Family vacations can be wonderful—and financially exhausting. Guadeloupe is a great choice for families that want to get away without going too far and spending too much money.

It’s close but feels far away.

The warm, sunny islands that make up this French territory in the Caribbean are just a short plane ride away. Getting there is easy with Norwegian Airways—it’s a direct flight from New York’s JFK airport. Plus, it’s only a 3-hour flight, so you won’t have to deal with too many ‘Are we there yet?” inquiries from the kids! Then, once you arrive, there are the family-friendly accommodations along white sandy beaches, inexpensive activities that engage young minds, and tantalizing cuisine featuring the freshest ingredients.

The seafood is unsurpassed in Guadeloupe.

The islands’ culinary style has French, African, Caribbean, and even Indian influences. Each of the islands incorporates these flavors in a unique way, but all of them make the most of the plentiful seafood, which is prepared to the highest culinary standards. Local fish and shellfish are caught fresh every day, sometimes making it from sea to table in just a few hours—whether you’re dining at a four-star restaurant, on-site at your hotel, or enjoying an inexpensive meal on the go from a local street vendor.

(Photo: Aniesia Williams)
(Photo: Aniesia Williams)

Guadeloupe is a paradise for hikers.

You know those movies and TV shows where you see hikes through lush rainforests that end when a majestic waterfall comes into view, complete with a natural pool for swimming? In Guadeloupe National Park (Parc National de la Guadeloupe), you’ll feel like you’re in the movie. And, bonus—it’s free! The islands are known for their excellent hiking, with more than 100 miles of trails.

(Photo: Aniesia Williams)
(Photo: Aniesia Williams)

The park sits at the base of La Soufrière volcano. Bring good hiking shoes because the trails may be muddy or slippery. Pack a swimsuit and a rain jacket, too. Choose among several well-marked, guided hikes depending on your skill, experience, and interest. Birdwatchers, keep your eyes open for the black woodpecker, pearly-eyed thrasher, and lesser Antillean pewee. And don’t miss the Yellow Baths hot spring! The official park website is in French, but most browsers can translate. Trace (trail) statuses are posted regularly, so check it out before you go.

Guadeloupe has a family-friendly beach resort with something for everyone.

La Creole Beach Hotel in le Gosier is nestled among garden surroundings, featuring palm trees and bright bougainvillea. Three on-premise restaurants make feeding the whole family simple, and breakfast is included. Restaurants offer French cuisine, Cajun/Creole cuisine, or a “diner” experience with pizza and quick-service lunch. Amenities include Wi-Fi (for a small fee), satellite TV, room service options, hair dryers, and complimentary crib/rollaway beds.

(Photo: Aniesia Williams)

Children of guests are welcome in the children’s club area, and there’s also a fee-based childcare service. There are two pools (one for children), plus many on-site activities for families traveling with older kids/teens, too. Things like sailing, volleyball, windsurfing, surfing, snorkeling, bicycle rentals, and spa services!

You can island hop to a fort.

Les Saintes is the site of Fort Napoleon, where you can get unforgettable 360-degree scenic views. It’s educational but it’s also fascinating. The fort’s museum is dedicated to the art, culture, history, and natural beauty of the area. Don’t miss the botanical cactus garden (yes, cacti in the Caribbean!) or the roaming iguanas. Get an early start—the site has limited hours, just 9:00 am to 12:30 p m. Also, it’s a steep walk up from the ferry dock, but a short one—only about 15-20 minutes. You may want to pack a French-English dictionary, as many exhibit materials are in French. Guided tours are available in French, although self-guided ones are fine, too. Admission is roughly $4 for adults, $2.25 for children.

(Photo: Aniesia Williams)

Guadeloupe is the perfect family vacation—it’s close to home and there’s lots to do for everyone. It’s hard to see why anyone would pass up a trip to this tropical paradise.

