¡La Navidad está a la vuelta de la esquina! And what makes a latine holiday season feel quintessentially latine other than the limitless festive foods and non-stop celebrations? Gifting a product from a latinx-owned brand, of course. From big celebrity imprints like Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty and Honest Company, Jessica Alba’s family-oriented lifestyle company, to small-footprint indies like the goth-y Necromancy Cosmetica and Spanish-language statement-tee brand JZD, there’s a gift here for everyone on your list. Makeup lovers? Yes. Skincare obsessed? We’ve got you covered. Candle enthusiasts? Definitely. Plus, your thoughtful present will feel even more special when the purchase is supporting a latinx-owned business. Keep on scrolling to see what products should be debajo del árbol on Christmas morning.

Fashion Latinx Gifts

There’s nothing that your stylish latinx friend or relative would appreciate more than a new vibrant dress from R29-reader favorite Brazilian clothing brand Farm Rio or a new bag from Santos by Monica, a Brooklyn-based label specializing in structured and sustainable cactus-leather handbags. If they’re more laid-back and prefer to stay in instead, opt for a new ultra-soft robe from fashion-favorite intimates brand Eberjey or a comfy and empowering Spanish-language statement tee from queer-owned JDZ.

Makeup Latinx Gifts

Product enthusiasts come in all stripes, but no matter your recipient’s routine, there’s a latinx-owned beauty good for them. Do they prefer a more natural look? Then, Selena Gomez’s minimalist Rare Beauty label or Ere Perez, an Australian botanicals brand with Mexican roots, is for them. What about a giftee that loves to paint their face? Then Miami-based pigmented Alamar Cosmetics is the answer. Are they a fan of the gothic romantic vibe? The Puerto Rican cruelty-free Necromancy Cosmetica is the obvious choice.

Jewelry Latinx Gifts

Nothing proves you know your friend or family like a carefully selected shiny thing. Whether you choose one of Aleisha Lopez‘s stone-studded statement baubles, a stack of Little Words Project’s shareable message bracelets, or a modern signet ring from Puerto Rican designer Luiny Rivera, a sentimental piece of jewelry brings all of that latinx sparkle we crave during the dreary winter months.

Candle Latinx Gifts

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from years of shopping for gifts (and for ourselves), it’s that one can never have too many candles. Whether you opt for an oil-based massage votive from the sexual wellness brand Maude, a hand-poured burner from California-based brand CasitaMichi, or a luxury vela from Costa Brazil (a sustainable skincare collection that’s the side project of Calvin Klein creative director Francisco Costa), your candle-collecting friend will be in awe of their gift.

Skincare Latinx Gifts

Skincare fanatics love two things: trying out new top-rated products in already-giftable sets, and splurge-worthy luxury brands like Tata Harper’s collection of natural skincare (inspired by her Colombian upbringing). But if your giftee’s medicine cabinet is fully stocked with face products, there’s always a body-care item like this cactus flower exfoliant from Nopalera — a brand inspired by its main ingredient, the Mexican nopal or prickly-pear cactus — that will thrill and intrigue them.

Haircare Latinx Gifts

Whether it’s a complete haircare-routine set (complete with a spa-ready robe) via Instagram-worthy clean haircare brand Ceremonia or an environmentally-conscious shampoo and conditioner from curl-focused, plastic free Vida Bars, there’s a perfect latinx-owned regalo out there for your tress-obsessed giftee.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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This story includes Succession season 3 spoilers. 

If you’ve ever been a Black employee in boardroom full of white executives — truly, my least favorite place on earth — you know that watching HBO juggernaut Succession is like getting a perverse peek into what horrible things those horrible bosses say and do when they’re not on their best (read: still horrible) behavior in your presence. On the rare occasion that there are Black characters in the room on the show, specifically Black women this season, they offer insight into the reality of how we are overlooked, ignored, exploited and dismissed — and how Black women can expose the insecurities of powerful white people. In order to succeed at depicting white privilege, Succession has to fail its Black characters. Whether it’s through a well-timed eyeroll, the purposefully measured tone of a carefully-constructed sentence, or a blistering one-liner, the Black women on Succession do a lot with very little, whether it’s on the page or not. 

They’re relegated to one-episode cameos (Ziwe Fumodoh as late-night comedian Sophie Iwobi), underwritten arcs (Sanaa Lathan as hotshot lawyer Lisa Arthur) or long-suffering sidekicks (Juliana Canfield as overworked assistant Jess Jordan), but in the world of multimedia conglomerate Waystar Royco, undercooked Black characters may just be the best-case scenario. The alternative is subjecting hypothetical characters of color — a request frequently made by people calling out the show for its lack of diverse cast — to the tyrannical whims of the Roy family at the center of Succession. Do we really want more Black characters to be on the receiving end of a Logan Roy (Brian Cox) berating, a Roman Roy (Kieran Culkin) mindf*ck (remember when he baited a Latinx kid in season 1 with a million-dollar check only to rip it up in his face?), or a humiliating Kendall Roy (Jeremy Strong) errand, like tending to his kids’ pet rabbit? 

The latter was a task for Jess given by Kendall, the prodigal son who after three seasons is unraveling in real time after trying, and failing, to overthrow his father — again. Every major Black woman character this season has been strictly in Kendall’s orbit, but none more than Jess. Jess is a character I spend way too much time worrying about considering how inconsequential she is to the plot. She is so incidental, she has inexplicably been absent from the past two episodes. After seasons of putting up with Kendall’s bullshit tirelessly, and being by his side for every single one of his f-ckups and breakdowns, Jess disappears in the episode “Too Much Birthday” where Kendall plans an extravagant, obnoxious, extremely on-brand 40th birthday party. As he was methodically dishing out orders to his team while planning to descend from the rafters singing Billy Joel’s “Honesty,” we were left wondering where Jess was to look up from her phone long enough to say “OK” with her mouth and “Are you fucking kidding me?” with her eyes. 

