LSU Hoops Star Flau’Jae Johnson To Return For Her Senior Year Instead Of Entering WNBA Draft
The question is, where?
ESPN reports that Louisiana State University junior Flau’Jae Johnson will return for her senior season instead of entering the WNBA Draft.
Johnson has until April 23 to enter the transfer portal. She will decide, depending on NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) offers, whether she will return to LSU or go to another school.
Johnson helped LSU win the NCAA Tournament in her freshman season. This year, the team was defeated by UCLA, 72-65, in the regional finals.
Johnson will turn 22 in November, which makes her eligible to enter the WNBA Draft this year, even though she hasn’t played four seasons of college ball. But she is star. Her numbers have improved every season. In 2024-25, she was named a third-team All-American by the Associated Press and the U.S. Basketball Writers Association after averaging a career-high 18.6 points for the Tigers.
Her stat line in 34 starts was 18.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.7 steal a game. She also received All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) first-team honors. In 106 career games (104 of them as a starter), she has averaged 14.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.7 steals per game.
Despite LSU’s stature as a big-time program, Johnson has made it clear that she wants to win a championships as a star. In the Tigers’ 2023 championship, Angel Reese, now a star in the WNBA and a burgeoning celebrity, was the headliner.
“Once I taste the national championship more and more,” Johnson said after LSU’s loss to UCLA. “I feel like that national championship I have, yeah, I was a big factor in it, but there were bigger factors. I want my own one, you know what I’m saying? Where I lead the team. That’s what you really want.”
Social Media Gives Side-Eye To Keke Palmer Over Interview With Jonathan Majors
'This is not serious, right?'
Keke Palmer is rumored to be interviewing controversial actor Jonathan Majors, a movie that has sparked backlash across social media from fans and critics alike.
Palmer has yet to confirm plans for the interview publicly, but a now-deleted listing for the conversation appeared on her This is Keke Palmer podcast page. The episode, titled “No Easy Answers: Accountability and Moving Forward with Jonathan Majors,” is reportedly scheduled to be released on April 8.
— they want you to be mother teresa (@cooIpeopIe) April 1, 2025
While Palmer may be ready to move on with Majors, many are not.
The Lovecraft Country actor admitted to domestic violence and, in 2024, pleaded guilty to the assault of his former partner, Grace Jabbari. Following his plea to a lesser charge, Majors began a public relationship with actress Meagan Good and was seen engaging in what some called publicity stunts. The two are now married.
Despite limited public tolerance, Majors is slowly regaining visibility in the industry through projects like Magazine Dreams. Still, many are criticizing Palmer for giving him a platform.
Some users pointed out Palmer’s own history with domestic abuse. The One of Them Days actress had a public dispute with the father of her child, leading some to question her decision to interview Majors.
mind you keke is a victim of domestic violence herself… this is disgusting and weird as fuck https://t.co/3osuEB0uqD
Others questioned the validity of the rumored interview, hoping it was just an elaborate April Fools’ Day prank.
I was hoping that Keke Palmer interview was a nasty April Fool’s joke, but nope she’s doing clownery. Majors admitted to strangling that lady, there’s nothing left to discuss to me. Keep it! pic.twitter.com/kFQ9y9RYcu
As backlash grew, clips resurfaced of Palmer once voicing support for convicted sexual predator R. Kelly. Critics cited this as evidence that she has a pattern of aligning with abusers.
Still, not everyone is ready to cancel the 31-year-old. Some came to her defense, urging people to reserve judgment until the interview is released.
so let me get this straight—we’re mad at Keke Palmer for scheduling a sit down with Jonathan Majors? the interview hasn’t even happened yet and we’re angry? some of you need to go touch grass. pic.twitter.com/L8HNo9dD1F
While the title of the episode suggests the actress was willing to embrace Major’s with partially open arms, the public will not know until the episode is released, if it is ever released. The listing for the April 8 podcast has been removed from the Baby, This Is Keke Palmer podcast page.
Death Row Inmate Aims To Support Family By Selling His Journals, Art For $80K
Death Row inmate Albert Jones has documented the conditions of the prison system through his journals and cookbooks.
Albert Jones has been condemned to die. But in an effort “to be remembered” and to support his daughter and grandchildren, he’s selling his creative efforts.
Jones’s creations will be auctioned April 3–5 at the New York International Antiquarian Book Fair.
