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February '26
Queeniebrown
magazine.com
Today's Real Human BEING Extraordinary.
Editor's Note:
There’s a moment in everyone's life when something shifts.
Somehow, the individual that was a year ago - even a moment ago - no longer exists. The Change is not necessarily because something went wrong, but it is because things happened - life happened - and growth occurred.
Examining the shift, wondering what, when, how it happened allows for the realization, it has been coming for a while. Maybe it was so gentle a movement, it was barely noticed. Maybe, the shift was ignored because it was unidentifiable at the time. Maybe, every changed moment was experienced like the agonizing or exhilarating pain of climbing up to a mountaintop, but, whatever the reason, however it occurred, "it" "The Change" has taken place, and you understand that the reason isn't even relevant. The only thing that matters is the actuality of this new (which is really the true) you. The question is, what to do with it?
Now, some may feel annoyed or frustrated that their "shift" has taken place, and they missed it - they were so busy getting there, they only noticed the arrival. But, anger not. The point is not that the journey was missed, the point of the whole dang, messy, "keep-your-head-down" life with its up's, down's, and turn arounds - all its struggle, drama and bullshit (yeah, I said it) - is the actuality of standing in the now and answering the above question.
With the gift of looking back and assessing all that was experienced, the question to ask is, 'How did I get here?' Then answer: "How has it made me who I am?" Recognizing how life has molded you into the extraordinary cosmic being that you are helping to declare what will come of all that invaluable knowledge. The breadth of that wealth will finally be seen, leading to an appreciation for this incredible wandering we call life. Maybe the decision will be to sit on a beach appreciating the surrounding greatness; maybe sharing your truths as a consultant or teacher or, like our upcoming feature, opening an academy will be your answer.
If you are not quite there, yet - you feel your true self emerging but just... can't... quite... get to it... hang on, pay attention and take notes.
We talk a lot about success, but we don’t spend enough time talking about the in-between. The season where you’re unsure, rethinking everything, and questioning paths that once upon a time made sense. Getting there isn’t often pretty or polished - but it’s real, and getting there deserves space, too.
This issue of QueenieBrownMagazine.com is about that moment. The one where you stop forcing what no longer fits and BEING who you are. Know that this emergence is who you always have been, you simply have to accept this version, a process some call "Growing into Yourself."
In this issue of queeniebrownmagaine.com we’re looking at reinvention in a very honest way. Reminding you that being doesn’t always mean doing more or chasing louder goals. Sometimes it looks like slowing down. Saying no. Choosing peace over pressure - of course, it CAN mean being a loud, bold, unstoppable powerhouse! It is redefining what success looks like for you, not what you were told it should look like.
Remember, BEING is a consciousness. A weighing in AS. You. Are.
It is about acceptance: "You are Who You Are and that Simply is the Way It Is." You are GLAD for the resolve because you understand there are many who will never experience the view from where you are. You understand that Being isn’t about erasing your past or pretending you didn’t want the things you once wanted. It’s about honoring where you’ve been while allowing yourself to accept (not just want) something different now - all the while comprehending that you can adapt, delete, change your mind, anytime you like. There is a fluidity to life. It is normal and it is good.
We’re highlighting women who made pivots that didn’t always make sense to everyone else—career changes, personal boundaries, endings that led to unexpected beginnings; stepping into a newness that naturally made sense. These are the stories that remind us that growth doesn’t need permission and that choosing yourself is never the wrong move.
Our stories are human. Not perfect, not performative—just honest.
As you read this issue as well as the issues to follow, we encourage you to give yourself permission to reflect. Ask what you’re holding onto out of habit instead of alignment. Notice the parts of you that are ready for more—or ready to let go. You don’t need a full plan. You just need to hear then trust this new you.
Enjoy!
How Mealtime Came About
We eat every day—often three times a day, sometimes more if snacks are involved. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. It feels natural, like it’s always been this way. But did you know, mealtime (as we know it) didn’t just happen. It slowly formed over thousands of years, shaped by survival, culture, work schedules, weather and a lot of trial and error. So, where did mealtime actually come from?
