Latest news with #Unbothered
Refinery29
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Refinery29
Meet The Influencer Helping K-Beauty Brands Cater To Dark Skin Tones
When beauty influencer Darcei Giles first tried a popular cushion foundation by Korean makeup brand TirTir, she knew it was not going to match her skin tone — but that was the point. The Toronto-based creative is known for her social media series, 'Black Girl Tries', where she attempts makeup styles, techniques and products that aren't typically associated with Black women — from 'goth' makeup to K-pop idols. 'I made a video of myself being like, 'Hey, this is an awesome foundation, the coverage is beautiful and I love it, but it doesn't come in my shade,' she tells Unbothered over Zoom. Giles, who has a keen interest in Korean culture, says the video led to TirTir creating more foundation shades, going from nine to 40 shades last year. TirTir now offers one of the widest shade ranges among K-beauty makeup brands available in the US and UK. Now, Miss Darcei has finished working with another K-beauty brand, Parnell, on an inclusive 40-shade range for its new Cicamanu Serum Foundation — a move that not only reflects her growing influence but also the undeniable spending power of Black beauty consumers in the West. It's an exciting development, especially as K-beauty — skincare and makeup products made and innovated in South Korea — continues to leave a huge impression on Western beauty trends and self-care. Known for its innovation and effectiveness, it's now a multi-billion-dollar import in the US, and a fast-growing market in the UK. And chances are, you've learned to speak the language of K-beauty over the last few years (from snail mucin serums to fermented rice water toners). Yet, while its skincare products have enjoyed mass appeal, Korean makeup brands such as Laneige aren't known for catering to a wide spectrum of skin dark tones — something other major cosmetic brands have significantly improved over the last decade. For those of us with darker skin, many have asked: 'Is Korean makeup for me?' Darcei has been helping to answer that question. Unbothered spoke to Darcei about why she's encouraging more K-beauty makeup brands to cater to darker-skinned customers internationally (despite some backlash) and helping all women of colour feel seen in the skincare and makeup aisle. UB: Hey, Darcei! You are known for your YouTube series 'Black Girl Tries'. What got you interested in the world of K-beauty? And how did it become part of your channel? Darcei Giles: I had always been into Korean culture since I was a kid, even before YouTube, and I was only into K-pop and K-dramas. I wasn't even thinking about makeup at all. Once I started getting into American-style makeup, I began to discover that there were American beauty gurus and also Korean beauty gurus. [When I watched] the Korean beauty gurus, I was like, Oh, that's so pretty, but you know, it wouldn't look good on me. Then, eventually, during that time, a trend came around where we would try the makeup routine of another creator. I thought it would be hilarious if I followed the makeup tutorial of someone who did not look like me at all. I thought, Oh my god, this is going to look so terrible and stupid at the end. So I started following the makeup tutorials of Korean beauty influencers, and then, to my surprise, a lot of the stuff turned out pretty good. It became a popular series on my channel of me trying the opposite of what you think someone who looks like me would try. It turned into the 'Black Girl Tries' series. Why is K-beauty so appealing for Black beauty lovers right now, especially when we don't necessarily see ourselves in the marketing? DG: Beauty is universal. A good glittery eye and a glossy lip — everybody can wear that. I feel like now people are also recognising that not only is Korean beauty really good, the quality is really good, but it's also a lot more affordable than the brands that we're used to. [Korean makeup artists] have different ways of applying makeup, different styles, and it's this novelty of trying something you've never seen before. I also feel like [the makeup] fits Black people's features a lot better. We have a lot of features in common with Asian people. [Because of my channel], I have found this community of young Black girls. I get messages all the time from Black girls telling me, 'Oh, I was afraid to try this type of makeup or this certain style until I saw you try it.' I couldn't believe it because growing up, I was the only person who was into any of the stuff I was into. Like no one had even heard of what a K-drama was, what K-pop is, they'd never heard of that. Now I have found this online community of millions of people who are interested in the same thing that I am. You've been instrumental in advocating for expanded shade ranges in Korean makeup products. What made you want to call out the lack of shade diversity in these products? DG: It started back on YouTube when I started doing the Black Girl Tries series in 2018. Even back then, I was trying a lot of K-beauty brands, and some of them started to make dark shades, so I would try them out. But I started to notice a