About 360 MAGAZINE

360 MAGAZINE is an award-winning international publishing on popular culture and design. We introduce avant trademarks to efficacious architects. We are a LGBTQIA2S+ friendly publication--officially recognized by the NGLCC. Our core demographic ranges from 19 to 39-year-old college-educated trendsetters within their respective international communities. The pages in this art book satisfy their strong interests including music, art, travel, auto, health, fashion, tech, philanthropy, design, food and entrepreneurship. It's an introspective digital/print/tablet portrait series, which encapsulates artists/brands/entities who embody the true essence of our publication- empowerment, equality, sensuality and most important of all, humanity within a global society.

Are Indoor Tennis Courts Better for Improving Your Game?

Tennis players are always looking for the perfect place to practice. For many, indoor tennis courts are an attractive option. Understanding how these facilities influence an athlete’s development can help players make informed decisions about their training routine.

Consistent Playing Conditions

Indoor tennis courts provide a stable environment for focused practice. Without wind or changing light, shots go exactly where intended, making tracking the ball easier. Players can dedicate themselves to honing accuracy, timing, and focus without weather-related interruptions. This consistent environment is essential for learning new skills and developing muscle memory effectively.

Year-Round Access

Outdoor practice is often interrupted by rain, heat, or cold, slowing progress. Indoor courts are available year-round, ensuring athletes can train consistently regardless of weather. Regular practice reinforces technique, improves muscle memory, and accelerates performance gains over time. This reliability allows players to stick to structured training schedules, maintain motivation, and steadily track improvements, ultimately leading to more rapid skill development and greater confidence during matches.

Improved Physical Comfort

Extreme temperatures outdoors can lead to fatigue, discomfort, or injury. Indoor courts are climate-controlled, allowing longer, more intense practice sessions in comfort. Maintaining physical ease reduces risks like heat-related illness, dehydration, or muscle strain, supporting long-term health, sustained performance, and consistent skill development throughout the year. This controlled environment also enables athletes to focus fully on technique, endurance, and tactical training without worrying about weather disruptions, promoting more efficient practice sessions and helping maintain peak physical condition for competitions across all seasons.

Surface Uniformity

Indoor surfaces are usually more consistent than outdoor ones. These are usually made of approximately 10% softer materials to increase the safe play and reduce uneven bounces. The homogeneity of the surface promotes repetition, a necessary condition for the acquisition of skills. This removal of luck takes away the second-nature feel of play and allows players to focus on spacing, footwork, and shot selection. Such guided environments provide a better understanding of different strokes and strategy usage.

Reduced Distractions

Outdoor courts can be full of distractions like noise and bugs. Such interruptions are comparatively fewer in indoor facilities, enabling deeper focus. Indoor courts eliminate outside distractions, developing the perfect environment for distraction-free practice. Concentrating on training like this can accelerate skill acquisition and boost confidence during matches. This controlled environment allows players to fine-tune footwork, shot selection, and strategic thinking without external interruptions, promoting more efficient learning and reinforcing mental discipline, which is crucial for performing under pressure in competitive matches.

Opportunities for Advanced Training

Many indoor centers offer professional coaching, video analysis, training equipment, and specially-designed fitness gear to enhance performance. These tools help athletes identify areas for improvement, monitor progress efficiently, and tailor training to specific goals. Instant feedback and expert guidance accelerate skill development and optimize training outcomes. Additionally, access to specialized drills, personalized workout plans, and real-time performance metrics allows players to refine techniques faster, build strength strategically, and address weaknesses systematically, ensuring a more comprehensive and effective approach to improving their overall game and achieving competitive success.

Encouragement of Competitive Play

Indoor courts often host organized leagues and tournaments, especially during seasons when outdoor play is difficult. Competing indoors exposes players to diverse styles and strategies, simulating match conditions in a controlled environment. Regular competition indoors can boost confidence, resilience, mental toughness, strategic thinking, and adaptability, helping athletes respond effectively under pressure and enhancing overall game performance.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

While indoor courts offer many advantages, they do not replicate all outdoor challenges. Sun, wind, and temperature variations are integral to tennis. Players who train exclusively indoors may struggle with outdoor conditions. Incorporating occasional outdoor sessions builds adaptability, improves situational awareness, enhances shot selection under varying elements, and ensures comprehensive preparation for all competitive environments.

Conclusion

Indoor tennis courts provide consistent, reliable environments that support skill development, advanced training, and competitive play. Climate control, surface uniformity, and high-tech resources enhance performance, safety, and comfort. Combined with occasional outdoor practice, they prepare players for all conditions, build confidence, and allow focused, uninterrupted training, ultimately fostering long-term improvement and versatility on the court.

