I have a great life filled with wonderful people and unique experiences. Of these experiences, I am especially thankful for the online connections I’ve made with other women writers, bloggers, mothers and entrepreneurs. This cyber sisterhood is a great source of motivation and happiness for me. I am blessed to know of women whose strengths reflect my own, and whose spirits are uplifting. I am able to conquer fears (in this space, vlogging) because of them. As ESSENCE editor-in-chief Constance White wrote, “Whatever you dream, there is a Black woman who has done it. You can do it, too.” The following four women inspire me beyond words. They’ve taught me that I, too, can show my face and share my voice and passions with others.
1) MsDanti1
Makeup artist and natural hair enthusiast, Danyelle, also known as MsDanti, is both talented and beautiful. Trust me. Her tutorials are the truth! A fellow southern belle, she manages to make great videos without speaking! Her silent YouTube movies are a colorful, creative take on the mundane makeup and hair tutorial.
Part 2: Flat Twist Out and Violet Makeup Look
2) Yagazie
She’s a triple threat – absolute beauty, big hair and artistic skill. What’s not so threatening is her gentle spirit. Yagazie comes off as somewhat shy and simultaneously outspoken on camera, possessing a vulnerability that transcends YouTube celebrity. Her uniqueness is inviting and inspiring.
I Won’t Cook For you
3) MahoganyCurls
Curly girl Jess is as informational as she is entertaining. I like her for the latter, but love her for nurturing my inner nerd. Since finding her video blog, I’ve visited the local library and picked up a copy of Lorraine Massey’s Curly Girl. This method may not be the best for me or my hair, but Jess’s bubbly smile and knowledgeable style will keep me checking into her channel.
4) ArielleLoren
Known for her free spirit, writer and resident sexpert Arielle Loren offers more than sex ed in her videos. She opens her life while living abroad and is fearlessly fervent about the taboos of sensuality and LGBTQ issues. Again, she speaks to my inner geek. And she tweeted a link to a poem I wrote. How cool?
By studying these women in their elements, I hope to come into my own and find the courage to talk on camera. I’ve taken a first step, setting up an account with YouTube, hoping it will motivate me to start shooting.
Nice round up! You know I practically worship Arielle so I love that you included her!