For some, fitness begins with discovery. From dance classes to yoga flows, the goal is to find activities that bring both joy and results. Trying new things keeps movement exciting, whether it’s hiking, swimming, or a group fitness class with friends. Exploring outdoor activities, like trail walking or kayaking, can also make fitness feel less like a chore and more like an adventure.

Others may look for ways to fit movement into their daily routines. A quick morning workout, a midday stretch, or an evening walk can offer mental clarity and physical strength. Strength training, mobility exercises, and mindful practices like tai chi or Pilates become important tools for maintaining balance and energy. Even small bursts of movement, like taking the stairs or doing desk stretches, can have a big impact over time.

The beauty of fitness is that it evolves with you. Some may focus on building endurance, others on preserving flexibility, and many simply on the joy of movement itself. The key is to listen to your body, explore new options, and embrace what feels good.

No matter how you move, the benefits go beyond the physical. Fitness builds confidence, fosters resilience, and creates space for connection—with yourself and others. Whether it’s a solo jog, a community Zumba class, or a serene yoga session, movement is a gift you give yourself—and one that keeps giving.

Fitness isn’t just about physical health; it’s about emotional well-being, mental clarity, and celebrating what your body can do. It’s a lifelong journey that empowers you to feel strong and alive.

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Nairobi’s Christmas markets are a highlight of the city’s holiday calendar. The Karen Christmas Fair is among the most popular, offering a mix of handmade crafts, unique jewelry, and festive home décor. Local food vendors serve traditional Kenyan delicacies alongside international holiday favorites, while live performances and activities for children make it a family-friendly event. Nairobi’s holiday fairs reflect the city’s cosmopolitan spirit, with a festive African twist.

Lagos comes alive during the festive season with a variety of holiday fairs. These events feature a vibrant mix of vendors selling everything from African-inspired Christmas decorations to bespoke gifts and clothing. Music and dance performances infuse the markets with energy, while food stalls offer Nigerian specialties like jollof rice and suya, alongside holiday treats. The markets also serve as community hubs, where locals and visitors come together to celebrate the season.

In Ghana, Accra’s Christmas fairs combine cultural pride with holiday cheer. Markets like the annual Accra Arts and Crafts Christmas Market showcase local artisans and their handcrafted goods. Vibrant fabrics, unique jewelry, and traditional Ghanaian art make for perfect holiday gifts. With the addition of live music and delicious local cuisine, these markets capture the warmth and joy of the festive season.

Windhoek’s Christmas markets draw on its German colonial heritage, offering a distinctive blend of European and African traditions. Festive stalls feature everything from German baked goods like stollen to Namibian crafts and artwork. The lively atmosphere, complete with carols and mulled wine, makes these markets a charming and unique holiday destination.

The Western Cape region of South Africa, particularly in Stellenbosch, is known for its artisan-focused Christmas markets. Events like the Stellenbosch Slow Market offer a mix of festive food, handcrafted gifts, and local wines. The scenic surroundings and relaxed atmosphere provide a perfect backdrop for holiday shopping and celebration.

Johannesburg’s Christmas markets are a microcosm of South Africa’s diverse culture. The Edenvale Christmas Market is a favorite, featuring everything from traditional African crafts to festive decorations and gourmet treats. With live music and activities for all ages, these markets are a joyful way to celebrate the season.

Across these cities, holiday markets offer a vibrant reflection of Africa’s cultural diversity, blending traditional elements with festive cheer. Whether you’re shopping for unique gifts, savoring local cuisine, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, these markets are a must-visit for anyone that enjoys learning how different places celebrate Christmas. 

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Sometimes, reinvention means trying something completely different: switching careers, moving to a new place, or taking up a hobby you’ve always been curious about. It can also be as subtle as shifting your perspective or redefining what success means to you. Small changes, like learning a new skill or creating healthier routines, can lay the foundation for something greater.