JEEZY CLOSES FINAL VEGAS RESIDENCY SHOW

JAY “JEEZY” JENKINS CLOSES FINAL 2025 LAS VEGAS RESIDENCY SHOWS TO COMPLETE A FULLY SOLD-OUT YEAR ACROSS TOUR AND RESIDENCY AT PH LIVE PLANET HOLLYWOOD RESORT & CASINO

Jeezy closed the curtain on his 2025 Las Vegas residency with back-to-back sold-out performances at PH Live inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, delivering an electric finale worthy of a historic year. Mirroring the nationwide phenomenon of his TM:101 Live Tour, where every single date sold out across the country, Jeezy’s final two sold-out Vegas shows were jam-packed with fans who flew in from across the United States. Many returned after attending October’s Masquerade Shows, determined to experience the magic one more time.

The evening screamed excellence from the very beginning as it opened with a spellbinding performance by renowned Black ballerina, Paige Fraser, who glided across the stage to a cinematic opening video montage, Legend of the Snowman. Her gorgeous, sweeping movements were set to a brand-new overture crafted by musical director Adam Blackstone, setting an elegant, elevated tone for the night. Fraser returned for a second appearance, moving gracefully through the crowd under a single spotlight, interacting with fans as she made her way to and off the stage during the second video montage set to Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.” Fraser, currently starring on Broadway in The Lion King, embodied the fusion of classical artistry and hip-hop culture that defines this residency.

On night one of the two-night finale, special guest, Grammy nominated rap veteran, Mannie Fresh, surprised the crowd and joined Jeezy on stage for their smash hit “And Then What.” The moment the first notes dropped, the entire house erupted, with fans rapping every bar word for word as the energy surged to a fever pitch. It was a pure celebration of era-defining hip-hop, delivered with show-stopping chemistry and Vegas-level spectacle.

The venue pulsed from first note to final encore. A sea of black-tie elegance filled the room, with fans dressed in tuxedos, bow ties, sequined gowns, and couture looks. They stayed on their feet the entire night, rapping every word in unison as Jeezy delivered a masterclass in showmanship, presence, and cultural command.

In a crowning achievement, Jeezy’s October and November performances set a Guinness World Records title for the largest orchestra ever assembled for a hip-hop concert, with 101 members. That momentum carried into the finale, where The Color of Noize orchestra was on fire under the direction of composer Derrick Hodge, while the band, led by musical director Adam Blackstone, was nothing short of stellar. The fusion of symphonic power and hip-hop authenticity created a cinematic, full-body experience that turned PH Live into a living, breathing celebration of artistry and community.

The finale drew a constellation of stars, including former NBA champion Dwyane Wade, actress and producer Gabrielle Union, all-time boxing great Floyd Mayweather, comedian Michael Blackson, and more. Their presence amplified an already electric atmosphere, as the entire venue moved with the energy of a cultural event that felt both intimate and epic.

From the nationwide sold-out TM:101 Live symphonic tour to a record-setting orchestral residency, 2025 proved that Jeezy continues to elevate himself and his brand. He remains a force to be continuously reckoned with, pushing boundaries and redefining the live hip-hop experience for a new era.

This could not have been a better end to the TM:101 Live 2025 Shows. The legacy continues, and the stakes only rise from here. Big news for 2026 is coming soon.

JEEZY CLOSES FINAL VEGAS RESIDENCY SHOW w/ FLOYD MAYWEATHER via 360 MAGAZINE.

About Jeezy

Jenkins is a Grammy-nominated artist, New York Times Best Selling Author, entrepreneur, and cultural icon who has sold over 10 million albums worldwide. Known for his authentic storytelling and business acumen, Jeezy continues to expand his influence beyond music into various entrepreneurial ventures that impact communities and inspire positive change. Jeezy is currently on a nationally sold-out tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of his iconic, debut album: Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101 with the TM:101 Live tour featuring The Color of Noize Orchestra conducted by Derrick Hodge and musical director Adam Blackstone.

Photo credit: Radis Denphutaraphrechar @Radizy

Let’s reverse the narrative around inclusion

Disability is not the problem, a society that disables people is. And that stretches deeper than aiming at just people with disabilities. Everything that is threatening the fragility of the so-called mainstream image, is demonized and forced into all the ‘minority segments’ so we all keep feeling small and powerless. Aren’t we all part of a vast majority of diverse people? It is not the physical ramps that make this world inclusive, but our mindset around all the narratives we have been fed.

We would never have to talk about inclusion, if the system was not inherently excluding certain groups of people, all segmented by exterior characteristics (skin colour, gender identifiers and the way we move), accumulating to be the vast majority of diverse people in our society. But what is diversity, and in which narrative is diversity demonized? The narrative of division. As long as we are divided, the so-called mainstream rules.

Wanting inclusion now? The questions is… what do you want to be included in?

Temporarily able-bodied, heterosexual, white men constitute some 22% of our population, and only 1% of our population from that segment has more than a million $ in the bank. Somehow that is the celebrated hero figure, the one who holds the power… so what if we stop feeding that narrative.

As long as we identify with any of the minority segments, we perpetuate the story of being a minority and that makes us feel small, and keeps black people fight for their rights, women for their rights, people with disabilities for their rights, etc, etc, etc… madness of the ruling narrative.

Let’s change the story about who we are.