Do we really want more Black characters to be on the receiving end of a Logan Roy berating, a Roman Roy mindf*ck, or a humiliating Kendall Roy errand?

Even though she’s done many things outside the scope of her executive assistant job title, Jess technically works for Waystar, so that could explain why she wasn’t running point on a party that included an inflatable rendering of Kendall’s mom’s vagina. But it was when his PR assistant Comfry took over the role of his right hand and also became the object of Cousin Greg’s affection in “Too Much Birthday” and in last night’s “Chiantishire,” set in Italy, Jess’s absence felt glaring. 

We all know Jess is even more out of Greg’s league than Comfry is, but the fact that she wasn’t even considered as a crush option feels a little anti-Black to me. I want Jess to stay as far away from the Roys and their kin as possible, but I could also watch 100 episodes of Juliana Canfield throwing silent exasperated cut-eye at Jeremy Strong. I would also love it if she was given more to do, even if that means awkward flirting with towering bag of milk Cousin Greg. Let Jess get her eat, pray, love on in Italy! But it’s Succession and every character is there in service of the Roys. “You’re always reminded who the main character is,” author and podcast host Aminatou Sow said on the official HBO Succession podcast recently. “The Roys are the main character. Why would anyone [else] benefit from anything that they’ve done?” 

Not only does no one else benefit except for the Roys (which Roy is dependent on the episode), the supporting characters are there solely for their benefit. Take for example Kendall’s lawyer Lisa Arthur. When Sanaa Lathan was cast in the role, it was big news. It was positioned in headlines as an answer to “social media criticism of the show’s nearly all-white cast,” as The Hollywood Reporter put it. In response to this notion, Lathan said, “Well, clearly they took the note.” If Succession was using Lathan for good optics, they were taking a note from Kendall’s playbook. Lisa is hired because she’s a celebrity lawyer whose politics align with Kendall’s agenda to play the woke white savior in opposition to his out-of-touch bigot daddy. She’s also hired because she’s Black. 

“The few Black folks who move through the Roys’ orbit are always at the family’s service, and if they are in public-facing roles, it is because their Blackness is yet another thing the Roys can exploit,” Kali Holloway writes for The Daily Beast in a piece called “Here’s What Succession Gets So Right About Toxic Whiteness.” But Kendall can’t even get out of his own way long enough to exploit Lisa and her Blackness in his favor. To Lisa’s face, Kendall is a pompous dick who couches his condescension in coded language like telling her to “try harder” when she breaks it to him that his case “isn’t a slam dunk.” The audacity of a white man who has inherited every job he’s ever had to tell a successful Black woman in America to “try harder” like hard work isn’t a necessity, a tool of survival, and a prerequisite. 

Kendall and Lisa’s relationship is the closest Succession comes to overtly depicting the nuances of race and white privilege in the corporate world. And it never really goes there. After a disastrous deposition where Lisa confronts Kendall for acting like he’s smarter than her, undermining her, and for coming off as a magniloquent ass (she used more Kendall-friendly language), he fires her unceremoniously. “Turns out she’s a toxic person,” Kendall announces to his team after an off-screen dismissal. I’m not sure if the Succession writers used the word “toxic” on purpose, to expose that Kendall is threatened by his own white fragility and toxicity, and that his silver spoon is so far up his ass, he can’t see that he just fired the one person who could help set him free of his “toxic” family. It’s not clear if they did it on purpose because so much of what we have to take away from Lisa’s underwhelming arc is in the subtext.  

Succession is a show that uses hip-hop as a punchline and has more incest jokes per episode than Black people in the whole series. But surprisingly, that fact hasn’t made me stop watching. Unlike The White Lotus or Nine Perfect Strangers, Succession has never pretended to be anything but an absurd dark comedic satire about rich white people with no morals. There isn’t supposed to be a moral to this story, or a lesson about how tourists treat Indigenous Hawaiians. Succession never takes itself too seriously and therefore if you do choose to tune in, you know exactly what you’re getting: great writing, great acting, and a story about white billionaires and their ridiculous mess — for better or for worse. 

One of the season’s best moments came from Ziwe’s Sophie Iwobi, whose purpose on the show was to tell Kendall about himself, as Black women do. As Kendall is walking around like a martyr for the progressive feminist movement yelling “f*ck the patriarchy!” unprompted, Sophie is dragging him and his “caucasian rich brain” on her talk show. When Kendall blows off an appearance on her show, Sophie gets to deliver lines like “Oedipussy has ghosted my ass!” and  “I’m heartbroken because I had so many names I was going to call him — Wokestar Royco. Benedickhead Arnold. Paranoid Kendroid.” 

Succession doesn’t have to reckon with race in any meaningful ways because the Roys haven’t — and wouldn’t — either. 

Sad Kendall was slowly emerging as the lone hero on a series stacked with villains (Shiv being the worst of them all; I said what I said). People started to feel sorry for the poor rich boy with daddy issues. Sophie brought the audience, and Kendall, back down to earth. He’s just a misogynist, ignorant, egotistical, broken man, just like his dad. He’s still a villain, even if he’s a walking tragedy. If Kendall had actually absorbed any of Sophie’s scathing critiques, or taken the legal advice of his lawyer, or started paying attention to Jess as a capable coworker instead of his minion, maybe he wouldn’t be face down in a pool in Italy when we last see him. But, again, this is Succession and the show we are watching is one of debauchery, not redemption. Kendall is the guy who tweets “listen to Black women” for clout while he’s talking over one, and always will be — even if the show never explicitly shows us this. We’ve seen more of Roman’s penis than substantive depictions of Black characters, and you know what, on this show, that’s OK with me. 

