Pay me like you pay them! It’s not just a MESSage. It’s survival. Today is Black Women’s Equal Pay Day — the day we finally catch up to what white men were paid last year. Same job. Same qualifications. Different paycheck. We’re still out here making 66 cents on the dollar. That’s not a gap. That’s a robbery in broad daylight. Thousands lost every year. Hundreds of thousands over a lifetime. Money we never see. Opportunities we never get. Wealth we never build. We are not your discount labor. We are not your silent workhorses. We are not your afterthought. Black women deserve to be paid in full. No more waiting for recognition. No more working twice as hard for half as much. Run us what we’re owed. With interest. #BlackWomensEqualPayDay #PayBlackWomen #PayMeLikeYouPayThem #ThisIsTheMESSage #MessInABottle
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Jul 12, 2025Instagram
Homepage change from MESS in a Bottle
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Jul 12, 2025Homepage
You can’t celebrate Blackness in America without acknowledging the soil it was rooted in and the seeds that were scattered across the globe. There’s a growing convo around Essence Fest feeling more “African” than “FBA, Foundational Black American,” and I hear the MESS. FBA culture isn’t just the sauce—the diaspora brought spices too. Let’s not act like we have to pick one. Here’s the MESSy truth: our stories don’t stop at the border. Jollof vs. jambalaya isn’t just a food debate—it’s a reflection of our shared survival, flavor, and fight. The diaspora isn’t here to replace FBA culture—it exists because of it. We’re not the same—but we’re connected. And any celebration of Blackness that forgets that… is missing the bigger picture. Let’s hold space for the full spectrum of the Black experience—rooted, global, and unapologetically rich. Dividing us with this kind of MESS is not productive! I enjoyed the festival for all parts, global economics, education, health, politics, business development, and to learn the new line dances! Let’s act like we have some sense and get off the internet with this MESS that isn’t uniting us! ✊🏾 #essencefest #richelieudennis #essence #carolinewanga #messinabottle #blackamerican #africanamerican #diaspora #foundationalblackamericans
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Jul 9, 2025Instagram
This year at Essence Fest, the MESSage was clear: Kalilah Wright, founder of Mess in a Bottle, has a community driven MESSage. Attendees lined up—not just for the MESSage t-shirt, but for the wisdom, the impact, and the authenticity she brings to the culture. From business advice to real talk about entrepreneurship as a Black woman, Kalilah poured into the community—and the community poured right back. Whether it was hugs, tears, thank-yous, or “you changed my life” moments, Kalilah got her flowers in the most beautiful way. This wasn’t just a much needed MESSage. It was a space of recognition, legacy, and love. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to share your story, your support, and your energy. You helped make this Essence one for the books. The MESSage continues. #MessInABottle #KalilahWright #EssenceFest #BlackWomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #LegacyWork #TheMESSageWasClear
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Jul 8, 2025Instagram
The world is a MESS—and that’s not by accident. What we witnessed at @essencefest this year wasn’t just about numbers or lineups—it was about how quickly we, as a people, are willing to tear down our own. Essence is one of the last unapologetically Black spaces that celebrates us, for us, by us. And yet, we’re dragging it like we forgot how sacred it is to gather in joy, in culture, and in community. Some are using their creativity—their storytelling, their wit, their influence—not to uplift, but to spread misinformation and negativity. That’s not power. That’s pain in disguise. And the more we feed it, the more we teach the next generation that division is acceptable. Our kids are watching us. They’re absorbing every comment, every tweet, every dragged-down Black woman leader. And when we pass the baton, what direction are we handing it in? I’ve seen so much unwanted MESS on Beyoncé’s internet about Caroline Wanga, the current President and CEO of Essence Ventures. But yall energy is MISDIRECTED!!! This isn’t just about @wangawoman. It’s about how we treat Black leadership. It’s about how we let whispers of MESS distract us from the real MESS—racism, erasure, exploitation. The kind of MESS that profits off our division and turns our critique into content. Let’s be real: If we spent half the energy we use to tear each other down and instead circulated our dollars, protected our culture, and stood in solidarity, we’d be unstoppable. You want better? Build it. Show up. Support. Speak up—with intention, not destruction. We are not each other’s enemies. We are each other’s reflection.
