for money off on all of your orders from fashiontofigure.com.
Queen and Slim is classic Black love cinema folks will celebrate for years to come, much like Love Jones, or my favorite growing up, Love and Basketball. The story line itself isn’t particularly different, but because the story is told from a Black perspective (obviously) it adds dimension to the story that honestly, makes it a great one. There is a lot to appreciate in this film, everything from the lighting and framework that would easily allow the film to be paused at any given moment and still look like a beautifully curated photo, to the chemistry between the film’s leading roles, Daniel Kaluuya as Slim and Jodie Turner-Smith as Queen; however the most intriguing aspect of this movie is the perfectly placed nods and easter eggs honoring our history, our legacy, and our identities as Black folks.
I’ve broken down some take-always to better understand the film and hopefully point out some of the things you may not have realized. This post includes ideas and thoughts that can only be explained by knowing what happens in the movie. It’s safe to read for now, but this is your warning—there are spoilers ahead so if you haven’t seen the movie, read at your own risk…
The story begins in Cleveland on a bad Tinder date that quickly turns to the worst. After a short dinner filled with eye rolling and witty sarcasm, we flash to the car ride home when our leading roles get stopped by the police and end up killing the officer who pulled them over in self-defense. As we learn on their date, Queen is a lawyer and quickly puts things in perspective, concluding they must run. This alone is a defining moment in the film because if Queen and Slim were not Black, would this be their only option?
Slavery, the Underground Railroad, and the BLM Movement
Perhaps the most prominent of the symbolism used in Queen and Slim is its’ direct correlation to slavery, the Underground Railroad, and the Black Lives Matter movement. What’s cool about the premise is it IS the typical Black storyline we are used to seeing –Black people running for their freedom; however, it’s done in a way to honor and validate the major movements Black people started and experience in this country.
The story non-coincidentally starts in Cleveland, Ohio. This is significant because Ohio is known for being the final stop on the Underground Railroad as it houses The Ohio River, or as slaves called it, the River Jordan. Cleveland is noted for having corruption embedded in its police department, much like Ferguson, and it is also where 12 year old Tamir Rice was shot and killed by police officer Timothy Loehmann for playing with a toy gun on the playground. The film was also released November 27, 2019, 5 days after the 5 year anniversary of Rice’s death. We also see elements of the BLM movement during the protest scene, which although shocking, speaks to the anger in the Black community and the immense confusion that comes with living as a Black person in America.
From Cleveland, we see the couple escape to New Orleans, then Georgia, then finally to Florida, all common routes and stops along the Underground Railroad, and please note they traveled backwards from North to South. They stayed at safe houses, relied on word of mouth, and at one point hide to hide in the floorboards. They traveled with many of the conditions runaway slaves were forced to deal with– no money, no maps, no allies, no peace—nothing, but each other. Even the bar where Queen and Slim had their second date was called The Underground and while in the bar, they were recognized and celebrated, but most importantly, they were safe. The movie also showcases a vivid illustration of the similarities among the police and slave catchers, and how the justice system keeps slavery alive.
Say Their Names
Throughout the film, Queen and Slim never use each other’s names, in fact no one does. While watching the film, I remember thinking wait, what are their names again? This speaks to the characters relatability. I remember after the Trayvon trial, President Obama gave a speech where he explained how he saw himself in Trayvon and if he had a son, he would probably look like him. The fact is, every time these senseless acts of police brutality happen we see our family, our friends and ourselves in the lives lost. This also sadly, speaks to the interchangeability of the names we associate with deserving justice from police brutality. It is not until the end, after they die, we learn the lead characters’ names of Ernest Hinds and Angela Johnson. This is to highlight the lack of identity and validity Black folks experience every day and how often times we are valued in death more than in life. I also find it fitting that world never found out what really happened the night they got pulled over. Their side of the story never existed.
Loving While Black
We are so conditioned to seeing Black families portrayed as dysfunctional and difficult to love, it is invigorating when we see ourselves depicted in a different way. Queen and Slim beautifully illustrated how significant Black love is for our families, our communities, and ultimately our culture. We see hints of this through the movie, like the line about building your man up to feel like a king in his home, as well as the scene when Slim popped Queen’s shoulder back into place with care, encouragement, and strength, but it is most visible at the end upon their capture.