Are your feeling overwhelmed? Asking yourself how do I balance family, business, and my needs? Learn how to use the Self-Care Formula.

I know you are saying “Self-care! What’s that? There is not enough time in a day for self-care. I have a business to run! I have a family to take care of! If I miss work who will do my work for me while I am out? I can’t afford to miss a meeting.”

I understand, but taking care of yourself should be your No. 1 priority. Self-care is a powerful choice to engage in the activities that are required to gain or maintain the best level of health. As an executive in the height of my career, I have had to learn the importance of self-care the tough way.

February 20th started out like any other day in my life. I got up, went through my morning routine, and went into the office. Went into my first meeting of the day fine, and upon leaving the room felt like my leg was dragging. I mentioned to my colleagues that I was feeling off balance, but we all dismissed my related symptoms to tiredness.

I tried to use my cell phone, but it just seemed to jump out of my hand, which I chalked up to my nerves. I continued through my day and even went on to co-host my radio show that evening, came home, and told my husband I was still feeling off. He didn’t see anything wrong with me at the time, and we just went to bed.

The next morning my symptoms had worsened. After a visit to the emergency room, I spent the next 11 days in hospitals, first in acute care, and then in intensive inpatient rehab. My medical teams have been key in helping to restore the function that I lost initially, in my continuing recovery, and helping me to understand and cope with the seriousness of the brain injury I had suffered.

You must stay on top of any health conditions you know about, as the body is a system—one small imbalance can trigger a massive failure. We have all heard it before: eat right, exercise, get rest, do your annual checkups. Choose one thing to focus on and change at a time, through small daily alterations and consistency.

I am eating better, listening to my body more, and resting when it tells me too. In order to take care of my clientele, I had to do a total life change including making self-care a priority.

Try the Self-Care Formula below:

S- Support System

E- Eat 3 healthy meals plus snacks through the day

L- Love yourself so you can Live

F- Family—take time out to enjoy your family

C- Commit to taking an hour a day to do something fun

A- Active—make sure that you are active throughout the day

R- Rest/Sleep at least 8 hours at night  

E- Environment (office & home) should be organized and functional  

Dr. Catrina Pullum has been called a Trailblazer, a Transformer, a Visionary, & The Chain Breaker. As a Film, TV, & Theatrical Producer, Dr. Catrina is creating a platform for women to share their stories of Triumph through the Arts. Dr. Catrina has an enlivening presence that compels people to stop allowing limits placed on them to hinder their growth toward becoming all that they have been destined to be.

Learn more about Dr. Catrina by visiting her websites www.pullcorp.com or www.drcatrinapullum.com.

Follow Dr. Catrina Pullum on Twitter: @drpullum

As a college student at Miles College in Alabama, Lauren Daniels was always asked to be the bartender at parties off-campus. Thus, an idea struck.

“I was always the person that everyone would come to for the drinks. People were still asking when I moved back to Detroit. I saw a need for it but I wanted to make sure that our services were tailored to give that luxury experience,” Daniels says.

After attending bartending school, Sumptuous Spirits L.L.C. was created. According to the company, they cater to a target market of “social professionals” in entrepreneurial, professional, and corporate communities.

As a wife, corporate maven, and graduate student currently working toward a master’s degree in business administration, Daniels says that her first year in business has been all about balance and time management.

When asked what advice she could give an entrepreneur who is still breaking into their first year of business, she says there is one simple answer: “prioritize, prioritize, prioritize! I always have a planner and I faithfully write down everything I have to do for that day. When you try to do everything at one time you lose focus.”

The full-service mobile bartending company, which recently celebrated its one year in business, now boasts a staff of 10 cocktail waiters and bartenders. Daniels says managing a staff and dealing with the rapid growth of Sumptuous Spirits has been challenging, yet very rewarding.

“I’m very fortunate to now have an event coordinator and bar lead who help me with managing day-to-day operations. You can’t do it all alone and I’m learning to delegate tasks to my team,” Daniels states.

