This Jewelry Designer Infuses ‘90s Hip Hop, Caribbean Spice + Vibrant Hues into Everything She Makes


This Jewelry Designer Infuses '90s Hip Hop, Caribbean Spice + Vibrant Hues into Everything She Makes

Vibrant hues, '90s-era boldness, and raw artisanal beauty — these are just a few of the characteristics that make the work of today's creative crush truly swoonworthy. Named for a potent Caribbean pepper, Tracey-Renee Hubbard's Scotchbonnet is a gorgeous line of earrings and accessories made by hand with love, thoughtfulness and a resolute passion for the art of making.

Anjelika Temple here, co-founder of Brit + Co and super fan of Scotchbonnet! Like so many creative connections these days, I first connected with designer Tracey-Renee when she DM'ed the @britandco IG account and we featured her work in a story roundup of BIPOC makers. A few weeks later, she applied and won a scholarship to our first session of the Selfmade program where Brit and I both had the privilege of mentoring and working with Tracey-Renee on her brand, her business plan, and her mission. Since then she's been awarded a minority creative grant from JOANN Fabrics, and seriously upleveled her production process thanks to a collaboration with Glowforge. (PS: B+C readers can get 20% off their own Glowforge Pro by clicking here!)

Now I am thrilled to be able to share more about this brilliant maker's journey, inspiration and creative process in this edition of Creative Crushin'.

Anjelika Temple: Before we get into learning all about your creative inspiration, tell us a little about your background.

Tracey-Renee Hubbard: I was born and raised in Wisconsin. Yep, lots of cheese and cows. Growing up in Wisconsin right outside of Milwaukee provided me with a surprisingly diverse and eclectic foundation. My parents stressed the importance of academics, but they didn't believe that excelling at school needed to come at the expense of creativity or other hobbies. Art, music, books and softball were a big chunk of my childhood. Crafting and creating have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.

One of my favorite shows to watch when I was growing up was "A Different World." It was about the college experience at a fictitious HBCU (Historically Black College/University) called Hillman College. Watching that show inspired me to go to Florida A&M University (an HBCU) where I received a BS in Business Management and an MBA.

The world changes quickly and I love learning new things! After completing my MBA program, I studied graphic design, multimedia art and completed the Merchandise Product Development program at FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising) in San Francisco. My academic and professional experiences have given me the opportunity to live and work in lots of interesting places; but for now I am based in the San Francisco Bay area.

Anj: Did you always know that you wanted to be a professional artist/creative?

Tracey-Renee: Yep, but for a long time I was afraid to do it because of the "starving artist" stigma (all lies, btw). I tried to compartmentalize my creative practices as just a "hobby", but when something is truly in your spirit the desire never really goes away…and so now here I am!

Anj: What do you love about making things? What keeps the spark going for you?

Tracey-Renee: I've been inspired to create for as long as I can remember! I've always been fascinated by color, texture, travel and cultural connection. I grew up watching my grandmother quilt, sew and mend garments, I saw my Mom create beautiful home décor and heirloom holiday decorations and spent time in my Dad's workshop. Being surrounded by unique handmade items that hold special stories has fueled my passion for being a designer and maker.

Anj: Like so many artists, you've got a day job in addition to your creative hustle. Tell us about your career path.

Tracey-Renee: My first "real job" was in pharmaceutical sales and marketing. I loved the left brain/right brain mix of processing all the data and scientific information and then finding creative ways to relay that information to doctors and health care providers. That role really opened my eyes to the power of messaging and visual communication tools which ultimately led to me returning to school to study digital design and multimedia arts. I've had fun using my marketing and digital design skills in several different industries. I currently work as the Director of Marketing and Creative Strategy for a candy company. I spend a lot of time working in the digital realm – I think most of us do- and that makes me really appreciate the time I spend making handmade jewelry for Scotchbonnet.

Anj: Tell me more about your brand Scotchbonnet! How would you describe your brand's mission?