pattern. Every single time a Korean brand would come out with darker shades, they would get discontinued because they didn't know how to market to people who have darker skin. And so people with darker skin didn't know that it existed, or even if they did, they didn't think that the brand was really for them. Eventually, the shades would always get discontinued, and it was really frustrating. Then COVID happened and all of those brands completely disappeared from the market. Everything changed. So it's only now that they're all coming back. This led to you making your now viral video with the brand TirTir, right? DG: Yes, so the makeup brand TirTir only had nine shades at the time, which is actually a lot for a K-beauty brand — the standard is like three. I was invited to an event by a local store in Toronto and everybody at the event was getting the nine shades of the TirTir except for me because it didn't come in my shade. But I was like, 'Can I just have it anyway?' I get home and I try it [and I made a video of me] being like, 'Hey, this is a really awesome foundation, the coverage is beautiful, it's like a satin finish and I love it, but it doesn't come in my shade'. So I said, 'If you guys ever expand [your shade ranges], call me.' The brand actually did contact me, and they came out with 20 shades, which was like unheard of for a Korean makeup brand. That 20th shade was my shade. Now they have 40 shades. You recently worked with another Korean makeup brand, Parnell, to help formulate darker shades for its foundation range. Why do you think K-beauty brands are choosing to diversify shade ranges now? DG: Parnell initially put out 30 shades, and even the darkest of the 30 shades was not dark enough for me. So I made a video saying, 'There are 30 shades, but none of them are dark, and so they can contact me.' They were like, 'Can you help us make 10 more dark shades?' And that's exactly what we did. It's important to have people like me who can come in and consult on the shades and make sure that we're getting the right undertones and trying it on actual people. That's what I found with working with Korean brands. It's never a thing where they don't want to [expand their shade ranges]. Is it true you went to Seoul, Korea, to help Parnell formulate darker shades? What goes into making sure that this is an inclusive product? DG: I was very picky with the undertones and it took maybe like four or five months of back and forth. I didn't go to Korea every time. [Parnell] would like to send them to me in Canada, and I would take pictures and give my notes, and then send them back. At the end of it, it turned out so amazing. The photoshoot was great. We had diverse models showing off all of the different foundations. We had an event with a lot of foreign creators who live in Korea, because I feel like people don't know that there are a lot of foreigners in Korea. The Parnell foundation is very glowy and moisturising, and that's really what I like in my everyday kind of foundation. I'm excited for everybody to try it out. There have been a lot of conversations about whether Korean brands need to be shade-inclusive, as it's largely a monoracial society. What is your usual response to this comment online? DG: My usual response is that, especially for the Parnell foundations, the expanded shades are actually only available in the US. They're not even available in Korea. This was a US expansion. Like a lot of Korean brands, they would love to expand internationally, to come over to the US. It's that a lot of them simply don't know how. Because it is such a monoracial society, it's difficult to find people to try on the makeup when the brand is formulating it — it's a lot different trying it on a white piece of paper than it is trying it on an actual human being. They don't have the kind of resources that they would have in the US, where it's extremely diverse. There are some different needs when it comes to makeup for darker skin tones as opposed to lighter skin. What was it like having those conversations with Korean brands? Were there any missing nuances? DG: Oh, for sure. [Expanding shade ranges] is not simply about making an existing foundation darker. I feel like [our needs] are almost the opposite of what people in Korea like. For example, some people in Korea may like a shade or two lighter for their foundations, whereas we want the perfect match. We want it to look exactly like our skin. We also have different undertones. We're not all golden; we're not all neutral; we're not all cool-toned. I find that a lot of Korean foundations run a little bit pink. I think it's because it has a brightening effect on lighter skin tones, but on us it ends up looking like Peppa Pig! How do you envision the future of K-beauty in the global market, especially in terms of its impact on beauty standards and trends? DG: I think a lot of people still feel like they have to stay inside a certain box of who they're supposed to be, like they can't step outside of it. But I hope we're moving toward a future where everyone feels free to enjoy whatever they want. At the end of the day, it's just makeup. There shouldn't be all these rigid rules about who gets to use what.'