To some, Succession’s inability to confront its racial blindspots is a glaring omission. “This isn’t to suggest that Succession is a racist show, merely that its whiteness lets it avoid confronting the subject of race with any real complexity, which is of course one of the many perks that whiteness has historically conferred on actual white people,” Jack Hamilton writes in Slate. It’s only ever implied that the Roys themselves are racists, like when Roman wants to endorse a noted white supremacist as a presidential candidate, but we all know who they are. Even Shiv, who tries to girl boss her way out of any accountability for her family’s horrific actions, only half-heartedly attempts to squash the endorsement, and in the end, takes her place in the family photo with a Nazi. Like Jess and Lisa, any conversations about “the climate” or how race factors into the Roys’ rule over the country have not been referred to in weeks. Succession doesn’t have to reckon with race in any meaningful ways because the Roys haven’t — and wouldn’t — either. 

And would we  — the Black viewers  — even want them to? “This show is our cocaine,” Sow said as she talked about her group chat full of her Black friends who also love Succession. “It represents everything that we rail about in our professional lives but watching it for entertainment is just beautiful… It either confirms the things you think you know or it just plays to the base fantasy that you have.”

Reveling in the shambles of the Roy family (who are allegedly loosely based on the Murdochs) and their moralless, downright evil, yet often hilarious depravity is so much fun because within their ludicrousness lies the truth about whiteness, privilege, extreme wealth, and exploitation: even though their actions have serious consequences, their money and power are a joke and should be treated as such. They are buffoons, fumbling in the dark and subsisting on generational wealth and entitlement instead of intelligence or competency. They are emperors with no clothes, Greek gods wreaking havoc amongst the cosmos, colonizers drunk off their conquests. 

It’s less funny when you think too hard about the fact that these are fictionalized versions of real people who act as barriers to Black people getting jobs, block systemic change, and who uphold racism at the highest levels. They bar Black women from boardrooms and if we do become the exception with a seat at the table, they constantly remind us of our disposability. Sure, it’s more “realistic” to keep Succession as white as it is, considering the world it inhabits, but it’s also easier to laugh at the chaos (and the accidental dick pics) that isn’t our business, than cry like Kendall on his birthday. 

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After 10 years on The Real Housewives of Atlanta (RHOA), Porsha Williams took her Georgia peach to go. And even with a lead role in Porsha’s Family Matters, she no longer considers herself a reality TV star, but as someone who works in entertainment. So, fans and critics can expect to see Williams feed her creative appetite by producing projects and taking the lead behind the camera.

Her latest flex is “The Pursuit of Porsha: How I Grew into My Power and Purpose,” a memoir chronicling her journey toward finding her truest self. “This is my story. This is how I processed these situations in my life,” Williams says, setting the record straight.” I’m only telling my side, it’s not hurtful to anybody else.”

In the latest episode of Go Off, Sis, the podcast from Refinery29’s Unbothered, the hosts talk about what happens when “people stop being polite and start getting real” on reality TV. And they get Williams to peel back the layers to discuss divorce, happiness, and postpartum depression.

And since everyone has an agenda when they join a reality show, no matter if it’s Ready to Love, Married to Medicine, or Selling Tampa, co-host Ineye Komonibo’s questions get to the heart of the matter: “Were you expecting the level of responsibility that you had to take on? What was Porsha’s reasoning for getting on this big platform at the time?”

Williams said her intentions were “1,000% cookie-cutter positive.” She wanted to show the house with the white picket fence and bring attention to her activist grandfather’s legacy. But the camera saw something different.

“I don’t think when I joined the show, I knew I had on a mask. I was being my title — I’m being a wife. And not the realest type of wife,” she says looking back on the first season on RHOA. “When I married Simon [Guobadia], I’m not wearing the ‘title’ of wife. I’m Porsha…I’ll still have my identity. I’ll still have my voice.”

To hear more about The Pursuit of Porsha and the type of conversations Williams plans to have during her book tour, listen to the full episode, below.

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Photo by Philipe Cavalcante on Unsplash

5 Amazing Benefits of Zinc for Hair Growth You NEED to Know!

By Jacqueline Samaroo

Who doesn’t want to have healthy, lustrous, thick hair? From investing in expensive shampoos to trying out different natural haircare regimens, we do it all.

But, sometimes it seems like it’s all for nothing.

You might still be experiencing excess hair fall, split ends, and stunted hair growth despite all that you do to help your hair grow. But, more than treatments and products, often it is important dietary nutrients that can help: zinc, for example.

There are plenty of benefits of zinc for hair growth, and you can find out about some of them right here!

5 Fantastic Benefits of Zinc for Hair Growth

Zinc reduces the growth of steroids

There are certain steroids that can lead to male pattern baldness in many male bodies, and female pattern baldness in women. Having enough zinc in your body will curb the production of these steroids and will keep your scalp filled with thick hair.

However, boosting zinc levels may still not be able to block DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) which may also cause hair loss. Enough zinc in your body will, however, slow down and reduce such hair loss.

Zinc promotes the healthy reproduction of cells.

You must already know that in order for hair to grow, the cells should be able to replenish and reproduce regularly. Well, luckily this is what zinc comes in use for. When the zinc levels in your system are balanced, it boosts hair cell reproduction, leading to healthy hair growth. This is because zinc helps raise the production of DNA and RNA in hair follicles.

Zinc, in fact, forms a powerful combination when used with selenium- they both also foster hormone production. This is why taking selenium and zinc for hair growth is a great option.

Zinc boosts protein levels.

Hair fall is often caused by the weakening of hair strands, which in turn traces back to protein deficiency. When your body is deficient in zinc, it is also deficient in hair protein, and this leads to hair breakage.

One of the many benefits of zinc for hair growth is that it builds up protein strands and in turn, strengthens hair from the roots. Furthermore, protein, in general, is much needed by the human body to keep up energy levels and strength. So, you can’t go wrong by having enough zinc in your body for that added protein advantage!