For some, change may come in the form of a significant life event—a career shift, a new stage of family life, or rediscovering passions that once took a backseat. Others might find reinvention in simplicity: letting go of what no longer serves them and embracing what truly brings joy. Decluttering your physical and mental space can open doors to fresh opportunities and help you refocus on what matters most.

Reinvention doesn’t have to be dramatic. It can be about small, consistent steps that create big results over time. Whether it’s pursuing education, reconnecting with creativity, or even embracing moments of rest, each decision is a part of shaping your next chapter.

What’s most important is staying open to possibility. Reinvention reminds us that growth is always within reach, no matter where we are in life. It’s not about erasing the past but building on it—and proving to yourself that every new beginning is an opportunity to thrive. By embracing the art of reinvention, we allow ourselves to grow in ways we never imagined, creating lives that feel both meaningful and fulfilling.

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• Embrace Designer Dupes

Many brands are now offering affordable versions of iconic luxury items, allowing you to indulge in the designer look without the designer price tag. For example, brands like Kaitlyn Pan have become go-to sources for high-quality, designer-inspired heels, creating chic alternatives to expensive names like Valentino’s Rockstud or Louboutin’s So Kate for less than $80. It’s amazing how these dupes can give you the same stylish look, with a fraction of the cost. And it’s not just shoes—websites like Etsy and Amazon are treasure troves for all kinds of dupes, from trendy handbags to jewelry and accessories, often made with similar materials and designed to mimic high-end pieces. 

• Go for Preloved Chic

Secondhand platforms like The RealReal, Poshmark, and eBay are absolute treasures for anyone looking to score luxury items without the luxury price tag. These sites are packed with gently used designer pieces—from timeless Chanel wallets to iconic Burberry scarves—at a fraction of their original cost. Plus, many sellers ensure items are authenticated, so you’re not sacrificing quality for savings. Shopping secondhand isn’t just kind to your wallet; it’s also an eco-conscious choice, giving pre-loved items a second life and reducing waste. Think of it as a win-win: you’re gifting something luxe and sustainable, all while staying on budget. And let’s be honest, there’s something extra satisfying about snagging a designer piece for less—it’s the thrill of the hunt and the joy of a thoughtful, budget-friendly gift rolled into one!

• The Mini-er, the Merrier 

Miniature luxury beauty products make the perfect gift, offering that high-end feel without the hefty price tag. Brands like Charlotte Tilbury and Pat McGrath Labs offer mini lipstick sets under $50, making it easy to indulge in some luxury while staying on budget. These mini versions let your loved ones enjoy iconic products like Tilbury’s Pillow Talk shades or Pat McGrath’s famous lipsticks, all in a convenient, giftable size.

For skincare lovers, mini products can be just as special. Chanel’s ultra-nourishing hand cream, priced around $60, offers a luxurious experience in a compact size. The smaller packaging makes it a thoughtful and affordable way to give the gift of indulgence without overspending. 

• Elevate the Essentials 

When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with luxe-feeling basics that elevate the everyday. Think silk pillowcases for a better night’s sleep, aromatic candles to set the mood, or indulgent bath products that turn a regular soak into a spa-like experience. Diptyque’s iconic candles, starting at $50, are a chic addition to any home and bring an air of understated elegance to any space. Similarly, Byredo’s hand lotion sets combine functionality with style, making them the perfect gift for someone who appreciates practical luxury.  

For those who love travel or organization, stylish essentials like Smythson leather luggage tags can be both thoughtful and practical. These details make even the simplest routines feel indulgent, showing that luxury doesn’t always have to come in extravagant packaging. Whether you’re gifting a jet-setter, a homebody, or someone in between, these items strike the perfect balance of beauty, utility, and sophistication.