A death row inmate, Jones spent more than 30 years in one of the nation’s most notorious prisons, San Quentin. He was sentenced to death in 1996 for the murder of a California couple. Over time, Jones made a life inside the place he knew he’d never leave. He began writing and creating art, using his voice to document prison life.
The atrocities of incarceration during the COVID-19 pandemic inspired his first book, I Survived COVID-19, which reflected on illness sweeping the institution. He also recounted the deaths of cellblock neighbors, one of whom was a convicted serial killer. In an interview, Jones spoke about the pain of isolation and his need for purpose while living under a looming death sentence.
“I want to be remembered as, first of all, a human being that made mistakes,” Jones told the LA Times. “I didn’t understand what I was going to do with the rest of my life, knowing that the state wanted to kill me, as if I wasn’t nothing. I do have worth.”
Alongside his visual art, Jones is auctioning prison cookbooks that emphasize the communal side of prison life and handwritten diaries that expose the neglect and brutality experienced by incarcerated people.
“He was in a cell for 14 days as punishment for whatever, but you’re supposed to get 10 days in that cell,” Jones wrote in one diary entry. “On the fourteenth day, he killed himself. I don’t know if you can go to heaven if you killed yourself, but I pray that he made it and that his family is at rest. God bless.”
Jones is not the only incarcerated person whose art has made an impact. Across the country, prison walls have borne witness to extraordinary creativity. Some artists have gone on to show their work in major institutions like the Smithsonian and helped create programs aimed at rehabilitation, deterrence, and individual expression.
Former and Current Incarcerated Artists
Tameca Cole
A visual artist and writer from Birmingham, Alabama, Cole began creating during her incarceration in the Alabama Department of Corrections. Her mixed-media collages, many of which explore themes of systemic oppression, mass incarceration, and Black identity, have been exhibited nationally. Cole’s work was featured in MoMA and PS1’s landmark exhibition, Marking Time: Art in the Age of Mass Incarceration.
Welmon Sharlhorne
A self-taught artist from Louisiana, Welmon Sharlhorne began drawing during his time in the Louisiana State Penitentiary, also known as Angola Prison. Using only ballpoint pens and manila envelopes, Sharlhorne created intricate architectural drawings and surreal machines. Now free, Sharlhorne is known for his signature style that blends structure, repetition, and imagination. Sharlhorne’s art has been exhibited at institutions such as the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore and the Ogden Museum of Southern Art in New Orleans.
Mumia Abu-Jamal
The journalist, former Black Panther, and political activist has been incarcerated in Pennsylvania since 1981 for the murder of a police officer. Abu-Jamal maintains his innocence. From death row, Abu-Jamal became a prolific writer and commentator on issues of race, justice, and state violence. His best-known work, Live from Death Row, chronicles his experiences. The work critiques the American criminal justice system. Abu-Jamal’s essays and recorded broadcasts have had a wide influence in political and academic circles. He continues to advocate for prison reform and abolition.
Mary Enoch Elizabeth Baxter
Also known as Isis Tha Saviour, Baxter is a multidisciplinary artist, activist, and educator. Baxter draws from her personal experience in the Pennsylvania prison system. Her chosen mediums are visual art, music, and film. Her work often addresses reproductive justice and the criminalization of Black women. Her short film, Ain’t I A Woman, examines the incarceration of pregnant women and was featured at the Sundance and Tribeca Film Festivals.
Ndume Olatushani
Olatushani is an artist and activist who spent 28 years in prison—20 on death row—for a murder he did not commit. Born in St. Louis, he was wrongfully convicted in 1985 for a Memphis killing. During his incarceration, Olatushani taught himself to paint, using art to cope and resist. His conviction was overturned in 2012 after evidence of prosecutorial misconduct surfaced. Since then, he has used his story and art to advocate for criminal justice reform and the abolition of the death penalty.
Trump’s Alleged AI-Powered Tariffs, A Masterclass In Foolishness And Misguided Policy
The unveiling of President Trump’s latest trade policy, marked by the display of a novelty-sized “Reciprocal Tariffs” sign, elicited widespread confusion.
The administration’s proposal to apply a 10% baseline tariff across all imports—regardless of origin, even from the most remote territories—coupled with country-specific rates that seemed to contradict established economic data immediately raised eyebrows.
The market reacted swiftly, with stock indices declining and economists warning of a likely surge in consumer prices.