Zinc repairs and regenerates.

Zinc, which is only needed in small quantities in the body (11 mg for adult males and 8 mg for adult females daily), is excellent for repairing hair tissue. Hair tissue can get damaged and weakened over time due to factors like pollution, stress, and other health concerns. But one of the main benefits of zinc for hair growth is that it repairs, nourishes, and gives resilience to hair tissue. Even if you don’t notice distinct hair growth in a few months of zinc supplement usage, you will observe reduced hair fall.

Zinc maintains healthy functioning of oil glands around follicles.

Ever noticed that your scalp is either too oily or too flakey and itchy? That may be due to zinc imbalance and can cause severe hair fall if left unchecked. Among the benefits of zinc for hair growth is its ability to maintain scalp oil balance and treat seborrheic dermatitis. If you’re going through a scalp condition like that, try pyrithione zinc for hair growth. Pyrithione zinc shampoos and conditioners are readily available to help you solve this sort of issue.

While we are all wowed by the many benefits of zinc for hair, do remember to adhere to the recommended dosage of daily zinc intake. Too much of anything can be harmful to the body, and the same applies to zinc as well. Consuming too much zinc can cause harm to the immune system and further lead to aggravation of problems such as hair fall, acne, etc.

To reap the benefits of zinc for hair growth, always check with your physician before taking zinc supplements, or any supplements actually. A simple and safe way to boost zinc levels in your body is to include enough zinc in your diet. You can add foods like shrimp, red meat, egg, and soy to your daily diet for natural zinc intake.

So now that you know exactly why and how zinc can help promote hair growth, go ahead and include it in your life. Luxurious locks of hair are awaiting you!

Do you use a zinc pyrithione shampoo and conditioner? What’s it like? Tell us!

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Producers are the backbone of every song listeners grow to love—especially amid the lilts and thumps of Latin genres like reggaetón, dembow, Latin trap, and R&B en Español—but too often this musical vertebra is constructed by cis men. In fact, according to the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, only 2% of producers in the music industry are women—a figure that drops even lower for Latinas and non-white women. 

It’s not that women are disinterested or even new to audio. For decades, Black women producers like Sylvia Rose Moy, Sylvia Robinson, and Missy Elliott have been behind major commercial hits. More recently, Latinas like Ali Stone, Claudia Brant, and Ella Bric have worked with artists like Camila Cabello, CNCO, Ximena Sariñana, and Kat Dahlia. But despite producing classics like The Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight” or Mariah Carey’s “Babydoll,” non-white women continue to face challenges entering the world of production, creating a name for themselves in the industry, and building lucrative careers that match their male colleagues. For those who do make full-time careers or find part-time passion projects in music production, it’s often a lonely road, riddled with microagressions, sexual harassment, and pay inequality.

“I want to meet more women producers and collaborate on music, especially Latina producers,” Perfxn, a Bronx, New York-based Dominican-American experimental producer, tells Refinery29 Somos. “Being one myself, I think it’s important for the culture to be a part of that creative space.”

Like Perfxn, a growing number of frustrated women producers and industry folks have a keen interest in seeing more gender inclusivity in audio. But real change will require all players—including labels, artists, music journalists, studio spaces, music programs, award shows, and brands—to strip themselves of bias and use their power to uplift marginalized talent.

“I think male producers and artists have a huge role in making the music industry more inclusive,” Grammy award-winning producer Boi-1da tells Refinery29 Somos. “I know what it means to have genuine allies within this industry—it’s hard for any artist to break through, and no doubt even tougher for women to break through the male-dominated portions of the industry like producing.”

Boi-1da’s walk matches his talk. This year, the Jamaican-Canadian producer, who has worked with the likes of Drake, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Leslie Grace, and countless others, teamed up with Bacardí in San Juan, Puerto Rico, for Music Liberates Music, a program the rum company designed to champion underrepresented voices in the music industry. Its latest iteration specifically focuses on women. Through the initiative, Boi-1da hand-selected three women artists that he coached over the course of the summer. 

“It’s hard for any artist to break through, and no doubt even tougher for women.”

“I want to continue giving opportunities to talent,” says 1da, who also famously mentored and co-signed award-winning hip-hop producer WondaGurl. “Their music needs to be heard.”

Among 1da’s latest mentees is Perfxn, an artist he first came across on Clubhouse during a beat battle in 2020. Through the Music Liberates Music program, they produced tracks, like “On the Way” with vocalist Niqa Mor, that were later minted into non-fungible tokens (NFTs). That a musical powerhouse like 1da would partner with a company that has the resources to invest in emerging women talent is critical. According to Denise “Nice” De’ion, a Black Canadian producer who was also selected to participate in the program, the scale is tipped in men’s favor. “So when someone like Boi-1da, who is a leader in the industry, gives the co-sign, people see that [and] are automatically like, ‘Oh, she’s dope. She’s cool,’” De’ion says. “It helps because it’s a huge brand standing behind women saying, ‘we see what you’re doing, and we want to be an ally and help to increase that number.”

But even when women producers of color get their foot in the door, there’s often a slew of microaggressions, paternalism, ego, and other barriers waiting for them on the other side. During a Zoom call from her home in Los Angeles, Stone, a 29-year-old Colombian producer, recalls the moment a music journalist asked her if she was sure no one helped her produce a yet-to-be-released Mary J. Blige track that she let him preview. “I was like, ‘Oh, wow.’ And I had my laptop there, so I literally showed him the session,” Stone recalls.