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Jul 8, 2025Instagram
Day 1 of Essence Fest: Secure the Booth, Secure the Bag We kicked off Day 1 strong at Essence Festival! After getting the booth all set up, it was time for my client @genelean360 to do what she came here to do—sell, sell, sell. I spent the day making sure she was good—from managing the support team, chatting it up with other vendors, and keeping the energy high. I even snuck in some self-care with a post-show dinner at @pechenola (a must), and started the day with a quick smoothie thanks to my @ninjakitchen. This project was a full-circle moment for me: ✔️ Designed and installed the booth ✔️ Created the t-shirts, flyers, and every piece of branding ✔️ Handled social media + marketing strategy ✔️ Led the team that helped drive sales on-site And even in the midst of all the hustle, I made sure to check in on the kids—who are living their best lives while we’re down here working. As I continue to reinvent myself—from business owner to creative strategist and consultant—this experience reminds me that I’m not starting over, I’m building on everything I’ve already done. My purpose is expanding. My skills are aligning. And this season… it feels like the right one. Let’s keep going. Day 2, we’re ready for you. #EssenceFest #CreativeDirectorInAction #BlackOwnedBusiness #BoothBuild #BrandStrategy #ReinventionSeason #PurposeInMotion #MarketingInRealLife #FromTheGroundUp #messinabottle #ninjakitchen #pechenola #essencefest
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Jul 7, 2025Instagram
Sometimes you gotta shake the table to find your rhythm again. This week, I did something I’ve never done before — I sent my kids to different states so I could focus and do what I needed to do in New Orleans. My son took his first solo flight (whew), and my daughter went to NYC with Grandma. I thought about bringing them with me — but let’s be real, that would’ve been an effin MESS. I needed space. Mentally, physically, emotionally. I came to New Orleans to support a new client, Dr. Phyllis Pobee, and it was our first time meeting in person. We’ve been building behind the scenes, but this moment was big. She was nervous. I was nervous. We were about to debut her booth at Essence Fest — and we weren’t sure how it would all come together. @misteroksessentials came through and built out the wall in the booth, but when it came time to apply the vinyl — LAWD. The way that vinyl was NOT trying to cooperate? But we figured it out. The MESS got cleaned up. Dr. Pobee walked into her booth and LOVED IT. We pulled it off. And then — as if the universe was confirming I was exactly where I was supposed to be — I saw someone at the airport wearing my brand. A total stranger, walking with my MESSage. That’s what this is all about. Even though I didn’t vend at Essence Fest this year, I feel like I did something even bigger. I’m realizing that staying stagnant — doing only what you know — will trap you in a cycle. I’ve been in that cycle. I’m breaking the monotony and doing something different — and I’m proud of that. This trip reminded me that evolution feels uncomfortable. Growth comes with fear. But it also comes with faith, clarity, and wins you didn’t see coming. We’re just getting started.
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Jul 5, 2025Instagram
Today is not a day of celebration. It’s a day of deep reflection on what this country continues to become. I’m hurting—for myself, for my people, for all of us just trying to survive and function on stolen land. ✊🏾
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Jul 4, 2025Instagram
The world is a MESS… but I’m at Essence Fest eating beignets and charbroiled oysters at Drago’s. Because sometimes you’ve got to pause the news and savor the moment. Because sometimes joy is resistance. Because sometimes soft life is the strategy. Yes, the government is a mess. The Supreme Court decisions are a mess. The economy? A mess. Black folks are constantly navigating systems that weren’t built for us. But here we are. In New Orleans. Black, brilliant, and unbothered—for a second. Wearing messages that mean something. Creating joy in the middle of the madness. Dancing in the middle of a storm. I came here to work AND rest. To pour into my client @genelean360 business and refill my spirit. Because this world may be chaotic MESS, but I’m still gonna eat well, laugh loudly, and live out loud. #MESSageDelivered #EssenceFest #BlackJoyIsResistance #MessInABottle #SoftLifeWithASideOfOysters
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Jul 3, 2025Instagram
I’m over these MF. 😵💫
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Jul 2, 2025Instagram
This isn’t the kind of MESS we the American ppl asked for! Especially not my kind of MESSengers! I can’t imagine how many of US will be impacted by the MESS!
