If you haven’t strolled along with me in Crown Heights, Baby, what are you doing? Watch here.

In this Crown Heights episode of Sunday Stroll, I popped my West Indian Day parade cherry and stumbled upon the best curated Black-owned concept store and salon, Marche Rue Dix. I was immediately immersed in all of the things that made me tingle deep on the inside. There were nails, coffee table books, home goods, fashion, accessories and more! A true feast for the senses.

In case you can’t get to the boutique in person, here are a few #TWPApproved top pics from their online shop.

Note: Get the store if you can because there’s more! So much more.

Accessories

Bantu Cuff by L’Artisane
Mchanga Clip On Earrings
Yellow Jasper SS Split Top Disc Ring- Chee Lee x MRD

Fur-Trimmed Leather Gloves
Large Red Tassel Pouch
Chunky Necklace

Apparel

Senehart Chess Chore Jacket
Boss Zee Zee Striped Pants
Rue Dix Tee Neon Yellow

Tiffany M. Battle is a NY-based Creator + Founder of The Werk! Place. A proud Howard-educated engineer turned entrepreneur. She hosts Sunday Stroll featuring fashion-forward walks through vibrant neighborhoods inviting you to ‘Get yo’ stroll on!’

In this new series, we’re sharing some of our tried-and-true beauty recipes that have held us down through every season. Easy, effective and made with ingredients you may already have on hand.

Today’s recipe:

A gentle, hydrating toner that helps restore moisture, soothe the skin, and prep it for serums or moisturizers — especially during these dryyy winter months.

It’s perfect for daily use, particularly for dry or combination skin, but we’ve included tips for adapting it for oily skin too.

Ingredients:

For Dry/Combo Skin:

• ½ cup rose water or chamomile tea (hydrates and soothes)

• ¼ cup aloe vera juice (calms inflammation and deeply hydrates)

• 1 tbsp vegetable glycerin (locks in moisture)

• 1 tsp alcohol-free witch hazel optional) (balances oil production)

• A couple drops of lavender, chamomile, rose or frankincense essential oil (optional, for calming and nourishing effects)

Bonus: If your skin’s feeling suuuper dry, add 1 tsp rosehip oil or jojoba oil. This creates a thicker, cushiony toner that doubles as a pre-serum step — especially great for overnight use on flaky or tight skin.

For Oily Skin:

• ½ cup green tea or cucumber water

• ¼ cup aloe vera juice (calms inflammation and deeply hydrates)

• ½ tsp vegetable glycerin (locks in moisture) —feel free to omit altogether if skin feels greasy

• 1 tsp alcohol-free witch hazel (balances oil production)

• A couple drops of tea tree, rosemary or geranium essential oil (optional, antibacterial + balancing)

• Add 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional; helps balance pH and reduce breakouts)

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a glass spray bottle or jar.

2. Shake well before each use.

3. After cleansing, spritz onto your face or apply with a cotton pad.

4. Follow with your moisturizer, facial oil, or next step in your skincare routine.

Bonus points if you're layering it into your ten-step Korean skincare ritual — or your own intuitive flow.

Storage & Use:

• Keeps for up to 2 weeks.

• Store in the refrigerator for a cooling effect and to extend shelf life.

• Use morning and night for hydrated, glowing skin.

You may have seen her already — strolling down a block on YouTube, moving at an unhurried pace, letting color and light do their thing. A presence that makes you realize how rarely you actually look at your surroundings. The kind that brings people back to places they haven’t been in years.

That woman is Tiffany M. Battle.

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Tiffany is the founder and digital curator of The Werk! Place, a fashion and lifestyle platform rooted in style, culture, travel and everyday joy. A Howard University-educated chemical engineer turned creative entrepreneur, she brings both structure and sensitivity to her work — a way of paying attention that feels intentional without being precious.