Throughout Stone’s 10-year career, she has fought to remain true to her aesthetic and sound, despite the unsolicited suggestions of men. Spewing wild anecdotes with a smile from cheek to cheek, the independent artist explains why she has decidedly remained so after a label attempted to sign her. “They were like, ‘What if we signed you, but like, maybe you did reggaetón,’” she says, laughing. “That’s [not] the music I make.” As an independent producer, Stone has worked with Mexican actress and pop star Danna Paola on “Valientes,” legends of the aughts RBD during their reunion concert, Grammy-nominated artist Cami, and, most recently, beloved Chilean multi-instrumentalist and singer Francisca Valenzuela. 

With self-taught lessons in mixing, DJing, and song making, and a handful of women mentors along the way, Stone is guided by the motto: “Expect the unexpected.”

Distinctly, as twin sisters, DJs, and eyewear designers Coco & Breezy transition into music production, they have decided to go the label route. This year, the dynamic Puerto Rican duo from Minnesota signed a deal with WME. Now, the pair is getting ready to release an EP in 2022. Even though their path is different from that of Stone’s, they agree that women-to-women mentorship and collaboration have been key to their success. 

“If you’re the only person or if you’re the only woman [in a space], some people don’t like to share the knowledge because they feel like they work so hard to get there, and there’s a little ego,” Breezy says. “You can’t have an ego. Just [own] the space that you want to be in and figure out ways to put in those hours so that you can continue to be greater.”

“Yes, you are supposed to be here.”

The shared experience of being the single woman in the room, or in some cases one in a handful at best, has not squashed any of the ladies’ hopes for the future. Women like Stone are passionate about making themselves seen and heard in those rooms as well as leaving the door open for others. The producer has worked with Working for Women and Grammy-winning mastering engineer Emily Lazar’s nonprofit We Are Moving the Needle. 

“I feel like the ideal future would be having that equality—total equality in participation, seeing that inclusiveness in the credits, [and] the making of music,” Stone says. “Also, equal pay and making sure it’s a safe space for women in general.” 

Another necessity: recognition. In 2018, Venezuelan producer, songwriter, and musician Linda Briceño became the first woman to take home the Latin Grammy for Producer of the Year. (The first woman ever nominated in the category was Italian singer-songwriter Laura Pausini.) In the U.S., a few women have received Grammy nominations for Producer of the Year, but none has taken home the coveted prize. In 2021, Toronto-based hip-hop producer WondaGurl made history when she became the first Black woman to win Producer of the Year in Canada’s Juno Awards.

The lack of women producers of color winning awards, gaining recognition for their work, or becoming household names like Tainy, Sky Rompiendo, or Swizz Beatz paints an image that only men are or can be music producers, further facilitating the gender disparity in the industry. 

“When it comes to anything where you don’t see a lot of people who look like you in the space, you feel like, ‘should I do this,’ ‘am I able to do this,’ and ‘am I supposed to be here,” Coco says. She replies to herself, and all emerging women producers: “Yes, you are supposed to be here.”

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Today: a teacher who makes $54,000 per year and spends some of her money this week on Lulu’s heels.

Occupation: Teacher
Industry: Education
Age: 26
Location: Springfield, MA
Salary: $54,000
Net Worth: ~$47,000 (I have $47,000 between my checking and savings account, $1,076 in a CD at Chase that I started in high school, and a little over $10,000 in a Roth IRA account from Fidelity, minus debt. My fiancé and I just got engaged, so no shared accounts yet, but we will probably make a joint account once we are married. We use Venmo a lot to share expenses.)
Debt: $11,000 car loan
Paycheck Amount (2x/month): $1,411
Pronouns: She/her

Monthly Expenses
Rent: $700, which includes utilities (We pay $2,100 split three ways to live in the house my fiancé, B., bought last year. Third roommate is B.’s brother.)
Car Payment: $265
Savings: $500
Cell Phone: Still on the family plan for my phone (Thanks mom!)
Health Insurance: $85.95 (pre-tax)
Dental Insurance: $3.86 (pre-tax)
Union Dues: $42 (pre-tax)
Retirement: $226.33 (pre-tax)

Was there an expectation for you to attend higher education? Did you participate in any form of higher education? If yes, how did you pay for it?
Yes, there was. Neither of my parents graduated from college. My dad never got to go because he had to work at the family business and my mom just never finished. They pushed for my siblings and me to attend college. They were very generous and paid for whatever scholarships didn’t cover. I went to grad school where I went to undergrad and they paid for my education in full because I helped teach classes and was an assistant coach for the field hockey team. I was able to graduate with no student debt! I realize how lucky I am to be in this situation.

Growing up, what kind of conversations did you have about money? Did your parent/guardian(s) educate you about finances?
I don’t remember talking much about money growing up besides saving birthday money that I got. When I was in high school my parents helped me open a savings account and credit card to start my credit score. I didn’t use it much, but it was helpful to have. I wish I had asked my dad more about investments and whatnot before he passed away, since he was always the money guy.

What was your first job and why did you get it?
My first job was going to work with my dad. Other than that I did a lot of babysitting to have spending money and to save for a car.

Did you worry about money growing up?
Not really. Some years over the winter when my dad’s business was slow I’d hear my parents talk about spending less, but I didn’t worry. We always went on family vacations out of the country twice a year, did any extracurriculars we wanted, and were able to get what we needed without having to worry.

Do you worry about money now?
A bit, yes. I know I have a good job and not a lot of expenses to worry about but I think about money in terms of how to best invest it and how to increase it for the future. I had a great childhood, and if we have kids, I would like to give them a good childhood and not have to worry about money.

At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and do you have a financial safety net?
When I graduated from graduate school at 24. After that, I got a full-time job and started paying for everything. My mom would help out if I needed it and B.’s dad would help as well.

Do you or have you ever received passive or inherited income? If yes, please explain.
Yes, I received $8,000 when my dad passed away.

Day One

6 a.m. — Friday! My fiancé, B., and I wake up to our alarm and cuddle in bed before he gets up to shower and I get dressed. We work at the same school, so we are up at the same time each day. I get dressed, brush my teeth, grab my lunch, and we head out the door.

