Celebrating Black Love and Culture A Passionate Fusion by Hot CoCo Cosmetics CEO Rhonda Young

The story between Shango, the Orisha of fire, thunder, and lightning, and Oshun, the Orisha of love, beauty, and fertility, is a profound and captivating tale passed down through generations in Yoruba mythology. They are often depicted as husband and wife, symbolizing the sacred union of two powerful forces in the cosmos.

Shango, with his fiery and passionate nature, represents the raw power of the elements. He embodies the force of thunder and lightning, commanding respect, and awe from those around him. Oshun personifies the tender and nurturing aspects of love. She encompasses the sweetness of life, and the flow of water, symbolizing a gentle and compassionate force.

The beauty of their love story lies in the balance and harmony they find in each other. Despite their contrasting personalities and domains, Shango and Oshun are drawn together by an irresistible connection, just like the magnetism that attracts opposite poles. Their union of opposites serves as a reminder that love can transcend differences and create something magical and transformative.

As Black-owned businesses, Hot CoCo Cosmetics and Bel Blak Couture stand for empowering women and spreading love through our products. This was a match made in heaven.

La’tifah Qawishabazz-Muhammad, the founder of Bel Blak Couture, and I knew we wanted to create something special, something that would showcase the strength, beauty, and power of Black love.

The models, dressed in Bel Blak Couture’s latest hand-crafted collection, embodied the rich Yoruba culture and the fusion of tradition with contemporary fashion. Our team at Hot CoCo Cosmetics was responsible for enhancing the models’ natural beauty, aligning them with the essence of Shango and Oshun.

The feeling was electric as we carefully designed their makeup, accentuating their radiant features. Our goal was to capture the essence of these divine beings, and we couldn’t be prouder of the result. The models’ hair, styled in traditional African patterns, was a homage to the cultural heritage at the core of our identities.

This photo shoot was more than just about fashion and beauty. It was a celebration of the strength that arises from embracing love in all its forms. It was about showing the world that Black love is powerful, and beautiful, and deserves to be celebrated on every stage. As the CEO of Hot CoCo Cosmetics, I firmly believe we all deserve to feel beautiful and empowered. Our products are designed with love, celebrating diversity, and helping women feel their best. We stand for unity, inclusivity, and the power of embracing our unique stories.

The love story of Shango and Oshun is a beautiful reminder of the power that emerges when seemingly different elements come together in homage to culture and heritage. That’s what we aimed to portray in this photoshoot -the beauty and significance of unity, diversity, and the strength that arises from embracing love in all its forms.

The BelBlak Couture and Hot CoCo Cosmetics photoshoot was a heartfelt celebration of Black love and culture. This experience will hold a special place in my heart. It was an opportunity for us to spread the message of love, empowerment, and unity while paying homage to the divine love story of Shango and Oshun. I am immensely proud of what we achieved together. I hope this inspires others to embrace their unique beauty and power. Together we celebrate love, culture, and the magic that happens when our hearts are open.