Never Wear Red Lipstick
8 Lies That Stop Black Women from Succeeding in Life and Business
- Women
- Work, Money & Leadership
- Publisher: Broadleaf Books (Augsburg Fortress)
- Published: 2026
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Publisher's Description
"More than a stuffy business guide, this book offers readers powerful wisdom about dropping archaic philosophies regarding being a Black woman in corporate structures and instead tapping into their bold authentic selves—red lipstick and all." — ESSENCE "In this faith-based book, [Burton] shares 8 truths designed to help women lean into their power and go after their goals." — THE ROOT A guide for Black women to unlock their potential in business and in life. Despite being the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the US, Black women face systemic barriers that threaten to derail their dreams, including lack of funding, racial and gender bias, and a lack of senior advocates in corporate spaces. Dr. Karmetria Dunham Burton, an executive with two decades of corporate experience, offers a new vision--one rooted in spiritual strength, self-care, confidence, and authenticity. Never Wear Red Lipstick is more than a business book--it's a movement for liberation, leadership, and faith. Dr. Burton boldly dismantles the myths and limiting beliefs that have kept Black women from thriving in boardrooms and business ventures. Blending heartfelt storytelling with field-tested strategies, Never Wear Red Lipstick introduces you to the Paint Your Lips Red principles: eight truths to help Black women embrace their power and lead with boldness. From overcoming betrayal in the workplace to prioritizing wellness, from claiming spiritual inheritance to redefining what it means to be a real boss, this book speaks to every woman who's been told she has to shrink to succeed. With the "Boss Blueprint" at its core, Dr. Burton lays out a practical, faith-driven path to growth, leadership, and legacy. Whether you're in a cubicle or launching a company, this book will help you stop surviving and start soaring.
Endorsements (7)
“As an Asian American woman in business, I found Never Wear Red Lipstick to be both powerful and deeply relatable as Dr. Karmetria Dunham Burton blends powerful insights with practical strategies that speak to the shared experiences of women of color in the workplace. Her honesty, wisdom, and faith contribute to personal storytelling that will help women of color shed those limiting beliefs and take action by reclaiming their full potential and power in the workplace.”
“The 'Boss Blueprint Breakthroughs' give great practical instructions on how to step into your role as a leader. This book is also a must-read for every white leader who wants to understand and appreciate the Black female experience.”
“Dr. Burton, an experienced executive and coach, dishes up practical advice in an engaging way that inspires action. This thoughtful and well-written book promises to be a guide you'll refer to time and again to achieve the success you desire.”
“In a global marketplace, you would think opportunities would be boundless, but the reality is that those opportunities are usually reserved for the 'few,' not the 'many.' For the rest of us, every piece of information is essential to understand not only how to get ahead but also how to navigate environments that you are not accustomed to. Karmetria Dunham Burton has spent an entire career breaking barriers and kicking down doors, and through it all, she has remained authentic to who she is--which is rare. Throughout this book, the reader will gain insights that are not discussed in business schools but are crucial to commanding board rooms in your pursuit of success. I have been learning from Dr. Burton for a while now, and I am sure that if you read this book, you will learn something too.”
“Karmetria Dunham Burton's voice is bold, authentic, and deeply necessary. Her words are unapologetic, insightful, and transformative. This book reminds every woman that her power is not up for negotiation.”
“In a time when the accomplishments of Black women are being denigrated and suppressed, Dr. Burton offers a blend of intellect, experience, and cultural pride as she shares her own story of triumph and tragedy, power and pain, grief and grace. She intricately fuses her personal pain of loss and disappointment, to demonstrate that leaders aren't just born--they are made. She disrupts the typical motifs and stereotypes associated with Black women in corporate America and encourages her readers to 'bring God into the workplace' and be bold, fierce, and courageous as you let go of limitations and embrace your purpose and potential.”
“As a Black man committed to equity and excellence, I recognize that Never Wear Red Lipstick addresses challenges our sisters face that we often witness but may not fully understand. Dr. Burton provides both the mirror and the road map for transformation with unflinching honesty and grace. This book isn't just for Black women; it's a call to action for all of us to stand as allies, to challenge the systems that diminish our sisters' brilliance, and to celebrate their leadership without requiring them to dim their light or silence their voices. Every man who works alongside, mentors, or loves a Black woman should read this book, not to rescue her, but to better understand how to support her as she claims the power that's always been hers.”
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