Tracey-Renee: I want to make pieces that are cherished - special but not so "precious" that they sit in a box stored away for special occasions that are far and few between. My accessories are known for their bold shapes, bright colors and eye-catching patterns. Each piece is handmade with love (I hope my customers can feel it when they wear their Scotchbonnet accessories)!

Scotchbonnet jewelry has been described as "conversation starters" and I love the fact that they connect people and get them to start conversing. I am excited about elevating those conversations by creating capsule collections connected to social causes; that way the chat can go beyond just "cute earrings, where'd you get them?"

Anj: At Brit + Co, we are enamored with bright colors, patterns and geometric shapes -- and clearly, you are too! How did you hone in on your aesthetic?

Tracey-Renee: I chose the name Scotchbonnet for my jewelry brand because scotch bonnet peppers add a distinctively potent spice to Caribbean food and I feel that my jewelry has the same vibe. My accessories are known for vibrant hues, bold shapes and eye-catching patterns. I am inspired by the flashiness of 90s hip-hop, the simplicity of modern luxury, and the raw beauty of artisan goods from the African Diaspora. My aesthetic continues to evolve based on the things I love, the places I've been and the community I want to serve.

Anj: We LOVED mentoring you + helping your business grow during our first Selfmade session. What were your main takeaways from the program and experience?

Tracey-Renee: Selfmade helped me understand the importance of having a clear vision and trusting my intuition. It can be inspirational watching other entrepreneurs "hustling and winning" on their social media feeds, but without clarity about my vision that "inspiration" can be overwhelming and make things confusing. It's easy to confuse movement with progress – Selfmade helped me craft an action plan that ensures each step builds momentum and accelerates me toward my goals. Selfmade also provided me with a vibrant, uplifting community of founders, entrepreneurs and go-getters.

Anj: When you get creatively blocked or burnt out, how do you reset? Do you have tips you can share?

Tracey-Renee: I take a break. We're inundated with "hustle culture" that can make us feel guilty for taking a break, but at the end of the day we're of no value to anyone when we're burnt out. When I have a creative block I usually log off for a while… there's this duality with the internet where on the surface it seems to be an endless pool of inspiration, but in reality everything that's on the internet has already been filtered or curated by someone else. Sometimes it's helpful to see things through a new lens and find inspiration in ("real" physical) books, at a museum or out in nature. Seeing things in a new light from a different angle can be a really refreshing creative jolt.

Anj: What does your workspace look like? What tools do you use and how has it changed over the years?

Tracey-Renee: I'd describe it as "choreographed chaos". It's organized enough so that I can be efficient with the administrative parts of my business like: inventory management, packing and shipping. It's creative enough so that it still feels inspiring, and it's tidy enough that it doesn't feel overwhelming to sit down and start working. It smells like coconut or tropical fruit (thanks to my candles) and it sounds like hip-hop, dance hall, soca or afrobeats.

The primary mediums I work with are wood, paint, glass beads and recently brass. With that being said my paint brushes, needle & thread and jeweler's saw are always within close reach. The most recent addition to my studio is my Glowforge Pro 3D laser printer; it is a game changer! It shrunk my product development cycle time infinitely. Prior to the Glowforge the process was time consuming and costly; now, I can literally "print" a new design within minutes of sketching out an idea. It's also been awesome when it comes to inventory management and sustainability. I no longer have to worry about over-producing or wasting materials; I can make exactly what I need right when I need it without any waste. The Glowforge can make millions of things and I'm excited about trying new design ideas in the future. I have a ton of sketches and inspo photos on my magnet board and in my notebooks waiting to be explored. (ICYMI: B+C readers can get $500 off their own Glowforge Pro by clicking here!)

Anj: What advice do you have for emerging artists and designers just getting started? What advice do you have for creatives struggling to find their unique voice?

