SZA is proving once again that she’s not just a musical powerhouse but also a cultural icon making waves across multiple industries—from children’s television to the world of beauty.
On April 10, the Grammy-winning R&B artist made a heartwarming appearance on Sesame Street, where she joined beloved characters Elmo, Abby Cadabby, and Gabrielle for a meaningful conversation about self-kindness, patience, and gratitude. Just days later, the “Snooze” singer revealed the launch of her much-anticipated beauty line, Not Beauty, with a surprise drop of lip glosses designed to reflect her personal journey and aesthetic. All this is happening as buzz intensifies around her upcoming Grand National Tour with hip hop legend Kendrick Lamar.
Teaching Emotional Intelligence with Elmo
SZA’s appearance on Sesame Street wasn’t just a celebrity cameo—it was a powerful message wrapped in playful fun. Dressed in cozy pastels that perfectly matched the show’s warm vibe, the singer spoke to kids and adults alike about the importance of recognizing and appreciating the good things in life, even when times get tough.
“A gratitude jar is a place where you can put words or pictures of things you’re grateful for,” SZA explained, gently holding a colorful jar filled with little notes.
She continued, “Well, sometimes when you feel sad or have other really big feelings, it can be easy to forget the things that we’re thankful for. So the jar helps us to remember.”
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Alongside Elmo and friends, SZA showed young viewers how to make their own gratitude jars, encouraging them to pause, reflect, and find joy in everyday moments. It was a touching scene that highlighted her authenticity and connection with younger audiences.
Her episode resonated with fans across social media, with many praising her gentle delivery and her ability to simplify complex emotional topics for children. Hashtags like #SZAonSesameStreet and #GratitudeJar quickly trended on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok.
SZA’s Unfiltered Philosophy: Pressure-Free but Purpose-Driven
This isn’t the first time SZA, whose real name is Solána Imani Rowe, has spoken about the importance of mental health, self-acceptance, and being authentic. In multiple interviews, she’s shared her struggles with self-image and the pressure of fame.
Her decision to appear on Sesame Street feels especially aligned with her ongoing mission to promote mindfulness, growth, and the idea that it’s okay to feel things deeply. Her messages consistently emphasize emotional vulnerability as a strength, not a weakness.
This ethos carries over into her next big venture—beauty.
Introducing ‘Not Beauty’: A Passion Project, Not a Gimmick
While fans are still gushing over her Sesame Street segment, SZA dropped another surprise that set the beauty world buzzing—her new beauty brand, Not Beauty.
“I’m not a beauty maven, but I know lips,” she told Vogue in an exclusive interview.
Her first release? A trio of lip gloss shades, each reflecting her personal style and daily routine. SZA revealed that she had been quietly wearing the glosses for months, including during major public appearances like the Super Bowl halftime show, where her glossy lips had fans asking for her beauty secrets.
The brand’s name—“Not”—comes with a deeper message.
“[It] was representative of a reminder of: Don’t try to be these other brands, don’t try to be anything. Don’t just make a random celebrity brand just because you can,” SZA explained. “My whole life is about being pressure-free but still trying your best, and that’s what Not is about.”
She emphasized that this isn’t just another vanity project; it’s a brand rooted in authenticity, intention, and self-expression. In an industry crowded with celebrity-led lines, SZA’s vision stands out by intentionally avoiding flashy gimmicks and instead focusing on quality, purpose, and identity.
“Following your passion and letting it lead you, and letting the story develop itself by following the throughline of risk, trust, and willingness is literally what my entire life and career has been about.”
SZA’s Beauty Ethos: Clean, Minimal, Powerful
The initial three glosses are expected to be a soft launch, with wider product offerings in the pipeline. Early reviews from beauty insiders have described the glosses as hydrating, non-sticky, and universally flattering—a nod to her commitment to create products that feel good and work for everyday use.
What’s even more striking is how SZA has managed to infuse her identity into every aspect of the brand. From the minimalist packaging to the names of the glosses, each product reflects her artistic voice and emotional storytelling—similar to how her music captivates fans worldwide.
As of now, the glosses will be available through the brand’s official website, with pop-up experiences rumored to coincide with select tour dates.
The Kendrick Lamar Connection: Music Meets Movement
SZA’s beauty brand launch comes just ahead of her upcoming Grand National Tour with Kendrick Lamar, marking a major reunion of two of the most respected voices in modern hip-hop and R&B.
While details on tour collaborations remain under wraps, fans are already speculating about a joint performance or exclusive merchandise drops. The buzz surrounding the tour has only grown with Kendrick’s latest headlines and his track “Euphoria,” which allegedly took jabs at fellow rapper Drake.
For SZA, this tour is more than a victory lap—it’s a celebration of creative freedom, independence, and her continued rise as a cross-industry powerhouse. From dominating the music charts to inspiring the next generation and now stepping confidently into beauty entrepreneurship, she’s proving there’s no limit to her reach.
A Message That Resonates: Be Yourself, Be Grateful
Whether she’s soothing anxious toddlers with Elmo or inspiring women to embrace their beauty without compromise, SZA is reshaping what it means to be a celebrity in 2025. She isn’t just entertaining—she’s uplifting, educating, and leading with heart.
Her dual message this month—practice gratitude and embrace who you are—has struck a chord far beyond the entertainment industry.
In a world obsessed with perfection and comparison, SZA reminds us that real power lies in vulnerability, purpose, and staying true to your story.