In the Alinker community I met the most amazing people over the years. Once they got a disability, or a mobility challenge due to an incident, accident or chronic illness, they were confronted with a system that no longer works for them (because the system only works for a small minority). They had to figure out who you are. That is the moment you can chose who you are and not be reduced to what you have by a society that disables people.

Disability makes people uncomfortable because it can happen to all of us.

Years ago I had this vision: I dream of a world where the dismissed people of today, are the leaders of tomorrow. Let’s go!

The Alinker is a 3 wheeled walking bike that will change the medical trajectory you are on, feel yourself again, be at eye-level, and save (tens of) thousands of $$ on medical expenses you’ll no longer have. We have a growing community of Alinker users all over the world, with weekly zoom calls to connect, 1600 active Alinker users on a FB group, an integrated crowdfunding platform to make the Alinker accessible to all with 255 campaigns completed, and more to discover. Join the community and take your life back on www.thealinker.com

Alinker walking bike mobility aid via 360 MAGAZINE.

Why Everyone’s Talking About Micro Workouts for Busy Days

Many people want to move more during the day, but long workouts often feel hard to fit into a full schedule. This is a common challenge for students, parents, office workers, and anyone who feels their day fills up faster than they expect. Micro workouts have become a popular way to stay active without setting aside long blocks of time. These short sessions focus on simple movements that take only a few minutes and work well in small spaces. People enjoy them because they feel easy to start and even easier to repeat. Instead of waiting for the “perfect moment,” micro workouts let you add movement whenever you have a short break. This trend continues to grow as more people look for routines that feel practical and flexible.

Understanding the Appeal of Micro Workouts

Micro workouts stand out because they help people stay active in a way that feels natural. Many people enjoy these short sessions because they do not need a major schedule change. You can stretch, move, or do a few body-weight exercises without planning a full routine. This approach supports people who prefer steady movement throughout the day rather than longer sessions at once. It also helps build a rhythm that feels manageable. Micro workouts often feel less overwhelming, which encourages people to return to them more often.

The Role of Nutrition in Daily Wellness Routines

Nutrition plays a steady part in how people approach an active lifestyle. Many individuals focus on balanced meals that include fruits, vegetables, grains, and protein sources. These foods offer a range of nutrients that help the body function as it should. Hydration also matters, since water helps maintain normal bodily processes throughout the day. Some people choose to include health-friendly supplements by USANA Health Sciences as part of their personal wellness routines. These choices vary from person to person, and they often depend on individual preferences and habits. The key idea is to build a routine that feels supportive and aligns with someone’s daily rhythm.

How Short Sessions Fit into a Busy Routine

A key reason micro workouts are trending is how easily they slide into a full day. You can take a quick movement break between meetings, while waiting for food to cook, or after finishing a task. These small moments add up. Many people appreciate this because it allows them to stay active without setting aside a large window of time. A few minutes of movement can help break long stretches of sitting and add a sense of refreshment. This flexible approach works well for anyone who wants a routine that adapts to their day rather than shaping their day around a routine.

Keeping Motivation High with Small Wins

Micro workouts help people stay engaged because the sessions feel achievable. When a workout takes only a few minutes, it feels simple to begin. Starting often becomes the hardest part of any routine, and micro workouts reduce that barrier. People enjoy the sense of progress they feel after completing a short session. These small wins help build consistent habits. When movement feels rewarding instead of demanding, it becomes easier to return to it. This is one reason micro workouts continue to gain attention across different lifestyles.

Easy Ways to Add Movement at Home or Work

Micro workouts work well in many settings because they do not require equipment. You can try light stretches, short mobility sessions, or simple body-weight movements. These activities feel comfortable in a living room, office, or even a quiet hallway. Many people like to pair micro workouts with things they already do each day. For example, a few squats while waiting for water to boil or a short stretch break after replying to emails can make movement feel like a normal part of the day. The goal is not intensity. The goal is to keep movement frequent and easy to repeat.

How Micro Movements Support an Active Lifestyle

Small movement sessions help people maintain an active mindset. They offer a simple way to stay engaged with wellness goals, even when time feels limited. Over time, these sessions help build a steady routine that feels approachable. People often find that micro workouts make it easier to stay connected to their intention to move more often. Instead of seeing movement as a separate task, they fold it naturally into their day. This helps create a lifestyle that values regular activity without pressure or strict expectations.

Simple Tools That Make Micro Workouts Even Easier

Micro workouts work well on their own, but a few simple tools can make them even more convenient. Many people use a timer on their phone to guide short sessions. This helps them stay focused and prevents the workout from stretching longer than planned. A yoga mat offers comfort during floor movements, and a small set of resistance bands adds variety without taking up space. Hand towels, water bottles, or light household items can also support certain exercises. These tools stay popular because they are easy to store and fit into a busy home or office. They help people build a routine that feels organized and simple.

Helpful Tips for Starting Micro Sessions at a Comfortable Pace

Starting micro workouts does not need to feel complex. A good first step is choosing a time of day that feels manageable. Some people select short windows between tasks or during transitions. It also helps to begin with movements that feel familiar, such as light stretches or controlled body-weight exercises. When the routine feels comfortable, individuals can add more sessions or try new movements. Wearing comfortable clothing and setting aside a small space can also support consistency. These steps help build confidence and make each session feel more natural. Over time, micro workouts become a normal part of the day.

