Ye, Rihanna, Pharrell Williams Own Most Talked About Celebrity Brands Of 2025
Ye might be controversial, but he owns the most talked-about celebrity brand of 2025—for now.
Despite the challenges Ye’s Yeezy brand faced after losing its partnership with Adidas, the apparel company remains the most talked-about celebrity brand of 2025, alongside brands from Rihanna and Pharrell Williams.
A recent study by Heepsy ranked the celebrity brands generating the most buzz in 2025 by analyzing Instagram followers, Google searches, and Instagram hashtags. According to the findings, Ye topped the list, earning high marks for public engagement and social media traction.
Data was gathered from social media analytics tools and search trend reports, using a composite score to measure overall brand visibility and discussion levels. Based on followers, internet searches, and hashtags, Ye’s Yeezy brand surpassed over 40 celebrity-run brands, including Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty, as well as Beyoncé’s Ivy Park.
Yeezy ranks as the most talked-about celebrity brand in 2025, with 14.5 million Google searches and 13.4 million Instagram hashtags. The brand also leads in online engagement, boasting 3.1 million Instagram followers.
Rihanna claims the third and fourth spots with Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty. Fenty Beauty ranks third with 4.2 million Google searches, 13.1 million Instagram followers, and 205,000 Instagram hashtags, maintaining its strong influence in the beauty industry. Savage X Fenty follows in fourth place, boasting 5.1 million Instagram followers, 1.1 million Google searches, and 420,000 Instagram hashtags, solidifying its status as a leading fashion-focused celebrity brand.
Pharrell Williams’ Billionaire Boys Club ranks eighth, amassing 116,000 Instagram followers, 3.4 million Google searches, and 1.2 million Instagram hashtags. More than two decades after its 2003 launch, the streetwear brand remains a major force in 2025.
Ye’s ex-sister-in-law, Kylie Jenner, followed behind him in second place with Kylie Cosmetics. With 24.7 million Instagram followers—the highest among all ranked brands—the brand sees 1.6 million Google searches and 4.5 million Instagram hashtags. The rap/fashion mogul’s ex-wife Kim Kardashian came in fifth place with 6.6 million Instagram followers, 3.8 million Google searches, and 292K Instagram hashtags.
Others who made the list include Drake who came in 15th place with his Octobers Very Own (OVO) brand, Beyoncé’s Ivy Park at No. 19, and Jay-Z took two spots with Armand de Brignac (Ace of Spades) and D’Usse. Kevin Hart’s Gran Coramino Tequila earned him a spot on the list, as well as LeBron James SpringHill Company, and 50 Cent’s Branson Cognac.
Soccer Star Sydney Leroux Decides To Step Away From Soccer For ‘My Mental Health’
Sydney Leroux is taking a break from professional soccer to focus on her mental health.
Sydney Leroux, forward for Angel City Football Club, announced she will step away from professional soccer to focus on her mental health.
Leroux, who has been with Angel City since its inaugural season in 2022, announced her departure in a heartfelt Instagram post on March 16, assuring fans she plans to return to the game she loves.
“This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to say or admit to myself. But after a lot of reflection, I’ve made the difficult decision to step away from soccer for my mental health,” Leroux said.
Leroux made the decision with her mental health and family in mind, prioritizing herself and her children.
“Anyone who knows me knows I’m a fighter — I always have been,” she wrote. “I take pride in showing up, in giving everything I have, but right now, I owe it to myself and my children to take a step back and take care of me.”
Leroux continued, “I’ve always prided myself on being honest, authentic, and true to who I am both on and off the field, and this moment is no different. To everyone who has supported me, loved me, and believed in me — thank you.
“This isn’t goodbye; I will be back, just like always, in true Syd fashion,” she added.
The announcement follows Leroux’s contract extension with Angel City through 2027 and comes after the NWSL expanded its mental health services last September as part of a new collective bargaining agreement.
The new CBA broadens the range of mental health professionals authorized to make that recommendation. Each team is required to have a licensed mental health provider on staff.