“When I started my business, I was so hesitant to host events but I realized that the events that I was having were bringing people together and people were able to see our services. Sumptuous Spirits is more than just a bartending service; we’re having events where people in the community can come together over a great cocktail. Whatever your dreams are, just do it. Put a plan in motion and go for it!” she concludes.

We’ll drink to that!

 Danielle D. Hughes is a social entrepreneur, journalist, and youth advocate. When she’s not writing or covering news, you’ll find her at church, spending time with loved ones, or enjoying a great read! Keep up with her: @danielledhughes

Whether you’re visiting the South Pacific for business or pleasure, you’ll have to exercise a little patience to get there. While there’s not much that can be done about the double-digit travel time, choosing the right airline can make all the difference.

Fiji Airways passengers enjoy a level of service and perks that make them feel as if they’ve arrived, even before ever leaving the ground.

Here’s why:

1. They Know the Neighborhood

Fiji Airways is more than 60 years old. The company’s domestic and international flights serve more than a dozen locations throughout the South Pacific. Regular flights also serve cities in Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. Also, the airline’s on-time performance beats global industry standards.

2.  There Are Direct Flights From the U.S. to Fiji

Fiji Airways is the only airline that offers direct flights to Fiji from the mainland U.S. Passengers have the ease of boarding once, then relaxing until their arrival at Nadi International Airport.

Aerial view of Fiji. (Photo: Aniesia Williams)

Any U.S. passenger can pick up a Fiji Airways flight from Los Angeles International Airport, a major hub in the U.S. that’s easily accessible for flights arranged throughout all major and regional carriers.

3. Fiji Airways Provides Top-Flight Comfort and Entertainment

The airline’s fleet includes both Boeing and Airbus aircrafts, along with smaller aircrafts for regional travel. Pillows and blankets are provided for maximum comfort on overnight flights. All seats recline comfortably, and business class seats have the ability to extend into a bed for sleeping. Business class passengers also get a little more legroom and better seating than those in economy class, which is typical among airlines.

Comfy Business Class accommodations aboard Fiji Airways. (Photo: Aniesia Williams)

Travelers can access music, television, audiobooks, games, and movies with FijiTime, the airline’s very own entertainment package. There’s even a children’s channel! Passengers traveling from Los Angeles can use FijiTime without any additional fees, as can all business class travelers.

4. Figi Airways Offers Complimentary Meals and Drinks

Members of the airline’s Tabua Club can enjoy complimentary food and drinks in its exclusive passenger lounge in Nadi, as well as reciprocal perks at other airports where Fiji Airways provides service.

Fiji Airways Business Class amenities for a more enjoyable flight. (Photo: Aniesia Williams)

Business class passengers traveling on long flights are served three-course meals, along with wine and liquor. Economy class passengers have the option of purchasing menu and beverage items.

The artistic presentation of a meal on Fiji Airways. (Photo: Aniesia Williams)

The South Pacific-inspired dishes bring a taste of Fiji to travelers, before they even arrive.

5. Guaranteed Service With a Smile

When it comes to the airline staff, Fiji Airways passengers are in good hands. Staff members are well-versed in all aspects of the aircraft and its features, in addition to being well-trained in proper safety protocol and procedures.

The friendly flight team on my Fiji Airways flight. (Photo: Aniesia Williams)

From the ground crew to the flight attendants, the friendly staff at Fiji Airways take their role as representatives of the island nation seriously. Fiji is famous for its warm hospitality, and the airline’s staff extend this warm welcome to all travelers before they even board the plane. Whether one is sitting in business class or economy class, all passengers are made to feel like a special guest of the airline.

James “Jimii” Carlisle is a 24-year-old independent artist on the brink of mainstream success. Born and raised in New York City, he now resides in Virginia and goes by the alias “Jimii Hitmaker.” Although many hip-hop artists are often drowned out by a sea of unsigned talent and up-and-coming rappers, Carlisle’s distinctive voice and unique rapping pattern make him a standout.