Why Micro Workouts Fit Many Different Lifestyles

Micro workouts have gained attention because they adapt to many schedules and environments. Students use them between study periods. Remote workers add them between virtual meetings. Parents fit them in while preparing meals or during short, quiet moments. Commuters use brief stops or breaks to stretch or move. This flexibility makes micro workouts appealing to people with varied daily routines. The structure stays simple, which helps people maintain steady habits. Many enjoy the sense of ease that comes from knowing they can stay active without major planning.

Micro workouts continue to spark interest because they offer a practical way to maintain steady movement throughout the day. They bring flexibility to wellness routines and help people engage with activity in a gentle and approachable way. These short sessions blend well with full schedules and allow individuals to stay active without long commitments. When paired with balanced nutrition and daily habits that support overall well-being, micro workouts can become a meaningful part of your lifestyle. They show that movement does not need to be complicated to feel rewarding and accessible.

Ashlee Keating Performs at Body by Raven Holiday Charity Event Supporting Los Angeles Mission Families

Billboard-charting pop artist Ashlee Keating delivered a special holiday performance at the Los Angeles Mission’s Christmas event held at the Woodland Hills Family Shelter, supporting more than 400 women and over 100 children, many of whom are survivors of domestic violence.

The event was presented by Body by Raven, founded by entrepreneur Raven Tracy, and welcomed notable guests including Eileen Davidson, Corey Feldman, and Golnesa Gharachedaghi. The shelter was transformed into a festive winter wonderland, with tens of thousands of dollars in gifts and prizes distributed to families throughout the evening.

Keating performed her holiday single Sleigh All Day along with a cover of Santa Claus Is Coming to Town. Beyond the performance, she spent the night volunteering on site, engaging directly with families, and interacting with children throughout the event.

The appearance follows a strong year of momentum for Keating, who recently went viral with her track Too Toxic, featuring an iconic Britney Spears sample that resonated widely across social platforms and introduced her to a new wave of Gen Z listeners.

Ashlee Keating is a Jersey born, Los Angeles based Billboard charting pop artist built for Gen Z and the digital era. Known for her “hot girl anthems,” Ashlee is a fierce live performer with a growing footprint: she has opened for major artists including Demi Lovato, Keke Palmer, and Raven Symone, and has amassed more than 700,000 followers across platforms and surpassed 2.5 million Spotify streams.

Audiences may also recognize Keating from the CBS national television series Star Search, her multiple Broadway roles, or as Radio Disney’s Up and Coming Artist in 2008. With major projects in motion and momentum continuing to build, Keating is positioned for a breakout year ahead.

Ashlee Keating Performs at Body by Raven Holiday Charity Event for LA Mission via 360 MAGAZINE.

How Vector Databases Are Quietly Powering the Future of Content, Design & Creative Discovery

In a world increasingly shaped by AI, personalization, and intelligent automation, a once-niche technology is beginning to take center stage: vector databases. While the term might sound technical or obscure, the influence of these systems is quietly reshaping the way we search, discover, and interact with creative content across industries like design, media, e-commerce, and entertainment.

The global vector database market was valued at $2.58 billion in 2025, and it’s poised for exponential growth. Projections estimate the market will expand to $3.2 billion in 2026 and soar to $17.91 billion by 2034. This rapid rise signals not just a technological shift, but a foundational change in how content is stored, searched, and surfaced.

So, what exactly is a vector database—and why is it powering the future of creativity, design, and content?

What Is a Vector Database? And How Is It Different?

Traditional databases store and retrieve data using precise matching systems—think rows, columns, keys, and indexes. They’re excellent for structured data and exact queries, like “Find all customers who ordered more than $1,000 last month.”

But creative content doesn’t work that way.

Images, audio, video, design layouts, written text, and even user preferences are unstructured—they don’t fit neatly into tables. More importantly, people often search for things based on similarity or context, not exact matches. This is where vector databases shine. Vector databases store data as high-dimensional vectors—mathematical representations of content derived from machine learning models. For example:

• A photo is converted into a vector based on colors, shapes, and patterns.

• A paragraph is turned into a vector capturing tone, meaning, and topic.

• A customer’s browsing behavior becomes a vector representing interests.

These vectors are stored and indexed in a way that allows for vector similarity search—you can find items that are most similar to a given input based on mathematical distance (often cosine similarity or Euclidean distance) between vectors.

This makes vector databases ideal for applications like:

• Recommender systems

• AI-driven search

• Content discovery

• Semantic understanding

• Generative AI workflows

5 Reasons Vector Databases Are Quietly Powering the Future of Creative Discovery

As the backbone of smarter, faster, and more personalized content systems, vector databases are enabling a new generation of creative tools and experiences. Here are five ways they’re shaping the future:

1. Next-Level Search & Discovery

Traditional keyword-based search is limited. You only find what you can describe. But what if you’re looking for something similar to a design you’ve seen or an idea you can’t quite articulate?