Leroux has enjoyed a successful career, scoring 10 goals in 42 NWSL matches for Angel City and netting 35 goals in 77 appearances for the U.S. women’s national team, playing a key role in the USWNT’s 2015 World Cup victory.
“Your Angel City family is here for you and supports you always 🖤,” the team wrote.
Fans have also praised her courage and commitment to prioritizing mental health in professional sports.
”Thank you for your honesty. That’s what I’ve always admired and loved about you,” one fan added. “I hope that you’re able to heal and return to soccer soon.”
9 Black-Owned Spas And Resorts Where Black Women Can Get Their Rest On
the perfect retreats where Black women can reset and rejuvenate
On the heels of the National Day of Rest for Black Women, BLACK ENTERPRISE has identified nine Black-owned establishments that are suitable getaways for the rest, relaxation, and energy recovery that Black women deserve. This list highlights the perfect retreats where Black women can reset, rejuvenate, and support Black-owned businesses that display excellence in the hospitality industry.
Spa At Salamander Resort
The Salamander Hotels & Resorts collection, which is owned by Sheila Johnson, a co-founder of BET, is committed to providing superior hospitality. In 2024, the Salamander Spa at Salamander Resort in Washington, D.C., was launched as a world-class wellness brand with 373 rooms. Now, guests can try out the spa’s special Cherry Blossom body ritual and other high-end skin and beauty treatments and kick back in a state-of-the-art wellness area with steam rooms, saunas, and relaxation lounges. The spa is open seven days a week, from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM, to provide an unparalleled luxury escape in the heart of the capital city.
Iwi Fresh was founded by Yolanda Owens in 2003. In 2010, Owens opened an IWI Fresh day spa in Atlanta, Georgia, and committed to the farm-to-skin philosophy. The spa offers a range of revitalizing treatments, such as veggie facials, herbal massages, and product customization, all created with fresh, locally harvested ingredients. Iwi Fresh is definitely a must-visit stop for Black women. They are open Thursday through Saturday from 11 AM – 6 PM and Sunday from 1 PM – 5 PM.
1800 Jonesboro Rd SE
FL 2, Ste E
Atlanta, GA 30315
The Bettye O Day Spa was launched in 1978 by Bettye Odom and is one of the leading beauty and wellness centers today. The spa is especially famous for its luxurious treatments, including personalized facials, relaxing massages, detoxifying body wraps, manicure and pedicure services, waxing and threading, hydrotherapy, and body polish. The spa is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM and on Saturday, 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM. A private and personalized experience, Bettye O Day Spa is committed to offering clients a truly outstanding experience to help them feel relaxed and renewed.
Marsha Ann Boyea founded Cynergy Spa in 2003 as a known wellness destination focused on rejuvenation and serenity. The Brooklyn-based facility provides a variety of treatments, such as custom facials and body therapies for healing purposes, along with nail care services. Cynergy Spa offers a retreat for rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation with operating hours from Monday through Friday, 11 AM – 6 PM; Saturday, 11 AM – 7 PM; and Sunday, 12 PM- 6 PM.
In August 2019, Poppi’s Spa & Lounge was established by TJ Woodberry as a haven focused on self-care and nurturing wellness. The spa offers an array of services, such as color therapy pods, infrared saunas, salt room halotherapy, tailored facials, and massage therapies. Poppi’s is open from 10 AM to 8 PM on weekdays (Monday to Thursday). On Fridays and Saturdays services start 9 AM until 9 PM. On Sundays, services begin at noon and run until 6 PM.
The Mansion at Noble Lane was established in 2012 by Monique Greenwood as a charming boutique inn that provides a getaway in the Pocono Mountains region of Pennsylvania. This grand estate boasts 14 styled guest rooms featuring spa bathrooms for added luxury and comfort. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a spa to unwind. Rest and relax after a day of activities in the area, or take a dip in the heated indoor pool. The mansion also offers tennis courts for sports enthusiasts and spacious event venues suitable for hosting weddings or business functions. It has operated around the clock since its inception over two decades ago in 2012; the mansion effortlessly combines timeless elegance with comfort food to offer visitors an opulent retreat.