messinabottle.com
Jul 1, 2025Instagram
Reinvent My MESS: The Fire Drill Edition Today’s episode? Me—driving 6 hours away from home, midweek, to pick up supplies for Essence Fest because shipping delays turned into a full-blown MESS. Our client’s product didn’t arrive on time, and instead of pointing fingers—I grabbed the keys and made a plan. This is what they don’t show you in the highlight reel of entrepreneurship. You don’t just build brands—you put out fires, solve problems, and reroute the whole operation to make sure the vision still gets executed. It’s not always pretty. It’s not always planned. But this is what it means to be the person they call when it really matters. Reinvention is resilience. And today, that looks like sweat, stress, and 6 hours on the road with purpose. #ReinventMyMess #EntrepreneurLife #EssenceFest #CreativeDirectorOnTheGo
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Jul 1, 2025Instagram
Q3 is here. Let’s talk accountability. We’re halfway through the year—and for many of us, that means it’s gut-check season. Not just goal-setting. Not just vision-boarding. Accountability. What did you promise yourself in January? What have you actually done? Where did you fall short—and where can you still rise? Accountability doesn’t have to mean perfection. It means honesty. Ownership. Alignment. It means asking, “Is the way I’m working aligned with what I say I want?” If not—it’s time to pivot, not quit. This quarter, I’m doubling down on consistency, clarity, and cleaning up old habits that cost me time and peace. Q3 is personal. Focused. Intentional. Because I want to end this year proud—not just tired. What are you holding yourself accountable for in Q3? Let’s check in. Let’s keep going. COMMENT: BUSINESSMESS to join my accountability group for Q3! Let’s not wait until the end of the year to get our BUSINESS MESS together!
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Jun 30, 2025Instagram
Whether you’re planning your next pop up, large festival,or your own hometown street market—this TEE Class was designed with you in mind. If you’re tired of guessing how much to bring, how to stand out, or how to make your vending booth actually profitable… this class is for you. We’re diving deep into everything you need to prepare, profit, and perform at any large-scale event: 📍 How to assess if an event is the right fit for your brand 📍 How to plan your inventory to maximize ROI—without overpacking 📍 What to do after the event to turn one-time buyers into loyal customers This isn’t just about showing up—it’s about showing up with a strategy that sells. Click here to register: https://www.theteeclass.com/workshop-vending Seats are limited. Let’s turn your vending booth into your highest-performing storefront yet. COMMENT: VENDMESS and I’ll send you the link!
messinabottle.com
Jun 24, 2025Instagram
Reinventing my MESS in real time. I just landed my first client for Essence Fest — designing her booth and guiding her through one of the biggest event of her business journey so far. This moment feels full circle. From vending at Essence to now consulting and curating the experience for others… it’s wild how the MESS you create can become your MESSage. This chapter is about faith, pivots, and trusting that every skill, every stumble, every setback has prepared me for whatever’s ahead. Follow me as I turned experience into opportunity — and embrace my next chapter. @iglnails @brittanygolden_ @dr.phyllispobee @genelean360 @ownerofmess
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Jun 24, 2025Instagram
Not everyone needs saving. Sometimes we just need a life raft… or a buoy to help us stay afloat long enough to remind ourselves—we can swim. For mw, that is friendship, that is love. #messinabottle
messinabottle.com
Jun 22, 2025Instagram
MESS in a Bottle isn’t just a brand you wear— It’s something that speaks to you. A MESSage that knows your story, your struggle, your strength. We’re not here to just sell you a t-shirt. We’re here to hand you a long-lasting MESSage— one that makes you feel heard and seen. MESS in a Bottle is personal. It’s a reminder. It’s a conversation starter for the things we’re often told to keep quiet. So when you put on a MESS in a Bottle, know this: It’s not random. It’s real. And it was made for you to share your MESSage!
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Jun 21, 2025Instagram
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Jun 20, 2025Homepage
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