• Subscriptions that Keep on Giving 

Another smart way to gift luxe on a budget is by keeping an eye on premium subscription services that offer exclusive deals or curated gift boxes. For instance, beauty subscription boxes like Ipsy or Birchbox often include luxury samples and full-sized products from high-end brands for a fraction of the retail price. These make excellent gifts because they feel personalized and indulgent while keeping your spending in check. Similarly, subscription boxes for wine lovers, like Winc, or coffee enthusiasts, like Trade Coffee, offer premium experiences without breaking the bank. Pairing these subscriptions with a thoughtful note or a small accessory—like a chic wine stopper or a reusable coffee tumbler—adds an extra touch of care. The best part? These gifts keep giving beyond the holidays, reminding your loved ones of your thoughtfulness long after the celebrations are over.

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This was true for Tiffany Cobb, a young girl who grew up in Detroit, who eventually evolved into an entrepreneurial powerhouse. By being thoroughly inspired by the grandeur of her childhood neighborhood, Tiffany carried this appreciation for detail and beauty into her studies at Morris Brown College, the Art Institute of Atlanta and eventually to owning her own interior design firm, Tiffany René Interior Design, LLC. 

“During some of my toughest days in the classroom, I leaned on design to create a peaceful space,” Tiffany recalls. “That’s when I realized the transformative power of design and decided to pursue it full-time.” 

Although bustling with passion and a determined spirit, Tiffany’s transition from student to entrepreneur was no easy feat. She faced countless challenges, including just how to marry her deep desire to serve those who may not be exposed to the impact of how transformative a good designer can be with her drive to bring beauty and purpose to everyday spaces.   

“I wasn’t fully prepared for the business side of design,” Tiffany admits. “While I had the passion and confidence, I lacked the knowledge. It was challenging, especially when my professors weren’t forthcoming with answers [about running a business]. But I learned by doing and stayed determined to educate my community about the value of hiring a designer.”  

Tiffany’s perseverance paid off. Over time, she not only built her business but also developed a mission to create spaces that inspire well-being and creativity. As someone who grew up not seeing many people in her circle hire designers, education to her clients became vital in establishing her place within the field. 

“Breaking into an industry where I didn’t see many people who looked like me required a lot of resilience,” she shares. “But I learned to trust my unique perspective and stay true to my style.” 

For Tiffany, the struggle to understand just where she fit in, while simultaneously establishing her own original technique and aesthetic, presented one of her biggest hurdles…overcoming self-doubt. By staying true to herself and by consistently delivering high-quality work to her clients, Tiffany has been able to not just start her business, but thrive in it. This commitment to authenticity led to her most cherished accomplishment, participating in a Designers Showhouse in the very neighborhood where her design journey began. 

“It was a full-circle moment,” Tiffany reflects. “Bringing my love for design back to my roots and making an impact in my community was incredibly meaningful.”  

Tiffany takes immense pride in her Detroit roots, therefore working on a project for designing a space where her passion first sparked was the opportunity of a lifetime. In Tiffany’s eyes, being able to contribute to her community in this way has served as the biggest reward for not only her career, but her own personal voyage towards success. 

While Tiffany has truly hit her stride, maintaining balance is essential to her creative process. She prioritizes yoga, journaling, and therapy to stay grounded and focused, recently adding her sprinting journey with the Atlanta Track Club. Pursuing this personal goal has activated a new level of discipline that she believes will seamlessly transfer into her design practice, further enhancing her creative vision for clients. By prioritizing activities that nourish her mind and body, Tiffany can truly dial into her inspirations from travel and fashion while drawing on cherished childhood memories of her grandmothers, who instilled in her an appreciation for elegance and detail.  

“My grandmothers were my first design influences,” Tiffany explains. “One always had Better Homes and Gardens magazines in her home, which I loved exploring as a child, and the other has an impeccable eye for luxury goods. Their unique styles and values have undoubtedly shaped my love for design.”

Looking ahead, Tiffany has ambitious goals that include growing her design firm and expanding her Love Thy Teacher initiative, a program aimed at supporting educators. She’s also committed to mentoring the next generation of designers, advocating for greater diversity in the industry, and fostering Detroit’s creative community as co-founder of Rivet Design Collective, a membership organization empowering local creatives through collaboration and education.  

