Saucy Santana Confronts Stigma Head On With His First Ever Beauty Deal

by Julaiza Alvarez

September 25, 2023

Saucy Santana Confronts Stigma Head On With His First Ever Beauty Deal

29-year-old trendsetter and Hip-Hop artist Saucy Santana is taking matters into his own hands, as he becomes the beauty ambassador for Black, female-owned brand, Thread Beauty.

Santana uses his platform to push for representation in the beauty industry, especially for Black LGBTQAI+ creatives. Now, the trailblazing artist and makeup lover is representing his community and doing it in full glam.

Founded in 2011 by The Lip Bar Inc CEO Melissa Butler, thread Beauty is Gen-Z focused, clean and cruelty-free annd inspired by BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. Thread beauty is committed to creating products that cater to all beauty lovers with diversity, inclusivity, allyship and self-expression at the forefront of the brand’s identity—and the collaboration with Saucy Santana is a major extension of that commitment.

The partnership itself is not only a step forward for representation, it also demonstrates that beauty brands not only have the opportunity to challenge traditional standards but have the responsibility and the influence to be the catalyst for change.

“Prior to launching thread beauty, we weren’t seeing diversity in the beauty space, especially when it comes to men in makeup,” Butler said.

“Who better to be the face of a beauty brand championing unapologetic self-expression and genuine authenticity than ‘the’ Saucy Santana?”

Butler continued: “We are overwhelmed & overjoyed that we get to embark on this first partnership with him.”

BLACK ENTERPRISE spoke to Saucy Santana about his collaboration with Thread Beauty, the importance of representing LGBTQAI+ creatives in the cosmetic industry and what he hopes supporters will take away from the partnership.

How does it feel to represent the community, considering you’ve been a longtime advocate for bringing LGBTQ creatives to the forefront of the cosmetics industry.

I feel that this collaboration is truly a win for the culture, especially being a Black, male-presenting and feminine gay man signed to a beauty deal is just great representation and visibility for my community. It’s hard to secure opportunities like this, especially in the spaces that I am in, such as Hip-Hop & Rap, being a black, dark skinned and feminine gay man, so I really appreciate the recognition and thread beauty for just giving men like me an opportunity to be seen and visible in a positive light within the beauty space.

I was getting my nails done the other day, and I was smiling to myself watching a boy who looked like me, with a bald face haircut and lined up beard, sit down and get his acrylic tip nails put on. I was so happy and so proud that more people are living their lives how they want and feel comfortable just being themselves. Our representation might not be plentiful, but we’re growing and that’s having an impact. I think people seeing me and others like me, it’s making people feel more comfortable doing what they want to do & accept us for who we are.

What do you think beauty brands can learn from this collaboration?

Thread beauty being Black-owned, female-founded, affordable and offering 26 shades of foundation, including deeper melanin tones in the foundation and concealers is really ground-breaking. You don’t really see a lot of makeup brands doing that. Typically once brands get to a certain medium-deep brown shade, they stop, a lot of brands don’t usually even offer a deep enough shade for me. So I just think this is a great thing and more brands should create a more inclusive shade range for BIPOC people.

What does inclusive beauty mean to you?

I remember, back in the day, when I was getting make-up, foundation colors would stop at certain colors, and they wouldn’t really go that deep for darker skin tones. They would have two shades and then it was up to us to figure it out. I love that thread beauty just goes so deep, and is truly inclusive all into the deeper shades of their product line- especially the ‘face it’ complexion sticks. That was one of the first things that attracted me to working with the brand, knowing that it would be catering to everyone and that even my dark-skinned followers and fans could find something to love with the brand.

Saucy Santana, thread beauty — Courtesy of Thread Beauty

What do you hope your fans take away from this amazing collaboration?

That they can do it too! We all have our own battles, even in the gay community. Boys like me, who are dark skinned, feminine and plus sized, get counted out within the community and don’t get a lot of opportunities. So, for me to be the first celebrity face of thread beauty shows people that we are able to be accepted for who we are, and it just speaks volumes. It’s making us more visible and helping us win.

What is your favorite product from the cosmetic line?