Refinery29
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Refinery29
'I Paid Thousands For A Dating Coach — Now I'm Engaged': Inside The Rise Of High-Investment Dating
Back in April, entrepreneur Shirley Vernae Williams, 39, went viral on TikTok after revealing that she had spent $10,000 (approx £7,400) on a dating coach to enhance her love life. 'The total amount I spent on a dating coach in the end was $12,000 (around £9000). I started with a program called 'Get Your Guy', which helped me get clear on my patterns, rewire how I date, and build a stronger relationship with myself,' she said to Unbothered. A few months later, Williams, based in New York, joined another program called 'Get Your Ring', which comprised a more intimate group container that was focused on partnership. Between those two programs, Williams had personalised coaching, voice note access, and real-time support — all of which she hoped would enhance her dating life. Within two months of starting the program, Williams met her fiancé. 'My experience with a dating coach truly changed my life. I met my now-husband within just a few months of working with my coach,' she adds. Almost 20,000 people have liked Williams' TikTok video, but her story has also garnered criticism from fellow users on the platform who have questioned her decision to spend $12,000 on a dating coach. The idea of making such a significant investment in a quest to find love is something many single women cannot fathom due to the unpredictability of the modern dating scene. However, Williams' decision has piqued the interest of those who have given up on dating apps and are willing to do anything they can (and spend whatever they can) to improve their chances of finding love. Many single women are spending months (if not years) navigating the dating scene, but Williams was able to attract the partner she wanted in a short space of time. While there are several reasons why single people struggle to navigate the world of modern dating, the rise in the popularity of dating apps has had a lasting influence on society's perception of dating and relationships. Dating apps were meant to facilitate dating, but instead, they've made it more complicated than it has ever been. 1.4 million people in the UK have left the online dating scene in the past 12 months, and an Ofcom report showed that fewer people used dating apps between 2023 and 2024. In the US, the percentage of adults using dating sites dropped from 18% to 15% from 2019 to 2022. What do dating coaches actually do? And are they legit? Signs say that more women may want to adopt a strategic approach to dating with the help of a dating coach. But what exactly do dating coaches actually do? At a glance, modern dating coaches help their clients reflect on how they show up on dates and work with them to develop clear, step-by-step plans that have been designed to guarantee their clients the desired outcome that they are looking for. For Williams, using a dating coach wasn't just about finding a partner; she felt that the process also provided her with the internal transformation that she had been looking for. 'I became the kind of woman who could choose better, who could recognise what healthy love actually looks and feels like. I stopped leading with fear, stopped settling, and stopped over-functioning in relationships to prove I was worthy,' she explains. The $12,000 Williams spent on a dating coach covered two programs: Get Your Guy and Get Your Ring. Both were six-month programs, and she enrolled in the latter twice. Both programs included weekly 1:1 coaching sessions where the coaches explored everything from flirting style to masculine and feminine energy and any limiting beliefs that were holding her back. While it can be helpful to have some knowledge of masculine and feminine energy while dating, it could be potentially harmful to insinuate that men and women seeking heterosexual partnerships should only be capable of possessing the traits that are typically associated with their gender — after all, a man can have feminine energy and a woman can have masculine energy. I don't think single people should be encouraged to possess a certain energy in their search for love, as this could come across as being performative. Additionally, whether someone who is searching for love is using a dating coach or not, the process will require them to look at all of their personal qualities rather than placing emphasis on the type of energy they have. 'We also explored how I showed up in my career, family dynamics, and friendships, too. We unpacked patterns, rewired strategies, processed emotional triggers, and worked through vulnerability and crash-outs in real time. In my opinion, this wasn't surface-level coaching, it was inner child healing and life transformation,' says Williams. In addition to the weekly 1:1 coaching sessions, the cost covered 24/7 access to her dating coaches via Voxer, bi-weekly group coaching calls on Zoom with other women in the program, access to a private Facebook community and a content library with over 25+ hours of workshops, recorded calls and downloadable worksheets which encouraged learning between sessions. ' 'We explored how I showed up in my career, family dynamics, and friendships, too. We unpacked patterns, rewired strategies, processed emotional triggers, and worked through vulnerability and crash-outs in real time." Shirley Vernae, 39 on dating with the help of a coach ' @shirleyvernae I hadn't been on a single date in 2 years. Met my fiancé last year and got engaged 2 months ago. You're the CEO of your love life. It's time to act like it ❤️ # CEO # #Fiancé # #Engaged # #Relationships # #Dating # #Engagement ♬ Inspirational - neozilla What qualifications do dating coaches need to have? While the coaching industry