“I want to create spaces that inspire and make a meaningful impact. I hope to see more designers of color leading the way in this field,”  Tiffany reveals. 

This desire for mentorship in the next generation of designers only aids in Tiffany’s commitment to purpose-driven work. At her core, Tiffany believes that we are all accountable for the gifts we’ve been given, a responsibility she doesn’t take lightly. Tiffany strives to continue lifting up others and being an example of proven success. With her mantra, “Live Fancy,” she encourages others to approach life with intention and creativity, redefining what it means to live beautifully. 

“Trust your voice and vision,” she advises those inspired to follow in her footsteps. “Your unique perspective is exactly what the industry needs. Keep learning, stay passionate, and never underestimate the power of your creativity.”  

For Tiffany, design is not just about aesthetics. It’s about creating spaces that are functional, impactful, and meaningful—a philosophy she has carried from her historic Detroit roots to every space she touches.

Stay connected with Tiffany Cobb:

• Website: www.tiffanyrene.com
• Instagram: @tiffanyreneinteriordesigner

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Kwanzaa: Honoring African Heritage

Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26 to January 1 and is a relatively modern holiday, created in just 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga. Its roots in the African harvest, centers around traditions and emphasizes the seven principles, including Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith). During the celebrations, families light a kinara, exchange handmade gifts, and share meals featuring African-inspired dishes.

If you want to get into the spirit of Kwanzaa, for this year’s celebrations, host a Kwanzaa dinner that combines your family’s traditional dishes, whether it be a stew, okra, yams or spoonbread with some of your modern favorites. You can even create your own traditional meal as long as your goal is to share and be in community with others. Don’t be afraid to share these principles with younger family members by creating vision boards together for the new year to continue passing along to future generations.

Diwali: The Festival of Lights

Although Diwali is typically celebrated in October or November, its essence of light triumphing over darkness resonates throughout the holiday season. Originating in India, it’s marked by decorating homes with oil lamps (diyas), wearing traditional Diwali garb, and sharing sweet treats.

To incorporate Diwali’s light-centric symbolism into your December festivities, consider enhancing your holiday décor with string lights or hand-made Diwali candles. You can also combine traditional mithai (sweets) with your favorite modern holiday-themed desserts to create fusion treats. Don’t forget to dress up! There are a number of places to rent this clothing if you do not have easy access to it. 

Las Posadas: A Latinx Celebration of Faith

In many Latin American countries and Latinx communities, Las Posadas re-enacts Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. The name Las Posadas translates to “The Inns,” symbolizing Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter in Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus. This nine-day celebration, typically spanning from December 16th to December 24th, involves processions, prayers, and lively gatherings with food, music, singing and celebrating with family, friends or even your small community.

You can adapt the essence of Las Posadas to your holiday schedule by hosting a one-night celebratory event. You can include modern touches like a holiday playlist that mixes traditional villancicos (Christmas carols) with contemporary Latin music while organizing a small group of friends or family to represent the journey of Mary and Joseph. Remember to incorporate festive and colorful papel picado (paper decorations) and serve dishes like tamales and ponche to guests while singing over candlelight for authenticity.

Hanukkah: The Festival of Dedication

Hanukkah, an eight-day Jewish celebration, commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple, originating from the Maccabean Revolt. It is a time for family, community, and the celebration of freedom and faith. Families light the menorah, a nine-branched candelabrum, play dreidel games, and enjoy traditional Jewish foods, such as latkes and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts). Special blessings are usually recited followed by the singing traditional songs such as Maoz Tzur. 

If you are celebrating Hanukkah traditions, try modernizing your traditional recipes by experimenting with different flavors by adding global spices to latkes or creating fusion doughnuts. You may also consider using technology to connect with family and friends who may not be able to join using a digital menorah during video calls. 

