Vol. 22 No. 27 | Winter 2022
A LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
The Liberated Woman: A story of self-care that goes beyond the surface
A Food & Wine Experience with Aminah Robinson (Chef Mimi)
Winter Gift Guide 2022
The Most Luxurious Beauty & Lifestyle Gifts
A Talk with Her financial advice in times of uncertainty and how she’s expanding wealth globally through real estate
Meet Melissa Hibbert
A Letter from Our Creative Director
Hello Readers and welcome to the Winter Issue!
As the newly appointed Creative Director, I’d love to share a little about myself and my journey to HOPE Magazine. Growing up, I always enjoyed magazines as a reader. I genuinely enjoyed the experience of flipping through each page, of being guided through a complete experience from beginning to end with the pleasure of discovery. This curated nature of print media and that it defines a very particular moment in time is what has always made magazines so special to me. After graduating college from the illustrious Fisk University, I hopped on a one-way flight to New York City in hopes of landing a job with the leading publication for women of color. I received a job offer, but the income was low – extremely low. Although the magazine was prestigious, I knew I would not survive or thrive on that income. Despite being tearfully disappointed at the time, I forged ahead, landing a great and financially rewarding position with an agency in brand licensing and marketing at the age of 21. For the next 14 years, I climbed the corporate ladder successfully. Armed with a Bachelor’s and an MBA in Media Management, I had a “seat at the table” in Executive roles in brand strategy as well as product and entertainment marketing with some of the biggest organizations such as Monet & Napier Jewelry, Nike Inc./Jordan Brand, Viacom/BET Networks, Uniworld Advertising Group, 944 Magazine and The Los Angeles Time Entertainment Marketing division. In 2012, I knew it was time to pursue the industry that had been tugging at my heart strings since I was a teenager. I leaned on faith and I left corporate America to launch a business in beauty as a Creative Makeup Professional/Expert, in addition to hiring and staffing behind-the-scenes makeup and hair talent to work in film and television. In 2019, I launched SHYFT Beauty, where I have the distinct pleasure of accelerating the growth and scale of female-founded beauty brands through strategic partnerships, product development, consumer product testing, marketing and omnichannel distribution. Along my journey in beauty, I have met some incredible women, including HOPE Magazine Founder & CEO, Angelia Stone – there was an instant rapport and relational energy that connected us. Within a very short period, I was honored to have been asked to be featured in the 2020 Summer Issue. We kept in touch and a few months ago, I was asked to serve as the Creative Director. I was absolutely thrilled at the prospect of not only joining the team, but this was a great compliment to the work I am doing within SHYFT Beauty. This is a natural extension of my business and background, as an integral part of this legacy powerhouse publication for women, by women and about women who inspire! As the Creative Director, I am proud to lead in shaping the visual direction behind HOPE Magazine and its quarterly cover stories. Our Winter Issue features a cover story on Real Estate CEO, Makeda Smith. The photographs, in collaboration with photographer Carl Ankrum, illustrate Makeda’s legacy as a regal, yet formidable symbol of Black wealth, global mindset and creativity in real estate. I have always loved being around passionate, ambitious, smart, authentic, savvy and bold women. I am in awe of women who are on the move, making things happen, being courageous, having hope, living their best life or creating their dream life, while building a legacy. I decided on the theme “Winter Wealth, Elegance & Beauty” for this Issue as it’s time we not only highlight women and the pursuit of wealth, in addition to unique stories related to the history of wealth, but also dynamic articles from writers who share the passion to help others strive for greatness, along with a holiday beauty guide that features emerging brands we should all support. What a joy it is to work with HOPE Magazine’s awesome team of women and play a part in amplifying excellence in each and every issue! Grateful, Hopeful and Inspired,
Melissa R. Hibbert Creative Director Founder of SHYFT Beauty
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beauty and style
Winter Gift Guide 2022
T he Most Luxurious Beauty & Lifestyle Gifts
The holiday season is officially upon us. Whether you’re looking to buy a present for friends, loved ones or maybe something special for yourself (because you deserve it), our Creative Director at HOPE Magazine, Melissa Hibbert, has curated the very best holiday beauty gift ideas of 2022 to make your shopping experience a little easier and less stressful. From a gorgeous fragrance to prestige timepieces and more glorious surprises, these brands are independently owned and are some of the most luxurious beauty and lifestyle gifts to give – and receive! – this year.