Letrice Mason and Kortni Jordan founded Essential Body Bar. It is a day spa specializing in custom facials, massage therapy, waxing, gender-affirming care, and weight management programs focusing on natural healing. The company offers well-woman services through its Her Down There initiative. Open Tuesday-Thursday, 10 AM – 8 PM; Friday-Saturday from 10 AM – 5 PM; and Sunday from 11 AM – 3 PM, the Essential Body Bar experience is tranquil and restorative.
Cindy Tawiah’s Diva Day Spa and Healing Center, which was opened in 2020, is a health spa offering a wide range of services to help individuals achieve total well-being. Services include detox sauna treatments, foot detoxes, body wraps, healing and counseling, and wellness workshops. The spa offers an initiative known as The Diva Project, a nonprofit organization that gives a helping hand to women subjected to domestic violence. The establishment is open from Tuesday to Friday from 10 AM – 6 PM, Saturday from 10 AM – 4 PM, and Sunday 12 PM – 4 PM.
Brownstone Spa began in 2018, thanks to Stacy Best-Nervis’s entrepreneurial dreams and prowess. Brownstone focuses on skin products specially made for brown people along with custom skincare services. The spa offers skin brightening therapies, body care, an adjustable skincare program, and sugar hair removal treatment. Brownstone Spa is open Tuesday-Friday from 10 AM – 6 PM. and Saturday from 9 AM – 4 PM, with Sunday and Monday closed.
International Olympic Committee Recommends Including Boxing In 2028 Olympics
World Boxing is in place to run the sport in the Los Angeles Olympics.
Boxing is expected to be part of the next Summer Olympics after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) during its next session in Greece this week.
According to Reuters, after the IOC granted provisional recognition to World Boxing in February, the IOC approved including the sport when the Olympic games head to Los Angeles in 2028.
In the initial planning, the sport was not included.
“I am confident the session will approve it,” IOC President Thomas Bach said at a recent press conference.
Although it was included in the 2024 Paris Olympics, it was organized by the IOC after the organization refused the International Boxing Association (IBA) from running due to its failure to implement reforms on the governance and finance of the sport.
The IOC encouraged national boxing federations to create a new global body, which led to the creation of World Boxing. The new body, launched in 2023, has more than 80 national federations as members.
“This is a very significant and important decision for Olympic boxing and takes the sport one step closer to being restored to the Olympic program,” Boris van der Vorst, president of World Boxing, said in a written statement.
“I have no doubt it will be very positively received by everyone connected with boxing, at every level throughout the world, who understands the critical importance to the future of the sport of boxing continuing to remain a part of the Olympic Movement.”
The IOC, Reuters reported, said only athletes whose national federations were members of World Boxing by the time of the start of the qualification events for the 2028 Olympics could take part in Los Angeles.
“Somewhere between two years before the Games,” IOC Sports Director Kit McConnell said when asked by what time national federations needed to join World Boxing for their athletes to be for boxing’s return.
Previously the IBA ran the sport’s events at the Olympics before being stripped of overseeing matches for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. The IOC suspended the IBA, which Russian businessman Umar Kremlev runs, in 2019 over governance, finance, refereeing, and ethical issues.
SC State Rep. Jermaine Johnson Exposes Republican Hypocrisy During Vote To Block DEI
'Every single time we give you an opportunity to show us something different, you show us who you are.'
South Carolina State Rep. Jermaine Johnson dropped jaws on the State House Floor after stopping Republicans from pushing an anti-DEI measure.
Johnson called out his fellow members’ hypocrisy during a recent floor meeting. As conservative lawmakers tried to push a new provision in South Carolina’s state budget to remove DEI practices, Johnson did not mince words on how he felt about the measure.
The recorded impromptu speech has garnered national attention, as Johnson emphasized Republicans’ inconsistencies in their stances.