Indigenous Winter Solstice Ceremonies

For many Indigenous communities, the winter solstice marks a time to honor the cycles of nature through deeply spiritual traditions and the wisdom of ancestors. These ceremonies mark the Winter Solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year, which usually falls around December 21st or 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere. The solstice is a time of transition, reflection, and renewal, rooted in the cycles of nature and a profound connection to the Earth. While customs vary widely among different Indigenous groups, common themes include honoring the changing seasons, celebrating the return of the sun, and fostering gratitude, community, hope for the future and encompass storytelling, drumming, and communal feasts. 

Because Indigenous customs vary by region, it is common for customs to be quite different across the board. Modernizing Indigenous Winter Solstice ceremonies can involve blending a few traditional practices with contemporary elements in ways that maintain cultural integrity while resonating with modern lifestyles such as blending holiday traditions, youth-led ceremonies, promoting conservation efforts and blending new and old traditional recipes that reflect your community influences.

If you’re looking for ways to incorporate more diverse practices and customs into your holiday celebrations this year, remember to keep in mind a few things:

• Ensure to educate yourself and others: Take time to learn about your own cultural traditions and share with friends and family through understanding the origins and meanings behind rituals which can deepen their significance.
• Incorporate Technology: Use video calls to include distant relatives in celebrations or create digital scrapbooks to document your family’s unique holiday blend.
• Create New Traditions: Don’t be afraid to innovate. Combine elements from different cultures or add a modern twist to traditional recipes and rituals.
• Invite Others In: Share your traditions with those closest to you. The exchange of cultural practices can enrich everyone’s holiday experience as long as you stay respectful and honor the heritage being celebrated.

By blending the old with the new, you’re not just honoring your heritage — you’re keeping it alive for generations to come.

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To begin with this approach, consider defining your “why.” Reflect on your career. What brings you joy and fulfillment in your work? Is it creativity, leadership, or making a difference? Let your goals flow from this understanding. Instead of solely focusing on leveling up and getting a promotion, aim to enhance your skills while networking to align with your passions. To make this task less daunting, break larger aspirations into smaller, actionable steps, such as taking on one challenging project each quarter and that you can apply your enhanced skills to. If you document your progress in a career journal, it can help you recognize your achievements, big and small, which ultimately motivates you to keep pushing forward.

When it comes to finances, shifting your focus to values rather than numbers can be truly transformative for your mindset around your financial health. Instead of setting a strict, broad goal like saving $10,000, create a financial plan that supports your long-term well-being. This involves you to review your financial habits to ensure they reflect your current priorities. For example, if travel brings you joy, consider creating a travel fund rather than cutting corners everywhere. You may also start improving your overall financial literacy by reading a book or attending a workshop that empowers you to make better choices. You can also simplify the process with automatic transfers to savings or investment accounts which can reduce decision fatigue and make progress feel effortless and attainable.

Getting healthy always seems on the list for a new year. For health, start embracing wellness as a lifestyle rather than chasing a specific outcome; that mindset shift leads to more sustainable change. Just by shifting your focus from your appearance to how you feel while prioritizing energy and strength leads to an overall state of wellbeing. You may also find that exploring various forms of exercise until you find what you genuinely enjoy can be beneficial to staying on track; whether that’s dance classes, hiking, yoga, pilates or even weight lifting with a trainer. By pairing this with mindfulness practices like meditation or journaling, you are naturally supporting your mental health alongside physical goals.

Personal growth is another area where intentions can make a profound impact. Dedicate time each week to activities that nourish your mind and spirit. You can set aside specific moments for introspection and self-reflection to understand what personal growth means to you—whether it’s learning, exploring your creativity, or establishing a stronger connection in a specific area of life. Step out of your comfort zone by joining a class, learning a new skill, meeting new people or even volunteering your time. Growth often happens in unfamiliar spaces so the more you try, the greater your chances are at recognizing your growth. Strengthening your personal relationships by being intentional with your time and energy can also contribute to your overall sense of fulfillment, with quality over quantity being key.