isn't regulated, the International Coaching Federation offers accredited coaching programs that require a minimum of 125 student contact hours, mentor coaching, and a performance evaluation process. It isn't mandatory for a dating coach to have completed a training program or another relevant course but given how fast this space is growing at the moment (largely due to TikTok), women who are considering using a dating coach might want to request their credentials to determine whether they have the level of expertise to help them achieve their goals. Some dating coaches have burst onto the scene without any experience whatsoever, which is a huge concern when you consider the harmful rhetoric that some are sharing online. The rise in misogyny has led to many dating experts sharing advice on what they think women shouldn't do, for example: further their education or make too much money. It goes without saying that the algorithms on many online platforms have been designed to keep people on them by drawing their attention to content that is similar to what they currently engage with. This can result in more people having access to content that is incredibly problematic. ' Whether you've given up on dating altogether or remain hopeful, dating coaching appears to be centred on the age-old notion that prioritising the relationship you have with yourself can get you closer to the relationship you want. ' The differences between a self-appointed relationship coach on social media and a dating or relationship coach lie in their background, the level of qualifications that they have, and, of course, their ability to help clients achieve their desired results. 'Before working with a qualified dating coach, I hadn't been on a single date in two years,' Vernae said. 'That's not luck, that's through wisdom, guidance, alignment, strategy, and support that actually works.' Williams worked with two coaches: Anwar White (whose dating advice has gone viral on TikTok) and Shoya Collins, both of whom are Black. Anwar is a trained professional with over 14 years of dating coaching experience. 'His approach is strategic, emotionally intelligent, and built for transformation. His method of coaching has guided hundreds of women into healthy, committed relationships,' Williams says. Collins is a dating coach and life coach who has worked with a wide range of clientele, from Fortune 500 CEOs to everyday women who are trying to improve their dating life. 'Together, they coached me not just into love but into alignment, and that is what made all the difference,' Williams said. Why are some single women turning to dating coaches? Williams' story speaks to the intentionality that is required from single women who want to find love. Whether you've given up on dating altogether or remain hopeful, dating coaching appears to be centred on the age-old notion that prioritising the relationship you have with yourself can get you closer to the relationship you want. However, there are single women keeping this belief at the heart of all their dating lives, and still aren't having much luck when it comes to finding the one. Investing in a dating coach isn't a decision to be taken lightly — it goes without saying that $12,000 is a lot of money to invest. In the UK, personal coaches can average around £125 per hour, but this can vary depending on experience and location. So, should young people be investing in their dating lives the way they would invest in a property, education, or stocks, and why is the idea of hiring one so appealing? 'Dating coaches hold people accountable throughout their dating journeys. With a dating coach, you'll receive personalised support with your dating style and patterns in real time. This can help you stay intentional, focused on growth and your goals, while also providing a safe space to share some of the emotional load that can come with dating,' author and psychotherapist Tasha Bailey explains. While it seems like dating coaches can create much-needed change in the lives of their clients, the reality is that it is incredibly expensive to hire one. In the US, the average person spends $243 on dating apps each year, and in the UK, more single people than ever are paying for apps, with Tinder noting a 33% increase in subscriptions in 2023, compared to 2022. So if dating already costs a considerable amount for the average single person, then hiring a dating coach to support you along the way wouldn't be feasible for most people. Additionally, there appears to be a stigma in paying for anything associated with dating, as people worry about what others will think, probably because in an ideal world, most single people would rather meet someone in a traditional way and have a cute story to tell. The emotional load that can come with dating is something that most Black women are all too familiar with. Stereotyping, misogyny, fetishisation, and racism are just some of the issues we have dealt with. For Black women who want to be more intentional with their search for love, the current state of the modern dating scene may encourage an introspective and strategic look at dating. A dating coach could help some women find the balance they need, irrespective of where they are in their dating lives. There's no rulebook that says that dating apps and dating coaches can be used simultaneously; however, it's important to know the difference between the two. 