That approach shows up most clearly in Sunday Stroll, her YouTube series where walking becomes a way of remembering, learning and noticing what’s still here. From Fort Greene to the South Bronx to Phoenix’s Roosevelt Row, Tiffany moves through neighborhoods while naming history, style and everyday details that often go undocumented — or erased.

For some viewers, the strolls feel like home. For others, they open a door to places they’ve never been but suddenly want to know more about. People recognize their childhood parks, their grandparents’ routines, their own sense of loss and pride. Others learn something new — about a building’s past, a neighborhood’s shift, or the people who shaped it before redevelopment did.

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Tiffany’s style moves in step with that care. Getting dressed isn’t separate from place or feeling. Color, texture, hair and movement all work together. Not to create spectacle, but to express herself, truly.

We first worked with Tiffany in 2018 through Netflix’s Strong Black Lead campaign for Nappily Ever After. And when it came time to curate our Beauty Council for The Beauty Bible, she was a natural fit — comfortable in her skin and expressive without effort. Living it, not performing it.

Here’s a closer look at the tastes, habits and everyday cues that shape her rhythm.

Getting Ready

Do you dress based on how you feel, or how you want to feel? How I want to feel!

What do you listen to while you’re getting ready for a night out? The ‘Total Radio’ Station on Pandora. The 90s had some of the best music of my lifetime! Those are just the facts.

Beauty Philosophy

What did the women who raised you teach you about beauty, directly or indirectly? To put that sh*t on! The women were raised in a generation of always being presentable when leaving the house. The hair was coiffed, the faces were greased, and they wore the proper undergarments (hello stockings and slips!). So, they passed a little bit of that on to me. I’m not as precious about it. I can oscillate between rough & regular or regal.

Beauty Products

Favorite lip balm? Victoria’s Secret ‘Coconut Craze’ Lip Gloss
Go‑to cleanser? Youth To The People Kale + Spinach Superfood Face Cleanser
What kind of lotion do you use? I’m old school. As for me and my house, we use Vaseline Petroleum Jelly

Skincare + Makeup

What’s your skincare routine like these days? I use a modified verison of the 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine: Oil-based Cleanser, Water-based Cleanser, Exfoliant (2x per week), Toner, Essence, Serum, Eye Cream, Moisurizer, Sunscreen (during the day).

What’s your everyday makeup situation? I can’t remember the last time that I put on makeup! I’ve been wearing my clean, hydrated and moisturized skin lately. If I am wearing make-up, I literally do the same everyday make-up and just switch out the lip depending on the look.

Eye makeup or lipstick — you can only choose one. LIPSTICK ALL DAY!

Hair

Naturalista, lazy natural, or “natural under here?” As of today, ‘natural under here’! I’m rocking a very colorful ginger, copper, mahogany mix sew-in.

What style have you been wanting to try but haven’t yet? There’s a braid style with some very interesting embellishments that I have on my back pocket when I want to pop out during the Summer.

Personal Style

Who would you trade closets with? Tracee Ellis Ross!

What’s the oldest thing in your closet that you still wear? I have some jewelry that I’ve had since college (Aww HU!) that I still put into rotation.

Preferences + Binaries

Do you prefer vintage or new? A mix of both. Although, I do find more interesting pieces at the thrift store!

Shoes or handbags? I’m actually a shoe girl.

Fashion References

What is your favorite era for fashion? I find myself gravitating towards the 60s/70s. It absolutely depends on my mood.

Film, Art, + Visual Culture

Favorite fashion moment in cinema? I distinctly remember ‘Sex and The City: The Movie’ sending me directly to the mall.

Books, Music, + Media Diet

What’s the last book you read? “This Could Be Us” by Kennedy Ryan

Who is an artist more people should be paying attention to? I literally just polled my audience about how they’re finding new music! Without the countdown shows like 106 & Park, The Box, MTVJams, or the radio, I’m a bit late to the party for new music. I do like Alex Isley. She’s new to me.