B Fragranced
Founded by Marilyn Jones, the Embellish Parfum Spray is classy, romantic and glamorous… all characteristics of a sophisticated lady. An indulgent, light fragrance, Embellish infuses sparkling notes of apple and peach with a splash of citron. Effervescent notes of jasmine and honeysuckle balance the base of soft amber and sandalwood. Embellish, 3.4 oz Eau De Parfum Spray, $78 bfrangranced.com
Beauty Done Right
Founded by Bianca Edwards, Ice Dice is a revolutionary luxury beauty tool everyone should have at home! The Gold Ice Dice are designed to calm inflammation and increase blood circulation to your face. They can be used chilled or warm. Transform your skincare routine with the most trendy beauty tool on Earth. Gold Ice Dice Luxury Beauty Tool, $64 bdrbeautydoneright.com
InnerG by COMPASS
A true ode to inclusivity, this unisex timepiece is characterized by elegant simplicity. Founded by David Carrington, the COMPASS “innerG” takes you on a journey of discovering your inner-self. This La Chaux-de-Fonds, Swiss made skeleton watch will be a constant reminder to analyze the inner workings of yourself and ensure they are aligned with your purpose. innerG by COMPASS, $7,500 compasstimepieces.com
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103 Collection
Something for him! Founded by Melinda & Delfondo Herron, the 103 Collection celebrates the man in your life with a limited edition gift set featuring premium beard care products and coffee by Chicago French Press. The Men’s Self-Care Box features: • CFP Skyline Box • 3oz CFP Black Tuxe Ground Coffee • Beards + Coffee Black Ceramic Mug • 103 Collection Lavender & Lemongrass Beard Wash • 103 Collection Lavender & Lemongrass Beard Oil • “Beards & Coffee” Greeting Card (blank inside) Men’s Self-Care Box, $78 103collection.com
Canvas Colors
Founded by Ashley Lee, this luxury lipstick brand is rooted in a cause! Ashley was inspired to create lipsticks that would be free of toxins and unnatural ingredients when she began seeking natural remedies in her everyday life after being diagnosed with endometriosis. Canvas Colors represent those who don’t ascribe to society’s views of beauty. They look in the mirror and see beauty! “Audacity” Luxury Lip Gloss, $22 canvascolors.co
Enzuri Beauty
Founded by Kisha Tyrrell, Enzuri Beauty is a lifestyle brand that encourages skin health through the wellness of skin, body and spirit. This carefully curated,luxurious skincare collection combines powerful active ingredients of natural origins to improve the quality of your skin. Luxury Skincare Collection: A Beauty Ritual Rooted in Bermuda, $80 - $225 enzuribeauty.com
People of Color
Founded by Jacqueline Carrington, the You’re a Gem collection by People of Color was inspired by you! It celebrates the day you arrived on this planet and serves as a reminder to live, love, discover, grow and fulfill your purpose. This 12-color collection features the birthstones of each month of the year. Non-toxic, vegan and cruelty free, People of Color polish is 10-free, meaning it is free from 10 of the most common toxins found in the majority of polishes on the market. You’re a Gem Collection, $12 peopleofcolorbeauty.com hopeforwomenmag.com
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A talk
WITH
MAKEDA
SMITH
BY JENNIFER STREAK; CREATIVE DIRECTOR, MELISSA HIBBERT; PHOTOGRAPHER, CARL ANKRUM; MAKEUP ARTIST, BRITTANY CORRINE
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Makeda Smith has charted her own course to success. Her company, Savvy Chicks in Real Estate®, was born out of her love for real estate and marketing, and guides women in the field on how to maximize their online presence and create additional streams of income. Makeda has been a multi-million dollar real estate producer for over 18 years and is known as an educator, digital marketer and business wealth strategist. With over 100,000 followers across social media, she has helped female agents scale up their businesses through e-books, masterclasses, courses and guides – and now, with the current mortgage interest rates and a looming recession, her expert advice is even more important. HOPE Magazine spoke with Makeda about her journey to success, her goals for the future as well as the financial advice she has for homebuyers in the face of this uncertain economy.