The central inquiry pertains to the provenance of these figures. Evidence suggests a correlation with calculations generated by AI chatbots, specifically an oversimplified formula that divides a nation’s trade deficit with the U.S. by its total exports to the U.S. Economist James Surowiecki, who reverse-engineered the White House’s methodology, stated, “This approach is extraordinary nonsense.”
The economist’s analysis aligned with the AI-generated outputs despite officials denying using artificial intelligence. Politico’s assessment, however, revealed a striking resemblance between the White House’s stated formula and Surowiecki’s findings.
Surowiecki’s assessment is reinforced by the cautionary statements issued by AI platforms themselves. Google’s Gemini, for instance, articulated the potential for “substantial negative consequences” and underscored the prevailing economic consensus that “tariffs are not an effective tool for balancing trade deficits.”
While a direct causal link between AI-generated data and the administration’s policy remains unconfirmed, the parallels warrant scrutiny.
This incident is symptomatic of a broader trend: policy formulation that prioritizes expediency over rigorous analysis. This approach is not unique to trade policy. Consider the following examples:
The Establishment of the Space Force: Given the speculative nature of such scenarios, the rationale for a dedicated military branch to address extraterrestrial threats has been questioned.
The Construction of the Border Wall:Despite substantial financial investment, the project’s efficacy in curbing illegal immigration has been contested.
The Implementation of the Travel Ban: The policy’s justification, purportedly based on national security concerns, has been challenged in legal proceedings and by international observers.
A legal expert stated, “It was a policy built on fear, not facts.”
The Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement: Scientific and diplomatic communities have criticized the decision to withdraw from an international climate accord.
These policies, akin to the AI-influenced tariffs, exhibit a pattern of prioritizing ideological objectives over empirical evidence.
As the international community watches and awaits the implementation of these tariffs on April 5, the air is thick with uncertainty. The question isn’t just about the numbers and the process that produced them. The reliance on data sources that even AI systems warn against raises serious concerns about the administration’s approach to crafting economic policy.
It’s not simply a matter of differing opinions; it’s whether the policies that shape our economy are based on sound analysis or something akin to a digital shrug.
The world is about to see what happens when the whims of a chatbot potentially drive economic decisions; frankly, that prospect should give anyone pause.
Blueface Loses Defamation Case, Ordered To Pay $123K To Soulja Boy’s Girlfriend
Jackilyn Martinez sued after Blueface falsely claimed to be the father of her child on social media
Incarcerated recording artist Blueface was recently hit with a default judgment in a lawsuit filed by Jackilyn Martinez, girlfriend to Soulja Boy, for making false claims via social media that he was the father of her and Soulja Boy’s child.
According to In Touch, Martinez sued Blueface after he released a series of social media posts while engaging in an online feud with Soulja Boy. In the midst of his war of words with Soulja Boy, he claimed on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he slept with Martinez the day before her baby shower, suggesting that he, not Soulja Boy, was the father of her child.
Blueface wrote, “I hit Soulja [baby momma] day before her baby shower and he payed [sic] for it.”
“Till Soulja get a DNA test that’s my child lil bro I’m the daddy now.”
Martinez sued for $10 million in damages, but the judge only awarded her $123,243.10. $100,000 in non-economic damages, $18,000 in special damages, $3,070 in attorney fees, and another $2,173 in costs. No punitive damages were awarded.
Martinez did admit to having sexual relations with Blueface in 2018 but stated they hadn’t slept with each other since. She said, “I had protected sexual intercourse only one time with [Blueface] years ago, in 2018.”
“Since 2018, I have not had any interaction with [Blueface].”
She also confirmed that Soulja Boy is their child’s father in a court declaration.
Martinez instructed her attorneys to send him a cease and desist order in December 2023, but he ignored it and kept the posts online.
The lawsuit asserted that she suffered and continues to suffer emotional distress due to his online activity. She also stated she suffered depression, anxiety, panic attacks, crying spells, fear, and anger, as well as physical injuries and symptoms, including insomnia, nausea, headaches, and lack of appetite.
Alabama Lawmaker Vows To Fight State’s Plans To Cut Funding for Magic City Classic
Senator Rodger Smitherman is not having it
When Alabama lawmakers took their first official action on the state General Fund budget this week, one of the proposed cuts was eliminating funding for the Magic City Classic football game, Senator Rodger Smitherman swiftly fired back.
The Democratic senator, who has representing the 18th District since 1994, spokeon the House floor when lawmakers proposed cuts to funding for the Magic City Classic, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI), and severalother line items.
