TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIFESTYLE How to Nurture Lifelong Bonds & Sustain Adult Friendships
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Lifeline of Laughter and Love: My Found Family of Sisters
10
The Transformative Power of Self-Care Workshops for Women
14
This One-Day Retreat Allows Black Women to Explore Wellness
38
Come On, Sis, I Got You
25
3 Tips for Making Friends in a New City
32
Sisterhood- 10 Tips for Forging Lasting Bonds
38
FEATURES
National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) - An Organization of Black Sisterhood
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Harmonies of Authenticity: Gail Renee’s Journey from “Bloody Waters” to Rockboy Records
25
Elevating Massage Therapy from Luxury to Necessity
35
COVER STORY
BUSINESS
Keeping It Real: 2 Tips for Authentic Brand Storytelling
30
outwork Everybody: Monique Rose Sneed
Visit
HTTP://SWAGHERONLINE.COM 5
to download this current issue to your tablet
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How To Nurture Lifelong Bonds &
Sustain Sustain Your Your Adult Adult Friendships Friendships By Obsession
Maintaining solid friendships can feel like an elusive endeavor in the whirlwind of adulthood, where responsibilities multiply like rabbits and time slips through our fingers. Yet, cultivating and nurturing these bonds becomes even more crucial amidst the chaos. So, how do we navigate the maze of grown-up life while still holding onto the camaraderie that once felt so effortless? Here are five tips to help you maintain and strengthen your adult relationships:
1. Establish Rituals of Connection: In the frenzy of our adult lives, establishing rituals of connection can be the anchor that steadies the ship. Whether it's a monthly brunch, a weekly call, or a yearly getaway, having these rituals creates a rhythm that allows you and your friends to sync up despite the demands of your individual schedules.
2. Quality Over Quantity: Next, think of a compelling feature for your cover story. This will be what draws your audience in. Make sure that you have accompanying visual content that immediately catches the eye. Include photos, illustrations, and other graphics to match. Appeal to your audience, choose the right fonts and images, and you'll have a magazine that people will remember for years to come.
3. Be a Cheerleader:
Photo by The Irandelson Salgueiro
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In the hustle of life, we often forget to be each other's cheerleaders. Take the time to celebrate your friends' achievements, no matter how small. A simple acknowledgment can go a long way in fostering a positive and supportive friendship.
15
O UTWORK
EVERYBODY
MONIQUE ROSE SNEED 05
was no way that we would have met the day that we met, at the time that we met and the way that we met if it wasn't for God. So I just say, be open to that and, again, work on you. Be fully who you are so that you can have the power of discernment, so that you can understand what to accept or what not to accept, so you can understand what to look for. Trust yourself. You know what I mean? We all have been through things, and if you look back at it, you'll say to yourself, “I knew I made allowances for this person,” or “I made excuses for that person.” If you find yourself doing that a lot, that's not the person for you, because the person God has for you, won't have you do all that. It's just going to work and flow. So if you have to force anything, remove yourself quickly, because time is short, and you do not have to stick around just because society says at this age or this point in your life, you should be dating, or you should be married. It all happened in God's timing. I think that's why I've been blessed like I have. Had I not just trusted God, I wouldn't be in the marriage that I'm in now. So you just got to trust it and go with the flow.
https://moniquerose.com
@themoniquerose
23
HARMONIES OF AUTHENTICITY:
Gail Renee’s Journey
FROM BLOODY WATERS TO ROCKBOY RECORDS By Christina Woodard Step into the vibrant world of Gail, a musical maverick whose artistry defies conventions, seamlessly blending soul, jazz, gospel, rock-nroll, blues, hip-hop, and dance. In this exclusive interview, Gail shares the roots of her diverse musical style, attributing it to a childhood that transcended musical boundaries. Gail reflects on pivotal moments in her career, from winning the 2020 Heritage HipHop Album of the Year Award for
Christina: What is your
that didn’t see color or boxes when it
Bloody Waters to signing with
SwagHer? What makes Gail
came to music. We literally listened to
Rockboy/Sony Records. She
Renee, Gail Renee?
everything in my house. Music is music. So, it never occurred to me that
discusses her unique voice, drawing comparisons to legends
Gail Renee: I think my SwagHer is
I had to be one thing. When I decided
and the spiritual essence that sets
that I own my power while
to make my music, it came out multi-
her apart. Dive into the creative
knowing that it is a gift from God.
genre because that’s just who I am.
process behind groundbreaking
This keeps me humble and
albums and anticipate the Holy
appreciative of the power and gifts Christina: How did winning the 2020
Ghost-infused magic in her
of others.