What’s your favorite era for music? Defintiely 90s/Early 2000s. I mean if it the love doesn’t feel like 90s R&B, I don’t want it, amiright?

What do you listen to when you clean? ‘Stevie Wonder Radio’ or ‘Maze & Frankie Bevery Radio’ on Pandora.

Who’s on your baby‑making playlist? D’Angelo (R.I.P.), The Isley Brothers, Jodeci, Maxwell, Carl Thomas, Rome (IYKYK)

Favorite movie of all time? I can always watch Coming To America! I don’t know if it’s my favorite but definitely in my Top 5. I love all the classic 90s movies: The Wood, Love Jones, The Best Man, Boomerang, Brown Sugar. Those are my comfort movies.

Food

Groceries or takeout? I’ll go get groceries and then order takeout. So, BOFFEM.

Here’s the ten-step routine, explained plainly, with room for real life.

1. Oil Cleanser
This step removes oil-based impurities — makeup, sunscreen, pollution. Oil dissolves oil. Massage onto dry skin, then rinse.

2. Water-Based Cleanser
A gentle second cleanse to remove sweat and residual debris. Skin should feel clean, not tight.

3. Exfoliant (2–3x weekly)
Chemical exfoliants (AHA, BHA, PHA) are preferred over harsh scrubs. This step clears dead skin so hydration can actually penetrate.

4. Toner
In Korean skincare, toner hydrates and balances — it doesn’t sting. Think of it as prepping the skin to receive everything that follows.

5. Essence
The heart of the routine. Lightweight, deeply hydrating, and often fermented to support skin renewal and elasticity.

6. Serum or Ampoule
Targeted treatments for concerns like hyperpigmentation, acne, or fine lines. This is where actives live.

7. Sheet Mask (1–3x weekly)
A concentrated hydration treatment. Not mandatory, but effective — especially when skin feels depleted.

8. Eye Cream
Used preventively, not reactively. Gentle hydration for the most delicate skin on your face.

9. Moisturizer
This seals in all previous steps. Texture varies — gel, cream, or lotion — depending on your skin type and climate.

10. Sunscreen (AM only)
Non-negotiable. The most important anti-aging and skin-protective step there is.

What People Miss

You do not need to do all ten steps every day. Korean skincare is modular. Some days are three steps. Some days are seven. The philosophy is flexibility guided by awareness.

You’re listening to your skin — not punishing it.

This approach also explains why Korean skincare often works well for melanin-rich skin. The focus on barrier health, hydration, and gentle actives helps reduce irritation — a major trigger for hyperpigmentation and inflammation in Black skin.

The Real Takeaway

The routine isn’t about excess. It’s about respect.

Respect for skin as an organ.
Respect for time.
Respect for prevention over repair.

Good skin isn’t rushed. It’s cultivated.

And once you understand that — the ten steps stop feeling like a lot. They start feeling like care.

After a major career pivot in her thirties, the fifty-two-year-old mother, makeup artist, educator and CEO is creating her legacy in the beauty industry. We talked to the multi-hyphenate about life-changing milestones, business during a global pandemic, and what it means to be a Black woman in beauty.

Danessa Myricks and I met on Zoom five days after her return from the Dominican Republic, where she had whisked away her beauty team as an end-of-year thank-you for their hard work. It was also four days before she left for South Africa to “regroup, restore, center, and remember.” It’s the third week in December — a time when people push unfinished business to after the new year. Yet, the self-taught makeup artist and educator extraordinaire, whose namesake label is now sold in Sephora, still makes time to answer questions about her journey — from industry secret weapon to mainstream cult favorite. Her impressive capacity, much more than the typically busy boss penciling in the press between work and travel, speaks to who she is as a person and the brand she’s built.