Definitely the multi-use face it complexion sticks and cover it complexion fluids. I love that thread beauty offers 26 shades of foundation in a truly inclusive line up catering to the BIPOC complexion range. I hear they’re expanding the line up soon too! I love that the shade range includes deep, dark melanin-rich shades for a flawless chocolate complexion. I have a perfect foundation shade-200 in their line up & a cream contour shade match-240 that’s even darker & richer. That’s not common at all! Oh and they also have the most bomb lip gloss- my fave is the glossy clear gloss it! I literally throw one in every bag when I’m heading out.

by Julaiza Alvarez

September 25, 2023

Saucy Santana Confronts Stigma Head On With His First-Ever Beauty Deal

Twenty-nine-year-old trendsetter and hip-hop artist Saucy Santana is taking matters into his own hands as the beauty ambassador for Black, female-owned brand, Thread Beauty.

Santana uses his platform to push for representation in the beauty industry, especially for Black LGBTQIA+ creatives. Now, the trailblazing artist and makeup lover is representing his community and doing it in full glam.

Founded in 2011 by The Lip Bar Inc CEO Melissa Butler, Thread Beauty is Gen Z-focused, clean, and cruelty-free and inspired by BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. The company is committed to creating products that cater to all beauty lovers with diversity, inclusivity, allyship, and self-expression at the forefront of the brand’s identity. The collaboration with Saucy Santana is a major extension of that commitment.

The partnership itself is not only a step forward for representation, it also demonstrates that beauty brands not only have the opportunity to challenge traditional standards but have the responsibility and the influence to be the catalyst for change.

“Prior to launching thread beauty, we weren’t seeing diversity in the beauty space, especially when it comes to men in makeup,” Butler said. “Who better to be the face of a beauty brand championing unapologetic self-expression and genuine authenticity than ‘the’ Saucy Santana?”

Butler continued: “We are overwhelmed and overjoyed that we get to embark on this first partnership with him.”

BLACK ENTERPRISE spoke to Saucy Santana about his collaboration with Thread Beauty, the importance of representing LGBTQIA+ creatives in the cosmetic industry and what he hopes supporters will take away from the partnership.

How does it feel to represent the community, considering you’ve been a longtime advocate for bringing LGBTQ creatives to the forefront of the cosmetics industry?

I feel that this collaboration is truly a win for the culture, especially being a Black, male-presenting and feminine gay man signed to a beauty deal is just great representation and visibility for my community. It’s hard to secure opportunities like this, especially in the spaces that I am in, such as hip-hop and rap, being a Black, dark skinned and feminine gay man, so I really appreciate the recognition and Thread Beauty for just giving men like me an opportunity to be seen and visible in a positive light within the beauty space.

I was getting my nails done the other day, and I was smiling to myself watching a boy who looked like me, with a bald face haircut and lined up beard, sit down and get his acrylic tip nails put on. I was so happy and so proud that more people are living their lives how they want and feel comfortable just being themselves. Our representation might not be plentiful, but we’re growing—and that’s having an impact. I think people seeing me and others like me, it’s making people feel more comfortable doing what they want to do and accept us for who we are.

What do you think beauty brands can learn from this collaboration?

Thread Beauty being Black-owned, female-founded, affordable, and offering 26 shades of foundation, including deeper melanin tones in the foundation and concealers is really ground-breaking. You don’t really see a lot of makeup brands doing that. Typically once brands get to a certain medium-deep brown shade, they stop, a lot of brands don’t usually even offer a deep enough shade for me. So I just think this is a great thing and more brands should create a more inclusive shade range for BIPOC people.

What does inclusive beauty mean to you?

I remember, back in the day, when I was getting make-up, foundation colors would stop at certain colors, and they wouldn’t really go that deep for darker skin tones. They would have two shades and then it was up to us to figure it out. I love that Thread Beauty just goes so deep, and is truly inclusive all into the deeper shades of their product line—especially the “face it” complexion sticks. That was one of the first things that attracted me to working with the brand, knowing that it would be catering to everyone and that even my dark-skinned followers and fans could find something to love with the brand.

What do you hope your fans take away from this collaboration?

That they can do it, too! We all have our own battles, even in the gay community. Boys like me, who are dark-skinned, feminine, and plus-sized, get counted out within the community and don’t get a lot of opportunities. So, for me to be the first celebrity face of Thread Beauty shows people that we are able to be accepted for who we are, and it just speaks volumes. It’s making us more visible and helping us win.

What is your favorite product from the cosmetic line?