Black Enterprise first caught up with the promising rapper last year, when he told us about his aspirations and passion for making music. Now, months later, Carlisle has been hit with a new wave of success.

In April, he released two hit singles, “Jet Pack” and “Stunnin.” Both received worldwide recognition, while “Stunnin” is currently charting at No. 63 on Digital Radio Tracker’s National Airplay Top 150 Independent Chart.

He also signed a distribution deal with Amada Records—a premier record label underneath the EAE Management Group umbrella that is distributed via QUE Records/Capitol Music Group—to promote his single “Stunnin.”

In an email, Carlisle opened up about his new distribution deal and his journey in the music industry.

Why do you think you received the opportunity to sign a single distribution deal with Amada Records?

The single is doing pretty good and personally, I think they saw the motivation and drive I have for my music and career.

As an independent artist, how do you feel about the deal?

I still am independent and own all my music and royalties. The distribution is to help me be pushed to a wider audience. I need a more effective way to get my message out, so I partnered up with Amada Records, but I’m still an independent artist signed to my own label, Ticket Vision.

Would you ever consider signing a recording contract with a record company?

Personally, I’d rather remain independent and build my brand and [own] label. And then, maybe one day, partner with a major [record label].

What type of music can people expect to hear from you?

Well, my new single “Stunnin” is available now everywhere music is sold. (Go request it now at your local radio station!) I’m dropping a video every Friday until I release my next project, “If Not Me Than Who,” and later this month, I will drop the third installment to my mixtape series, titled “The Mixtape That Didn’t Happen Pt.3.”

Carlisle’s new project “If Not Me Than Who” will be released July 21. You can follow him on Twitter here.

*Jimii’s answers have been lightly edited for brevity and clarity.

Selena Hill is the Associate Digital Editor at Black Enterprise and the founder of Let Your Voice Be Heard! Radio. You can hear Hill and her team talk millennial politics and social issues every Sunday at 11 a.m. ET.

Follow her on Instagram and Twitter at @MsSelenaHill.

Ladies, it’s about that time again! Time to get right for the summer swimsuit season! In addition to cleaning up your diet and getting your cardio on, you have to get the right suit. No need to fret if you’re not a size 6 or if you’ve been blessed with certain, er … assets. These African American designers have suits that will look tailor-made for you.

As America’s favorite nurse and a cardiac clinical nurse specialist, I have seen firsthand the symptoms, treatment, and outcomes of people who have had a stroke. And personally, I watched my own father have a stroke.

No one is ever fully prepared in these situations but you can be informed so that if it happens to you or someone you know, you’ll be familiar with the signs of a stroke, what to do right away if you suspect someone is having a stroke, and how to decrease the chances of it happening to you.

Did you know?

• Each year nearly 800,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke.
  
• A stroke happens every 40 seconds.
  
• Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S.
  
• Every 4 minutes someone dies from stroke.
  
• Up to 80% of strokes can be prevented.
  
• Stroke is a leading cause of adult disability in the U.S.   

 What is a stroke?

A stroke is similar to a heart attack but instead of attacking the heart, it is a “brain attack.” It occurs when blood flow to an area of the brain is cut off. When this happens, brain cells are deprived of oxygen and begin to die. When brain cells die during a stroke, abilities controlled by that area of the brain such as memory and muscle control are lost.

High blood pressure is the most important controllable risk factor for stroke. And considering 1 in 3 American adults has high blood pressure, this is concerning.

Reduce your chances of having a stroke.

You can decrease your chances of having a stroke with good blood pressure management, which includes taking medicine as prescribed, not smoking, keeping your blood sugar controlled, having a diet low in saturated fats and sodium, exercising regularly (most days of the week), and losing weight if you are overweight.

Is a stroke treatable?