'Dating apps are more accessible than dating coaches due to their cost and popularity, and there isn't a shortage of potential suitors. However, because of the paradox of choice, they often lack intentionality, meaning that women are more likely to encounter unserious matches or even lose sight of their own romantic goals in the process,' Bailey explains. Although I walked away from the dating scene over a year ago, I wondered if there were things I could learn from a dating coach for when I decide to start dating again. In a 1:1 session with Relationship Expert and Licensed Therapist Shemiah Derrick, we discussed dating goals, the qualities I'd be looking for in a partner, and my green and red flags. We also created a dating prep checklist, which consists of questions that I can ask myself while dating so that I can keep my priorities in place when I am ready to start dating again. Society places a lot of emphasis on single women living life on their own terms, but those who desire a relationship or marriage will need to be fully aware of how they show up on dates and what they're looking for in a potential partner. In the age of dating apps, many women are waiting to be chosen by potential suitors, but with the assistance of a dating coach, they are given the skills, tools, and knowledge that they need to curate their own dating experiences. What should you consider when choosing a dating coach? If you're thinking about hiring a dating coach to help you date more intentionally, there are some things you should consider. Firstly, your choice of coach. 'Choose someone who understands your lived experience and the nuances that come with your race, body type, and other aspects of your identity,' Bailey says. Desirability politics has had an impact on how Black women navigate the dating scene, which is understandable considering the negative experiences we may encounter along the way, like racism, misogyny, fetishisation, and outdated stereotypes. The services that dating coaches provide aren't designed to make you question who you are but rather to embrace your wants, needs, and values. 'A good dating coach should help you clarify your dating goals and find supportive ways to navigate any dating blocks that may arise along the way,' Bailey says. Dating is more difficult than it has ever been, and in a time where single women's choices are constantly being policed, we'd be forgiven if taking a strategic approach to dating were the last thing on our minds. However, drowning out the noise and centring ourselves with the help and support of a qualified professional in the form of a dating coach might be just what we need to stay on track and to ensure we are navigating the dating scene with the same level of intention that we are seeking in a potential partner. The uncertainty that comes with dating in 2025 will undoubtedly require single women to focus and really get clear on what they are looking for. Whether you use the services of a dating coach or not, it's always worth remembering that you have a lot more control over your dating life than you probably think you do.
Refinery29
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Refinery29
'I Hired A Dating Coach For $12,000 — Then Met My Husband': On The Rise Of High-Investment Dating
Back in April, entrepreneur Shirley Vernae Williams, 39, went viral on TikTok after revealing that she had spent $10,000 on a dating coach with the aim of enhancing her love life. 'The total amount I spent on a dating coach in the end was $12,000. I started with a program called 'Get Your Guy', which helped me get clear on my patterns, rewire how I date, and build a stronger relationship with myself,' she said to Unbothered. A few months later, Williams, based in New York, joined another program called 'Get Your Ring', which comprised a more intimate group container that was focused on partnership. Between those two programs, Williams had personalized coaching, voice note access, and real-time support — all of which she hoped would enhance her dating life. Within two months of starting the program, Williams met her fiancé. 'My experience with a dating coach truly changed my life. I met my now-husband within just a few months of working with my coach,' she adds. Almost 20,000 people have liked Williams' TikTok video, but her story has also garnered criticism from fellow users on the platform who have questioned her decision to spend $12,000 on a dating coach. The idea of making such a significant investment in a quest to find love is something many single women cannot fathom due to the unpredictability of the modern dating scene. However, Williams' decision has piqued the interest of those who have given up on dating apps and are willing to do anything they can (and spend whatever they can) to improve their chances of finding love. Many single women are spending months (if not years) navigating the dating scene, but Williams was able to attract the partner she wanted in a short space of time. While there are several reasons why single people struggle to navigate the world of modern dating, the rise in the popularity of dating apps has had a lasting influence on society's perception of dating and relationships. Dating apps were meant to facilitate dating, but instead, they've made it more complicated than it has ever been. 1.4 million people in the UK have left the online dating scene in the past 12 months, and an Ofcom report showed that fewer people used dating apps between 2023 and 2024. In the US, the percentage of adults using dating sites dropped from 18% to 15% from 2019 to 2022. What do dating coaches actually do? And are they legit? Signs say that more women may want to adopt a strategic approach to dating with the help of a dating coach. But what exactly do dating coaches actually do? At a glance, modern dating coaches help their clients reflect on how they show up on dates and work with them to develop clear, step-by-step plans that have been designed to guarantee their clients the desired outcome that they are looking for. For Williams, using a dating coach wasn't just about finding a partner; she felt that the process also provided her with the internal transformation that she had been looking for. 