Definitely the multi-use “face it“ complexion sticks and “cover it” complexion fluids. I love that thread beauty offers 26 shades of foundation in a truly inclusive line up catering to the BIPOC complexion range. I hear they’re expanding the line up soon, too! I love that the shade range includes deep, dark melanin-rich shades for a flawless chocolate complexion. I have a perfect foundation shade-200 in their line up and a cream contour shade match-240 that’s even darker and richer. That’s not common at all! Oh, and they also have the most bomb lip gloss: my fave is the glossy clear “gloss it!” I literally throw one in every bag when I’m heading out.

Indiana Woman Allegedly Erronerously Stabs 1-Year-Old Niece Over Burger King Chicken Sandwich

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

September 24, 2023

Indiana Woman Allegedly Erronerously Stabs 1-Year-Old Niece Over Burger King Chicken Sandwich

An Indiana woman allegedly erroneously stabbed her one-year-old niece after her pitbull jacked her Burger King chicken sandwich. She’s now behind bars.

The incident occurred at a Days Inn Hotel in Castleton, Indiana, on Sept. 19. Sharon Key’s niece was reportedly lying on the bed while her mother bathed her brother in the bathroom. The woman allegedly aimed the knife at the dog after it nabbed her food and “accidentally” stabbed her baby niece, hitting the girl in the face and neck. Upon hearing her daughter scream, Key’s sister ran out of the hotel’s bathroom to find her baby girl screaming as blood soaked the bed. The woman’s sister frantically explained the alleged stabbing was an accident before running out of the room, leaving the worried mother to seek emergency help for her injured baby.

Indianapolis Metro Police Department (IMDP) verified the mother’s story with surveillance camera footage it obtained. A cowardly Key would later be found hiding in the bushes at the Days Inn. The one-year-old was in critical condition before being upgraded to stable condition at Riley Hospital, according to Law and Crime.

William Young, a police officer for the IMPD, expressed how distressing the officers who received the call were.

“All of our officers, you hear that come across the radio, your heart drops. You want to get here as soon as you can. A lot of our officers, paramedics, fire — they have children that are infants, so you could imagine when they arrive, what our officers go through.”

The aunt’s sister revealed that Key had been staying with the woman and her children at the Days Inn. Key has also battled with drug addiction and mental health issues and reportedly had been drinking alcohol for most of the day the stabbing occurred.

The embattled woman was charged with two counts of criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon and one count of negligence of a dependent that resulted in serious bodily harm. If convicted, the first count “carries a maximum penalty of two-and-a-half years in prison and a $10,000 fine.”

The second charge’s punishment varies by the level of severity.

workplace discontent, survery, unhappy workers

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 24, 2023

New Study Reveals Over Half Of Workers Unhappy At Work

Even in the modern remote-to-hybrid work environment, a new study by HP Inc. has revealed that more than half of workers are unhappy with their jobs.

Over 15,000 employees from a variety of fields in 12 different countries participated in the “Work Relationship Index,” where they detailed their level of discontent with their employer.

One of the most staggering statistics exposed was that 62% of employees felt their negative experience at work has affected their physical wellness. Conversely, only 27% of employees at “desk-based” jobs, considered “knowledge” workers, felt that they actually had a positive relationship with their workplace.

Work morale is so abysmal that 83% of those unhappy in their current positions would be willing to take a pay cut in order to feel better mentally..

These results have led researchers to encourage employers to shift their work dynamics so that employees have a better experience, which can lead to better productivity. President and CEO of HP Inc., Enrique Lores, said in a statement that the findings should not discourage employers.

“There is a huge opportunity to strengthen the world’s relationship with work in ways that are both good for people and good for business,” shared Lores, as reported by Entrepreneur. “As leaders, we must always reject the false choice between productivity and happiness. The most successful companies are built on cultures that enable employees to excel in their careers while thriving outside of work.”

What is primarily causing these negative sentiments is the stressors and inability to maintain a work-life balance, as management must do a better job at ensuring the general well-being of those under their supervision. Remaining fulfilled outside of one’s work responsibilities and managing work expectations from both parties is the suggested remedy to employment discontentment.

money, auction, Dallas, uncirculated bills

by Daniel Johnson

September 24, 2023

Great Depression Era $10,000 Bill Sells For Whopping $480,000 At Auction

A $10,000 Great Depression era, uncirculated bill in perfect condition sold at a recent auction for almost $500,000.

The bill, featuring Abraham Lincoln‘s secretary of the treasury Salmon P. Chase, was sold at the Long Beach Expo U.S. Coins Signature Auction, in Dallas. The $480,000 purchase breaks the previous record of $384,000 from September 2020, USA Today reported.