“You don’t like being called racist in here. You hate when we use the word racist…You hate being attacked. You hate when we bring up race and everything. But then, when we have an opportunity to show that we’re not racist, you let me down every time.”
He then noted how his fellow lawmakers break bread with one another, and they assure Democrats that funding will not fuel white supremacist initiatives. However, these measures are tabled when they meet again on the floor.
“And I sit here, and we talk about our families. We talk about our kids. We go on trips together. And then we talk about not using our state dollars to go to white supremacy programs, and then we table it,” he continued.
He then listed the numerous instances where inclusive practices have faced removal in South Carolina. Johnson detailed how AP African American studies no longer exist in the state’s public schools or how funding was stripped from the College of Charleston due to its programming benefitting Black students.
“Why do we continuously do this to our kids? Why? What is it that you’re doing? What are you showing your kids that public funds can go to white supremacy programs,” Johnson said. “We just had an issue at USC where all those kids felt scared. As a matter of fact, we just had the Patriot Front on our steps last week. What are we doing here? Please tell me what we’re doing. Don’t try to explain to me. ‘Well, I thought it was this or not. It’s that. No, Jermaine, we want to see equality.’”
Fed up with the political games, Johnson made clear that his Republican colleagues continue to grant false promises.
He added, “We give you an opportunity every single time, and here we go again. I was in the bag. I was ready to go just like y’all are, but here we go.”
However, the conversation may have struck a nerve with his fellow lawmakers, as the measure to stunt DEI in the state’s budget failed. While his impassioned speech did yield results, his words remain felt across other political circles on a local and national scale.
“Every single time we give you an opportunity to show us something different, you show us who you are.”
Black Ownership In Sports Symposium Returns To ATL, Giving Insight On Buying In
Attendees will leave with a clear, actionable playbook to sports ownership.
The Black Ownership in Sports Symposium, which celebrates Black ownership in the sports industry, will return to Atlanta on March 22, 2025, at The Buckhead Club.
Organized by Diverse Representation, the symposium aims to equip Black professionals with the education, access, and tools to pursue ownership stakes in professional sports teams.
Jaia Thomas, founder and CEO of Diverse Representation, launched the symposium to close a critical knowledge gap in the industry.
“There’s a lack of understanding when it comes to navigating ownership in sports,” Thomas said. “This event is designed to break down the process step-by-step.”
Focus of 2025 Symposium
This year’s program focuses on long-term investment strategies, private funding models, and legal frameworks. Thomas wants attendees to leave with a clear, actionable playbook.
“We’re seeing more Black faces in ownership conversations than ever before, but there’s still work to be done,” she said. “This event was created to provide the playbook—from financing to deal structuring to relationship-building—for those serious about taking a seat at the ownership table.”
Minority owners from across professional sports will speak at the symposium. Chief among the speakers is film director Will Packer, a minority owner of the Atlanta Falcons. Known for film projects like Girls Trip, he will discuss how Black ownership can expand beyond entertainment into high-level business leadership.
“It has never been more important for African Americans to participate at all levels of power within the biggest global industries,” Packer said. “I can’t wait to share insights at the Black Ownership in Sports Symposium.”
The push for greater Black ownership comes as the numbers remain stark. Despite major American sports leagues featuring a majority of Black athletes, ownership and executive leadership remain overwhelmingly white and male.
Minority Black Ownership
Tennis icon Serena Williams has joined the ranks of Black minority owners in professional sports. The Wimbledon champion is now part of the ownership group behind the Toronto Tempo, a new WNBA franchise.
Meanwhile, Michael Jordan, once the only Black majority owner in U.S. major professional sports, sold his controlling stake in the Charlotte Hornets in 2023. The sale, valued at $3 billion, netted Jordan a hefty return on his initial $275 million investment.
The Black Ownership In Sports Symposium offers prospective owners a unique opportunity to learn directly from current owners. Through fireside chats and panels, attendees will gain practical insights to help close the ownership gap.