12 p.m. — Lunchtime! Pretty easy day so far, other than the fight I had in one of my classes. Middle school is s tough time for a lot of kids and they don’t always know how to regulate their emotions properly. We’re working on it. During lunch, I browse online for a new hand towel to match our freshly painted bathroom that B. did a few days ago. I find one that looks good and order it. $17

3:05 p.m. — End of the school week! My mom, brother, and B.’s sister are coming for the weekend so I run to our favorite Italian restaurant and pick up a salad that will go with the pasta and meatballs my mom made. I then run home to freshen up the house a bit and hang with B. before our guests arrive. $30

6 p.m. — The team I help coach has a game tonight and my family and B. come to watch. We win! My mom and brother always loved watching my games in high school and college when I played, so I’m glad they’re here tonight and get to see a win.

8 p.m. — We finally get back to the house to eat a late dinner and it is delicious! We eat, laugh, and talk throughout dinner and dessert. After dinner, we play some Catan, which B. taught us how to play at the beginning of COVID. We love this game so much, it really got us through quarantine. We have a leaderboard for Catan wins and I am currently at the top. I hope to extend my lead this weekend.

Daily Total: $47

Day Two

10 a.m. — Saturday! B. and I don’t drink coffee, so we don’t have any at the house but my mom needs it… badly. We take a drive to Dunkin’ while B. sleeps and pick up regular coffees for her and an iced matcha latte for me. She generously pays!

1 p.m. — We have another game today, but away, so I head off to catch the bus with my team. B., my mom, and my brother will meet there later, where B.’s dad and stepmom will also be.

5:30 p.m. — I hear laughing and talking from my people during the game, so I take that as a good sign. We lose, but oh well. You win some, you lose some. I don’t take the bus back. Instead, I drive with my family to meet B.’s fam for dinner. We pick a casual place that has room for us and a good menu. We eat a lot, laugh a lot, and have a good time. When the bill comes, B.’s dad picks it up.

10 p.m. — Finally home! Long day but a good one. B., my mom, B.’s brother, and I decide we have enough energy for a game or two of Catan before going to bed. My mom and I both win! Then we turn in.

Daily Total: $0

Day Three

8:45 a.m. — Early wake up today. We’re going to look at a potential wedding venue! It is about an hour’s drive to the venue, so we stop at Dunkin’ first to get donuts and a large coffee for my mom before hitting the road. She pays again.

12:30 p.m. — Wow! We finish the tour at the venue and it looks great. The place is good, the food looks amazing, and they have openings for when we’d want to get married next summer. We ask them to hold the date for the week while we decide to take it or not.

2 p.m. — When we get home, we eat a quick lunch, get my brother, and then hit the road to go apple picking. My family used to go every year and make apple pies with the apples we picked. My sister didn’t come up this weekend, but we still have a fun time collecting different types of apples at this beautiful orchard nearby. We get our money’s worth, stuffing as many apples as possible into the bags provided. After that, we head home to relax before my mom and brother go home. $20

5:30 p.m. — My family leaves and B.’s dad, sister, and her boyfriend come over to hear about the venue and watch the Patriots play. They’ve had a tough season so far, unfortunately. We decide on ordering from our favorite Chinese restaurant. We get pork fried rice, veggie lo mein, crab rangoons, General Tso’s chicken, beef skewers, and one other kind of chicken. B.’s dad pays for dinner again! We chow down while watching the game. Unfortunately, the Pats lose again. Everyone goes home after that, so B. and I relax and get ready for another school week.

10 p.m. — We head to bed after I pick out my outfit and make lunch for tomorrow. This is something I do every night to save some time. I learned that trick when I student taught in college.

Daily Total: $20

Day Four

6:05 a.m. — Another Monday. They aren’t bad, just tough starting the week again. During homeroom, I get hit with a basketball and I have a headache immediately. (I am a PE teacher, so my homeroom is in the gymnasium.)

12 p.m. — Lunchtime! I grab an ice pack and put it on my head, hoping it will help. While I’m eating leftovers, I get an email saying my birth control is on its way. I use Nurx because I haven’t found a good gyno that I like in MA yet. $8

3:05 p.m. — I go home to nap before I have to catch the bus later for an away game. The nap and some Advil helps my head a little. B. goes to the grocery store after work and picks up some basics; milk, eggs, cantaloupe, chicken, cereal, bagels, pasta, pancake mix, bacon, steak, and yogurt. My share is $35. $35

9:30 p.m. — Late night for me. I finally get back from the game, which we won, and eat a late dinner of burgers and salad. It was freezing at the game, so it takes me some time to get warmed up again. My head still hurts, so I go to bed once I get everything settled.

Daily Total: $43

Day Five

6:05 a.m. — Uh oh. My head is still throbbing. I make a note to talk to the school nurse when I see her. Usual routine and head to work.

12 p.m. — Lunchtime. The nurse thinks I may have a concussion and, sadly, I agree. So I spend lunch searching for a few nearby health centers where I can get my head checked out. I get an appointment after work.

4 p.m. — After waiting for over an hour, I finally get checked out. The PA agrees that it’s a concussion and gives me a note saying I don’t have to go to work the rest of the week, because of the increased risk of getting hurt again. I text my mom letting her know, then drive home to tell B. the news.

7:30 p.m. — After all of that, I still have to go get my bridesmaid dress fitted for my best friend’s wedding that is coming up. B. kindly drives me so I don’t have to drive at night and have the lights bother my eyes. The tailor is nice and does what she needs to do quickly. Because they need to rush the alterations, it comes out to $160 to get it to fit me! That is more than what I paid for this dress, but I begrudgingly swipe my credit card because I need this dress. Being a bridesmaid is expensive! B. then drives us home and we watch Only Murders in the Building, which is fantastic. $160

10 p.m. — I go to bed early because my head is killing me, but I’m happy knowing I can sleep in because I’m not going to work. B. watches TV for a little longer and then comes to bed to snuggle before falling asleep.

