As we close July, I was asked to talk about Freedom.
Freedom, for me, is trusting that God is with me every step of the way and believing that my story matters. It is no longer carrying the weight of shame or hiding parts of myself to make other people comfortable. Freedom is showing up fully, embracing who I was created to be, and walking boldly in my purpose.
I've learned that becoming who you're meant to be often requires letting go of who you thought you had to be. That's real freedom.
In this season, I've also given myself permission to choose differently, and I've learned to create boundaries without apologizing for them. Now, let's be clear, I don't mind a healthy conversation. But if we're arguing simply to decide who's right, I'll happily RSVP, "No, thank you." My peace has become too valuable to negotiate.
I've also learned that not everyone gets a lifetime pass to your journey, and that's okay. Sometimes loving yourself means releasing people who are no longer aligned with where God is taking you. That isn't bitterness. That's wisdom.
And if you've been measuring yourself against someone else's definition of success, let me remind you of something.
Sis, you are dope. Not because of your title.
Not because of your paycheck.
Not because of your relationship status.
Not because of what anyone else thinks. You are uniquely and intentionally created. Every time you try to squeeze yourself into someone else's definition of success, you diminish the brilliance God placed inside of you.
So stand in front of the mirror and remind yourself:
"What's for them is for them. What's for me is only for me."
Then say it again until you believe it.
Choose yourself. Choose peace. Choose purpose.
Because the world doesn't need another copy.
It needs the original you.
With love, Modupé Rouse Finally Free
🚨 EXCITING NEWS
TICKETS FOR THE 8TH ANNUAL
POW(H)WER EXPERIENCE + AWARDS
ARE NOW AVAILABLE!
The countdown has officially begun for the 8th Annual POW(H)ER Experience + Awards!
For two incredible days, leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, executives, creators, and changemakers from across the country will come together to celebrate excellence, build meaningful connections, and create new opportunities for growth and impact.
POW(H)ER is a celebration of the people who are leading boldly, opening doors, creating change, and making an extraordinary impact in their communities and industries. From powerful conversations and inspiring speakers to unforgettable moments of celebration, this is where ambition, influence, and sisterhood meet.
Whether you join us for the conference, the awards ceremony, or both, we cannot wait to welcome you into the room.
We're excited to welcome Ebony Notes as our new affirmation partner. Through this partnership, we're bringing even more encouragement, mindfulness, and intentional moments of reflection to our community. Together, Support Your Girlfriends and Ebony Notes are creating a space where women can feel grounded, supported, and reminded every day that they are worthy, capable, and never alone.
🌍 COMMUNITY PULSE
📍 STANDOUT MOMENT
Our 8th Annual Support Your Girlfriends Glossy Posse Retreat for media and influencersin Barbados was a beautiful reminder of the power of sisterhood.
For six unforgettable days, 30 women gathered to connect, learn, laugh, grow, and pour into one another. Entrepreneurs, executives, physicians, authors, advocates, and community leaders came together to build meaningful relationships and create lasting memories.
Beyond the retreat itself, Glossy Sisters also gave back to the local community through mentorship and service, reflecting the heart of who we are.
The week reminded us that sisterhood is a commitment to supporting one another, opening doors, and leaving every place better than we found it.
📍 CHAPTER UPDATES
🗽 The New York Chapter has been outside this summer.
From bike rides on Governors Island to Othello in the Park, we've been laughing, connecting, and making memories together. Because sometimes support looks like advice, and sometimes it looks like answering the group chat and saying, "I'm in."
The New York chapter continues to remind us that sisterhood isn't just something we talk about. It's something we experience. One conversation, one gathering, and one memory at a time.
If you've been watching the fun, it's time to join in.
The Girlfriend Sessions Are Here
We're excited to introduce The Girlfriend Sessions, our new monthly virtual series created for the kinds of conversations that can only happen when we gather, share openly, and grow together.
Some months we'll build new skills. Some months we'll work through challenges together. Every month, you'll leave with something you can carry with you long after the session ends.
We're kicking things off with our Atlanta Co-Chapter President, Modupé Rouse, as she leads our first session, The Sisterhood Survival Kit. Join us as we explore what it truly means to support one another, build meaningful relationships, and strengthen the communities we're creating together.
After more than 16 years of helping brands earn meaningful media coverage, our founder, Dr. Nikkia McClain, has officially launched the DIY PR App.
Nikkia has always believed that public relations isn't luck. It's strategy. It's consistency. It's relationships.
Inspired by the principles she has taught for years through the DIY PR platform, the app was created to help entrepreneurs, business owners, authors, speakers, and creators build visibility, strengthen credibility, and confidently tell their stories.
Inside the app, you'll learn how to build a media-ready brand, write compelling press releases, pitch journalists, build media lists, track your outreach, and become your own publicist.
Because you shouldn't have to wait until you can hire an agency to start building the brand you know you're meant to create.