Trump’s Latest Executive Order Reflects His Desire To End DEI
The executive order's intent is to cut down on the size of the federal government, but the intent can be see in who is affected.
President Donald Trump’s latest executive order, “Continuing The Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy,” which he signed March 14, seeks to eliminate funding for museums and libraries, global media organizations, the Minority Businesses Development Agency, the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars located in the Smithsonian Institution.
While Trump believes the order aligns with his overall goal of reducing the size of the government, critics are alarmed.
The American Library Association (ALA) was critical of the order, which called for the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the only federal agency for libraries in America.
In a statement, the organization said the executive order “is cutting off at the knees the most beloved and trusted of American institutions and the staff and services they offer. To dismiss some 75 committed workers and the mission of an agency that advances opportunity and learning is to dismiss the aspirations and everyday needs of millions of Americans. And those who will feel that loss most keenly live in rural communities.”
The American Alliance of Museums, issued its own statement March 15 on Trump’s cutting of the agency the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
“Eliminating the only federal agency dedicated to supporting museums directly undermines the will of the people (96% of whom want to see federal funding maintained or increased for museums) and the critical roles museums and museum workers play in American society,” the organization wrote.
According to Mother Jones, the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness is the only federal agency focused on addressing the increasing crisis of homelessness, an issue that also disproportionately affects Black Americans.
Like with the other organizations, the reduction of funds is expected to effectively end this agency’s work
‘Scaling Back’ Or Backpedaling? H&M And ‘Buy From A Black Woman’ End Partnership
BFABW's founder claims that H&M's plans to scale down programming led to the partnership's demise.
H&M and Buy From A Black Woman (BFABW) have parted ways. The nonprofit and the retailer ended their contract over H&M’s plans to scale back their joint events.
The partnership, which started four years ago to amplify Buy From A Black Women’s mission of supporting Black woman-owned businesses, led to activations, a grant program, and a business accelerator to highlight entrepreneurs and their products.
Since its establishment in 2016, BFABW has served as an educational nonprofit to help Black women entrepreneurs succeed in their industry. It also offers an online directory for patrons to support these minority-owned brands.
However, amid the shift from DEI initiatives, BFABW’s founder, Nikki Porcher, saw H&M distancing itself from the organization’s programming. Porcher revealed in an interview with Women’s Wear Daily that H&M’s new plans for a key event led to the partnership’s abrupt end. The contract officially ended March 12.
“In addition to an investment of nearly $1 million dollars to support the organization, we were also able to produce and host dozens of events that highlighted and created meaningful impact for Black women-owned businesses throughout the country,” shared H&M in a statement on the terminated contract.
“While it was not H&M’s decision to end the partnership, we wish Buy From A Black Woman the very best in their future endeavors as they embark in a new direction. H&M’s commitment to partnerships and programs highlighting inclusion and diversity remains unchanged, and we look forward to developing these in exciting new directions.”
Porcher explained during a February group call H&M said it would not sponsor its flagship event on International Women’s Day. Instead, H&M stated that an accompanying event, spotlighting denim at a Black women’s coffee shop, would take place in lieu of the signature activation.
However, Porcher detailed that the International Women’s Day event was specifically in her contract. Its removal prompted more questions from the nonprofit founder. She emphasized that their partnership was even more crucial given the current anti-DEI push. Despite this, H&M asserted that the shift was due to current fashion trends at their stores.
Porcher felt “disrespected” with the discussion, leading her to seek legal counsel. The two parties decided they could not move forward with the partnership, terminating the deal. Porcher still awaits an $83,000 check from the Swedish retailer for a holiday market the BFABW conducted last year.
BFABW plans to lean into more advocacy work, especially with the five-year anniversary of the start of the Black Lives Matter protests happening this summer.
While Porcher remains disappointed by how the contract fizzled out, she wants to educate Black women entrepreneurs about these concerns and how to navigate them.