Tracey-Renee: Start with your "why" and not your "what". Your "why" will be the secret weapon that competitors will never be able to touch. Once you have that part figured out; dive in! I think that now is a really exciting time for creatives. The rise of entrepreneurship powered by social media has removed a lot of barriers that used to make creative careers seem out of reach. Protect your work, but don't be afraid to put yourself (and your stuff!) out there. Connect with other artists and build a community, it's so important to have a sounding board for difficult times and a crew with whom you can celebrate your successes.

Anj: What's next for your brand?

Tracey-Renee: Scaling and growing in a way that feels authentic. I have new colors and new products coming soon and I am super excited about that! My upcoming premium capsule collections are close to my heart; designing jewelry inspired by social causes and having a "give back" component means the world to me. I want to keep having fun with my brand, sharing joy with fun colors and patterns and infusing love into each handmade piece.

Find yourself the perfect pair of fresh, colorful earrings at HeyScotchbonnet.com, and be sure to follow Tracey-Renee on Instagram at @heyscotchbonnet and @tracey.renee.

From more minimalist designs to bold statement pieces, there's an Amazon accessory for everyone. Today, we're diving into Amazon necklaces under $50, so you can keep your latest looks shining without ever breaking the bank. Scroll on for our 11 favorite Amazon necklace designs that wear well with everything from gold hoop earrings to your go-to shoes.

Amazon

Pavoi 14K Gold-Plated Freshwater Pearl Necklace

This $35 necklace is dotted with tiny freshwater pearls that lend your look such an elegant feel. The chain itself is more on the choker side, measuring around 14 inches long. This pick looks gorgeous alone, but it's also super easy to layer up with if you have a go-to necklace stack.

Amazon

KissYan Bubble Letter Necklace

Bubble letter necklaces are very trendy at the moment. Everyone's loving their playful shape, especially in the wake of summertime! This $14 take is placed on a cute beaded chain that comes with a 2-inch extender for finding your perfect fit. This Amazon necklace also makes a fun gift for the ladies in your life since it can be personalized with any letter of the alphabet.

Amazon

Barzel 18K Gold-Plated Multi Stone Crystal Baguette Necklace

Give us all the color! This $15 chain necklace is crafted with high-shine materials and a variety of little artificial gems for incorporating the entire rainbow into your look. It's available in different chain lengths (16, 18, 20 and 24 inches), plus you can find it in a more pastel color theme if this vibrant one doesn't quite resonate with your personal style.

Amazon

Nuzon 2-Tone Interlocking Heart Pendant Necklace

The thick chain on this $15 gold piece makes an elegant statement, so much so that you may not have to layer any more chains to complete your outfit. The heart-shaped pendant is fitted with an eye-catching green agate stone, plus this pick flaunts a unique bar clasp that closes up front.

Amazon

Miabella Bee Medallion Pendant Necklace

This $44 mixed-metal necklace lands around 18 inches, making it a great layering necklace if you like to rock both silver and gold. It's crafted from Italian sterling silver with a thin coating of 18K yellow gold for durability. The subtle hexagonal frame that surrounds the bee medallion hangs from a chic, thin chain.

Amazon

Funeia 14K Gold-Plated Birthstone Necklace

The dainty charm on this gold-plated pick is so femme, providing a small pop of color. It also has the perfect amount of personal flair, since you can shop it in all 12 birthstones based on your birth month. The box chain part of this design is crafted without nickel or lead, so it's conveniently hypoallergenic for the sensitive skin-havers out there! Layered or not, you'll be reaching for this $10 Amazon necklace every single day.

Amazon

Lydow Starfish Charm Necklace

This $13 Amazon necklace is beachy AF, and truly an unexpected affordable find. It flaunts charms of starfish, shells, conchs, suns, and turtles to really channel the summer energy! It's made with an adjustable paperclip chain with a 3-inch allowance, so you can play with adding more necklaces to your look.