It’s important to know that a stroke is largely treatable. The faster you are treated, the more likely you are to recover.  Stroke patients who receive the clot-busting drug alteplase (IV r-tPA) within 90 minutes of symptom onset are almost three times more likely to recover with little or no disability than those who don’t. And 91% of stroke patients who were treated with a stent retriever within 2.5 hours of symptom onset recovered with little or no disability.

End stroke today

Together, the American Stroke Association, along with family, friends, neighbors and health professionals are working to end stroke. The aim of American Stroke Month is to make Americans aware that they may be able to save the life of a person experiencing a stroke.

It’s important for the public to know how to identify someone who may be having a stroke and act F.A.S.T.

F.A.S.T is an acronym of the most common stroke symptoms.

If you see:

F- Face:  Does the face droop on one side when the person smiles?

A – Arm:  After raising both arms, does one of the arms drift downwards?

S – Speech:  After repeating a simple phrase, does the person’s speech sound slurred or

T – Time: If any or all of the above are observed, call 9-1-1 immediately, because a patient has about 3 hours to get to an appropriate hospital to be assessed for treatments that may prevent disability and death.

Visit StrokeAssociation.org/strokemonth to learn more about stroke, find a full list of stroke warning signs, and join others in “Together to End Stroke™.”

Nurse Alice is a nationally board-certified and award-winning cardiac clinical nurse specialist with nearly two decades of experience in cardiovascular health. She is a community health activist and freelance media health expert. She has appeared on various national radio and TV shows including Dr. Oz, The Doctors, Dr. Drew, News One with Roland Martin, Tom Joyner Morning Show, and more. She is also the author of “Curb Your Cravings: 31 Foods to Fool Your Appetite.”You can follow her at AskNurseAlice.com and on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @AskNurseAlice

Being a mother is not easy. Motherhood requires women to wear multiple hats and live up to the unrealistic expectation of being superwoman. Even when moms make it look easy, it’s not. In addition to raising children, many are working moms, while others stay at home or work for themselves.

In honor of Mother’s Day weekend, here are a few stories about the impact of motherhood along with a few tips on how to celebrate your mom.

College Senior Born on Mother’s Day Now Saves Mothers

Student’s work addresses maternal mortality rate in Texas

(Image: Courtesy of Dominique Earland)

Dominique Earland wasn’t just born on Mother’s Day—in a sense, her birthright became her destiny. She developed a maternal health kit for Dallas-area women. Click here to read more.

Mother’s Day Gift Guide: 5 Thoughtful (but Easy) Last-Minute Ideas

Mom would love any one of these five great gifts

(Image: iStock.com/kirin_photo)

Mother’s Day is this Sunday, but don’t worry if the annual holiday has slipped your mind. If you have yet to get a gift for your mom, we’ve got you covered! Click here to read more.

After His Mother’s Murder, He Still Had an Advocate

The work of the Office of Civil Rights in the Department of Education is one of advocacy

(Image: iStock.com/KatarinaGondova)

Read the head of Democrats for Education Reform’s plea to preserve the Office of Civil Rights in the Department of Education, an advocate of the underserved. Click here to read more.

The Best Mother’s Day Gift For Every Mompreneur

This Mother’s Day, give your mompreneur a gift that keeps on giving with a ticket to this year’s Entrepreneurs Summit

(Image: iStock/FatCamera)

There’s no better present for an ambitious mompreneur than a ticket to the 2017 Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit! Click here to read more.

Moms Mean Business: How To Become A Mompreneur

Learn key tips on how to succeed in parenting and business

(Image: iStock.com/ monkeybusinessimages)

Are you a mom looking to start your own business? Here are a few tips for full-time mothers who aspire to become a mompreneur. Click here to read more.

Just in case you haven’t checked your calendar, let us remind you that Mother’s Day is May 14—which is this Sunday.