“ When I look at billionaire companies like Uber or Google; I see that they have taken their brand global. I want to take my brand global.” – Makeda Smith
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food
Food & Wine with
with Chef Mimi
The creator of The Black Food & Wine Experience tells a holiday story BY CHEF MIMI It is part of my story that the holidays are my favorite time of the year. It’s a time when family and friends get together to enjoy each other. Food and drinks are on the top of the list and who is bringing the mac n cheese is always a topic. Here, I’m sharing some of my unconventional recipes, introducing one of my favorite Black women owned wines and recommending some tasty cocktails for you to enjoy in your home this season.
So let’s get this party started: Wachira Wines NV Brut With aromas of candied apples, mangos, pears, tangerines, melons, pineapples, lemon peel, raspberries and red cherries, this sparkling is vibrant and youthful, but with a dry finish and medium acidity. Notes of bread dough and lychee on the palate. A perfect aperitif or pairing with breakfast, brunch and pastries – it’s a friend to mimosas.
Chef Mimi’s Vegan Greens 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided ½ cup chopped onion 1 green bell pepper, chopped 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 pound collard greens, chopped 3 cups vegetable stock or water hot sauce, to taste salt Old Bay seasoning salt or whatever seasoning you like freshly ground black pepper 1. In a large pot over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of oil. Once hot, add onion, bell pepper, garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for one minute. Add greens and cook for another minute. 2. Add remaining oil and vegetable stock or water, cover and bring to a simmer. Cook until the greens are tender, about 10 minutes. Add extra seasoning such as hot sauce, salt, Old Bay and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. 36
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Chef Mimi’s Holiday Short Ribs Serves 6 5 pounds boneless beef short ribs, cut crosswise into 3” pieces kosher salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper, to taste garlic powder, to taste Lawry’s seasonings, to taste 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 ½ medium onions, chopped 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped 3 celery stalks, chopped 1 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 750 ml bottle red wine by Wachira (preferably cabernet sauvignon) 2 sprigs thyme 2 sprigs oregano 2 sprigs rosemary 3 fresh or dried bay leaves 3 cloves garlic 1 cup low-sodium beef stock ¼ cup butter 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Season short ribs with salt, pepper, garlic powder and Lawry. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Working in 2 batches, brown short ribs on all sides, about 9 minutes per batch. Transfer to a plate. Pour off all but 4 tablespoons of drippings from the pot. 2. Add onions, carrots and celery to pot and cook, stirring often, until onions are browned, about 6 minutes. Add flour and tomato paste. Cook, stirring constantly, until well combined and deep red, about 3 minutes. Stir in wine, then add short ribs with any accumulated juices. Bring to a boil; lower heat to medium and simmer until wine is reduced by half, about 25 minutes. Add all herbs and garlic to the pot. Stir in stock. Bring to a boil, cover and transfer to the oven. 3. Cook until short ribs are tender, about 2½ hours. Transfer short ribs to a platter. Pour sauce from the pot into a measuring cup. Spoon fat from surface of sauce and discard; season sauce to taste with salt and pepper, and add butter. Stir until well combined. Serve with grits, mashed potatoes or mac n cheese. Short Ribs Wine Pairing: Wachira Cabernet Sauvignon The Rhino of our #winesafari. A light-bodied Cabernet, bottled young with grapes from three wine regions in California – Napa, Lodi and Paso Robles. With its soft integrated tannins, this wine is incredibly well balanced. Youthful and fruit forward in presentation with blueberry and blackberry notes on the palate and hints of black raspberry crumble, vanilla and cocoa on the nose.
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