Amazon

Foxgirl Gold Initial Necklace

When it comes to looking expensive, a tiny charm is gonna do it every time. This $14 necklace measures around 16 inches with 2-inch extension, making it instantly layer-able. The whole piece, including the sleek, skinny chain, is made from hypoallergenic materials – mainly brass and a 14K gold plate layer for durability.

Amazon

Kendra Scott Elisa Pendant Necklace

A classic Kendra Scott design, the Elisa Pendant Necklace, is now on sale for $48 (was $55). There are tons of colors and materials to shop on Amazon, too! This pick measures around 15 inches long with a 2-inch extender. Plus, it arrives in a luxe gift box and soft jewelry bag, so it can be prepped and ready for gifting purposes.

Amazon

Mauzew Dainty Chain Necklace

Someone might mistake this dainty $11 (was $13) chain for a Catbird or Mejuri design, but it's actually much more affordable. The best part is it still gives the same fancy look! Whether you wear it alone or tack on your favorite charm, this 14-inch, tarnish-resistant piece will become an everyday must-have.

Amazon

Skqir Teardrop Initial Letter Necklace

The teardrop-shaped pendant on this tiny $10 necklace is everything. You can pick the initial letter based on your first or last name, which makes personalizing it so fun. This pick measures 16 inches with a 5-inch extender chain that closes with a lobster clasp. it might be best to avoid moisture of any kind when you wear this necklace to maintain its shine. The shower or pool, or even perfumes may be a no-go.

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more accessories, and make sure to check out our Amazon storefront for our top product recommendations for fashion, home, and more!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Images on Amazon.

My best friends mean the world to me, and though I wish I could give them the world, this year, I just want to get them gifts that are as special as our friendship. Whether it’s a personalized pendant, a cute skincare set, or the lip shade they simply can’t stop talking about, I want them to know just how much I care about their companionship! Thus, I’ve curated the ultimate list of gifts for best friends to help you gift your besties something they’ll truly love, especially if it comes from you. These gifts are so good, I really want them for myself, too.

Our 40 favorite gifts for best friends:

Scroll on to see the absolute best gifts for best friends to give in 2024!

Amazon

1. Scent Beauty by Sabrina Carpenter Cherry Baby Eau de Parfum

Leave it to Sabrina Carpenter to influence my list of gifts for best friends. Her "Cherry Baby" scent carries sultry notes of vanilla, peony, cherries, and chocolate, which is the perfect aroma for a night out with the girls.

Summer Fridays

2. Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

This lip balm is viral for a reason. Your besties' lips deserve all the instant moisture, color, and shine this tube provides. This brown sugar shade looks decadent AF, but you can also snag it in other fun 'flavors' like iced coffee and mint.

Urban Outfitters

3. Camp Snap Screen-Free Digital Camera

For the one that's always documenting the friend group's antics, they'll enjoy taking this unique, screen-free digicam on nights out, weekend trips, and cozy nights in! It captures film-style photos (without the time-consuming film photography process), and it can be used over and over again since it's rechargeable.

SeaVees

4. SeaVees Hayward Platform Shoes

Moccasin-style shoes are super popular this winter. I love how comfortable SeaVees' shoes are, so I might just have to share the love with my besties this holiday season... and snag a pair for myself so we can match, of course!

Dieux

5. Dieux Angel Face Cleanser + Moisturizer Bundle

Dieux is one of my go-to skincare brands for effective products that still take it easy on my sensitive skin. Their Baptism cleanser, part of this giftable duo, provides a nice clean without stripping any moisture from my skin. I also use their Instant Angel moisturizer religiously in the wintertime since things tend to get real dry. I'd say you can confidently gift this set to besties of any skin type.

Anthropologie

6. By Anthropologie Monogram Heart Locket Necklace

Personalized gifts will always feel special. Kick this gift idea up a notch by inserting a little pic of you and your BFF in the locket before wrapping and handing it over!