A vector search changes the game by enabling semantic and similarity-based discovery. For example:

• A designer uploads an image and instantly finds similar design patterns or color palettes.

• A user listens to a song and gets recommendations for tracks that match the mood, not just genre or artist.

• A content marketer searches using a short text prompt and receives visually or thematically aligned assets.

Vector databases power these interactions by comparing the meaning or essence of the content—not just the labels. This means better search results, more inspiration, and more intuitive discovery workflows across creative industries.

2. Real-Time Personalization at Scale

In creative platforms and content marketplaces, users increasingly expect personalized recommendations—whether it’s design templates, video styles, audio samples, or fonts.

By representing both user preferences and creative assets as vectors, platforms can match users with highly relevant content in real time. For example:

• A motion graphics platform shows an animator presets based on their recent edits and style.

• A stock photo site curates personalized collections for each designer based on browsing behavior and previous downloads.

All of this is made possible by vector databases performing millions of similarity comparisons at scale—instantly and efficiently.

3. Seamless Integration with Generative AI Tools

The rise of generative AI in design and content creation—like tools that generate text, images, music, or video—relies heavily on vector-based search and memory.

Vector databases play a crucial role in:

• Retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), where large language models retrieve contextually relevant data before generating responses

• Memory systems that allow generative tools to “remember” past inputs and outputs

• Prompt tuning through similarity matching of previous successful results

By storing creative assets and previous outputs as vectors, generative tools can quickly retrieve high-context, high-relevance content—improving both quality and coherence of AI-generated media.

4. Privacy-Forward Discovery Systems

As data privacy regulations grow stronger—through laws like the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and the Data Protection Act—companies must rethink how they store and query user data.

Vector databases help address this challenge in several ways:

• Anonymized vector representations of user behavior can be used for personalization without storing identifiable data.

• Systems can comply with “right to be forgotten” requests by removing associated vectors without compromising overall system performance.

• Data access can be tightly controlled and audited, making it easier to demonstrate compliance during regulatory reviews.

This privacy-first design approach makes vector databases especially attractive for businesses building creative tools that rely on user input, preferences, or behavior.

5. Unifying Diverse Content Types

Design and creative platforms often manage vast libraries of heterogeneous content—images, fonts, illustrations, UI kits, music loops, videos, and text-based assets. Managing and searching across these different content types is a major challenge.

With vector databases, everything—from a background pattern to a voiceover sample—can be converted into a shared vector space, making it possible to:

• Search across formats using a single input (e.g., text-to-image search)

• Cluster content by style, mood, or topic

• Power cross-modal recommendations (e.g., suggest music based on a video clip)

This capability is fundamental to building cohesive, intelligent discovery systems for creative professionals and content teams.

Conclusion: The Invisible Infrastructure of Creative Intelligence

Vector databases may not be visible to users, but they are rapidly becoming the invisible infrastructure behind the most intuitive, intelligent, and impactful creative experiences. As the demands for personalization, privacy, and multi-modal content discovery continue to grow, these systems are stepping out of the background and becoming foundational to how we create, explore, and innovate.

From powering AI search in design tools to enabling privacy-compliant personalization in content platforms, vector databases are quietly leading the next era of creative discovery—with speed, scale, and intelligence that legacy systems simply can’t match.

In a digital future where form follows function, and data drives design, vector databases are no longer just a backend choice—they are a strategic advantage.

HAIR WARS 2025 AT THE NAACP SCREENING ROOM

On Thursday night, the NAACP Screening Room became a vibrant celebration of artistry, culture, and cinematic imagination as the NAACP and The Handy Foundation presented the 2025 Glam Squad Glow Up: Hair Wars. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Detroit Hair Wars of the 1980s, the evening honored textured hair as a powerful form of storytelling in film and television — while spotlighting a new generation of production glam professionals stepping confidently into the industry.

Guests packed the screening room for a runway experience that unfolded like a live-action fantasy film, featuring bold hair sculpting, coordinated character styling, and immersive concept design from the Spring and Fall 2025 cohorts of the NAACP x Handy Foundation Glam Squad Training Program, funded by Netflix. Under the guidance of lead instructor Keshia Smith, whose expertise and mentorship shape every phase of the eight-week curriculum, the trainees transformed their training into a dazzling display of imagination and technical precision.

The Spring 2025 Cohort ultimately earned the title of Hair Wars Champions with their show-stopping “Coming to America” concept — a jubilant tribute to Afro-royalty, majesty, and gilded extravagance. Their models floated down the runway in sculptural crowns, metallic fabrics, lush gold accents, and gleaming editorial makeup that captured the irreverent, regal spirit of the beloved film. Their work radiated skill and joy, proving that cultural homage can be both elevated and delightfully over-the-top. The win also came with a meaningful prize: tickets to attend the 2026 NAACP Image Awards, offering the artists a firsthand look at the highest levels of entertainment excellence and glam execution.

