Author Archives: Twins of Media

"A little to the right," we say to LeToya Luckett. The Grammy Award-winning singer and actress positions herself on the cream-colored bench across from us as we adjust the camera angle for our sit-down interview. LeToya, standing at 5'7. Her stature, elevated by leopard print heels, had just come off a full evening as host, celebrity brand ambassador, and an honoree at Firstline Brands "Empowered By Black Excellence: A Night of Contemporary Art, Culture & Inspiration," held at Studio Eight O8 in Houston, TX. A gathering that kicks off a host of cocktail events in the city surrounding the holidays. Straightening the fringe on her sleeveless, coral dress, LeToya gives us her undivided attention—while her husband of one year lovingly supports her out of the camera's view — and her team members chatter amongst themselves away from the crowd inside the venue.     "My grandmother was a glamour girl," says LeToya when we asked who her beauty and fashion inspiration was growing up. "My grandmother always dressed in chic, very simple... she was colorful (with her clothing), but the way she would always bring her outfits together, honey, I was like, you're an artist, you're a creator, an innovator" of (her time). I followed in her footsteps a little bit with being a glamour girl, says the 'Divorce Sistas' star. She and my mother both made me realize how important it was to carry yourself like a lady and dress that way. How people see you, that's how they're going to treat you. That was something they always said to me. Even when you go check the mailbox, you should look good, too. My momma still says that today (laugh). As one of the original members of Destiny's Child, whose '90s fashion inspired many young girl fans, LeToya admits she watched a lot of music videos as she came into her own style. Whether it was Janet Jackson, Toni Braxton, or Whitney Houston, I would be like, "What are the girls wearing? They would inspire some of my looks as well." ...and because representation matters, we asked LeToya about her role as celebrity brand ambassador with Firstline Brands® — "a time-honored black-owned enterprise founded in 1986 that offers a masterful mix of hairstyling and maintenance essentials, from trend-right to timeless." What excited me about working with Firstline... "First of all, Houston!" says LeToya, waving her hand around, showing her hometown much love and letting others know the 4th-largest city in America is where it's at. "I love working with my people. I received the Powerhouse Award (LeToya was honored on Nov. 14, 2025), and I can't help but be grateful to the City of Houston. Why? Because we, as a community. We build each other like no other city I've been able to experience before. We hold each other down. We support each other. For me, it was showing the love and showing the support for a Houston-grown brand." And a black-owned brand, says the Greenleaf alum. "As a matter of fact, my grandfather is a barber. He had been using their products for decades. I didn't even know (laugh). I was like, wait a minute, I got this at home, so I felt it was very personal (becoming the celebrity brand ambassador) for me to align with Firstline. I said it several times during this event, this has been one of my greatest experiences working with a brand because, first of all, they're organized. [LeToya mentions  million-dollar brands, though she doesn't name any specifically, but she does say they aren't as organized as Firstline.] Folks need to take notes (laugh). "They are a joy to work with. Their staff is amazing," says LeToya. "Joni Odum, what a leader, what a fierce leader! And a black woman leading the way, okay!" [Odum is the President/CEO @firstlinebrands]. "I think it just speaks to legacy as well," adds LeToya. "She, Odum, carried the torch from her father, the late founder Robert A. Bowser, and expanded the brand, and I'm so happy to watch them go into their 40th year, and I know he is somewhere proud," says LeToya. Like the legacy of Firstline Brands, hair is a storytelling part of our culture. And for LeToya Luckett, we asked 'What has her hair signified for her journey as a singer and actress?' "My hair has been my thing," says LeToya. If anyone remembers from my Destiny's Child days, it was the bangs. I wasn't going nowhere without the bangs (laugh). Toya is the one with the bangs. The Houston native says of how she stood out in the multi-award-winning girls' group. People would identify me because of my hair (my hairstyles)... the bangs... the layered cut," LeToya demonstrates the hairstyles with her hands. "As an actress, that's one of the first things I think of when I'm building the character: What is her hair going to look like? As a matter of fact, I got told by Oprah Winfrey—it was one of those moments. We were at an event, and she was sitting there holding my hands, and we hadn't started Greenleaf yet, or had we? It was somewhere in the process," but Oprah says to me, 'You know why you got this role?' And I went into this whole deep explanation of— because I was able to identify with the character... and Oprah says, 'It was your short haircut' [laugh]. "Crack my face, Oprah," says LeToya in humor. "I literally have been able to stand out in auditions because of my hair, so I take it very seriously—my hair choices speak to where I am in my life at the moment— when I decided to cut my hair... go blonde and do a blonde pixie. My hair tells the story of a chapter I'm in—in my life in the moment. ...the Christmas holiday is coming up. What are your plans? Somebody come help me decorate this tree!!  "I love Christmas. It is my favorite holiday, and with two little ones, it's their favorite time of the year too," says LeToya. "First of all, they're questioning why the tree ain't up yet (laugh). Husband, thank God, has already decorated the outside of the house." [At the time this interview aired, we imagine the tree is up, and the kids are happy.] Especially with LeToya saying she's trying to get in the spirit of the holidays because the world is crazy right now, so I feel like this Christmas energy is needed "right now!" We need the joy. Somebody go find the joy! LeToya looks around with a bit of humor, but with care, as if she's trying to find it in the bustling environment of event-goers. "Can we put eyes on the joy? That would be great!" I'm definitely looking forward to this holiday season."