Urban Outfitters

7. Baggu Mini Nylon Shoulder Bag

I carry this Baggu bag just about everywhere I go. It's perfect for happy hours or dinners since it's small and not too much of a hassle to tow along, but don't let its size fool you: this baby can fit a lot. Your most stylish best friend will be wearing it the moment they open their gift!

Target

8. Jingle & Mingle 5 Days of Rosé Wine Set

You can never go wrong with rosé, baby! This gift set carries 5 personal-sized bottles of different varieties for them to sip on around the holidays.

Kulfi Beauty

9. Kulfi Beauty All Night Out Eye Set

This eye makeup set is complete with a bold eyeliner shade and a shimmery pot of eyeshadow. You get to choose the exact shades of each before purchasing, so this is truly one of the most fun personalized gift ideas. The set also comes with a funky pair of mismatched hair clips – so cute!

Dame

10. Dame Massage Oil Candle

This soothing candle melts down into a sweet-smelling massage oil that's easily dispensable, thanks to the pointed spout on the glass. This is a great gift for your single and partnered pals alike, whether they're using it to wind down themselves or for sexy time with their S.O.!

Life is Good

11. Life is Good 'I Deserve A Little Treat' Boxy Crusher Tee

Everyone deserves a little treat. Wrap up this awesome (and comfy!) tee alongside your bestie's favorite snack, sweet treat, or freshly-baked dessert to totally nail their gift this year!

Compartés

12. Compartés Pistachio Sea Salt Chocolate Truffles

These aesthetically-pleasing truffles could be the perfect sweet treat in question!

Nordstrom

13. OSEA Super Glow Body Set

I know anyone in my close friends circle would be happy to be gifted some nice skincare goodies. This luxe set from OSEA comes with a body wash, oil, and serum to keep skin looking and feeling happy!

Subscribe to our newsletter for even more holiday gift ideas!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

One of my favorite new ways to upgrade a simple and basic outfit is by throwing on a pair of gold statement earrings. They always really elevate the entire look, making me feel AND look way more put together and chic than before. I've gone through the latest trends and picked out the hottest statement earrings at the moment, so keep reading for all of our favorites worn by the likes of Hailey Bieber and more!

Heaven Mayhem Tabi Earrings

IMO, Heaven Mayhem is the queen of gold statement earrings! They have so many different styles and options for the classic and chic, cool-girl look! Even THE It-Girl herself, Hailey Bieber, has been seen rocking these beauties lately.

Heaven Mayhem Hoop Earrings

I see these earrings everywhere, and for good reason! They're a great starter pack to gold statement earrings, and they go with every outfit; casual or dressy! After these, you'll be hooked for sure!

Sézane Flora Hoops

I have these in the white, and I wear them to almost any major event, dinner, or wedding that I have because they mix and match with so many different outfits! I get soooo many compliments on them multiple times anytime I go out, so be prepared — they're well-loved!

Open Edit Teardrop Earrings

These are almost identical to the Bottega earrings that went viral last year, worn by Hailey Bieber and so many others. Except these adorable earrings are about $800 less than their designer counterpart, so I would definitely opt for this cheaper, but still chic alternative!

Madewell Chunky Heart Earrings

Madewell does such a great job with their accessories — I've bought multiple items from them with them never really tarnishing. These chunky earrings are perfectly on trend, and at such an affordable price too!

Mango Chunky Stone Earrings

I love these gold statement earrings! The hardware is definitely gold, but the pops of color in the stones bring such a fun element to any outfit. I'd pair these with an otherwise simple dress for date night, matching my bag to one of the four colors in the stones. I can totally see these with a dainty pink purse, or a classic chocolate leather bag.

Jenny Bird Florence Earrings

These were gifted to me, but I'm telling you right now, I've worn them SO much that I would buy them in a heartbeat. In fact, I've already planned to re-purchase them once they show signs of wear, but that's yet to happen after having worn them for nearly a year! They are extremely high quality, durable, and perfect for everyday use!