The sun has decided to join us, beaming through the window and onto the right side of Danessa’s face. Even that feels divine and symbolic, as her energy really is like a bright light. We immediately launch into that familiar, endearing exchange of compliments and gassing-up between Black women. “I love your hair, I’m gonna die!” Danessa exclaims about my two coily Afro puffs. “Thank you so much, and you look AMAZING!” I reply. A longtime fan of Danessa’s artistry and her ever-growing cosmetic empire, I scream internally and then ask her to take me back to the beginning.

Danessa grew up in Queens Village, New York, but was bussed to school in a different district. Her mother, an advocate for learning, wanted her children to receive the best education possible. As if having acne during the vulnerable, confusing years of teenhood wasn’t enough, Danessa was often the only Black kid at school, “which led to lots of bullying,” she tells me. “Just for the difference in the color of my skin, the texture of my hair, the clothes I wore, the music I listened to, and the list goes on. I was called ugly often.” Danessa had nine brothers and sisters, and her parents worked tirelessly to provide for them. “We were latchkey kids,” she says. “My parents were both victims of corporate downsizing, layoffs, etcetera.” Eventually, her parents started a cleaning company that serviced homes and small businesses. “This was how they funded our hopes and dreams for a better future. I learned from them the idea of consistent hard work, entrepreneurship, and the belief that starting over and reimagining your professional life is a part of life,” the artist says as she acknowledges her parents’ role in her own trajectory.

Unaware then, so much of Danessa’s early life was a foreshadowing of, and preparation for, her present success.

What are your earliest makeup memories?

It's funny because my earliest memory of makeup would be watching my mom. She was a huge fan of red and rosy cheeks and face powder. My earliest memories are of her with her compacts that smelled like baby powder and her putting on that red lip. I'm a huge fan of my mother; she's the most beautiful person in the world.

My second memory is of her trying to help me because I had terrible acne. Her solution for me, since I couldn't find foundation shades, was to wear blue eyeliner. To this day, blue eyeliner is my go-to. She was like, you have brown eyes, all you need is some bright blue eyeliner and you’ll look amazing.

I love that.

When I was growing up in a small town like Augusta, Black girls, especially dark-skinned Black girls, were not encouraged to wear bright makeup. I was really fortunate to be born into a family that celebrated me and my complexion.

When did you realize that makeup is what you wanted to do?

I always call myself an accidental makeup artist because I never had an intention. I was always obsessed with art — sketching and coloring and all of that growing up, water painting. But I never considered myself an artist. It was just something that always inspired me.

One of my corporate jobs was working at a company that published hair and beauty magazines. That's where I got introduced to the idea of what a makeup artist was. I was heading up marketing and sales, so I put together photoshoots for the magazine. That's where the love really began; just the transformation they were able to create and how it made people feel, really excited me. But then the owner decided that after years of working there, he was gonna close the business.

I'm a single mom of two kids. But I wasn't necessarily doing something I was passionate about. I still had that creative fire in my belly, you know? So I was just like, okay, you can either get another job and sell your soul every day, or this is an opportunity for you to be happy doing something that you enjoy.

I want freedom. I wanna have control over my destiny.

How old were you then?

I was thirty.

It’s never too late. And you were very much a beauty professional and enthusiast. And then you went viral on TikTok. It just makes sense because, as beauty editors, we saw you and knew it was coming.

I've been doing this for a really long time and there have been no big, giant moments for me in my ascension. It's been slow and steady, just consistency. I've always worked to create something that's new and different and special. And I've been in love with everything that I've created.

What was it like being embraced by the public in that way?

So many new people were introduced to our brand [through TikTok], but they saw me as a color brand [that makes] glitters and things. They didn't know the history of my aesthetic. I've always been an architect of skin, making the skin look really beautiful and glowy. I want everybody to just fall in love with how their skin looks.

One of the big things that I've always wanted to do is unify and create community through makeup. I wanted to remember and prioritize people who are always forgotten. I also wanna create a space where no one is excluded. I'm making this for everyone.

