December is a month of celebration, reflection, and gratitude—and this year, it carries a deeper meaning than ever before. I am walking into 50 years of life and celebrating one full year of Head2Toe Magazine in print. Two milestones that feel both surreal and divinely timed. Two victories that came with challenges, sacrifices, and lessons I never expected but desperately needed.

The Truth About Publishing: It’s Not Glamorous—It’s God-Fueled

When people see a magazine cover, they see the glamour, the spotlight, the finished product. But what they don’t see is the labor behind the scenes—the collecting of stories, the late-night editing, the layout revisions, the design struggles, the writer’s block, the deadlines, the pressure, the prayers. Publishing is not just a job. It’s a ministry, a calling, and a commitment.

And let me say this honestly—there is not a lot of money in magazine sales.

People don’t realize how up-and-down this business is. There are seasons of excitement and seasons of drought. And in between those seasons are people who reach out wanting to be featured, but they want it for free.

My pastor, Dr. Jamal Bryant, said something that changed me:

“People don’t want to pay your cost because they think you got your blessing on sale.”

Whew. If that didn’t hit home.

People love what you do until it’s time to pay. Time is money in this industry—and in business, period. Every hour spent on long, unpaid conversations is an hour taken from something productive, something purposeful, something God assigned me to do.

Why I Started Head2Toe

Head2Toe began as a simple online beauty magazine, nothing more than an idea and a spark. But somehow—quietly, gradually, supernaturally—it evolved. It grew beyond beauty. Beyond hair. Beyond fashion.

Today, Head2Toe Magazine & Entertainment is a platform for Black voices, Black excellence, Black creativity, Black entrepreneurship, Black stories, and Black truth.

In a world where hatred toward Black people is loud, persistent, and generational, creating a space that uplifts and honors us isn’t just business—it’s necessary.

God had another plan—and even when I didn’t understand it, I followed it.

Turning 50: Becoming a New Woman

Becoming H.E.R. Healed. Evolving. Restored

Turning 50 feels like waking up in a new body with a new spirit and a new assignment. I feel evolved. I feel awakened. I feel renewed. But I didn’t get here easily. God had to sit me down and show me the errors of my ways. I was walking around filled with anger, resentment, and pain from childhood trauma—hurt that I carried into adulthood like armor. I was mad at the world for what one person did to me. I didn’t realize how emotionally immature I was until I hit a breaking point. I’ve learned to give people grace, because everyone is dealing with something.

And me? I’m in therapy now, learning to unpack what I locked away for decades. I’m healing. I’m growing. I’m humbling myself before God and learning to walk in peace, not pain.

When Your Blessing Becomes an Idol

In full transparency—there was a time when Head2Toe became an idol. I didn’t realize it until God forced me to see it. I was so obsessed with making the magazine successful that it became my priority over everything—including Him. And when you put anything before God, He will rearrange your life to remind you who the real source is. I paid for that lesson. It humbled me. It reset me.

A Dedication to My Friend: Jakia “KiKi” Williams

This issue is dedicated to my dear friend Jakia KiKi Williams, whose passing shook me to my core. I miss her so much. Her death reminded me of the fragility of life—that we have to love deeply, forgive quickly, and live boldly. KiKi’s life taught me to cherish people while they’re here and to walk in purpose while I still have breath.

Thank You to Everyone Who Has Supported This Journey

To every person who has:
Purchased a copy
Placed an ad
Shared a post
Supported the vision
Appeared on the cover
Contributed stories, photos, ideas, or encouragement
Thank you.

You are part of the reason Head2Toe made it through its first year in print. You are part of God’s plan for this magazine and part of my journey.
As I turn 50, I stand here grateful, humbled, healed, and becoming better every single day. This isn’t just a celebration of age or achievement—it’s a celebration of God’s grace, resilience, purpose, and the beauty of starting over even when you feel broken.

Here’s to 50.

Here’s to Head2Toe.

Here’s to growth.

Here’s to God’s plan.

Here’s to every story still waiting to be told.

To My Husband

And before I close, I want to give a special thank you to my husband, Dendrius. You have been my rock, my encourager, and my steady place through every high and low. You’ve supported me every step of the way—through the long nights, the deadlines, the doubts, and the victories. Thank you for believing in me even when I struggled to believe in myself. Your love, patience, and strength have carried me farther than you will ever know. I’m grateful God chose you for me, and I honor you for walking this journey with me.

Photography by: Terrence Smith
Wardrobe by: Exquisite Pieces Boutique

A Year in Print