But, don’t worry if the annual holiday slipped your mind, and you forgot to pick up a gift for your mom. We got you covered! Here are a few last-minute gift ideas that will surely make her smile.

1. For the Health-Conscious Mom

Why not order or create a delicious fruit basket for your mother? Not only is this a tasty and refreshing treat, it also makes a great gift for moms who like eating healthy or happen to be watching their calorie intake.

Plus, creating a basket from scratch will add a personal touch to your gift. To make a basket, buy an array of fruit from your local farmer’s market or supermarket. You will also need to pick up a decorative box or basket, along with stuffing and ribbon. You should be able to purchase these items from an arts-n-crafts store like Michaels.

2. For the Mompreneur

If you mom has her own business or side hustle, then consider purchasing her a ticket to the 2017 Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit!

From May 17–20, this amazing four-day conference will offer exclusive access to some of the most powerful leaders in business. It’s guaranteed to empower attendees with the knowledge, resources, and tools necessary to expand their business. This will also give your mom an opportunity to network with small business owners and hear from a roster of dynamic business moguls, like Patti LaBelle, Vernon Jordan, Hank Aaron, and Yolanda Adams.

3. For the Mom Who Is Tired of Cooking

Instead of just taking you mother out to her favorite restaurant on Sunday, surprise her with a card and a gift certificate that will allow her to dine out at another time.

4. For the Stressed Out Mom

Is your mother in need of some self-care, pampering, or perhaps, a relaxing massage? If so, consider getting her a gift certificate for a day at the spa. And, if you really want to make her happy, add a subscription to try and taste new wines.

5. For the Mom Who Likes Looking Good

Many women of color know how challenging and frustrating it can be to find makeup for their complexion. But Kimberly Smith, a Washington, D.C.-based attorney, has created a solution. She founded Marjani Beauty Company, a beauty and cosmetics e-comm site that sells beauty, skincare, and hair care products specifically designed for black and brown women. Having your mom pick out some products on you from this website would be a great gift!

Remember the name Marjani Beauty because it just might be the black and brown girl’s answer to Sephora.com. This e-commerce beauty destination, dedicated to the beauty and skincare needs of women of color, was created over a span of six months by Kimberly Smith, a Washington D.C.-based attorney who was tired of seeing big-name makeup brands treat black and brown skin as an afterthought.

“This came out of frustration. I was doing my normal beauty run looking for products and couldn’t find exactly what I needed, I couldn’t find products for my skin tone,” she told Black Enterprise in a phone interview. “I thought it would be cool if women of color had a go-to beauty site where they can find all their products.”

Marjani, which means “coral” in Swahili, aims to be that platform. Launched in February, the digital cosmetics and skin care retailer carries a selection of quality products for women of color made by people of color. The brands are curated from all parts of the world, from Morocco to the Caribbean, the U.S., and even Sweden.

Kimberly Smith, Founder and CEO of Marjani Beauty Co. (Image: Marjani Beauty Co.)

Smith’s avid love of beauty and travel also compelled her to create the site. Whether traversing through countries in Africa, Asia, or South America, she noticed that all women of color face the same challenges.

“Colorism and how fair and dark you are comes into play anywhere. When you’re trying to find a foundation for instance, the darker you are the more difficult it is to find the right shade,” she said. “This is the No. 1 issue when it comes to makeup.”

Though she noted that some brands are extending the brown shades they offer, she stressed that a space like Marjani is still needed; where all of the brands are made by people that look like and understand the unique challenges of their potential customers.

“How cool is it to patronize a brand that from the jump, had you in mind as part of what they were formulating when they were creating that product?” Smith said, noting that when women of color visit Marjani, they can feel confident that every product was created with their specific beauty needs front and center.

To determine which brands will make it to the site, Smith and her team sample products to make sure it reflects a particular brand’s promise.

“The fun part is that I am a consumer, what I would want to see and what I’m interested in, a lot of women like me would want these things too,” she said. “We want people to have that boutique experience. When you go to the site, we want to give a taste of luxury made for you.”