Coach Carriage Studs

These are giving me all the vintage-vibes with the sweet horse-drawn carriage engraved into them! I love the detailing, and I especially love how affordable they are, given these earrings are Coach. They're simple but are sure to become an everyday pair!

Madewell Pearl Earrings

Pearl and gold together just look phenomenal and so classy! I love these because they aren't as weighty, so they won't feel super heavy on your ears when you wear them, all the while still giving the illusion of more hearty earrings. Definitely perfect for a comfy, cute statement earring!

Heaven Mayhem Wine Earrings

I personally have these and wear them ALL the time! They are the perfect accessory to an all black look. My favorite way to style them is with a chic blazer and jeans with a slicked back bun, and voila! The earrings pack a punch and add some fun to an otherwise simple outfit!

Bauble Bar Flower Earrings

Flower earrings are a great way to make a statement, and I absolutely love Bauble Bar for all of their statement jewelry! They have some other great gold options that are sure to stand out and help add some flair to your outfit!

Sézane Heart Earrings

These gold statement earrings definitely made a statement (see what I did there?) when they went viral on Tiktok! They sold out for a brief moment, but they're available now, so run to grab them while they're still in stock!

Anthropologie Gold Starfish Earrings

Want to be an IRL Princess Ariel?! Then these are the earrings for you! I would definitely grab them if you have any upcoming tropical vacations planned because these would be to-die for during a beach-front dinner!

Petit Moments Dangling Earrings

Dangling earrings are such a moment because they just feel so elegant and extravagant at the same time! Every time I wear earrings like this, it feels like I'm headed off to fancy ball in a gown. And these stunning earrings are made with 18k gold plating, so they're extremely nice quality without all the fully-gold cost.

Sterling Forever Pearl Earrings

The vintage '80s brooch-looking earrings will never be out of style, I'm truly obsessed with them! If you can't thrift them, then I would highly suggest these stunning pearl earrings from Sterling Forever, because they really do look straight out of the '80s! These are the perfect statement piece to any outfit!

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Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Header image via Sézane

Our favorite dancing queens (Meryl Streep included) might be returning to the big screen for a third encore of Mamma Mia! and we’re already rewatching the first two movie musicals in preparation.

In an interview with Deadline in May of 2023, Mamma Mia! franchise creator and producer Judy Craymer said a third movie musical is in "earliest stages." She also shared that she has come up with a way to bring Meryl Streep back again.

"I don't want to over-egg it," she said of the unofficial news, "but I know there's a trilogy there…and I do think Meryl should come back, and if the script is right, she would, I think, because she really loved playing Donna."

"Of course I want to do it," Streep said during the 2024 Cannes Film Festival (via Deadline). Sounds promising to us!

Is Mamma Mia 3 happening?

Universal Pictures

Yes, Mamma Mia 3 is in its early planning stages! Christine Baranski just told The Hollywood Reporter that she's met with producer Judy Kramer, and that Kramer has plans for the third movie. "She gave me the narrative plotline of how it’s going to happen," Baranski says. "That’s all I can say! But, it’s not like, 'Oh, I wish it could happen!' Judy Kramer makes things happen. She made number two happen, and it was a phenomenal hit. I wouldn’t put it past Judy Kramer to get everybody back together."

Universal Pictures

A third installation was first mentioned way back in 2020, during a Collider interview with Mamma Mia! star Amanda Seyfried. Seyfried said she was on board — and at the time, she thought the rest of the star-studded cast would be too.

"Listen, every single person in that movie would say yes in a heartbeat because we want to hang out with each other," Seyfried told Collider at the time. "That's what we talked about last time, like did we ever think that we'd end up here again on an Island in Croatia?"

When will Mamma Mia 3 come out?

Universal Pictures

We don't have an official answer about when to expect this highly anticipated sequel. The project is in the "earliest stages," according to creator and producer, Judy Craymer. Cher also revealed to Entertainment Weekly that everyone is "talking about it," but she doesn't "know when they're going to do it."

