ESSENCE 25 Most Stylish: Bozoma Saint John Represents The Beauty Of Bold Black Women In Her Career AND Her Fashion Sense

@badassboz Instagram

"I was told to never wear red lipstick or red nail polish because it would be too bold. It was the best advice because I then realized what I needed to do to signal my boldness."

Essence Aug, 30, 2018

Hear more from Bozoma Saint John and see who else made the ESSENCE 25 Most Stylish list in our September issue, on newsstands now!

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We recently announced our first-ever ESSENCE 25 Most Stylish List, featuring some of our favorite trendsetters and style mavens who slay from head to toe on any and every occasion.

Scroll through to read a little about what high-profile executive and all around boss-lady, Bozoma Saint John, had to say about her personal style, the discouraging piece of fashion advice that ultimately motivated her take her style to the next level, when she knew Black was beautiful and much more.

Plus, be sure to grab your tickets to the 2018 ESSENCE Street Style Festival, celebrating all things Black fashion, beauty and style during New York Fashion Week!

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Describe your personal style

"Va-va-voom in color"

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Most beloved beauty product?

"Shea butter from Ghana."

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Favorite place to shop?

"Instagram--but for real! Either because I see someone wearing something in my feed and I find it, or because of the sponsored ads."

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What's your best fashion purchase of all time?

"It’s a rolling two-week appointment with my nail stylist at my house. We design together and create statements on my hands. When my nails are done, I’m done."

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Where's your favorite place to bargain shop?

"Everywhere. I’m Ghanaian. Haggling is in our nature. I’ll ask for a discount every single time."

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What's your most prized possession?

"A sapphire, diamond, and 24-karat gold ring that I bought in Jaipur, India. It was wildly expensive and the first piece of real jewelry I bought for myself. Some would say it’s a statement piece, but I wear it every day to remind myself that I value myself."

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If you could raid anyone's closet, who would it be?

"My mom’s in the ‘70s."

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What's the best style advice you've ever been given?

"I was told to never wear red lipstick or red nail polish because it would be too bold. it was the best advice because I then realized what I needed to do to signal my boldness immediately."

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When did you know Black was beautiful?

"I’ve always known. But as I developed into a teenager in Colorao, where the standards of beauty didn’t look like me and I couldn’t even emulate it, I started a practice I still employ today. As I get dressed, I celebrate something about myself. Some days it’s my hair, other days it’s my lips, sometimes my butt... whatever I chose, that becomes my “show-off” asset that day. So I don’t need validation from anyone else, I already told myself how baaaaad I am."