'I became the kind of woman who could choose better, who could recognise what healthy love actually looks and feels like. I stopped leading with fear, stopped settling, and stopped over-functioning in relationships to prove I was worthy,' she explains. The $12,000 Williams spent on a dating coach covered two programs: Get Your Guy and Get Your Ring. Both were six-month programs, and she enrolled in the latter twice. Both programs included weekly 1:1 coaching sessions where the coaches explored everything from flirting style to masculine and feminine energy and any limiting beliefs that were holding her back. While it can be helpful to have some knowledge of masculine and feminine energy while dating, it could be potentially harmful to insinuate that men and women seeking heterosexual partnerships should only be capable of possessing the traits that are typically associated with their gender — after all, a man can have feminine energy and a woman can have masculine energy. I don't think single people should be encouraged to possess a certain energy in their search for love, as this could come across as being performative. Additionally, whether someone who is searching for love is using a dating coach or not, the process will require them to look at all of their personal qualities rather than placing emphasis on the type of energy they have. 'We also explored how I showed up in my career, family dynamics, and friendships, too. We unpacked patterns, rewired strategies, processed emotional triggers, and worked through vulnerability and crash-outs in real time. In my opinion, this wasn't surface-level coaching, it was inner child healing and life transformation,' says Williams. In addition to the weekly 1:1 coaching sessions, the cost covered 24/7 access to her dating coaches via Voxer, bi-weekly group coaching calls on Zoom with other women in the program, access to a private Facebook community and a content library with over 25+ hours of workshops, recorded calls and downloadable worksheets which encouraged learning between sessions. ' 'We explored how I showed up in my career, family dynamics, and friendships, too. We unpacked patterns, rewired strategies, processed emotional triggers, and worked through vulnerability and crash-outs in real time." Shirley Vernae, 39 on dating with the help of a coach ' @shirleyvernae I hadn't been on a single date in 2 years. Met my fiancé last year and got engaged 2 months ago. You're the CEO of your love life. It's time to act like it ❤️ # CEO # #Fiancé # #Engaged # #Relationships # #Dating # #Engagement ♬ Inspirational - neozilla What qualifications do dating coaches need to have? While the coaching industry isn't regulated, the International Coaching Federation offers accredited coaching programs that require a minimum of 125 student contact hours, mentor coaching, and a performance evaluation process. It isn't mandatory for a dating coach to have completed a training program or another relevant course but given how fast this space is growing at the moment (largely due to TikTok), women who are considering using a dating coach might want to request their credentials to determine whether they have the level of expertise to help them achieve their goals. Some dating coaches have burst onto the scene without any experience whatsoever, which is a huge concern when you consider the harmful rhetoric that some are sharing online. The rise in misogyny has led to many dating experts sharing advice on what they think women shouldn't do, for example: further their education or make too much money. It goes without saying that the algorithms on many online platforms have been designed to keep people on them by drawing their attention to content that is similar to what they currently engage with. This can result in more people having access to content that is incredibly problematic. ' Whether you've given up on dating altogether or remain hopeful, dating coaching appears to be centered on the age-old notion that prioritizing the relationship you have with yourself can get you closer to the relationship you want. ' The differences between a self-appointed relationship coach on social media and a dating or relationship coach lie in their background, the level of qualifications that they have, and, of course, their ability to help clients achieve their desired results. 'Before working with a qualified dating coach, I hadn't been on a single date in two years,' Vernae said. 'That's not luck, that's through wisdom, guidance, alignment, strategy, and support that actually works.' Williams worked with two coaches: Anwar White (whose dating advice has gone viral on TikTok) and Shoya Collins, both of whom are Black. Anwar is a trained professional with over 14 years of dating coaching experience. 'His approach is strategic, emotionally intelligent, and built for transformation. His method of coaching has guided hundreds of women into healthy, committed relationships,' Williams says. Collins is a dating coach and life coach who has worked with a wide range of clientele, from Fortune 500 CEOs to everyday women who are trying to improve their dating life. 'Together, they coached me not just into love but into alignment, and that is what made all the difference,' Williams said. Why are some single women turning to dating coaches? Williams' story speaks to the intentionality that is required from single women who want to find love. Whether you've given up on dating altogether or remain hopeful, dating coaching appears to be centered on the age-old notion that prioritizing the relationship you have with yourself can get you closer to the relationship you want. However, there are single women keeping this belief at the heart of all their dating lives, and still aren't having much luck when it comes to finding the one. Investing in a dating coach isn't a decision to be taken lightly — it goes without saying that $12,000 is a lot of money to invest. In the UK, personal coaches can average at around £125 per hour, but this can vary depending on experience and location. So, should young people be investing in their dating lives the way they would invest in a property, education, or stocks, and why is the idea of hiring one so appealing? 