De'Ara Balenger

MOTHER! We LOVE you!! Alll of us and more. 🥰🥰🥰

Some journeys don’t follow a blueprint. They follow instinct and break glass ceilings along the way. We invite you to an intimate evening with @iambeadixon founder of @thehoneypotco — one of the most culturally impactful wellness brands of the last decade. What began as a vision rooted in healing and personal necessity has grown into a globally recognized company. In conversation with Equitea co-founder @quentinvennie this evening will explore the real story behind that growth— the intuition, the resistance, the faith, and the discipline required to build something that lasts. This is not just a conversation about business, but is a reflection of what’s possible when vision meets execution—and when culture, care, and conviction lead the way. Seating is limited. Tickets in bio! We hope to see you there! #business #wellness #care

Fam, I’m getting back into moving my body. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s starting to feel good again. The Houston run was a couple of weeks ago and my DC run today. @fonzthetrainer and I have been talking a lot about managing abundance—how to be present with it, how to feel gratitude for the goodness building and all around, instead of being overwhelmed by it. I’m finding my way back to peace. Back to ease. For me, that starts with movement—running, lifting, dancing. It’s how my little strong body processes, releases, and moves through. I love you all. And sometimes, truly, all you need is a walk. Just don’t forget to look up at the sky, notice a flower, say hello to a tree. 🖤

I’ve been sitting with Monday afternoon — the inaugural @natblacktheatre luncheon— and the feeling hasn’t left me. Founded in 1968 by Dr. Barbara Ann Teer, the National Black Theatre in Harlem has always been more than a stage. It is a home for Black truth, imagination, and joy — a place built for us to be fully seen. In 1968, Dr. Teer wrote: “We must begin building cultural centers… where we can enjoy being free, open and black… where we can be what we were born to be.” And what she imagined, she built. That vision was alive in the room. To witness the extraordinary and prolific @lynnnottage present the award to @yesimwhitneywhite — an actress and creative force expanding what theatre can hold — was a reminder of the depth of brilliance in our community. Robin Coles, producer and philanthropist grounded us in that lineage, bringing Dr. Teer’s words into the room with clarity and care. And today, that legacy is being powerfully carried forward — by @sade1111 leading with intention and integrity as CEO, and @jaymc86 , whose creative direction is rooted, expansive, and unapologetically of us. National Black Theatre has always understood: storytelling is not just art — it is infrastructure. It shapes how we see ourselves and what we believe is possible. My love for this institution runs deep. And to my people — @akpatrick1 @iambeadixon @alysearchercoite Thank you for always answering the call. If you want to learn more, let me know. Support this work. Follow them. Invest in the vision. Still holding that afternoon with care. My heart overflows for my people 🖤

Blessed Beyond. Days in Cape Town with my fam. ♥️🇿🇦

Going into 2026 with a softer heart and a stronger spirit. This has been the hardest—and most evolutionary—season of my life. Thank you, Spirit. Thank you, Almighty. Thank you, ancestors. And thank you to my friends and family who I lean on so much I cry just thinking about it. Running has helped me keep moving through it all. I love y’all.❤️💪🏾🙏🏽

My cousin @heytherecurls and I had the absolute honor and joy of marrying Jay @thejayblacks and Somer @somerblacks . And yes, Somer’s been my cousin — I’ve been calling her that since the day I met her. She’s been ours. Period. It was one of those weekends that fills your whole soul — laughter, love, family, and the kind of dancing that makes your knees ask questions the next morning. When I think about my life, my cousins have been there since forever. My first best friend was @tharealmrsbanks and the rest of them have been steady ever since — my built-in community, my heart, my people. Trust me… you don’t wanna mess with us. 😂 So this isn’t just a wedding post — it’s a cousin appreciation post. I love y’all so much. Jay and Somer, I’m so happy for you, so proud of you, and still smiling from all the love in that room. ❤️

Keep going 🖤 What are yall doing today, family? Love yall.

Gratitude is my every mood 🌞

In the words of the radiant one Susan Taylor, “Use your life to radiate love.” And that’s exactly what we did. Dripped in pride, rooted in our collective soul contracts, surrounded by the ones who pour into us (love you big @unapologeticallytanya ) 2. And she also said, “Whatever we focus on, we fuel.” So we fueled joy, sisterhood, good music, and being young and fine okaaaay. 🖤

Still going. What are yall doing? 🖤

Still holding the sweetness of this gathering. Deep gratitude to the Gucci family for the invitation and care—and to @yarashahidi and her incredible mama @chocolatemommyluv Keri for the beautiful intention they bring to pouring love into community. The afternoon was a love note to motherhood, to legacy, to chosen and blood-bound community. A reminder that family—however we define it—is sacred ground. Thank y’all for making space for all of that.