That intention certainly shows up. There is a warm response to your brand from everyone.

It's not just makeup artists, which has been my history in the brand, artists loving these artist-created products, but it's everyone. I'm getting chills right now because it’s the first time for me. Complexion-wise, everyone feels like they can consume, whether [they’re] eighty or eighteen. Whether you are super fair and live in Scandinavia or you're in Nigeria, you're like, this works perfectly for me, for this environment and my skin tone.

As a creator, as an artist, whether you're a painter, you write a song or whatever, you know in your heart how you feel about it and how you want the world to feel about it. And when it's received that way there are no words to put behind it.

When did you launch Danessa Myricks Beauty?

A year or two after I started doing makeup, I started making makeup. But the official launch date [of DMB] was in 2015. I literally had been making makeup in my basement since I started doing makeup and selling it at shows.

I learned how to make products that can be sold all over the world and how to source products. I learned how to do shading for the world. I learned about the chemistry of a product on the job working for other brands.

I realized that I have a voice, and there are things that I wanted to say as an artist and as a creator that I can't say through the lens of another brand. I need to not be afraid, not hide behind someone else and just do what I know is necessary.

Can you talk more about what you’re saying with DMB? What feels necessary?

I know people feel like there's a lot of change [in the industry] because brands are making more shades, which is great, and I definitely applaud them. But it's the quality of the shades that they're creating, it's still not right.

Just because you add black or red and make something darker doesn't mean that it’s working. There are so many conversations that are outside of complexion and race.

Like the rule that this can only be used here, and this is an eyeliner, this is lipstick. They're making people buy ten things and it's not even necessary. As a makeup artist, you know how flexible products can be and how you can layer and mix, and how one thing can do a million things.

Your products certainly create space for play. Can you share a bit more about your business journey? We hear these stories about the difficulty Black entrepreneurs face in raising capital. How was your own funding journey?

It was all self-funded. I literally would do a job and put it in the bank and turn it around to buy a product or to pay a chemist. I kinda had to pimp myself out as an artist and as a consultant to generate the money. We've been self-funded from the beginning. I always say that this is the brand that the community built because I have people who've supported me from day one. It's been very organic, very grassroots.

Do you have any pivotal moments that stand out in your career?

I would say my artist community has been a big part of it. There are so many artists who get to touch magical people on the planet, that hot celebrity or that actress, who are in spaces that I'm not because that's not my journey. They've been incredibly supportive, like talking about the things that they use from my brand that they love.

And what are some of the challenges that you faced before getting where you are now?

Any entrepreneur would agree that every day is a challenge. Finding people who want to play in your sandbox and ride for you is a challenge. Financing your dream and finding people who wanna be a part of it is a big one.

There have been so many times when we were almost out of business. The most recent and vivid was during the pandemic. A lot of people don't know I ran the company from my house from the very beginning and moved into an office in March 2020.

My entire house was a warehouse. I literally lived off of a bed and a refrigerator, and everything was happening in my house. We moved into an office on March 13th or something like that and on March 20th, the city closed.

We finally have offices, there’s finally a warehouse and no staff could come to work. We had no staff in the warehouse. There's nobody shopping, we can't do shows. It was like, how are we gonna earn money?

It was like, okay, I came this far, and now it's all gonna fall apart.

Incredible. What got you through that?

In those moments when things are falling apart, my first thing is always, how can I be of service? Because I know I'm here as a result of people who are cheering for me.

We offered lots of free education and free webinars. I did a free webinar about keeping your kit healthy and just tried to get the fear out of all the makeup artists who weren’t working at that time.

I also offered an opportunity for artists to rebuild their kits. Because we didn't know what COVID was. So I was like, what if I give people the opportunity to throw everything out that they have and start fresh? We basically were giving products away so people were able to rebuild their kit with the products they used from us below cost.

What does it mean for you, specifically, being a Black woman in the beauty industry?