'Dating coaches hold people accountable throughout their dating journeys. With a dating coach, you'll receive personalized support with your dating style and patterns in real time. This can help you stay intentional, focused on growth and your goals, while also providing a safe space to share some of the emotional load that can come with dating,' author and psychotherapist Tasha Bailey explains. While it seems like dating coaches can create much-needed change in the lives of their clients, the reality is that it is incredibly expensive to hire one. In the US, the average person spends $243 on dating apps each year, and in the UK, more single people than ever are paying for apps, with Tinder noting a 33% increase in subscriptions in 2023, compared to 2022. So if dating already costs a considerable amount for the average single person, then hiring a dating coach to support you along the way wouldn't be feasible for most people. Additionally, there appears to be a stigma in paying for anything associated with dating, as people worry about what others will think, probably because in an ideal world, most single people would rather meet someone in a traditional way and have a cute story to tell. The emotional load that can come with dating is something that most Black women are all too familiar with. Stereotyping, misogyny, fetishization, and racism are just some of the issues we have dealt with. For Black women who want to be more intentional with their search for love, the current state of the modern dating scene may encourage an introspective and strategic look at dating. A dating coach could help some women find the balance they need, irrespective of where they are in their dating lives. There's no rulebook that says that dating apps and dating coaches can be used simultaneously; however, it's important to know the difference between the two. 'Dating apps are more accessible than dating coaches due to their cost and popularity, and there isn't a shortage of potential suitors. However, because of the paradox of choice, they often lack intentionality, meaning that women are more likely to encounter unserious matches or even lose sight of their own romantic goals in the process,' Bailey explains. Although I walked away from the dating scene over a year ago, I wondered if there were things I could learn from a dating coach for when I decide to start dating again. In a 1:1 session with Relationship Expert and Licensed Therapist Shemiah Derrick, we discussed dating goals, the qualities I'd be looking for in a partner, and my green and red flags. We also created a dating prep checklist, which consists of questions that I can ask myself while dating so that I can keep my priorities in place when I am ready to start dating again. Society places a lot of emphasis on single women living life on their own terms, but those who desire a relationship or marriage will need to be fully aware of how they show up on dates and what they're looking for in a potential partner. In the age of dating apps, many women are waiting to be chosen by potential suitors, but with the assistance of a dating coach, they are given the skills, tools, and knowledge that they need to curate their own dating experiences. What should you consider when choosing a dating coach? If you're thinking about hiring a dating coach to help you date more intentionally, there are some things you should consider. Firstly, your choice of coach. 'Choose someone who understands your lived experience and the nuances that come with your race, body type, and other aspects of your identity,' Bailey says. Desirability politics has had an impact on how Black women navigate the dating scene, which is understandable considering the negative experiences we may encounter along the way, like racism, misogyny, fetishization, and outdated stereotypes. The services that dating coaches provide aren't designed to make you question who you are but rather to embrace your wants, needs, and values. 'A good dating coach should help you clarify your dating goals and find supportive ways to navigate any dating blocks that may arise along the way,' Bailey says. Dating is more difficult than it has ever been, and in a time where single women's choices are constantly being policed, we'd be forgiven if taking a strategic approach to dating were the last thing on our minds. However, drowning out the noise and centring ourselves with the help and support of a qualified professional in the form of a dating coach might be just what we need to stay on track and to ensure we are navigating the dating scene with the same level of intention that we are seeking in a potential partner. The uncertainty that comes with dating in 2025 will undoubtedly require single women to focus and really get clear on what they are looking for. Whether you use the services of a dating coach or not, it's always worth remembering that you have a lot more control over your dating life than you probably think you do.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Unbothered' Host Speaks Out After Ex-Co-Host Accuses Her of 'Stealing' Podcast Without Her Consent