The Fall 2025 Cohort delivered an equally breathtaking interpretation of The Wiz, presenting a cinematic journey through Emerald City energy, poppy fields, metallic fantasy, and a sculpted Scarecrow look that fused SFX artistry with intricate hair engineering. From seven-texture crowns to metallic body glow to hand-built wardrobe pieces, the team transformed their models into living characters whose stories extended far beyond the stage.

The Fall 2025 Cohort brings The Wiz to life, showcasing bold, imaginative designs inspired by Emerald City fantasy and classic cinematic storytelling.

The runway was followed by a gallery-style showcase, allowing judges and guests to study the intricate details up close — braided architectural shapes, handcrafted accessories, layered textures, and the kind of makeup precision that defines on-set professionals. Judges Tiffany Yvonne Cox (Actress, Reasonable Doubt), Cache (Film/TV Hair Stylist), Andrea Mona Bowman (Head Hair Department, The Piano Lesson), and Yvette Shelton (Head Hair Department, FOREVER) evaluated both the artistry and the storytelling behind each concept, while host Bree Webber (Actress, BMF/All The King’s Men) guided guests through the night’s imaginative world.

Reflecting on the evening, Handy Foundation founder Ri-Karlo Handy said, “Events like Hair Wars prove just how much brilliance exists in the next generation of glam professionals. These artists aren’t just learning how to work on a set — they’re learning how to lead with culture, creativity, and compassion. The industry needs them, and we’re proud to help open those doors.”

Judge and actress Tiffany Yvonne Cox added, “What I saw tonight was cinematic-level artistry. These trainees approached hair and makeup like storytelling tools, not just beauty tasks. The precision, the concepts, the joy — this is the future of glam departments, and it’s in great hands.”

From the NAACP, Hollywood Bureau Vice President Robin Harrison shared, “The Glam Squad Training Program represents exactly what NAACP Studios was built for — creating pathways, nurturing talent, and ensuring that Black creatives have the resources and visibility they deserve. Seeing these artists shine on our stage tonight was profoundly inspiring. They are ready. And Hollywood should take note.”

The NAACP × Handy Foundation Glam Squad Training Program — supported by Netflix’s Fund for Creative Equity — continues to develop emerging artists with eight weeks of specialized training in textured hair, inclusive makeup, SFX, set etiquette, and professional readiness. Hair Wars stands as the program’s culminating showcase, giving trainees their first opportunity to perform, compete, and present their artistry in a professional, industry-facing environment.

For the Spring Cohort, the victory was more than a win. It was a statement: textured hair, cultural imagination, and Black glam artistry aren’t just accessories to storytelling — they are storytelling. And on this night, they owned the screen.

2025 Glam Squad Glow Up: Hair Wars via NAACP + 360 MAGAZINE. — Hair Wars styling competition presented by Glam Squad Glow Up, The Handy Foundation, NAACP, and Netflix at the NAACP Screening Room in Los Angeles, December 10, 2025.

Photo credit: Jairus Williams, courtesy of NAACP & Handy Foundation

Samuel Onuha on Visionary Leadership

How Growing With Nothing Shapes Successful Business Leaders

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A self-made European entrepreneur shares insights on visionary leadership, explaining how growing up with limited access can build resilience, discipline, and the mindset needed for long-term financial independence.

For many founders, leadership is something learned in boardrooms, business schools, or through formal mentorship. For others, it is forged much earlier through necessity, responsibility, and the absence of safety nets.

Samuel Onuha belongs to the latter group. A self-made European entrepreneur and visionary founder, Samuel’s leadership philosophy did not begin with capital or connections. It began with pressure. Growing up in a small town in the Netherlands with limited exposure to entrepreneurship and few visible role models, he learned early that progress would not come from waiting for opportunity. It would come from creating it.

Rather than framing his background as a disadvantage, Samuel views it as formative. The conditions often associated with marginalized communities, such as limited access, fewer shortcuts, and early accountability, can shape individuals in ways that later become decisive advantages in business leadership.

How Marginalized Communities Develop Early Leadership Skills

Growing up with limited access forces clarity. When resources are scarce and options are narrow, decision-making becomes less theoretical and more immediate. According to Samuel, this environment accelerates maturity.

Responsibility arrives earlier when there is no fallback. You learn quickly that outcomes depend on action, not intention.

For many individuals from marginalized communities, leadership is not aspirational at first. It is practical. You learn to assess risk carefully, adapt quickly, and move decisively. These are the same skills required to build and sustain businesses under pressure.

Rather than producing entitlement, scarcity often produces ownership. Samuel believes this early exposure to responsibility builds resilience that becomes invaluable later, particularly when companies face uncertainty, rapid growth, or moments of instability.

Why Growing With Nothing Becomes a Powerful Leadership Identity

Samuel often speaks about growing with nothing, not as hardship, but as identity. It is a framework rooted in urgency, discipline, and accountability, qualities that compound over time.

This mindset, he argues, is not exclusive to people who grew up with limited means. It can be adopted intentionally by leaders at any stage of their journey. What matters is the willingness to remove comfort and operate with focus.