I've learned that my presence is important to a lot of people. I see the value of being here and staying here. I go to an event and somebody walks up to me and tells me their story or says, Hey, I bought this and I'm letting you know that I bought it because I want you to understand what you represent to me.

I was one of those people who didn't think that certain things were possible for me for a lot of different reasons. People needed to see me starting a career at thirty. People need to see an indie brand able to survive in a place like Sephora. People need to see that they can learn something on the job. And you can be a single mom, and still manage to put your kids through college, and maintain a business, and set them up for success — and the generations to come.

Get it in print!

Just as CRWNMAG serves as a tactile testament to Black culture through its pages, curating stories that highlight beauty, resilience, and identity, the Patewo Chair by Salù Iwadi Studio embodies these same values in physical form. Both are tangible representations of the culture they celebrate—one through words and imagery, the other through design and craftsmanship. Together, they underscore the importance of creating and preserving artifacts that serve as proof of history, identity, and a future shaped by Black imagination.

The future isn’t a distant, intangible concept; it’s something we build today with our hands, our hearts, and our imaginations. This philosophy finds striking expression in the work of Salù Iwadi Studio, a trailblazing design atelier that merges contemporary craftsmanship with the rich tapestry of Black history and culture. At the heart of their recent work lies the Patewo Chair—a bold, audacious statement piece that redefines what it means to sit at the proverbial table.

The Vision of Salù Iwadi Studio

Salù Iwadi Studio was founded on the principle that design can be a powerful medium for storytelling and identity. With a commitment to honoring Black heritage while pushing creative boundaries, the studio operates at the intersection of artistry and activism. Their designs are more than functional; they are material representations of resilience, pride, and the boundless possibilities of Black imagination.

The Patewo Chair: A Seat for Stories

“Patewo” translates to “clap your hands” in Yoruba, a name that embodies celebration, unity, and acknowledgment. The Patewo Chair is not merely a piece of furniture but a vessel of meaning. Its form draws from traditional African design elements while embracing a contemporary aesthetic, creating a balance that feels both timeless and groundbreaking.

Crafted with precision and an eye for detail, the Patewo Chair is a physical manifestation of Salù Iwadi Studio’s mission. Its curved backrest echoes the shape of open palms—an invitation to gather, connect, and share stories. The bold lines and intricate textures speak to the layers of history that inform its creation, while the vibrant materials reflect the dynamic nature of Black culture.

The Making of the Patewo Chair

Each Patewo Chair begins as an idea, sketched with care and intention. Salù Iwadi Studio’s process combines traditional craftsmanship with innovative techniques, ensuring that every piece tells its story authentically. Local artisans play a crucial role in the chair’s production, using sustainable materials that honor the earth while reflecting the studio’s commitment to responsible design.

From the selection of raw materials to the final polish, every step in the making of the Patewo Chair is steeped in purpose. The studio prioritizes collaboration and community, working closely with craftsmen who bring their own narratives to the table. This synergy ensures that each chair is not only a work of art but also a testament to shared human experiences.

A Chair That Redefines Possibility

The Patewo Chair stands as a reminder that the objects we surround ourselves with carry immense power. It is proof that design can be a force for cultural preservation and future-building. By creating a piece that celebrates Black history and envisions Black futures, Salù Iwadi Studio demonstrates that a chair is never just a chair—it’s a symbol, a statement, and an anchor for meaningful change.

Imagining a New Future

As we navigate an ever-changing world, the Patewo Chair invites us to consider what we choose to build and why. It challenges us to create spaces that reflect our values, histories, and aspirations. Salù Iwadi Studio’s work exemplifies the power of design to inspire action and to leave a legacy—one that future generations can look to as proof of their place in the story of humanity.

Find out more about the Patewo Chair and the visionary work of Salù Iwadi Studio by visiting their website or following their journey on social media. Join the movement to craft a future that celebrates who we are and what we can achieve—one chair at a time.