I Am Not Competing Against Magazine and TV Images!!!

You Really Expect Me to Look Like I Just Stepped Out of a Magazine, Daily?

Many women experience the pressure to look like a glamour girl or TV/Magazine image by our spouse, significant other, co-workers, employers and even vain family members. I feel grieved inside while hearing stories of men or husbands complain about their women wearing hair rollers in the hair at night or morning and facial masks as a routine hair care/styling and skin care regimen but simultaneously desire their women to look “picture perfect” or like women they see on TV, film, magazines and high profile/income careers on a daily basis.

Society has already put enough pressure women to look made-up all day-wearing extensions, layers of skin products and the latest trends and/or designer clothes. There’s no problem with dolling ourselves up when we feel or need to but it’s the pressure, critique and comparison many of us experience that seems like an epidemic. Because of this, many young girls/women fall into a lifestyle of a superfluous and superficial persona. I’m advocating for my sista-girls right now of all cultural diversities. 

Let’s look at a couple of facts and do a reality check:

1.        If we don’t maintain our tresses and take care of our skin (face), how can we look radiant and well-groomed?

2.       Every woman does not have 20-45 minutes to spend putting layers of make-up and hot curls on before going to work.

3.       Every woman cannot afford to book an appointment at the salon weekly, bi-weekly or even monthly.

4.      Every woman cannot spend hundreds of dollars on protective styling just to please your obsession with length.

5.       It is not realistic to expect EVERY woman to go to bed wearing make-up and head scarfs to sleep in and then wake up looking as if nothing has touched her face or hair.

6.       Every woman is not a celebrity with an (entourage) PR (public relations), Personal hair stylist, make-up artist or image consultant to assist with image/appearance, etc.

Tips for you men:

1.        Give us more time to do our thang (cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize and/or make-up our face).

2.       Agree with us in taking time to break from chemically-based products to wearing natural-based products because the goal may take a little longer when using natural products.

3.       Be supportive in our endeavors to LOOK and FEEL and BE healthy internally and externally. I promise you, you will be happy with the results.

4.      Encourage her (wife, girlfriend, daughter, mother, aunt, grandmother or sister) to be happy valuing her na-tu-ra-listic self.

5.       Be more empathetic with her changes and transitions.

6.       Compliment her more to show her you are more concerned with inner-being and feelings. 

Natural Hair & Identity

How is Natural Hair and Natural Beauty Associated with Our Identity?

Do you feel more authentic as a person (embracing your roots, personality, characteristics & image) wearing your hair natural and/or living a life style as a naturalist (eating natural, wearing unprocessed hair, using natural products for body and hair?)

Unfortunately, many within the African American/Black/Urban community are still conditioned subconsciously to dislike or criticize their own natural hair texture. African American are not the only ones embracing the natural hair care movement. 

Boys to Men embrace the "going natural movement"which includes keeping your kinks... In this video below, A mother was flawed at a barber's denigrating action toward her son's hair textured that the barber had difficulty grooming and his only option was to cut this mother's son hair off (bald) and referred to her son as "Nigger.s" hair... Unacceptable! Many transitioners report feeling empowered and free with natural hair & face...Especially African Americans. 

To be honest, for myself, being or feeling pressured or institutionalized to ONLY wear chemically-processed hair and purchasing every new chemically-based product on the market can sometimes feels like bondage/slavery/stronghold in a since because we can become so accustomed to wearing and managing our hair one way "fried, died and laid to the side", we can forget how to self-groom/manage our own texture outside of pressing, relaxing or curly permanents. Thus, cutting becomes the ultimate answer. It's amazing that we have to learn and for some of us relearn the methods of basic natural hair care. Just a thought. No shade/criticism.

Are afros appropriate for Red Carpet events???
What do you think? I would like to hear your response and why. Do you also agree that the "Natural Hair Movement is also about African Americans/'Black people' ridding the historical shame of embracing natural and loving their features-nose, lips and skin color?

Nurturing Optimism in Premarital Couples

One of the many ways to encourage premarital couples to identify positives attributes in each other and also respond positively with optimism would be first to demonstrate to them how they could develop positive affirmations that would combat their own internal personal negative irrational thoughts and perceptions. When one learns to change the way he or she thinks and feel about his or herself in a positive outlook they can begin to build up/affirm their loved one’s esteem and identify their positive attributes. I would admonish premarital couples to understand that each is a child of God in order to maintain some level of godly respect for each other. When you are and confident you are able to esteem your partner. What I sometimes encounter during a counseling session is interacting with a client who can easily encourage and maintain optimism towards his/hers loved one but have difficulty doing the same for him/herself.

This behavior can cancel out any positive affirmations or optimistic attitude and behavior from the other person because a positive + negative = negative. A couple can practice new behavior especially for those individuals who tend to be pessimistic or always see the glass half empty. In addition, Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott, #1 New York Times Bestselling  Authors of Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts notes, “Learning to choose your attitude is not easy, but once measured, a positive attitude paves the way for a fulfilling marriage.”[1] Consequently, when one partner in a relationship...         See  entire article, "Attitude of Optimism in Couple" and featured video by Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott.