Smith wants Marjani Beauty Co. to be known as a leading global beauty platform, accessible to all black and brown consumers regardless of age, hair texture, skin tone, nationality and geographic location. She also envisions it as a global ecosystem that empowers women and encourages them to realize it’s beyond makeup and more about how they feel about themselves.

This is her first run in retail but she’s fortunate to have the help of loved ones on her journey. Her mother runs the operations part of the business.

“Growing up, she was a mentor; she operated her own small business,” Smith said.

The site has already received a lot of praise via personal emails as well as social media, where Marjani has a following of almost 5,000 on Instagram.

“This shows you that it’s beyond superficial. There are many women who are wanting something more,” she said. “We aim not just to be a retailer, but a community.”

Some of Marjani’s black-owned beauty brands

Marjani currently offers 20 brands from around the world. These products reflect Smith’s natural love of collecting various beauty finds when she travels across the globe, from ayurvedic oils straight out of India to cocoa butter from Costa Rica. Her aim is to introduce American women to brands they don’t usually have access to.

AfroDeity

AfroDeity’s Caribbean Hair Mask (Image: Marjani Beauty Co.)

Since this mother-daughter owned brand hit the site, it’s been a hot seller and is one of Smith’s favorites. The U.K-based Caribbean hair and skin care line is known for their luxury Joliette collection. The ocean-inspired Joliette Caribbean Coconut Hair Treatment Mask is made with sea kelp and prickly pear seed oil. The Joliette Caribbean Radiance Facial Wash offers a two-in-one blend of a cream cleanser and a foaming face wash. It’s perfect for uneven skin and made with natural fruit extracts like coconut.

Urban Skin Rx

Urban Skin Rx’s Purifying Pumpkin Pore Mask (Image: Marjani Beauty Co.)

This skincare brand was designed for women of color and their specific skin care issues, particularly the issues that are faced by women who have more melanin. The Even Tone Cleansing Bar offers a blend of kojic and azelaic acids to help fight inflammation and promote even skin pigmentation. It can be used as a mask or daily exfoliator and the brand’s promise is that with regular use, skin tone appears more even. The Purifying Pumpkin Pore Mask combines minerals, enzymes, and vitamins to reduce pore size while cleansing and hydrating.

AJ Crimson

AJ Crimson’s Chasing Saturday matte lipstick (Image: Marjani Beauty Co.)

One of the most trusted names in the beauty industry, Crimson is usually the first choice for celebrities like Missy Elliot, Regina King, and Angela Bassett. Marjani carries a range of foundations, highlighters, and a finishing powder from this Los Angeles brand. Don’t forget to add his #NoFilter and Chasing Saturday lipstick colors to the cart.

Maréna Beauté

Maréna Beauté’s Blush Tarou (Image: Marjani Beauty Co.)

This Swedish brand formulates products exclusively for darker-complexioned consumers. The highly-pigmented blushes are sure to be a show-stopper whether at the office or on a night out. The Blush Tarou comes in six hues, from high-powered Cambi Berry to the warm, Sweet Brown. The brand was founded by makeup artist, Diarry Maréna who is originally from Senegal.

True Moringa

True Moringa’s Black Soap Moringa (Image: Marjani Beauty Co.)

Named after the Moringa tree in Ghana, which contains numerous health benefits, this brand is 100% vegan. Moringa is rich in zeatin, known for stimulating cell division, growth, and delaying aging of cells. The Magic Black Soap is True Moringa’s modern take on the traditional African black soap. It is handcrafted in small batches using raw shea, moringa, neem, and essential oils. Their Ultra-Light Whipped Body Butter is made of a blend of wild-crafted shea and moringa.

As Mother’s Day is quickly approaching, check out Marjanibeauty.com for some quality last-minute, confidence-boosting gifts.