It’s been five years, and you’d think we would have moved on by now. But let’s be honest 2020 still feels like yesterday.
The isolation. The uncertainty. The feeling of being unseen and unheard.
For many, it was a time of loneliness. For others, it was a wake-up call.
For Business Manager Chantae Aruz, it was both.
As a wife and mother of four daughters, she knew firsthand how much women, especially Black women, spend their time pouring into everyone else while leaving little for themselves.
So, she decided to change that.
She wasn’t new to leadership. She had already worn many hats: project manager for New York Fashion Week, teacher to underprivileged youth, mentor, and coach. But she felt the pull to do something bigger, something that spoke directly to who she was.
Then came a conversation with her friend Maria Loren Ackies - a woman just as passionate about teaching, nurturing, and helping women thrive.
Maria, an award-winning designer and certified life coach, had spent years collaborating with some of the most brilliant women across industries. Talk about musicians, artists, authors, professionals, and everyday women bringing their dreams to life.
That conversation changed everything.
Both women realized just how much Black women needed a space to be poured into, especially when they spent so much time giving to others.
They also understood the power of movement and that staying active is more than just fitness. It’s self-care, confidence, and healing.
From that conversation, Melanin and Muscles was born.
A movement where fitness and sisterhood intertwine.
Today, their community continues to grow, offering women spaces to prioritize wellness without guilt.
From Harmony and Hustle events to curated dance classes, affirmation sessions, and poetry hikes, they are reminding Black women everywhere that self-care isn’t selfish, it’s necessary.
My Reflection
Black women hold up the world.
But who holds up us?
We spend so much time being strong for others - our families, our businesses, our communities, that we forget to be strong for ourselves.
Chantae and Maria created the kind of space every Black woman deserves. One that nurtures, uplifts, and restores.
The lesson?
We don’t always have to carry everything alone. Sometimes, we just need the right community.
âť“ Question for You:
Who is pouring into you?
And if no one is, where can you start looking?
Video of the Week
This week, I watched an eye-opening talk by Ephrata Tesfaye on the real reach and impact of feminism. It made me think, and I’d love to hear your thoughts too.
Watch it here:
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đź’ś Ready to Tap into the Power of Community?
If Melanin and Muscles’ story spoke to you, here’s how you can get involved:
✨ Check out their community—for newsletters, empowering events, and even uplifting music.
👉 https://linktr.ee/melaninandmuscles
✨ Join us at the Top 100 Most Powerful Black Women in Power Summit
where Chantae and Maria will be sharing their wisdom, their lessons, and their journeys.
You don’t want to just hear about it later you need to be in the room where these conversations are happening.
Click here to register now!
Affirmation of the Week
“I cannot always control everything that happens to me, but I CAN and WILL take charge of what I can control.”
Hold this close. You have more power than you think.
P.S. One conversation can change your entire trajectory. Who are you surrounding yourself with? If you don’t know where to start, I’ll see you at the summit. The right room changes everything.
Let’s thrive, together.
✨ See you inside.
Natalia.
Xo
Women In Digital Business (WIDB) is committed to empowering Black women in the digital space, offering the tools and training necessary to break through barriers. Whether you’re creating content, building digital products, or navigating the world of business, our mission is to ensure you have the support you need to thrive. Through coaching, training, and a strong community, we help Black female entrepreneurs navigate both mindset and technical challenges, enabling them to achieve the success they deserve. Join Our Community Today
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