Success is not a destination but a journey. By focusing on intentions instead of uncompromising resolutions, you create space for unexpected opportunities and evolution. Regularly reflecting on what’s working well in your life and practicing gratitude can fuel further growth but remember to be gentle with yourself; life is unpredictable, and perfection isn’t the goal. Just because you’re staying your course, doesn’t mean unexpected set backs in life may not occur. Give yourself grace and adjust your path accordingly. Celebrate the effort and persistence you’re applying to each area of your life, even if plans shift.

As you step into the new year, remember that you have the power to shape your life in ways that feel meaningful and authentic. By setting thoughtful intentions and remaining open to the journey, you can create a year that’s not just successful but deeply fulfilling.

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Q: What does it mean to you to be a Black woman working in the tax industry?

A: It means a lot and I think it’s important because we’re starting to see a lot of other faces getting really big in the tax world. Of course, Caucasian people have been in it. A lot of them are my mentors and I’ve learned a lot from them, but I think it’s important to have faces and people that you know you can trust. I’m a big advocate for small business owners in general, but specifically Black-owned businesses. A lot of times we’re the first in our family to own a business so we don’t always have the training or the education on how to run a business. We’re often figuring it out as we go along. The average business lasts a max of five years because they can’t sustain the roller coaster ride that comes with being in this industry. My goal is that I want us to be able to see us and know that there’s one of us that they could trust. I think it’s important to be able to build with us so that’s why I bring a level of relatability to other Black-owned business owners. We’re just a little bit more familiar with our own struggles.

Q: What is the biggest lesson that you’ve learned about yourself since either starting a business or doing this type of work?

A: I’ve learned a lot. When I first started, I had a sense of imposter syndrome, which sometimes comes with being an entrepreneur, especially with social media amplifying everybody doing great things. What you don’t see a lot of times is the struggle before you get to a certain point. As I was going through my journey when I first started a lot of people felt like I needed a CPA. I always felt like people needed somebody that knows what they’re doing. So I was concerned. The tax side of my business was doing well. Even though I went from working at home in my basement to having an office, I was not doing the big jump that I needed to in order to sustain so I went through really tough times.

I’ve done a lot over the years, and I’ve progressed. I’ve learned how to be strong and really believe in myself. I know what I bring to the table. I had to be okay with letting certain clients go in order to open my hand up to receive who is supposed to be for me. It was a learning curve but once you get through the bumpy moments then you’ll start getting your avatar client. You’ll start getting your people…your village. So after my 10 years of being a full time entrepreneur, I’ve learned a lot. Now, I’m able to understand why God wants me to take this road to get to what I truly want to do, which is help small business owners. I got all the intel during the process, and now I’m building out my community that will help small business owners on a grander scale. 

Q: What is the biggest dream you have for your career? 

A: I’ll say it’s multi-layered. I have a great passion for wanting to help the person who wants to start their business, like mentorship and guidance. A lot of times, small business owners don’t have someone come in and ask the important questions about how to make money and whether to start an S-Corp. So my goal is to help small business owners survive. Nobody starts a business to close a business. I want to be that trusted resource and business coach that helps entrepreneurs build and grow their business to whatever level they want for their business. 

Q: Who or what is your biggest motivator?

A: My biggest motivator is my sister. Taisha. She passed away in 2021 but she always believed in me. She’s always believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. She was my battery pack and fed me what I needed. She always told me ‘you’re the one, you got this.’ Dealing with that loss is a continuous process. 

Q: What would you say is your superpower?

A: Over the years what people appreciate about me is my listening skills and being able to explain to them the technical things in layman’s terms so that they can understand. When I was in the corporate world, my supervisor used to get upset with me for not speaking in accounting technical terminology. I would tell him all the time that I’m not speaking to accountants, so they’re not going to understand certain things. When I meet people, I have an ability to get them to understand, even when it’s just a consultation. Being able to take the time to be relatable with small business owners  is my superpower. 

Stay connected to Tarryn Sampson:

• Instagram: @tstaxservicesatl
• Website: visit here

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