Liberation in Going Natural

Don't forget to check out this video I found below as an added bonus on developing natural products for skin/face using ingredients right from your kitchen, medicine closet or pantry:  

The term “NATURAL” is seen everywhere on just about every type of product you can find from foods, hair and skin cosmetic and nutritional supplements. And because we live in a capitalistic society, major commercial brands and industries are tapping into potential wealth based on consumers who love to buy “NATURAL” but back to the point…It is refreshing and liberating not having to feel the pressure of keeping up with the girl next door sought to speak-trying to look just as good (hair, skin, nails, make-up, etc.) to be accepted by employers, society and prospective lovers & potential future spouses.

Liberating also because going natural can be less labor-intense in terms of not spending approximately 20-30 minutes applying make-up to the face; and either relaxing own hair or spending hours in the salon getting your hair relaxed or weaved. And for those who still like wearing protective hair styles such as wigs, weaves and braid/loc/twist extensions, instead purchase NATURALLY styled protective styles from afros, kinky curls, coils and wavy that gives a natural look. Liberating again, because people are using natural ingredients, which can save them hundreds of dollars annually due to spending less in the beauty markets on expensive and harsh products.

And yes, being natural can be more labor-intense in terms of spending a lot of time styling and managing your hair especially if your hair is easily-tangled and difficult to manage and everyone can't do a wash ago to achieve a soft curly-wavy look. We all have multiple textures. However, again, being natural can save you $$$. So instead of spending so much on products we can put that $ into savings, retirement savings fund, real-estate, business endeavors, education and other important things. Hey, I'm also getting smarter about spending my $ and teaching my daughter the same. This makes sense in the US economic climate. 

People are getting smarter about how they use their finances and move their money around. NATURAL is popular. Popular natural ingredients and products used for hair, face and all over body are: Shea butter, Nut & Seed butters, Coconut oil, Olive oil, Caster oil, Witch Hazel, Apple Cider Vinegar, Lemon Juice, Avocado, Aloe Vera Gel/Juice, Oatmeal, Bananas, Honey, Herbs, and Fruit/Vegetable Extracts. Popular hair styles that can be spotted all over Richmond is: Wash & Go’s, Afro-Kinky & Wavy or Curly Weaves, Senegalese Twist with or without extensions, Twist/Braid Outs, Short & Long Afros, and Locs. 

What toxic Baggage Do You Carry?

Excerpt from my new book,

"I love being comfortable with myself. But this wasn't always the case. Many of us are still uncomfortable because we keep looking at the past scars, the bumps the bruises, the blemishes, wounds and the unknown ahead-that’s living with fear and crippling insecurity (won’t move pass go!). Many of us continue to hold on to the past and current failures, weaknesses, faults and have not learned to move ahead, learn the lesson and grow from these issues. Guess What?
Others can see these issues before they see us! Meaning, they get distracted by the scars, blemishes, bruises and wounds because we’re flaunting them by our communication and adorning of them. In other words, they see the victim and never see the victor." 

Toxicity of Baggage: We are so bombarded with images (TV/Magazine/Internet, etc.), societal stereotypes/generalizations, social media influence, and identity crisis-especially during adolescence, and it affects our well-being, relationships and self-concept and esteem that cause insecurities and the spirit of competition.

Healing from the Baggage: Wonderful news is that when we realize who we are via positive affirmation, esteem building, counseling, positive influences/people, learning to love ourselves and so on, we begin to heal and embrace our total self with all of our "flaws" and shortcomings because we realize that no one is perfect and without flaws or shortcomings. 

Here's an interesting clip from "The Real" of the hosts keeping it real about the baggage/insecurities they've carried and how it affected them. What a circle of affirmation and healing...

Natural Handcrafting & Hand-making-Unforgotten Art!

It's imperative that we nourish of and nurture ourselves inward and out; including our hair which is attached to our bodies. It is one of the appendages of the skin. It is because of a lack of Knowledge that our health suffers aside from medical problems, procrastination and conditioning. The hair that’s been given us on our head serves two purposes; protection and adornment. Hair protects and shields our skin and scalp (head) from injury and elements in our environment. It also beautifies and enhances our appearance but most people are more concern with looking good over being in good health.

Hey, I found this video on investigating natural products and understanding
"Non toxic & Toxic Ingredients" By Anna "Beauty Experienced"

Taking care of our bodies and hair naturally in modern day societies had become more difficult for many than it was pre-industrialization (when products, clothing and food were hand crafted-great for small business owners) before transitioning from hand production methods & manufacturing to industrialization (using machines and chemical production- decreasing and eliminating many hand craft workers their jobs), and because of improper application of both hand and chemical, and even allowing untrained/inexperienced people to touch our body, hair and scalp.

There are harmful synthetic products that we use in our hair and our bodies that have harsh ingredients that may help in one area but cause damage in another. Understand, this is not to shun or knock anyone who used products with synthetic chemicals because even I use some products that are not 100% pure, raw or organic. Truth is; it’s difficult to escape ALL unauthentic/chemical-based skin & hair products, medicine and food. It’s great to be thankful for advancements in medicine that help save lives and preservation of food but can we do it in safer ways? Personally, I just try to minimize and eliminate as much as possible, the intake and digestion of harsh cell-killing, degenerative additives/ingredients/preservatives, etc.