“There will be a lot more Black-owned business owners who will have this [type of thing] happen to them, but maybe not on such a grand scale. I want them to know that they are not by themselves. Entrepreneurship, especially as a Black woman, is such a lonely road,” Porcher said.
H&M released another statement after Porcher shared her experience, denying it required the change of plans and that if offered a “fair payment” during the contract negotiations.
Update: After Porcher’s interview broke March 13, an H&M spokesperson confirmed that payment was settled March 14.
Maddox-Dorsey began her career as a banker focused on the radio industry. She eventually went into entrepreneurship, where she led major acquisitions. The founding of A Wonder Media Company positioned Maddox-Dorsey as a key player in Black media ownership.
In 2018, she acquired American Urban Radio Networks (AURN) and Superadio Network, a top-ranked syndicator of audio content. Maddox-Dorsey later became a shareholder in Blackstar Communications. She is now president and CEO of Access 1 Communications, which owns more than two dozen radio affiliates
“The chance to lead a buyout of two well-known but neglected B2B brands was irresistible,” she said. “I loved the potential of infusing new ideas and talent into AURN, which had become a shadow of its former self. I knew that between Superadio and AURN’s distribution network, we had a strong foundation.”
An Oberlin College graduate, Maddox-Dorsey champions the importance of preserving Black media spaces. Her acquisitions aim to keep Black audiences informed and engaged across multiple platforms.
“Media remains a vital part of our country’s infrastructure, though the components continue to evolve,” she said in a statement. “Broadcasting’s reach in the African American community is still powerful and complements streaming, podcasting, and other forms of digital media.”
Through her leadership, Maddox-Dorsey helps some of the largest media networks speak directly to Black culture, from hip-hop to gospel audiences.
Maddox-Dorsey prioritizes mentorship and believes in empowering young talen, but she maintains that leadership starts at the top.
“Be a collector of talent as you build your team and your village,” she advised entrepreneurs and hiring managers. “You are responsible for the outcome of the people who work for you, so be serious and intentional.”
Claressa Shields No Longer Suspended, May Still Face ‘Enforcement Action’
'The Department will remove Respondent's name from the suspension list of the sanctioned record-keeping organization.'
Although undefeated boxing champion Claressa Shields had her recent suspension “dissolved” after testing positive for marijuana, she may still face “enforcement action” from the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission (MUCC), the agency that regulates boxing in the state.
According to USA Today, the agency made its ruling on March 14, and Shields took to social media to tell her followers the news she had anticipated since being accused of smoking weed.
Officially unsuspended ! But y’all a little quiet! Y’all was real loud about me “supposedly” smoking marijuana and being suspended! No worries! And still an Undisputed heavyweight champ! I have the Order to prove it!!! About to go live on Instagram! #freeClaressaShields#Gwoat… pic.twitter.com/DBxNks0LnN
— Claressa Gwoat Shields (@Claressashields) March 14, 2025
MUCC issued the following statement on Shields’ suspension, “Based on the information the Respondent provided at the compliance conference, the Department (of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs), on behalf of the MUCC, finds there is no longer imminent threat to the integrity of the sport, the public interest, or the welfare and safety of a contest that requires emergency action. … The Department will remove Respondent’s name from the suspension list of the sanctioned record-keeping organization (Friday).”
The last line of the statement does not clarify whether Shields is completely scot-free of any other punishments due to the positive test taken after the fight. It reads, “The Order does not resolve the Formal Complaint … and does not close the enforcement action.”
The MUCC stated in February that Shields tested positive for marijuana after her latest fight on Feb. 2 in Michigan. The commission also indicated that she is under investigation due to the test results. She was given an ‘oral fluid sample’ after she defeated heavyweight Danielle Perkins.
Shields, who sports a record of 16 victories and no defeats, became the first-ever women’s undisputed heavyweight champion in boxing history when she defeated Perkins unanimouslyat her last boxing match. The fight occurred in her hometown of Flint at the Dort Financial Center.
Shields is the only boxer to hold every major world title, WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO in three weight classes and is a two-time Olympic gold medalist.