“If anybody thinks that’s going to happen and I’m not going to be at this mic from this moment until we leave, you can forget it,” Smitherman as reported by AL.Com.
The state’s proposed $3.7 billion budget included $200,000 for next year’s Magic City Classic. However, when the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee approved the General Fund budget on April 1, it removed funding for the event, which has been an annual tradition in the city since 1945. Republican Alabama State Representative Rex Reynolds said that the proposed budget cut was part of the state’s initiative to prioritize budgeting.
Smitherman stated he would use the Senate’s filibuster rules toemphasize the Magic City Classic’s importance and suggested cuts to otherrelated budget items. The senator expressed he would apply “the mostresistance” to oppose these proposed budget cuts, which particularly impactBlack organizations.
Additionally, the BCRI issued a statement encouraging residents to speak out against these potential budget cuts.
“We urge every Alabamian to contact their local legislators. Tell them that you believe in protecting civil rights history. Tell them that BCRI matters. That this story matters. That truth matters.”
The Magic City Classic is a crowd-drawing celebration of HBCU culture that provides a significant economic boost for the community. Last year, Birmingham city officials estimated that the game would generate over $20 million for the city, as reported by WBRC.
The game and its accompanying festivities bring about 60.000 people to the city each year, making it the most significant event in Birmingham and the largest HBCU event in the nation.
How Small Business Owners Can Boost Revenue Without Finding New Customers
Many small business owners, startups, and entrepreneurs often focus on acquiring new customers. While growing your customer base is essential, what if there was a more straightforward, more effective way to increase your revenue? The power of cross-selling. Cross-selling is the art of offering related products or services to existing customers.
Cross-selling is a powerful, underutilized strategy that boosts sales and enhances the customer experience. Small business owners can maximize the potential of every transaction by providing complementary products or services that add value.
Here’s how to implement cross-selling to grow your revenue without spending a dime on acquiring new customers.
Why Cross-Selling Works
Cross-selling capitalizes on an important principle: It’s easier to sell to someone who has already said “yes.” Once customers commit to purchasing, they are psychologically more open to hearing about additional products that could enhance their experience. Plus, customers often appreciate thoughtful recommendations that solve problems they didn’t even know they had.
According to industry data, cross-selling can increase revenue by as much as 30% and improve customer retention. This strategy is a game-changer for small businesses with tight margins.
Finding the Right Products to Cross-Sell
The key to successful cross-selling is to offer products or services that make sense. The best cross-sell opportunities fall into one of these categories:
Complementary Products: Items that naturally go with the initial purchase.
Example: A client undergoing a facial treatment may benefit from a post-treatment skincare kit to help preserve the results.
Upgrades and Enhancements: Provide a premium product version or add-on to enhance the experience.
Example: A waxing client may want a nourishing body scrub to prevent ingrown hairs.
Often Purchased Together: Use customer data to determine which products are commonly bought together.
Example: A coffee shop might recommend a pastry to accompany a latte.
Service Add-Ons: Offer a complementary service to enhance the original purchase.
Example: A customer who books a massage may appreciate the addition of aromatherapy for greater relaxation.
Limited-Time Bundles: Motivate customers to spend more by presenting a discounted bundle of complementary products.
Example: “Schedule a facial and get 20% off our suggested aftercare products.”
Mastering the Cross-Sell Conversation
Understanding when and how to present a cross-sell is essential. The objective is to make the offer feel seamless rather than aggressive. Here are some strategic questions that may assist:
“Many customers who buy [Product A] also enjoy [Product B]. Would you like to include it today?”
“Since you’re using [Service A], have you thought about [Service B] to improve your results?”
“Would you be interested in a special discounted bundle that includes [Product A] and [Product B]?”
“Are you also interested in [a related solution]? This [product/service] complements what you just received perfectly.”
These questions present you as a helpful advisor rather than a salesperson. The customer perceives that you’re offering a recommendation for their benefit — because you truly are.
Examples of Cross-Selling in Action
Beauty and Wellness
A medspa that offers laser hair removal could cross-sell post-treatment skincare to soothe and protect the skin. Additionally, it might provide a discounted facial for first-time clients.
Food and Beverage
A smoothie shop could suggest adding a protein boost or offering a combo with a healthy snack.
E-Commerce
An online clothing retailer might recommend shoes or accessories that complement a recently purchased outfit.
Consulting and Coaching
A business consultant could offer follow-up accountability sessions or access to premium resources.
