On April 2, 2002, Ashanti hit the ground running with her debut self-titled studio album. In fact, the project made the Guinness Book of World Records for the fastest-selling debut album by a female artist, according to Vibe. It reportedly sold over 500,000 within the first week (Sis has always been legendary). Although it’s been 20 years since the world was introduced to the songstress, dubbed the Princess of Hip-Hop and R&B, she continues to break records and turn heads. This time though, she’s shaking things up in the metaverse, proving that there is an ever-evolving relationship between music and tech. “Technology has been a blessing,” she told AfroTech during the 2022 Essence Festival of Culture. “I mean, it’s the gift and the curse, let’s be honest. Everything has pros and cons, but I think using it as a tool to empower and uplift and learn and research are all beautiful things.”

Back in December of last year, Aveeno® announced the launch of a new accelerator program dedicated to creating more diversity, inclusivity, and equity in the skincare industry for Black women. Today, the brand — in partnership with leading media, tech, and commerce company ESSENCE — announced the winners of its accelerator program who will receive funds toward their business goals. According to a press release, Dr. Isfahan Chambers Harris — founder of Alodia Hair Care™ — is the first-ever recipient of the Aveeno Skin Health Startup Accelerator. She will receive tools, resources, ongoing mentorship, a feature in ESSENCE’s e-commerce portal — ShopEssence — as well as a $100,000 grant to grow her business. “I’m honored to be the first Black women entrepreneur Grand Prize winner of the Aveeno® Skin Health Startup Accelerator program,” Dr. Isfahan said in a statement. “This is substantial in helping my company grow our business and fill a need that Black women consumers are searching for...