Keila’s Open Tabs 001
Volume 01 — Culture, Creativity, and Clicking With Intention
Welcome to the very first edition of Keila’s Open Tabs — a peek into what I’ve been watching, reading, and bookmarking across the internet this week. These are the creative articles, videos, and podcasts that had me pausing, rewinding, or hitting that little “save” button because they sparked something. Let’s get into it:
1. Jet Beauty & the Power of Black Beauty Archives
Watch on YouTube
Credit: @usrnamejada
Length: 13 min
Category: Cultural History / Beauty / Creative Direction
This short but powerful video is a love letter to JET magazine and the brilliance of Black beauty. It breaks down how the iconic “Beauty of the Week” section wasn't just filler — it was radical. A celebration of Black womanhood, community, style, and agency. Think of it as a time capsule of soft power and creative direction, with ripple effects we still feel today.
“Black beauty isn’t a trend. It’s the blueprint.”
Add this one to your creative moodboard and your cultural homework playlist.
2. Rebranding Glossier... Just for Fun
Read on Substack
Credit: Annie Dabir
Length: 5 min
Category: Creative Projects / Branding
This one scratched an itch I didn’t know I had. Annie Dabir reimagines the Glossier brand through her own creative lens — just for fun. The mockups? Gorgeous. The imagination? Even better. It reminded me that not every project needs a client or a check — sometimes the best work comes from just letting yourself play.
“Romanticize the what-ifs. Create things even when no one’s asking.”
3. Met Gala 2025 Theme: Black Dandyism Explained
Read on Refinery29 via The Cut
Credit: Taryn Finley
Length: 6 min
Category: Fashion / Culture / Met Gala Prep
If you're planning to tweet your Met Gala opinions from the couch in your robe, please read this first. This article breaks down the 2025 Met Gala theme: Black Dandyism, with clarity, context, and style. It dives into the historical roots and fashion impact of Black elegance and rebellion through tailoring and expression.
“This year’s theme is about swagger, legacy, and storytelling — not just sequins.”
Save this one before the red carpet drops.
4. Creative Direction 101 (But Make It Actually Useful)
Watch on YouTube
Credit: Orenmeetsworld
Length: 20 min
Category: Branding / Visual Storytelling
This video is basically a crash course in art direction that doesn’t make you roll your eyes. The creator breaks down what creative direction actually is, why it matters, and uses real examples like Rhode to explain it all. I loved how he tied emotional impact to visual choices — 10/10 recommend if you want to take your content or branding to the next level.
“The vibes aren’t accidental — they’re designed.”
5. Aspire Podcast: Mellody Hobson on Legacy, Leadership & Money
Listen on Spotify
Credit: Emma Grede + Mellody Hobson
Length: 45 min
Category: Business / Personal Growth
Emma Grede sits down with her ultimate role model, Mellody Hobson, and this episode is a masterclass in grace and grit. From growing up on the South Side of Chicago to becoming Co-CEO of a firm managing over $14B in assets — Mellody’s story is a reminder that you don’t need to chase every trend to build a legacy.
“Leadership starts with subject matter expertise — not performative presence.”
Listen to this if you need a boost of grounded ambition.
That's a Wrap... For Now
If any of these links sparked something in you, send them to a friend, post about them, or let me know which one hit hardest. I’ll be sharing more each week — because creativity is contagious and the internet is full of gold if you know where to look.
Until next scroll,
Creatively Keila
Found your personal brand vid on YT and followed you aaalll the way here!