Daily Total: $160

Day Six

10 a.m. — Wow, did it feel nice to sleep in. I eat breakfast and take some Advil before getting dressed. I have a few quick errands I want to run before my head gets worse. I stop for gas first and fill up for $30. $30

10:30 a.m. — After getting gas, I head to the grocery store to pick up some supplies to make apple pie. I do it quickly because I’m starting to feel bad again. It’s $20 total, but B. splits it with me. $10

11 a.m. — I put the groceries away and take a long nap to rest my brain a bit. After waking up, I eat a PB&J and start making the pie. I use the same recipe that my mom uses because I think it is the best one out there! She makes a nice crumble top that really puts this pie over the edge. I lie down again after the pie is done.

4 p.m. — B. comes home from work and we talk about our days while lying on the couch. We remember that we have a wedding reception to go to this weekend where wearing costumes is encouraged. We scroll through Amazon a bit before deciding on Ash Ketchum and Pikachu costumes that will come in the next day. We each pay for our own. I am ready to be the most comfortable person at the party. $41

9 p.m. — B. goes to the movies with a friend of ours and I decide to stay home and rest. I buy a case of Celsius packets because they are cheaper than the cans and I like having them for work when the days drag on. When B. gets home, he talks about the movie, then we watch some TV before heading to bed to snuggle. $11

Daily Total: $92

Day Seven

10 a.m. — While B. is at work, I shop online to get some new fall clothes and a pair of heels for the wedding I’m in. My credit card gives me cash back on Lulu’s so I shop there and find what I need. I get a pair of heels, a new belt, a sweater, and a bodysuit. I don’t wear bodysuits, but I figure it could be interesting to try one. $108

12 p.m. — I nap on and off while B. is at work. I muster up the energy to take the summer clothes out of my closet and put my fall/winter clothes in there. My head is feeling better than it has been, so I take that as a win.

4 p.m. — B. stops at the grocery store on his way home and picks up some stuff for dinner and some other goodies. He is a great cook and he makes chicken tikka masala with basmati rice and naan, which I am more than happy to eat. We eat and enjoy each other’s company since we have the house to ourselves; B.’s brother, who has been staying with us, is out West visiting their other sister for two weeks. We watch some football and root for the players we have on our fantasy teams and then head to bed for some alone time. Afterwards, we sit and relax, talking about life and what our wedding could look like. $29

Daily Total: $137

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Outfit Details:

Chanel Jacket (similar here), Tibi Dress, Celine Bag, Chanel Flats (similar here) (Noralee dress on C)

When all else fails, black always has my back. The always classic and chic all black outfit can get your through just about any season, and with so many gatherings and parties this time of year, I find myself reaching for it more often. This is the most flattering (even being almost 9 months pregnant) black dress I have ever slipped on. It can easily be dressed up with the right heels and accessories, or even worn with flats and blazer (as I did here). I’ve included several new black styles to my wardrobe in the past couple of months, including dresses, pants, skirts, blouses and more, and find myself reaching for them to pair with  favorite neutrals and seasonal brights. See below for my complete edit of classic black pieces to wear this holiday and winter.

The post Classic Black Edit appeared first on Julia Berolzheimer.

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All items were in stock as of Monday Dec 5th @ 8 AM CST – but it's the holiday season and things are changing fast. If you find something has sold out, please drop me an email and I'll credit you in the article!

“Men are hard to shop for.”

I hear this time and time again. But I disagree.

We are actually very easy to please – you just need the right gift ideas!

Still confused? Worried that Christmas is coming up and you haven't found the perfect gift yet?

The good news is – you can still grab an awesome last-minute gift without resorting to novelty socks or ties.

So take a deep breath, read this guide then grab him the perfect gift and pretend you had it all planned out well in advance.

1. Stylish Pair Of Chelsea Boots

Few boots really drive home sleek and casual perfection the way Chelsea Boots do.

The boots were first used as riding boots, the elastic on the sides making them easy to slip on and off. They make amazing casual boots that really lend a much-needed elegance to any man's outfit. The Thursday Boots Cavalier is a must-have in a fall closet.

2. Essential Skincare Kit for Men

What could be better than the gift of perfect skin? VITAMAN's men's skincare products are made with natural Australian ingredients – no toxins, aluminum or chemicals.

Their Essential Skincare Kit gives him the core VITAMAN face-care essentials he needs this winter:

1. Natural Face Cleanser
2. Natural Face Scrub
3. Natural Face Moisturizer

He'll also get simple instructions on how to use this kit and VITAMAN's world-class support if he has any questions. Click here to grab this kit and get a free VITAMAN re-usable Face Mask and VITAMAN's no alcohol anti-bacterial hand wash thrown in for free!

Oh – and if you're looking for more skin and hair care recommendations, click here to read VITAMAN's Holiday Gift Guide.

3. An Elegant Leather Belt

A good belt can take your whole outfit from good to great.

Anson Belt & Buckle has taken the classic belt and improved it with their revolutionary exchangeable buckle system and micro-adjustable belt.

Instead of 5 holes, 1” apart like most traditional belts, Anson Belt offers 30+ options only a 1/4” apart, allowing you to always achieve the perfect fit.

4. Shaving Kit

Looking for a quality shaving kit that won't empty your pockets? This Harry's five-piece shaving set is all you need to fine-tune your grooming routine.

This set is all you need for a crisp, close shave.

5. An Affordable Luxury Watch

What man doesn't want a stylish, elegant timepiece? Monta Watches are great starter watches for those who want to go a little more high-end but still want to stay on a budget.