When you do not assume things will work out automatically, you prepare differently. You build systems. You think ahead. You stay close to fundamentals.

This perspective shaped Samuel’s early entrepreneurial path. After experimenting with e-commerce models, facing failed attempts, and navigating a legal setback that forced him to pivot quickly, he learned that momentum comes from execution, not perfection. Each challenge reinforced the same principle. Clarity follows action.

Pressure, Failure, and the Return to Fundamentals

Like many founders, Samuel’s path was not linear. After early momentum, his business faced significant pressure in 2022, a period that tested both leadership and conviction. Faced with uncertainty and the real possibility of failure, he resisted reactive decisions and instead returned to fundamentals.

Rather than chasing new ideas or external validation, he focused on what had worked before. Disciplined operations. Product clarity. Strong internal structure.

The hardest moments force you to see what actually matters. Pressure does not create character. It reveals it.

That ability to stabilize, reassess, and rebuild under stress reflects a leadership style shaped long before the challenges themselves appeared. Growing up with limited safety nets had already trained him to operate calmly under constraint.

Freedom as the True Meaning of Financial Independence

While financial success dominates many entrepreneurial narratives, Samuel frames money differently. For him, financial independence is not about accumulation. It is about freedom.

Freedom to make long-term decisions. Freedom to choose direction over short-term gain. Freedom to walk away from outcomes that do not align with purpose.

This philosophy guided some of his most important decisions, including moments when selling his business seemed like the obvious move. Instead of optimizing for immediate exit, Samuel prioritized autonomy and sustainability.

Money is a tool. Freedom is the outcome.

This distinction is especially relevant for founders from marginalized communities, where financial pressure can feel urgent. Samuel believes redefining success around freedom rather than validation allows leaders to think more strategically, build with patience, and avoid decisions driven by fear.

From Personal Success to Collective Responsibility

As his businesses matured, Samuel’s perspective expanded beyond personal achievement. Leadership, in his view, carries responsibility to teams, communities, and the next generation of founders.

Today, he dedicates time to mentoring, sharing lessons openly, and supporting initiatives that create access and opportunity for others. Giving back is not framed as an obligation, but as a natural extension of leadership.

When you have navigated complexity yourself, you understand how powerful guidance can be. Impact multiplies when success is shared.

A Vision for Modern European Leadership

Samuel Onuha’s story is not simply about building companies. It is about building perspective. His leadership philosophy reflects a modern European approach that is disciplined yet adaptable, ambitious yet grounded, and focused on freedom rather than excess.

In a world where comfort is often mistaken for security, his insights offer a reminder that growth frequently comes from constraint. For leaders willing to embrace responsibility, remove entitlement, and act with clarity, growing with nothing can become one of the strongest foundations for long-term success.

Not as a limitation, but as a lens.

About Samuel Onuha

Samuel Onuha is the founder of ICON AMSTERDAM, an international menswear label generating multi-8-figure annual revenues. A Dutch entrepreneur now based in Dubai, Onuha launched Icon Amsterdam at the age of 18 and has grown it into a leading digital-first fashion brand. He frequently comments on culture, menswear, and the future of entrepreneurship for Gen Z.

DaBaby Celebrates B-Day w/ Video for ‘OUT YA BUSINESS’

DaBaby marks his birthday with the release of the official music video for “OUT YA BUSINESS,” a striking black-and-white visual directed by Nick Mays that amplifies both the record’s message and the moment he’s currently in as an artist.

Watch HERE

Set inside a school, the video opens with DaBaby alone in an empty classroom, rapping from the front of the room with conviction and clarity. As his verses unfold, students gradually fill the space, listening closely as his words carry weight beyond the walls. The clip then widens its scope, following the students through the rhythms of everyday school life, congregating in hallways and the gym, fighting in the bathroom, smoking after school, while DaBaby’s voice remains present in the background, serving as a guiding force and quiet warning at once.

Released on DaBaby’s birthday, the video lands as both a statement and a reflection. It builds directly on the urgency of “OUT YA BUSINESS,” a track defined by sharp perspective and an insistence on staying focused amid distraction. The visual brings that ethos to life, pairing his emphatic delivery with scenes that underline the choices young people face daily.

The video follows the recent release of “OUT YA BUSINESS” alongside “PAPER LOW,” the focus track from his latest pair of singles. While “OUT YA BUSINESS” cuts through noise with directness and resolve, “PAPER LOW” offers a more measured, introspective look at discipline, independence, and consistency. Together, the records and now the video reflect an artist operating with purpose and momentum.

These releases also arrive on the heels of “LETTER TO MY YN,” a motivational single aimed at the younger generation that featured a Belly-inspired video starring DaBaby and his nephew, Messiah. Themes of guidance, accountability, and responsibility continue to surface across his recent work, forming a through-line as he steadily builds toward his next album, which he has been quietly teasing across social media.