Fitness Centers
Gyms might recommend personal training sessions to members who purchase a membership.
The Art of Making It Seamless
To ensure your cross-sell efforts don’t come off as aggressive or unnecessary, follow these tips:
Personalize the Offer: Base your recommendation on the customer’s purchase history and preferences.
Highlight the Benefits: Explain how the additional product or service will enhance their original purchase.
Create Urgency: Offer limited-time bundles or discounts to encourage immediate action.
Train Your Team: Ensure your employees understand how to make tailored recommendations without sounding ‘salesy.’
Additionally, leverage your point-of-sale system to suggest cross-sales automatically, whether in-store or online. Follow-up emails or text messages can also offer cross-sell suggestions based on recent purchases.
Conclusion: Unlock Revenue Potential
Cross-selling isn’t just about increasing sales — it’s about providing more value to your customers. When done correctly, it enhances the customer experience, builds loyalty, and boosts your bottom line.
Small business owners and entrepreneurs often spend significant resources attracting new customers. But by focusing on serving your existing customer base with thoughtful cross-sells, you can maximize your revenue without increasing your marketing budget.
The next time a customer purchases, don’t hesitate to ask, “Would you like to add this to complete your experience?” Your customers — and your revenue — will thank you.
The Fulton County District Attorney’s Office’s attempt to revoke Jeffrey “Young Thug” Williams’s probation has been denied, according to the Associated Press.
Judge Paige Reese Whitaker of the Georgia Superior Court ruled that Young Thug does not pose a threat after prosecutors raised concerns over a social media post.
The post, which alleged that an investigator in the YSL RICO trial fabricated information, led to the doxxing of the employee online. Prosecutors argued the post amounted to a threat against county staff and immediately filed for revocation of Williams’ probation.
Young Thug is currently serving 15 years probation after entering a plea deal in the YSL RICO case. Prosecutors said the post, which drew significant attention, triggered a need for increased security.
In a one-page order, Whitaker rejected the motion and issued a warning.
“While the Court does not find that the cited social media post rises to the level of a violation of Defendant’s probation, it may be prudent for Defendant to exercise restraint regarding certain topics,” she wrote in a footnote.
Young Thug has been out of jail since October 2024. The Lifestyle rapper’s release came with strict conditions, including disassociating from all gang-affiliated individuals and activities. Prosecutors claimed his repost of the investigator’s image violated those terms and constituted a threat.
In their previous motion, prosecutors also alleged that Young Thug’s “continued association with individuals actively involved in witness intimidation, threats of violence, and obstruction of justice” breached the terms of his probation.
Young Thug denies all allegations of violence and intimidation, stating on X that he is a “peaceful” man.
The rapper has kept a relatively low profile since his release and is on track to revamp his stalled career. He will headline the Les Ardentes in Belgium, which is taking place from July 3 to July 6.
Man Who Bilked Dwight Howard Out Of $7M Sentenced To 12 Years In Prison
After a jury found Calvin Darden, Jr. guilty of bilking former NBA player Dwight Howard out of several million dollars, a Manhattan judge sentenced him to spend more than 12 years in prison.
According to The Associated Press, Darden, to whom Howard gave $7 million in a fake scheme to purchase a stake in the Atlanta Dream, has to forfeit $8 million. Along with the money, he has to return various luxury items he was able to obtain because of the illegal scheme, including a $3.7 million Atlanta mansion, $600,000 in artwork by Jean-Michel Basquiat, a Lamborghini, and a Rolls-Royce.
Former NBA player Chandler Parsons was also scammed by Darden, who bilked him for $1 million in a scheme involving then-NBA prospect James Wiseman.
A New York jury found him guilty on Oct. 4, 2024.
Prosecutors said the conman spent most of the money he received from Howard, at least $6.1 million. He purchased two luxury vehicles for $500,000, bought himself a piano for $110,000, and used $765,000 as a down payment on a $3.7 million home. He also purchased luxury watches for $90,000 and used $500,000 to upgrade his home. He also bought art for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The alleged investment offer from Darden to the recent Orlando Magic Hall of Famer took place when the former owner of the WNBA team, former Atlanta Republican U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler, was selling the team due to her views on racial injustice with a team that featured mostly minority players. In 2021, the team was sold to a three-member investor group, which included former player Renee Montgomery.
After the sale of the team, Howard discovered that Darden had scammed him.