Chloe Madison released an episode of her podcast to refute claims made by her former co-host, Emma Paige. Last week, Paige shared her side of the story on the podcast, claiming that Madison had locked her out of their shared accounts and unlawfully continued creating content on the platforms. In her response, Madison stated that she and Paige never had an "implied partnership," as her ex-collaborator alleged, therefore giving Madison the right to continue posting on the accounts created for their joint project, which was titled . Chloe Madison is pushing back on claims her ex-collaborator Emma Paige made about her and their previous joint project Unhinged. In Madison's Unbothered podcast episode released on Tuesday, April 22, the influencer spoke out for the first time about the ongoing podcast drama, amid Paige's claims that she was "locked out" of their joint project. In the episode, Madison insisted that she was locked out of their account first and that they no longer had an "implied partnership" at the time, as Paige claimed. Instead of an agreement that would award both creators equal ownership, Madison said they "operated under separate LLCs with a clear intention to maintain distinct business entities." After Paige's departure from the project, Madison continued posting on the Unhinged platforms, which she renamed and rebranded for her Unbothered podcast. In her newest episode, Madison alleged that even if they had such a business deal, Paige was not living up to her agreement and leaving Madison to do the majority of their work. She showed screenshots of texts where she appears to ask Paige to help communicate with brands as evidence of their inconsistent efforts. Madison also claimed she was creating and sharing "eight out of 10 of the filler graphics" on their shared social media page. She also noted that when Paige launched her own podcast, Too Much, she said she started working on it seven months earlier, seemingly backing her claims that the co-host was putting time and effort into a solo project during the time when she was expected to be working on Unhinged. Related: Influencer Suspected Something Was Wrong with Boyfriend — and Then Security Footage Confirmed Her Worst Thoughts "Even if there was an implied partnership — which again, I deny — her choice to stop doing 50 percent of the workload to work on a competing business behind her partner's back would have materially breached it," Madison argued in her newest episode. "There was no implied partnership. Mind you, she was collecting 50 percent of the revenue with no problem." She also pushed back to address how Paige changed the passwords to their accounts, though Paige did acknowledge that action in her Too Much recap of the fallout. In the tell-all episode released on April 15, she claimed she changed the passwords after Madison ignored her communication attempts for 25 days. "The legal advice I received was to change one to two passwords while offering to share the passwords directly to my co-host in efforts to initiate a conversation, to get her attention, and hopefully try to just get a response," said Paige. "What I stated was that I would happily give her the new passwords if she would give me a phone call to ensure secure transfer of information. And while we're on the call, we could discuss the future of Unhinged," Paige added in last week's Too Much release. Related: Alix Earle Says She Has 'No Idea What's Going on' Days After Her Podcast Was Dropped by Alex Cooper's Network Instead of taking her up on the offer, Madison allegedly responded by changing the passwords to all of their shared accounts. "There was no offer of regaining access, and I have been locked out ever since. So as you can imagine, I was stunned. I was completely shocked," Paige said. She also explained that after days of "ghosting," Madison finally contacted Paige to say she planned to continue making the Unhinged podcast. She allegedly offered to buy Paige out by giving her 15 percent of the show's revenue for three months. Related: The Ratings Are in for Meghan Markle's New Podcast — Find Out Where the Debut Episode Landed "I have never been so insulted in my entire life," said Paige. She said that all of the work had followed a "50-50 split," an argument that clashes with Madison's later claims. Paige alleged that they did indeed have an implied partnership, therefore giving both women joint ownership of the content. Paige — who "wanted to dissolve the platforms completely" — claimed she sent Madison a cease and desist letter on Feb. 12, and their respective legal teams have been "going back and forth" for two months in an effort "to come to a settlement that would be fair for both of us." The Too Much podcaster insisted Madison actions were in line with the definition of "stealing." "The platforms Unbothered is operating on, they are my property," Paige explained in her initial episode. "Unhinged and all of my intellectual property was deleted without my permission. What they are doing is wrong, in my opinion." Read the original article on People
CairoScene
25-02-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Koast Releases Her Final Heartbreak Anthem 'Unbothered'
The Tunisian rapper turns her feelings of pain and doubt into a powerful anthem of self-independence. Feb 25, 2025 Tunisian rapper Koast returns with a powerful anthem of self-independence, 'Unbothered', marking the end of an era of love and heartbreak. Ahead of the track's release, Koast took to Instagram saying, 'Closing a chapter with this one fam after singing love songs to you for nearly 6 years now. This is the last heartbreak anthem before entering a new era.' Purely unfiltered and unapologetic, Koast taps into her ever-transformative journey of growth, using her feelings of pain and doubt as fuel to rise bolder than ever. Against the backdrop of smooth RnB textures and hip-hop rhythms embellished with melodic oriental undertones of maqam percussion, her soulful vocals glide in an assertive flow that bursts with raw emotional honesty as she once again stakes her claim as the MENA's RnB princess.