The bill had been decommissioned in 1969, which made the $100 bill the highest monetary note issued in the United States.

According to the Museum of American Finance, the $10,000 bill was the largest denomination ever publicly circulated, as a larger $100,000 denomination was only used by banks.

“Large-denomination notes always have drawn the interest of collectors of all levels,” Dustin Johnston, vice president of Currency at Heritage Auctions, said in a press release. “The $10,000 trails only the $100,000 gold certificate issued in 1934, and of the 18 examples graded by PMG, this example is tied for the highest-graded.”

Other items also went for large sums of money. A 20-dollar coin minted in 1899 sold for $468,000, and a $5,000 note sold for $300,000. At the end of the auction, which concluded Sept 24, a total of $15,545,589 had been pulled in.

The 1899 coin featured a portrait of the head of the Statue of Liberty; around 30 still exist. “It takes an extraordinary coin to rise to the top of an auction with such consistent high quality, and this 1899 double eagle is that kind of coin,” said Todd Imhof, executive vice president of Heritage.

High denomination bills were printed throughout the 1800s and into the early 1900s but were discontinued by the U.S. Treasury because they were not often used by the public. In 2009, the number of $10,000 bills was around 336, the number of $5,000 bills was around 342, and the number of $1,000 bills was around 165,362; which explains the premium price fetched for these uncirculated and pristine larger denomination bills.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 24, 2023

Simone Biles Condemns Gymnastics Ireland For Racist Incident

Simone Biles is making it known that racism has no place in sports. She has condemned Gymnastics Ireland, the national governing body for the sport in Ireland, for a harrowing incident that showed a young Black competitor blatantly skipped over during an awards ceremony.

The incident occurred in March 2022, according to the Daily Mail, and shocked viewers as the little girl’s excitement turned to sadness when she was embarrassed by the medal bestower.

Upon being notified of the video, Biles expressed her disgust. She also revealed that the girl’s family contacted her following the incident, and the world-renowned gymnast sent her a video to lift her spirits. She also emphasized that there is “no room for racism” in the world of sports or in general.

when this video was circulating, her parents reached out. It broke my heart to see, so I sent her a little video

there is no room for racism in any sport or at all !!!!

— Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) September 23, 2023

When the clip made the rounds on social media again this past week, Gymnastics Ireland made an official statement apologizing to the young girl for what happened. Her family, however, remains adamant that racism was the cause. They also claim that they have yet to receive a just apology for the ordeal, which the organization stated was handled through a mediation back in August.

The woman who handed out the awards, who is no longer affiliated with the organization by her own choice, said the move was “unintentional” but agreed that her actions were not “acceptable.”

While the family is still exploring legal options, Biles’ video to the young girl encouraged her to continuing working hard at her passion and to never let racism make her feel less deserving.

“I wanted to let you know that I saw how you were treated at your GymSTART event recently,” Biles said, according to the Daily Mail. I was completely shocked and wanted to let you know that you deserve a medal just like all of the other girls. I know you’ve worked incredibly hard at the sport and I wanted to say I am rooting for you from here. Sending you my very best and know that there are so many of us here to support you.”

by Daniel Johnson

September 24, 2023

Karl Malone Honored At Louisiana Tech Despite Controversial Past

Louisiana Tech honored basketball star Karl Malone alongside other legendary athletes such as Fred Dean, Teresa Weatherspoon, and Willie Roaf. But as the Louisiana Illuminator reported, Malone’s personal conduct during his college days was far from perfect.

In 1983, when Malone was a sophomore at Louisiana Tech, he impregnated a 13-year-old, Gloria Bell. Malone was 20 years old. He denied fathering the child, and upon meeting the son, Demetress Bell, 17 years later, he told him, that he would have to make his own way in life. The child, who grew up to become an NFL offensive lineman, eventually reconciled with Malone.

Blood tests showed a 99.3 percent probability Malone was the father of Demetress Bell, according to the Associated Press.

This has not stopped Malone’s past from coming up whenever he is honored, and the fact that multiple college institutions are simultaneously facing fallout from sexual violence has not helped.

“I wonder what message the university believes it sends to our students when it installs a statue on our campus of a wealthy and famous man who sexually abused a minor when he was a star athlete,” Louisiana Tech history professor Drew McKevitt told the Illuminator.

When Malone was asked about his past by the Salt Lake Tribune during festivities around the 2023 NBA All-Star Game in Salt Lake City, Utah, he was less than diplomatic.