Heritage HipHop Album of the Year Award for Bloody Waters impact
upcoming work. Gail's journey unfolds, a testament to
Christina: Your music is often
your career?
authenticity, resilience, and the joy
described as a unique blend of
of pursuing what she loves.
various genres, including soul,
Gail Renee: It allowed me to see that I
jazz, gospel, rock-n-roll, blues,
can be who I authentically am without
hip-hop, and dance. How did you any gimmick or alter ego, and people develop this diverse musical
will still connect to me. Because
style, and what inspires you to
Bloody Waters was such a deeply
explore such a wide range of
personal album and I was so
genres in your work?
vulnerable on it, it also made me see that people from all walks of life can
24
Gail Renee: I grew up in a family
relate to heartbreak and pain, and we
Keeping It Real:
2 Tips for Authentic Brand Storytelling
BY: Francheska “Fancy: Felder Authenticity has become the cornerstone of effective brand storytelling in a world inundated with marketing messages. For SwagHer Magazine and our community of empowered Black women, authenticity isn't just a buzzword – it's a guiding principle. Here are three essential tips for businesses looking to keep it real with their storytelling.
1. Understand Your Audience Inside and Out
Authentic storytelling begins with a deep understanding of your audience. Take the time to listen, engage, and empathize with the experiences of Black women. Whether through social media, surveys, or even focus groups, gather insights into their needs, desires, and challenges. Avoid relying on stereotypes or assumptions; instead, celebrate the diversity and richness of the Black female experience by doing your research and asking them yourself. By staying true to your audience, you can create content that resonates personally and fosters genuine connections.
2. Embrace Transparency and Vulnerability: Authenticity requires honesty, transparency, and vulnerability. It is not always easy to do, but be open about your brand's journey – the successes, failures, and lessons learned. You can do this by acknowledging mistakes, addressing criticisms, and demonstrating a commitment to growth and improvement. Invite your audience into the conversation and ask for their feedback and input. By embracing transparency, you can build trust, credibility, and authenticity with your audience. Remember, authenticity isn't about perfection but being genuine and real in every interaction. In a world where authenticity is often elusive, businesses prioritizing genuine storytelling stand out. Understanding your audience and embracing transparency allows you to create authentic connections that resonate with Black women. At SwagHer Magazine, we believe authenticity isn't just a marketing strategy – it's a way of life. So, let's keep it real and inspire greatness together. 29
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ELEVATING MASSAGE THERAPY From Luxury to Necessity physical well-being. Meagan concludes by inviting a greater appreciation for the industry’s depth and encourages everyone to explore and support certified therapists in their journey toward holistic wellness. Christina: What is your SwagHer? What makes Meagan, Meagan? Meagan: My drive and determination have always been intriguing. When I know exactly what I want, I go and get it. I’ve always been a hard worker. Christina: What inspired you to transition from being a part of the salon and spa industry for 15 years to becoming a business owner and focusing on massage therapy as a necessity rather than a luxury?
B Y :
C H R I S T I N A
W O O O D A R D
In this interview, Meagan Ewing, a seasoned professional in the salon and spa industry, unveils her inspiring journey from an industry expert to a passionate business owner, placing massage therapy at the forefront of wellness. Meagan shares her motivation to shift perceptions, emphasizing the necessity of massage in pivotal life moments like weddings. As the founder of Namaste My Day, she reflects on the challenges and growth experienced, advocating collaboration over competition. Delving into her impactful events like “Teach Us Massage Therapy” and “Winter Wellness & Serenity Soiree,” Meagan discusses how these gatherings contribute to her mission of educating on positive touch and overall well-being. She sheds light on the myriad benefits of massage therapy, challenging the perception of it as a luxury, and urges a deeper understanding of its profound impact on mental and 34
Meagan: I wanted to be the voice of massage therapy in the wedding industry and be someone who would listen. I wanted to educate couples in the wedding process that you NEED to get massages during that time. It’s so important, we put massage therapy in such a box, and it’s so much more complex than that. After the birth of my first child, I realized how capable I truly am and how much knowledge I have of massage therapy and the salon and spa industry that needed to be shared. I love to educate anyone who will listen, and that’s when I felt it was time. Christina: Describe what self-care means to you.
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