Darden was previously convicted after another scheme he was involved in landed him in trouble. Prosecutors revealed that Darden partnered with a sports agent to swindle Parsons. Darden influenced Parsons to send $1 million to aid in the development of Wiseman, who the Toronto Raptors recently waived after being traded by the Indiana Pacers.
As such, Ware plans to host a fashion show at Miami Swim Week for the first time this summer. The event in Florida is supposedly the world’s largest swimwear and resort wear festival. It will allow Ware to showcase her business to tens of thousands of expected attendees.
The show could help leverage Ware’s mission of helping women of all shapes and sizes feel empowered, confident, and strong in their bodies. “Miami Swim Week wouldn’t be complete without that diversity.”
Ware made a bodacious transition after leaving an unfulfilling security job at the U.S. Department of Defense to start her business in May 2019. In just two years, she saved $30,000 of her own money, allowing her to pursue a passion for teaching fitness classes.
But her quest early on was not easy. Ware told BLACK ENTERPRISE by email that one of the biggest challenges in launching CURVD was developing a solid business model and figuring out the most effective way to allocate the funds she invested.
As a first-time entrepreneur, Ware says there were many things to consider. These included which areas of the business would give the highest return on investment and how to balance spending on marketing, operations, and product development.
“It wasn’t easy, and there were times when I felt overwhelmed by the financial strain, but the key to overcoming that was sticking to the mission,” she said. “I relied on my intuition, and slowly but surely, we started seeing the results of that investment.”
Ware’s exertion, tenacity, and perseverance have helped her capture a niche. This Florida-based business now generates roughly $2 million annually, leveraging her fitness app and helping women feel strong, confident, and valued.
Ware also attributes much of her firm’s growth to strategic partnerships and global social media. She said they helped her attract over 800K followers. She added that working with elite brands, including Soho House, The Webster, and ESPN, has expanded her reach and credibility.
BLACK ENTERPRISE connected with Ware to discuss her business and entrepreneurship.
Whatinspired you to launch a fitness brand that caters specifically to women?
Fitness has always been a huge part of my life. As a little girl, I remember sitting on my dad’s back while he did push-ups and watching him win Gold’s Gym competitions. Staying active was second nature to me, and as social media grew, people started noticing my workouts and physique. However, I saw a major gap in the fitness industry — so many women wanted to work out but feared they had to sacrifice their curves to do it. Today, I’m proud that over 100,000 “Fit Queens” have benefited from the program, which can be found here.
Please share feedback from Black women on how your brand has helped them.
I hear from new mothers battling postpartum depression; from women rebuilding after leaving abusive relationships, each one sharing how CURVD has empowered them, not just physically but mentally and spiritually. It’s about transformation and healing.
Given the ongoing DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) backlash impacting many businesses of color, what steps are you taking to ensure your company remains resilient?
Diversity isn’t just a trend for CURVD. It’s at the core of who we are. My entire team is made up of women of color, and I’m committed to continuing to expand that representation. From our models to our leadership, we ensure that inclusivity isn’t just a talking point; it’s our reality. Despite the challenges, I see opportunity. The demand for authentic, diverse representation is only growing, and I’m dedicated to ensuring that CURVD remains a leader in this space, breaking barriers and advocating for visibility.
How has your firm performed revenue-wise over recent years?
Our highest revenue came during the early pandemic years when the health and wellness industry surged. However, as people returned to work and inflation impacted spending, we saw a dip. To counter this, we shifted our messaging, emphasizing that investing in health isn’t an optional expense — it’s a necessity. With our upcoming swimwear relaunch and new product expansions, our goal for 2025 is to reach $3 million in revenue.
Looking forward, where would you like to see your company’s revenue?
In the next five years, I envision CURVD reaching $10 million in annual revenue. To achieve this, we’re focusing on launching new yoga mats, activewear, and an extended swimwear line. We plan to expand beyond the U.S. into international markets—and brand collaborations by partnering with major fitness and fashion brands to increase visibility and impact.
What advice would you give Black entrepreneurs looking to start or grow a business?
First, believe in yourself. That’s the foundation. Among the steps to consider are identifying your niche, finding the gap in the market, and being the solution. And while funding/capital is important, don’t wait for a big investor to get started. Bootstrapping and reinvesting in your business can take you far. Know that entrepreneurship isn’t easy and comes with setbacks. But your ability to push through challenges will define your success. Most importantly, remember why you started. When your purpose is clear, your passion will fuel you through any obstacles.