If we go way back to the days of early humans, was there such a thing as breakfast or dinner? Did they rise with the sun and fuel up before heading out to forage or hunt? Maybe as the sun hit its peak, they decided to break then have a meal while they relaxed. No!
Our early relatives ate when food was available. Hunters and gatherers followed animals, picked plants, and ate whenever they could. If someone caught something big, everyone ate. If not, everyone would wait.
Our ancestors practiced a form of "binge-eating" during times of ample food to store body fat for use during dry seasons or periods of scarcity. Eating was about survival, not routine.
The idea of three daily meals is actually quite recent. For a long time, across many ancient cultures globally, people typically ate one or two substantial meals a day. Breakfast was even considered unnecessary or unhealthy by some. It wasn’t until the Industrial Revolution in the 1700s–1800s that the modern meal schedule really became "a thing." Factory work required strict schedules. People needed energy before work, a break during the day, and food afterward. That’s when breakfast, lunch, and dinner became normal for everyday workers. Schools and offices later followed the same structure, which made mealtimes even more standardized.
These days, mealtime has come with controversy: is breakfast the most important meal of the day; is it lunch? Is eating three meals necessary, or should we be fasting? What is fasting? Everyone with a routine that works for them believes their way is the best way. What is the answer?!The answer is, no one way is the best way for everyone.When I transitioned from the entertainment world to nine to five, I spent a lot of time defending my unstructured eating habits. It took a while, but I came to the conclusion and accept that the only crucial truth is to nurture one's body with care and nutrients. I wasn't "skipping breakfast" or "forgetting to eat." I was eating as my body required, taking care to listen and not ignore it until it was convenient or on someone else's schedule. For some adults, eating is about nutrients - fueling for daily activities. For others, it's about routine, or gathering with loved ones or simply... taking a break. Whatever the reason, know it's about what works for you (and your family). Listen to your body, avoid power struggles and encourage children to listen to their body (with your guidance, of course) - this gives them control in a world where they have very little, reducing the impact of eating disorders.Remember, "snacking" is ingrained in us going back tens of thousands of years. Just keep in mind, there were no cookies or ice cream at the beginning of our existence, so maybe pick up something more representative of our original people - have some fruit.
Your body will thank you for it.
Keep an EYE on These Rising Fashion Stars
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SizHixY9R3M
Mo Abudu (Mosunmola Abudulisten), CEO of EbonyLife Group; Time's 2025's 100 Most Influential People in the world; 2024 Forbes Africa Woman Awards, Business woman of the Year; known as the Oprah of Nigeria, plus much, much more since her start as a recruitment consultant in London, has proven that a career change can be positive.
You know you "made it" when the organization you created becomes a case study for part of the compulsory curriculum for 1st year MBA students at Harvard Business School Online.
Pardon?
The first beneficiary of the Nigerian government's Small and Medium Enterprises Equity Investment Scheme (SMEEIS). Director and shareholder in the project, this Londoner born to Nigerian parents had the vision for a hotel (Protea Hotel, Oakwood Park), to serve the business community, specifically designed to offer executive accommodation for professionals, the first new-build hotel of its type in Nigeria. No slouch to hard work, this former Head of HR and Training with Exxon Mobil Africa bet on her knowledge, expertise and reputation by leaving her ten-year career with Exxon and launching her own HR firm, Vic Lawrence & Associates Limited. She saw a growing need for a trained and highly motivated talent pool that would take Nigerian businesses into the 21st century. Her bet wasn't wrong; VLA currently has three offices in Nigeria.
Betting on herself, once again, Mo used personal savings and investments to launch her media ventures, starting with entertainment company, Inspire Africa, the first Pan-African talk show born out of the desire to change the global perspective on Africa. With zero experience, but fueled by passion, Mo produced as well as starred in her syndicated talk show "Moments with Mo," touching on topics ranging from lifestyle to politics, culture, health and entertainment with high-ranking leaders and celebrity guests. Moments with Mo became a voice for Africa by Africans, (hence the Oprah moniker).
BIG UP, Yourself!