These watches are sleek and professional and come in several styles that cater to every whim and fancy. I'd definitely be happy to see this under the tree!

6. A Scent Trigger

Do you want to be more focused? More confident? Perform better?

Then you should definitely try out Mission Fragrances.

It’s not just about fragrances that smell good (and trust me, they do!) but leveraging the Science of Scent to get more out of life.

Learn how to boost mental clarity, sharpen concentration, and increase your confidence to become the man you know yourself to be!

7. The Perfect Signature Scent

Every man needs a signature scent. But the problem is – most men have no idea what theirs is. Here are a few of my favorites:

In the world of men's fragrances, Parfums de Marly is a relatively new kid on the block but they've already built up a reputation as an exquisite, niche fragrance house.

Known for their bold fragrances that leverage exotic fruits, florals, spices, and woods Parfums de Marly fragrances will surely make you smell and feel like royalty.

With over 30 colognes available, it won't be difficult finding that signature scent for you or that special someone.

8. Vlogging Camera Kit

Talent is one thing but everyone knows a good camera definitely helps.

The Canon Mirrorless camera is great for pros and amateurs alike.

Easy to use with a 15-45mm Lens, 4K Video, Built-in Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth Technology – this is definitely a good starter camera.

A favorite for vloggers too!

9. Leather Wallet

Every man needs an amazing leather wallet. And to tell you the truth… not a lot of companies are up to Carl Friedrik's standard.

Beautifully made Italian leather wallets crafted to perfection will bring a smile to any man who receives one as a gift this holiday season.

You can pick different sizes, colors and types of wallets – I'm sure you'll find the perfect one for your friend, brother, father (or any man for that matter) and I'm sure they'll thank you for it!

10. Performance Jeans

I'm a prepper – which means I like to be prepared in all possible situations I or my family can get into.

Skinned knee at the park? My first-aid kit is ready.

Leaking faucet at home? Got my wrenches right here.

Blackout during a storm? No sweat- I have my trusty flashlight: heavy-duty, incandescent, works with easy to find batteries, this Maglite flashlight is a staple in our house – it's water-resistant and renowned for its quality, durability and reliability

11. Mini LED Flashlight

Goes without saying – if you like to be prepared then you should have one of these in your car, travel luggage, Dopp kit and bag.

You'll never know when you'll need it and it's small enough for kids to use too!

12. Bike Accessories

I'm no professional cyclist but I do enjoy rides on my bike every now and then. It helps to have great bike gear and accessories that are not just of great quality but also unique.

If you're looking for bike gear that's fun, cool and one of a kind – Dispatch Bike is the way to go!

13. Men's Makeup

Getting ready for that date but suddenly see a pimple popping up smack dab in the middle of your forehead? No sweat – Stryx is here to save the day.

Stryx engineers products made for men to give them perfect looking skin without having perfect skin so you can say bye to spots, redness and dark circles instantly.

14. Height Adjustable Standing Desk

Working from home has its perks but it definitely has its disadvantages too.

I found myself often distracted and even falling asleep on my workspace.

The standing desk literally changed the way I work – not only do studies show it to be healthier, it is also shown to help you keep better focus and reduce back pain.

15. Backpack

Whether you're traveling, hitting the gym, or heading to work – EZRI has a stylish, practical backpack for you.

All EZRI's backpacks are made of incredible high-end unique materials, making them ultra-lightweight while allowing them to maintain their shape even when empty, and to stand on their own.

16. Cowboy Boots

There are a number of men who have never ridden a horse, yet own and look GREAT in a pair of Western boots.

Admittedly, it can be tricky to pull it off but with the Chisos Cowboy Boots, it has unmatched comfort with an elegant finish.

These cowboy boots are downright incredible and comfortable.

17. Tactical MultiTool

Gerber Gear Truss Multitool

This multi-tool has saved me countless times when going on trips, especially when I used to ride my bike all over the country.

Small enough to fit in the compartment or bag but has everything you need in a pinch.

LEATHERMAN Wingman Multitool

Another great multi-tool to keep in the car or in your toolbox. Has everything you need in an emergency plus it's compact enough to keep anywhere.

If I can't think of a gift to give a friend – I usually end up getting this and I know it will be well received.

18. French Press Coffee Maker

Everyone knows I love a good cup of coffee in the morning.

Add some coconut sugar, freshly whipped cream (because nothing else compares!) and I'm all set for a good day.

This double insulated press keeps the coffee hot for longer and makes sure none of the grounds get to your cup.

A staple in the Centeno household.

19. Glasses

Do you know someone who loses their glasses all the time? Or maybe breaks them by accidentally sitting on them? If you do, or if this is you – then Clic Readers would make the perfect gift.

What makes CliC Eyewear unique is their design. Instead of your normal temples, these glasses go around your head, disconnecting at the bridge.

With this magnet and headband combination – they’re always around you when they are not in use. No more losing, misplacing or breaking those glasses ever again!

20. Portable Flashlight

I know I've listed several other flashlights here but with a house of 4 kids who like to the outdoors – somehow I just need several of these.

I keep these in our camping gear as well as keep one in each of the rooms.

Just in case we get a blackout from the nasty storm, everyone's set. Pro-dad tip, these are waterproof.

Making them super handy for sticky little fingers.

21. Journal

I've been journaling for more than 20 years, back to my military days and it's definitely one of the things I have never regretted doing.

Not only does it allow me to look back and remember all the important (and sometimes crazy) things I've done but it helps me remember all the amazing people I've met.

I've used it to set goals, figure out timelines and overall just help me map out what I wanted to do with my life.

This is one of the best gift ideas for men who already keep a journal or for someone who's looking to start. Lochby journals are stylish and sturdy – something you'll need for every day.

The post Last Minute Holiday Gifts Ideas (For Men Who Are Hard To Buy For) appeared first on Real Men Real Style.

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