As they arrive at the plane, walking to board, the police pull up behind them. In synchronization, they turn around, take each other’s hands, and face the music. This scene shows the strength and bravery of their Blackness, as well as the sacrifice and dedication of their love and how powerful these elements are when combined. Queen built her man up to be his legacy. She had all the ideas, she guided the journey, hell, she’s the one that decided to run in the first place. Had it not been for her, Slim would have been shot from the beginning. Slim protected his woman. He held her, took care of her when she was hurt, tired, and scared, and led them with her guidance, and that was illustrated in their deaths. She, being his legacy, and he, carrying her until his end, and at all costs, is the takeaway. That IS Black love.
I want to be like Rayne Stewart when I grow up. Rayne is one of the many Americans suffering from Vitiligo, a non-curable condition causing discoloration and the loss of pigment in skin cells. Vitiligo affects nearly 50 million humans worldwide, and as many as 5 million citizens of the United States. It can be associated with other side effects such as psychological stress and hair discoloration.
Rayne was only 8 years old when she was diagnosed. In addition to the stress of the loss of her favorite aunt to ALS, and grandfather to cancer, Rayne suffered emotionally with fears and feelings of inadequacy, and being bullied in school. After moving to Loch Raven, Baltimore, Maryland at the start of 7th grade, and with the help of a close family friend, Rayne decided she was done trying to fit into the mold, and began embracing her Vitiligo. “I started looking at it as something that makes me unique,” she said.
Now only 14 years young, Rayne is a vitiligo warrior and using her voice to change the way children (and adults) who suffer from the condition view themselves. “I don’t mind the questions, and I understand the stares, because I know being different is not a bad thing,” she explained. Rayne has graced numerous schools, conventions, panels and communities with her rendition of self-acceptance. She even went on to write a children’s book called, Perfectly Different, which explains Rayne’s journey with vitiligo.
Rayne realized she wanted to write a book after seeing her cousin release a book series a few years ago. It took her 1 year but she wrote it, in it’s entirety, by herself; and, has sold over 300 books so far! Rayne admits she still suffers from body acceptance in some ways, but overall is thrilled with the progress she’s made and feedback she gets from people, especially children, who have read the book.
With current dreams of Broadway stardom, and one day meeting Ellen, Rayne continues to use her voice to empower others. The ninth grader is even considering a new book about transitioning from middle school to high school. Rayne’s story is different, and her influence is powerful. Her courage to share her story at such a young age is it only selfless, but also empowering. Because of this young queen, more people are learning to love the beauty in being perfectly different. Ya girl is HERE.FOR.IT!
Fashion shows don’t happen often in Pittsburgh, especially black fashion shows, especially black fashion shows with French names. It’s just not Pittsburgh’s “thing,” if you will. However, last Saturday was the premiere of Reves et Cauchemar, or for the sake of this blogger and the French language, Dreams and Nightmares: A Fashion Production. Jeremey Johnson of JKansepts and Reesha Jackson of RLJDesigns teamed up to bring what I would describe as, the show that could take the city form Pittsburgh, home of the Stillers, to Pittsburgh, that city with the New York mixed with Atlanta, vibe.
Producers Jeremy Johnson and Reesha Jackson
“My goal was providing a platform for guests to experience a fusion of art and fashion,” says Reesha. “I wanted this to be more than just a show, but an experience including shopping, a live artist, and networking opportunities.”
That’s exactly what the duo produced, an experience. Yes, it was that real. No, I’m not exaggerating. The show consisted of 2 runways, sold out VIP and standing room, a red carpet, an in house pop up shop called the Fashion Village, and 8 incredible designers. Among the showcased designers were Destination Royalty, Zaughn Collection, Ooh Baby, Groov Gang, Shop Sittoy, E Adonis, Cherish by Cherie, and of course, JKancepts opened and closed the show. Not only was the show itself amazing, but with the incorporated ballet dancing, flute performance, dancing, live art painting, and nods to Jordan Peele’s US, it truly lived up to its name as fashion production.
Now, I know folks are here for the photos, so let’s just get to it, shall we?
JKancepts by Jeremy Johnson
Destination: Royalty by Asia Monique
Zaughn Collection
Ooh Baby
Groov Gang
Shop Sittoy
E Adonis
Cherish by Cherie
JKancepts
Ari wearing a deep V, high double slit, yellow print romper from Kingz & Queenz Boutique
I thoroughly enjoyed the show and can’t wait to see how Pittsburgh continues to incorporate more cultural events amid the clash of our traditional steel. I would like to see more plus options in the future, but some the designs that were showcased in straight sizes are also available in plus, so I appreciate that. I got my romper and necklace from Kingz & Queenz Boutique. My shoes are from Ashley Stewart.
ELLE The Druggg 