“I’m not discussing any of that. I don’t care,” Malone said. “That’s my life, it’s my personal life, and I’ll deal with that like I’ve had to deal with everything. So… whatever.”

Louisiana Tech’s administration offered several examples of its employees trying their best to keep the topic on sports as when Eric Wood, Louisiana Tech’s athletic director, and Jim Henderson, the president of the University of Louisiana System, which includes Louisiana Tech, offered their insight.

“The university is recognizing former student-athletes who have been inducted into the highest professional halls of fame,” Henderson said.

This is a very similar tone to Malone’s stated desire to leave his past in the past—even if it will always follow him.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 24, 2023

Usher Unveiled As Headliner For 2024 Super Bowl Halftime Show

It’s Usher, baby. The “Superstar” himself will make his Super Bowl Halftime Show debut as headliner of the coveted performance.

In a shared post with Apple Music, which co-sponsors the event with Roc Nation, Usher confirmed that he will be heading back to Las Vegas for the Super Bowl.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Apple Music (@applemusic)

In a different promotional effort to mark the announcement, Usher unveiled a fresh video where numerous celebrities, such as NFL star Odell Beckham Jr. and Kim Kardashian, deliver the news to a younger iteration of Usher as seen in his “Confessions, Pt. II” music video from 2004.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Apple Music (@applemusic)

In a playful nod to one of his iconic tracks, the recycled video segments were carefully edited to sync with the A-listers, including one with the current version of Usher sharing the news with his past self. The announcement was met with much fanfare, as the star is now solidifying his legacy in mainstream music.

In an official statement, Usher spoke of the “honor of a lifetime” and promises fans that it will be an unforgettable occasion.

“It’s an honor of a lifetime to finally check a Super Bowl performance off my bucket list. I can’t wait to bring the world a show unlike anything else they’ve seen from me before,” shared the 44-year-old, as reported by Billboard. “Thank you to the fans and everyone who made this opportunity happen. I’ll see you real soon.”

The Grammy winner is currently on another extension of his acclaimed Las Vegas residency at the Park MGM Hotel, where he has performed his timeless hits from his career in front of celebs such as Keke Palmer and LeBron James.

“Usher is an icon whose music has left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape throughout his career, we couldn’t be more excited to have him headline this year’s Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show, ” said Seth Dudowsky, head of music for the NFL.

by Daniel Johnson

September 24, 2023

Two Black Women Are Transforming Detroit’s Construction Landscape

Detroit’s construction industry is being transformed by two Black women, Dannis Mitchell and Kimle Nailer, who are at the head of several projects moving the city forward.

Mitchell is the director of community engagement for Barton Marlow; Nailer is owner of Nail-Rite Construction Company.

The two have taken different paths, according to the Michigan Chronicle. Mitchell headed up Barton Marlow’s bid to perform work on the Detroit Pistons and Detroit Red Wings shared home, the Little Caesars Arena, after they tapped her to lead their diversity efforts. And Nailer built her company, Nail-Rite, from the ground up after a career in real estate.

As a result of her commitment to ensuring diversity within the construction field, Mitchell created a program, the Barton Marlow Bootcamp. Over time, this program evolved into a successful pilot initiative as other companies recognized its effectiveness in training and introducing young individuals to construction careers.

“Internally I asked for more resources and needed to build a team to do so,” Mitchell told the Michigan Chronicle. “I was allowed to hire several people and specifically hired young women of color to enter this space. I was very intentional about it because it allows us to go into various school districts across the country to talk about skilled trades and management jobs.”

Nailer entered the construction industry after a city auction allowed her to hold multiple properties at once, freeing her up to collect passive income as she fixed up other holdings in her housing portfolio. Living in Chicago also helped Nailer see how developing one central project like McCormick Place could free up room for additional development and nearby economic opportunities.

“Because I lived in Chicago …McCormick Place was undergoing major renovations and immediately thereafter all of the communities surrounding at skyrocket in value,” Nailer said. “So, I said, this is a great time to build.”

Nailer said she was inspired to enter Detroit’s construction scene after seeing the Little Caesars Arena development, which Mitchell helped facilitate.

“I said construction is the industry I should be in,” Nailer said. “This is an industry that can be reparations for the Black community. The wages are higher; the projects can redevelop communities. If you stabilize the income, you have more homeowners, more solid tenants, and the neighborhood stabilizes.”