Whoever doesn't understand revenue diversification should take a glance at Mo Abudu's career (no wonder she is a case study for 1st year Harvard MBA students). Her vision created an empire only the top percent in the business industry can brag about. EbonyLife television, a video on demand (VOD) on the DStv platform, was Africa’s first global black entertainment and lifestyle network, launched in July 2013. EbonyLife television is a lifestyle network airing in almost fifty countries across Africa, the UK and the Caribbean. EbonyLife Media https://ebonylifemedia.com/ which includes EbonyLife Films as well as EbonyLife Studios, was then born to produce blockbuster films and provide space for production. Big players like Sony, AMC and Netflix signed historical and groundbreaking deals with EbonyLife Films, creating, and to create, African-made stories about Africans.
In 2019, Abudu developed EbonyLife Place, Nigeria’s first luxury entertainment resort, in the heart of Lagos, comprising an array of restaurants, an events' hall, meeting rooms, a boutique hotel and FIVE luxury cinemas, all set in a designer and artful haven.
To say Ms. Abudu is unstoppable at only sixty-one years old, is an understatement. We have only hinted at the Academy she is establishing along with the Lagos State Government and have not even mentioned the very exciting app recently developed to watch EbonyLife TV, you would have to download the app, EBONYLIFE ON.https://ebonylifeonplus.com/
How she does it all, Mo told The Guardian Life (July 2020) is due to the G-Factor: the God Factor; she never misses a conversation with God.
What a beautiful example of listening and trusting God and God's vision.
“I took a gamble, but I heard God whispering to me, Mosunmola, go out there and live your dreams and so I did.”
We would love to sit down and have a chat with Ms. Abudu, just to listen in awe as she tells about her journey. Anyone who can, tell her people to CALL US!
Remember This?
The CEO who reads the comments, and thrives on the negative reviews.
Were you ever told that your idea was bad - so bad, you were ridiculed for it? How about being ridiculed to the point that every aspect of your dream was shredded - on National Television? Well, Melissa Butler and Rosco Spears can tell you how that feels.
Rejected by 75 investors - including Shark Tank's five judges, high school Besties turned business partners, Melissa Butler and Rosco Spears, built a company that is female-staffed, on the shelves of major retailers like CVS, Walmart and Target, and is currently valued at approximately 15 MILLION dollars (in spite of Target shelving its support under their new NON-DEI stance causing a major boycott and sales decreasing in those stores by 30% to 40%).
Thank goodness this one-time stockbroker was planning to broaden her company's scope at a product level, and increase the visibility of their additional offerings - tinted moisturizer, concealer or skincare. This strategy, as well as The Lip Bar’s direct-to-consumer website https://thelipbar.com/ and Amazon site, helped to ease the blow of the company's losses.
Melissa credits having a strong customer base from knowing who they are and what they want, then supplying it consistently as the secret to success.
That said, keeping The Lip Bar in front of consumers and holding its own in a highly competitive industry for 13 years was a numbers game Melissa is passionate about. After realizing her dream job on Wall Street was not what she dreamed of, Melissa began experimenting with her other frustration, the minuscule offerings of colour cosmetics to the underrepresented BIPOC market.
So this entrepreneur at heart experimented in her garage, creating a vegan, non-toxic, cruelty-free, long-lasting lipstick that honoured uniqueness with enough pigment to show up on every skin tone.
Today, in over 2000 retailers with one flagship location in Detroit - yeah, she left New York - with no plans to open additional locations, Melissa (who is also the face of the company) continues to focus on her customers while understanding "letting go" of roles that are not her forte is crucial to running a successful business.
"I think social relevance and social listening is the most powerful thing that any brand of any size can and should be doing right now to let you know where the customer is going, because everyone is sort of on that same wavelength. And you can find out information and find out what your specific customer needs and wants in that very moment."
*excerpts from Samantha Dorisca AfroTech October 7, 2025 and Oliver Chen, Retail & Luxury Analyst, TD Cowen July, 2025
Do Your Armpits Smell
like you ran a marathon, for five days, in the blistering sun - when you just woke up?
Getting older isn't easy, but, hear what this doctor has to say.