Like his musical domination, DaBaby continues to expand his charitable reach and give back to his community. In honor of his late brother, Glenn Johnson, who tragically lost his life to suicide, he launched DaBaby Cares during Suicide Prevention Month in 2024. This initiative focuses on raising mental health awareness, breaking the stigma, and providing resources for both youth and adults facing mental health challenges. Its first event at West Charlotte High School provided vital mental health resources and distributed his Youth Mental Health 101 Resource Guide to over 200 students.

A leading rapper of his generation, DaBaby has soared to multi-platinum and chart success around the world. His songs have over 25 billion streams worldwide, and he has 53 singles on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, including the runaway No. 1 smash hit “Rockstar,” that year’s song of the summer. Last year’s HOW TF IS THIS A MIXTAPE? became his eighth Billboard 200 album, and a string of hit teamups with That Mexican OT (“Point Em Out”), Skilla Baby (“Judy”), and DDG (“Motion”) have expanded his ever-growing list of top-tier collaborations and track record of proven hits.

DaBaby – “OUT YA BUSINESS” eSingle

Retail: https://DaBaby.lnk.to/OUTYABUSINESS

Video: https://dababy.lnk.to/OutYaBusinessVideo

DaBaby – “PAPER LOW” eSingle

Retail: https://DaBaby.lnk.to/PAPERLOW

DaBaby – “LETTER TO MY YN” eSingle

Retail: https://DaBaby.lnk.to/LETTERTOMYYN

Video: https://dababy.lnk.to/LetterToMyYNvideo

What to Look For When Shopping for Grinch Costumes Online

Choosing a Grinch costume for a special event can be a whole lot of fun. Online retailers have a wealth of options, which makes it much easier to find the right one. There are several factors one needs to keep in mind, however, before embarking on this process. By considering these points, it can become a positive shopping experience, and the costume can provide fun as well as comfort.

Assessing Material Quality

High-quality fabric is the foundation of a comfortable costume. Opt for soft, breathable textiles that won’t irritate the skin, which is especially important if you have children. Stitching that stands up to numerous uses reduces the likelihood of rips. Product descriptions and close-up photos allow shoppers to determine quality when selecting Grinch costumes. The feel and durability of the fabric are one area where customer reviews can be especially helpful.

Evaluating Sizing and Fit

Choosing the right size is still important for comfort and looks. Detailed size charts, with measurements for chest, waist, and length, are usually part of online listings. A simple measure of the body and a comparison of the results with the chart will help prevent disappointment. Some products are adjustable and include elastic bands and Velcro closures to accommodate the fit for various body types. A look at the customer feedback will uncover whether the costume is larger or smaller than what is expected.

Considering Costume Details

A Grinch costume remains on-point due to features made with care. An important aspect to consider is the right shade of green, a bit of faux fur accents, and facial features. Accessories are often included too, such as gloves, shoe covers, or a Santa hat. Studying product images carefully ensures that everything will be as anticipated in every detail.

Checking for Comfort and Safety

Comfort is important, especially for younger wearers. Lightweight materials, breathable fabrics, and gentle seams prevent discomfort during long-term use. Avoid costumes with sharp edges or loose embellishments. Costumes without these items reduce safety risks. With some products, easy-to-remove components are incorporated in cases where the child may be feeling uncomfortable. For parents, reviews highlighting comfort and ease of movement are invaluable.

Reviewing Cleaning Instructions

If frequent holiday use, then easy cleaning is an important consideration. Costumes for kids range from being machine wash-friendly to requiring delicate handwashing or spot cleaning. Understanding the recommended care method helps maintain the appearance of the outfit over time. Cleaning instructions should be mentioned clearly in the product details to avoid any kind of accidental damage. Costumes that hold up after they’re washed are appreciated, and shoppers love it when the reviews note both playtime and practicality.

Comparing Prices and Value

Prices vary wildly depending on the materials, design, and accessories included. When buyers can compare several listings, they get a good sense of what is reasonable for what they are offering. The highest price does not guarantee better fabric or more craftsmanship; lower-cost options can sometimes be a great value. Understanding special deals or combo accessories can help improve happiness with your purchase. Having seasonal discounts or free shipping can also make a difference.

Reading Customer Reviews

In the decision process, customer feedback continues to play its role as a factor of influence. Honest reviews also reflect issues like color fidelity and fit. Photos from prior purchasers provide a real perspective on what ‌to expect. Regular praise and complaints about particular features help shoppers choose wisely. Trustworthy sellers are also responsive to questions and concerns, which is a sign of good customer service.

Ensuring Secure Transactions

One should take caution when shopping online to ensure that personal information is protected. Trustworthy sellers provide safe payment methods and straightforward return policies. Encrypting checkout processes reduces the risk during transactions. Buyers should read the return plan before buying to appreciate their rights if the costumes are not what they hoped for. Quick and responsive customer service provides yet another layer of confidence.

Key Takeaways

Some clever research and perhaps even a little custom work help find a perfect Grinch costume in your local online shops. Considering fabric quality, proper fit, design, comfort, and price all bring about a satisfying purchase. Add customer feedback and a secure shopping platform, and you can rest easy. With these basics in mind, shoppers will be ready to pick out a costume that embodies the spirit of the season and will surely elicit smiles around any celebration.