Emmy Award Winning Celebrity Hairstylist & Creator of the Crown, Hadiiya Barbel has adorned the heads of stars including Real Housewives of Atlanta Kim Zolciak, Star Jones, Wendy Williams, hip-hop artist/actress Eve, and supermodel Iman with her iconic and original Crowns. Ever so passionate about women’s empowerment, hair healing and eating green, Hadiiya Barbel is on a journey to transform every woman’s self doubt into the self-love and celebration of empowered goddesses

Fly female entrepreneur and all around amazing lady, Mara Brock Akil, has teamed up with Olay to “Challenge What’s Possible.” As a loving wife, mother of two, Hollywood power broker, and Executive Producer of “The Game,” this woman rocks many hats but remains committed to her spirituality, grace, and humility. I had the pleasure of interviewing the gorgeous game changer earlier this year for Jones Magazine and can say from first hand experience that she’s truly a gem. Keep shining, Mara!

Wise folks say that in life, it’s not about who you know, but who knows YOU, right? Well today, consider yourself as connected as they come and totally in the know. Brooklyn Bleu, one of the borough’s most exclusive and ahhh-mazing vintage shops knows you as an In Her Shoes reader and has a special offer with your name written all over it. RSVP and attend Brooklyn Bleu’s invite-only “Fall into Fashion” event this Thursday evening and receive a free gift just for being an In Her Shoes reader!

While being signed to a major label is top priority for many songbirds in the world, there is a rapidly growing community of artists who enjoy the advantages of being independent. They’ve come to grips with the fact that the record industry as we once knew it no longer exists (can you say free digital downloads?) and are making the best of the tools they have at hand, such as powerful social media networks, to build their fan base. Today, one of my favorite independent artists, the beautiful, talented, and sweet as pie KJ Rose is here to share her top 10 tips for being a successful independent artist

If it weren’t for social media, how would we keep up with all the Fly Female Entrepreneurs in the world? One of my favorite young business moguls, Angela Simmons, shared the following Tweet yesterday that immediately placed a smile on my face

Ladies, have you been contemplating a career in beauty but haven’t a clue where to start? African Pride’s Charlene Bastien sits down with In Her Shoes to chat about her dream job as National Marketing and Sales Director for one of the leading ethnic hair care brands, tips on getting started in the beauty industry and her personal thoughts on the ongoing “relaxed vs. natural” discussion

As if being a super model, creator of her own reality show and author weren’t enough, Tyra Banks is taking it higher. Today, “America’s Next Top Mogul” announced that she’s enrolled in Harvard Business School and is taking an executive education course geared towards entrepreneurs

Say what you will about Erykah Badu, in a world of cookie-cutter artistry, it’s refreshing to see a woman so committed to creativity. Badu, better known as @fatbellybella on Twitter, is bringing it once again with her new video, “Gone Baby, Don’t Be Long.” As one of my favorite tracks on Erykah’s “New Amerykah Part Two: Return of the Ankh” album, this song AND its video are giving me everything!

Dominga Martin As you may recall, just last month I blogged about the lovely Dominga Martin, Fly Female Entrepreneur, journalist and director of The Floacist’s new video, “Forever” featuring Musiq Soulchild. Days later, I happened to be browsing Facebook and noticed a video that caught my attention on Dominga’s page. It was titled Beyond October.

Va$htie Kola New York-based artist, Va$htie Kola, has got to be floating on cloud nine right about now. After remaining silent as internet rumors brewed, Va$htie officially announced this week that she was selected to be the first woman ever – yes, EVER –  to design a sneaker for the highly-respected Jordan brand. While many

You’ve got to love a woman who’s able to rise above life’s adversities to shine like the sun! Desiree Rogers, former White House social secretary, was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Johnson Publishing today. In her new high profile position, Rogers will oversee day-to-day operations and be responsible for aligning core business strategies for all of the

Photo Credit: Essence Magazine OK, so another one of my fashion-forward friends is competing for her own show on the Oprah Network. You know what this means…I’m asking you to cast your votes! Beautiful readers, meet Tori Nichel. If you’re an In Her Shoes regular, you definitely know the name. From Motown to Midtown, Tori

What do you do when your little sister from another mister is featured in Vogue? You blog about it, of course! Check out the awesome publicity my girl Somi received on Vogue.com. The piece gives the ultimate nod to the songbird’s latest release, “If The Rain Comes First,” and describes the body of work as “An

Check out my homegirl and fellow blogger, Patrice Yursik, on TheRoot.com today as she waxes poetic about her previous life as a Miami New Times entertainment editor and the changing relationship between Corporate America and black women. So happy to see larger media outlets continue to recognize and embrace thought leaders in the blogosphere. Much

Say what you like about Mrs. Carter a.k.a. “Sasha Fierce” a.k.a. “Bey,” better known as Beyonce Knowles, but this chic stays on her grind! I may not be the biggest fan of some of her cookie cutter tunes, but I’ve got nothing but love and respect for this woman’s amazing drive and work ethic. B