Never Wear Red Lipstick: 8 Lies That Stop Black Women from Succeeding in Life and Business

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
• 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: ten truths to help Black women embrace their power and lead with boldness. These include:

• Overcoming betrayal in the workplace
• Prioritizing wellness
• Claiming spiritual inheritance
• 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.