Has casting information been shared about Mamma Mia 3?

Jonathan Prime/Universal Studios

While nothing's been made official, Amanda Seyfried just said something that made my heart skip a beat. She told ABC News she loves Sabrina Carpenter's music and dropped this admission: "If Sabrina Carpenter wants to play my daughter, I’ll make it happen."

But before she admitted that, the actress said something else that made me raise my eyebrows. "Everybody says it’s gonna happen, but I mean, I haven’t seen a script."

Cher is also eager to return to the beloved franchise and is rooting for Meryl to make an appearance again. "I keep saying, 'Meryl, you've got to come back,'" she said (via Entertainment Weekly). She also said she's told her, "'It'll be fun. You'll have a good time. You'll be able to sing.'"

I don't know what it'll take, but hope someone gets a script in Amanda Seyfried, Cher, and Meryl Streep's hands ASAP!

What is the first Mamma Mia about?

Universal Pictures

The first film follows Donna (Streep) and Sophie (Seyfried) as mother and daughter living on a remote Greek island. When Sophie is about to marry Sky (Dominic Cooper), she sets out to learn who her real father is after discovering it could be one of three men (played by Pierce Brosnan, Stellan Skarsgard, and Colin Firth).

Who does the second Mamma Mia follow?

Universal Pictures / NBCUniversal

Mamma Mia 2takes viewers back to 1979, where young Donna (Lily James) embarks on a series of adventures throughout Europe following her Oxford University graduation. On her journeys, she makes the acquaintances of Harry, Bill and Sam – the latter whom she falls in love with. In the present day, pregnant Sophie dreams of renovating a taverna while reuniting with her mother's old friends and boyfriends on a Greek island island.

TBH, we’re pretty happy that Mamma Mia! is far from over, and we can’t wait to see what the franchise has in store for us next. Stay updated on all the latest entertainment news with Brit + Co.

This post has been updated.

There's nothing ~normal~ about how much we love Normal People's Paul Mescal & Daisy Edgar-Jones. While it turns out we're not getting a Normal People season 2 (yet), the two actors are starring in some of 2024's biggest blockbusters (Twisters and Gladiator II, namely), and we've been soaking up their presences ever since.

Paul recently exhibited his ongoing friendship with Daisy at the Gladiator II premiere in Los Angeles. While he approached Brittany Broski on the red carpet for an interview, he recognized her from her recent 'Royal Court' interview with Daisy:

"You were with Daisy!" he chimed in excitingly. We just love this power duo!

Enda Bowe/Hulu

Daisy Edgar-Jones also revealed that she's remained incredibly close to Paul Mescal after their time on Hulu's Normal People. "Paul is one of my lifetime best friends," she says. "He’s an incredibly grounded person and I am too, I think, so it’s nice to be able to have those touchstones and those people you can laugh about it with and be lighthearted with. We met when I was 20 and Paul was 22; I’m so excited to see where we’ll be at 32, 42, and what life will bring us."

But the coolest thing is that not only is Normal People special for Paul and Daisy, but they've also been able to see the effect of the show on its fans.

"The thing I love people saying the most is, 'It made me contact my ex,'" Daisy continues. "Especially when much older people say, 'I just wanted to reach out to the person I was with when I was 17 just to say you were a big part of my history and thanks for being part of who I am, the tapestry of my life.' And that I really love, because I’m a massive romantic."

Daisy recently revealed they bonded over their training for Twisters and Gladiator II.

"I did running lessons — isn’t that crazy?" she told Variety. "Actually, Paul [Mescal] and I were laughing about it, because he was training for 'Gladiator II' and I was training for 'Twisters,' and obviously he had to be huge and I was like, 'Don’t worry, I’m going to be right up there with you.'"

Let us know your favorite Normal People moment in the comments and check out 5 Leading Ladies We'd Love To See In A Paul Mescal Rom-Com.

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.