Nailer and Mitchell are both working toward using construction as a way for Black Detroiters to build wealth by ensuring they have a path to participation in the construction industry from the beginning of the projects to the end of them.

They both are looking to Detroit as the vanguard of what can be possible, and Nailer believes that it can happen if the city seriously invests in uplifting its Black populace.

“The industry being exposed to the Black community and culture is my goal,” Nailer told the Chronicle. “I believe our churches should be the builders of our housing. In a one-mile radius, if churches teamed up with the City of Detroit, then they should be the community partners with the Land Bank. We can then teach the skill of construction from start to finish.”

Shekinah Jo Anderson, Revival Funeral Home, Georgia, reality television star

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

September 24, 2023

Celebrity Hairstylist Shekinah Anderson’s Latest Business Venture Builds New Legacy From The Deceased

Reality television star and famed hairstylist Shekinah Joida Anderson, better known to fans as Shekinah Jo, is expanding her financial portfolio by opening a funeral home in Manchester, Georgia.

The Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta cast member initially shared the opening of the Revival Funeral Home on September 16 via Instagram. On September 21, Anderson shared an additional announcement on IG and Facebook that contained a stunning image of herself with the funeral parlor in the background.

The 39-year-old entrepreneur revealed that she was open for business, what her new company offered and what set Revival Funeral Home apart from the competition.

“Now Open For Business @therevivalfuneralhome

“Guiding you with compassion through life’s most difficult moments. #RevivalFuneralHomeServices #SupportInSorrow“
“Honoring every life story with care and respect. #MemorialServices #InLovingMemory“
“Creating meaningful farewells to celebrate a life well-lived. #RevivalFuneralHomeServices #HonoringLegacies“
“Our dedicated team is here to ease your journey and celebrate your loved one. #CompassionateCare #RestInPeace“
“When words are not enough, we’re here to help you say goodbye. #FuneralPlanning #CherishedMemories“
“Providing solace and support during your time of loss. #RevivalFuneralHomeServices #RememberingWithLove“
“Every detail, every moment – a heartfelt tribute to your loved one. #MemorialServices #ForeverInOurHearts“
“From planning to final farewell, we’re here for you every step of the way. #FuneralHomeCare #StrengthInCommunity“
“Honoring traditions, celebrating life, and offering comfort in your time of need. #FuneralService #GoneButNotForgotten“
“Together, we create a meaningful tribute to a life that will never be forgotten. #MemorialCare #FarewellDearFriend“

Revival’s mission statement on the website states, “Our mission is to offer exceptional funeral services that reflect the unique lives of those we are entrusted to care for. We aim to provide a warm, welcoming environment where families can find comfort, support, and understanding during their grieving process. Our experienced and compassionate staff is here to assist you every step of the way, ensuring that all arrangements are handled with sensitivity and respect.”

Fans and supporters showed Anderson love in the comments section.

“Absolutely a blessing to be a blessing to the bereaved. 💕✨,” one person wrote.

Another person penned, “Congratulations… this major 🔥❤️love all the way from Maryland.”

Someone else wrote, “Won’t He Do It!! 🤍🤍🤍🤍”

In July, a TikTok user posted a video of Anderson confirming that she owned a funeral home despite naysayers.

“This business… is gonna be the same business that was already here. I’m not putting a hair school here. Lies. A hair school won’t be here… It will be my funeral home.”

Anderson passionately told supporters and followers that she wasn’t there to “get over on” anyone and would take care of patrons who supported her business. She even advised funeral directors to apply for a job at Revival, promising to pay well in the seven-minute video.

@tstylz01 #shekinah #shekinahjo #lhhatl #lhh #shekinahglory #realitytv #fyp #loveandhiphopatl #funeralhomes #funeralstory #funeraldiretor #burialground #burial #burialplot #churchtiktok #baptist #funeralserviceindustry #atlanta #newbusinessstartup #newbusinessventure #vh1 #vh1loveandhiphop #vh1realitytv #newbusinesscheck #loveandhiphopatlanta ♬ Sound scenes like ethnic funeral marches – kogumax

Outside of the funeral home, Anderson also owns a successful hair care company, Shekinah Jo. As a celebrity hairstylist in Atlanta with almost 30 years of experience, the businesswoman has styled famous folks like Tiny Harris (also her good sis), Tamar Braxton, Ciara and Monica. The 39-year-old reality television star is dedicated to “the growth, beauty and health of your hair.”