I discovered laser hair removal during high school, and all the research I did told me that people of color (POC) could not have the procedure done, mainly because the technology wasn’t able to differentiate dark hair and dark skin. I filed it in my mental folder with things that were inaccessible to me and women of color and continued my search for at-home hair removal products. Over the last several years, I've seen influencers and celebrities having laser hair removal done, but I still didn't look into it more because I just knew that it would be outside of my budget.
I've never known anyone personally (white or of color) who has received laser hair removal, which made it hard for me to ask questions to someone who had experienced it. Because of that I want to share my journey for others like me who may be interested in laser hair removal. Read more to learn about My Journey, The Process, The Cost and The Experience. Connect with me in the comments or on social media @jasminectate.
Read MoreFour years ago I landed in Los Angeles, California relieved of the job search process and excited to begin my professional career. As a high school student I dreamed of moving to the West Coast, and today that is my reality. Although my journey has not gone according to plan, it has been full of amazing experiences, memories and lessons. As I celebrate my “Caliversary,” I’m sharing some highlights of my time in “SoCal.” Many of them can be added to your to do list for your next trip to the Golden State.
My favorite memories have been during visits from my family, with my cousins here and through fulfilling work experiences at United Way and TGR Foundation. Although I’m not close to seeing or doing everything on my California Bucket List, here are 10 experiences I’ve enjoyed most since my move. Each year after my “Caliversary” I update the list with recent experiences.
Read MoreSince joining TGR Foundation, the annual staff retreat is something I’ve looked forward to because I’m a big fan of personal and professional development, and it gives the staff time to take a break from the work and reconnect to each other and our why. After enduring five months of a global pandemic and the heightened awareness of and spotlight on racial divisions, I’ll admit I was emotionally drained a little less excited this year about the idea of a virtual retreat. The committee exceeded my expectations and planned and executed a great two-day retreat.
Including interactive small group activities and covering topics from Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, to personal and professional development, the two days of workshops were insightful and inspirational. We explored our personal values, wellness exercises like Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Tapping and more. As I think back on the retreat and look forward to a new season, I’m sharing quotes and 20 questions that were asked and emerged throughout the training as I continue the ongoing process of self-reflection and self-auditing. Whether thinking through the answers or writing them down, they can all lead to action and significant change.
Read MoreIt was summer 2019 and my colleagues and I were visiting Washington D.C. for our annual staff retreat. Personal and professional development is one of my favorite things in life, but what I enjoyed most during the days and nights spent in DC were opportunities to connect with employees that I don’t see or work with regularly. To my surprise, Bumble was a commonality among many, and I started to feel some serious FOMO, also known as “Fear of Missing Out.” Many of the employees who were in a relationship met their partners on Bumble and those who weren’t already taken were searching on the app. I didn’t give in immediately, but I stayed in town longer to catch up with one of my college friends who was living in the area for her doctoral program at Howard University. Before the weekend was over I had downloaded the app and began swiping.
It wasn’t my first experience with Bumble; I had used Bumble BFF before, but I was skeptical about the dating side of the app, specifically that I had to make the first move. Also part of me wanted to meet someone offline, “the normal way,” at an event or grocery store or something. The more I swiped the more comfortable I was because only guys that had my permission could even message me. I was in control, and I like to be in control :) or at least have a sense of it. I continued swiping every day until there were no more matches in my “beehive,” and although I didn’t find love at first BOOM… or the second or third and eventually lost track of the count, I did gain some interesting stories, experiences and a little validation along the way. It’s one year later; our 2020 staff retreat has come and gone and I’m still very single. As I reflect on life in the land of bees I’m sharing my strategy, what I learned about digital dating and more.
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