Chelsie DeSouza

When I decided to have a baby, I may have jumped to the decision rather quickly, but I was intentional. My daughter was planned. My partner and I were madly in love, and as with any serious relationship, we expected—or hoped—to be together forever. If you had told me eight years ago, when we met, that we wouldn’t be together today, I probably would’ve said you were crazy and didn’t know how solid our bond was. I never thought we would be where we are now. Sifting through resentments, navigati...

The new report from the U.S. Census Bureau is truly troubling.
It is no secret that the number of people living in poverty in the United States has consistently reached shocking and deplorable numbers. Food and housing insecurity is an issue that plagues many families, and the programs available often aren’t enough to help those who need it.
New numbers released by the U.S. Census Bureau show poverty is still high, but even more so when it comes to children. In fact, the number of children li...

As someone with melanin, I had never *entered the chat* when it came to self-tanners. I always felt as though darker skin tones were excluded from the concept, and quite frankly, I didn’t really see the point.
Over the last few years, many self-tanning brands are becoming more inclusive with darker shades, making self-tanning more popular than ever — and I can totally see why. Not only does it give me a sun-kissed gleam that makes it look like I just got back from vacation, it also completely...

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Whether you do a full glam every day or opt for a "no-makeup" makeup look, foundation is a universal product that can be found in nearly every beauty bag. As someone with sensitive skin and hyperpigmentation, finding the best foundation for me takes a lot of trial and error. Now, af...

The survey finds clear disparities in race, ethnicity, and insurance types.
From the moment many people find out they are pregnant, they go through physical, emotional, and mental changes—none of which should include the negative emotions and trauma that come with being mistreated while receiving maternity care.
According to a new survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 20% of those surveyed report experiences of mistreatment during pregnancy and delivery care. It show...

In the midst of the pandemic’s chaotic grip, when the world seemed to stand still, I found myself at a crossroads in my life. As a furloughed employee and a devoted mother, I sought solace in the power of the written word—my own words. With a newfound sense of purpose, I began sending my writing pitches to various publications, and to my surprise, experienced some success. Encouraged by this affirmation, I made the audacious decision to embark on a complete career change and pursue a degree i...

As a beauty writer, I’ve tested hundreds of products, from old-school favorites with cult followings to brand-new serums, moisturizers, cleansers, at-home peels, and cool devices. I never give my stamp of approval to anything I’m not obsessed with, especially since I have sensitive skin and easily break out. My approach to beauty? Less is more. I prefer fewer ingredients, light formulas, and fragrance-free products. Enter Good Weird, a relatively new skincare and makeup brand that quickly bec...

Homelessness is an extreme issue in our country. Oftentimes we are so desensitized, because of its prevalence in our society that we don’t talk to our children about it in a thoughtful way. And in order to raise empathetic humans, teaching them to see the world around them, those who are different from them with different circumstances, and having respect for others no matter where they come from is important.
Seasoned Moms Share Why This Is the Best Gift for New Moms
it's a win for both mama...

Long gone are the days that when we headed to the beach or pool, we only took a towel and our Nokia phones with us. Now that our sun care involves more SPF and hats, less body oil and burning, packing for the beach has taken on a whole new meaning.
With flowers in bloom, picnic season in full swing, and nap dresses taking the place of cozier layers, everything can feel straight out of a Jane Austen novel
While sunscreen is obviously a beachside essential, if you’re packing right, you should h...

You hear a lot about , and you definitely hear a lot about what you can do with long hair, but for those who are looking for something that falls in the sweet spot between the two, medium-length haircuts are a good go-to. This length has gained popularity over the years in many different forms — from the to the "clavicut" — to become a favorite not just for its versatility but also because it suits and .

Natural-hair twist styles are trending everywhere right now, and it's easy to see why. Not only are they a way to protect your hair from damage caused by heat and styling products, but they also look chic as hell. Twists are a versatile style, achieved by dividing the hair into several sections, twisting those strands of hair, and then twisting two twisted sections around one another.
"Twists offer a lightweight experience and have a tendency to be a bit more forgiving after a few weeks of we...

Acne is a common problem for many and can often be difficult to treat. But even after your acne has cleared up, there may still be marks left behind in the form of pitted scars or patches of hyperpigmentation. Acne scars can linger for months — even years — but there are products that help reduce their appearance and improve your complexion.
One way to minimize scarring is by using topical treatments such as retinol creams or exfoliating acids like glycolic acid. These products can help stimu...

Many of us have an idea of how we want our relationship with our mothers to be. When I imagine the dynamic I’d want to have with my mom, I look to Gilmore Girls’, Lorelei and Rory and Grey’s Anatomys’ Meredith and Zola. Their relationships weren’t perfect, but they truly were best friends, in an authentic parent child type of way. The daughters could tell their mothers things, be open, and most of all, come to them. They wanted their moms around for not only their highs, but to comfort them i...

When we were younger, our bodies were so much different. Not in the sense that we’ve visibly aged (I don’t know about you, but I don’t look a day over 24 😉), but internally our bodies aren’t the same as when we were in our twenties. My younger self could withstand so much more, off of so little love and care. A sip of water could get me through a full day of classes, I could sleep for 12 minutes and be able to power through the day, and I could hold my pee for 4+ hours at a frat party because...

Plus, the travel hair tips (and products) they swear by.
Braided & Laid
When you’re trying to enjoy your vacation, the last thing you want to worry about is your hair. While Black hair is powerful and beautiful, our waves, curls, kinks, and coils do need extra love and attention; some of us have routines that consist of 10 or more products to care for our crowns. After deciding on a style to wear on vacation, there’s also the task of choosing which products and tools to pack to ensure that yo...