How the saying goes, “When we know better, we do better…” Hopefully!

Just to bringing awareness because many people still do not pay attention to what enters their body through our skin and oral digestion. You may be aware but don’t assume that all do. I still continue to educate myself and others (clients and even people my age or older) on the benefits healthier diets not only for our bodies but also for our hair and scalp. Today, we are making more efforts to reduce toxic digestion to protect ourselves and children. Good news is that there are ways to detoxify our bodies and begin again-paying more attention to protecting our temples (bodies).

Returning to Handmade/Handcrafting:

Good news, we are going back to the ole’ landmark. Meaning, returning to using more natural, organic and homemade/handcrafted skin and hair products, and food-thus, an emerging of new small business owners and natural living. We are learning from our ancestors about controlling our own economy and maintaining our OWN healthier lifestyles. The End!

Resources:

• Women's Voices 
• Ecoutourre  
• Beauty Counter
• Newbeauty.com

African American Celebrities From Fame to Fortune to Broke

Interesting documentary Video Titled:
"When the Checks Stop Coming In" 
This film takes a look and analysis of the lives of black celebrities' rise to fame, fall from fame, and finally, Just plain broke! :( 

It's available on Amazon.com


Many of us never learned Financial Literacy as children and adolescents. Many of our parents did the best they could with the energy they had, and taught about savings, sharing, and household budgeting (to some degree). Really, for me, growing up in the hood, I never really heard a lot of financial discussions on stocks, bonds, mutual funds, retirement savings, 401 K's, etc. My mother did teach and modeled for me how to open a bank account and fill out the forms, how to pay bills, how to talk to authority or professional people in the business district, how to advocate for myself and so on but because we struggled as well with low income (never went hungry to my knowledge-but I'm sure there were days that we (my siblings and I) didn't know how close to being without we were. 

Like many people say, "We might have been poor but didn't know it." I understand that in the midst of struggling and survival, and relationship and financial burdens, communication on being smart with your money, investments and retirement, get's lost because the focus (being consumed) with trying to make one day at a time. 

Now what happens when many of us who've never had a lot of money or made no more than $7,000 to even 60 or $70,000 annually (because we don't bring this whole amount home-thus the reason why even the "Middle Class struggles") come into major financial wealth? We may even get a out of control (meaning crazy, senseless, confused and/or stupid even-meaning wasteful and negligent) with fortune or fame, and because of ignorance-(lack of knowledge) like many of these celebrities. The best way out of these scenarios is "Education" by (attending seminars, classes, getting mentored, etc.), and "Renewing the Mind" (changing the way we think which changes thoughts and feelings).

Scriptures for Depression

Scriptures for depression:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)

"The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble." (Psalm 9:9, NIV)

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (Psalm 23:1-4, NIV)

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18, NIV)

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1, NIV)

"Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall." (Psalm 55:22, NIV)

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." (Psalm 147:3, NIV)

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31, NIV)

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12, NIV)

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28, NIV)

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (Deuteronomy 31:8, NIV)

Nurturing Premarital Relationships

Husbands Not Embracing Natural Hair Tresses

While it is true that many men embrace natural beauty and natural tresses, there are also many who do not. Moreover, some men express that it's not that they absolutely hate natural hair and beauty but they too need an adjustment period, the same as women who transition to natural have to adjust. Some of us can honestly admit that for both, it's an adjustment. Here is a husband on the "Steve Harvey Show" who had an issue with his wife's transitioning to natural because he was used to her wearing weaves all of the time.

Steve Harvey helps him out with his advice, and assistance from Nikki Walton-Author of "Better Than Good Hair" and a psychotherapist & blogger.

“Do Men Prefer Women Who Wear Their Hair Natural or Embrace Natural Beauty?" Part II

Men On Embracing Women of Natural Beauty Continues...
CLICK  THIS LINK FOR PART ONE OF MY RESEARCH/INTERVIEWS
Part Two of My Project Below:

A couple of weeks ago, I conducted interviews on women about their natural hair transition and journey and decided that it would also be interesting getting men's prospective and preferences in regards to natural beauty. Particularly, emphasizing their thoughts and feelings toward women who have or are transitioning from wearing their hair constantly pressed, chemically-processed or covered under wigs or weaves-to wearing their naked natural hair texture. 
Conversely, I asked several male friends of mine if they preferred the wearing of moderate accessorized/ accentuated styles such as: the wearing of African styles and hair extensions, eyelashes, nail extension, etc., and why. Finally, I explained that this interview was not about a right or wrong answer but only to get their honest thoughts, opinion, and feelings. 

Here are the interviews:

Devon's Response: 

Q-Nurtured Naturally ByC: Hi Mr. Devon, thanks for participating and time. I do want to know first of all if you have family and/or friends within your circle/community who are natural beauties?

Devon:  I have family members that are natural beauties when it comes to hairstyles and they wear them well. Also they are comfortable with their style of choice.

Q: Overall, are you more attracted to natural beauty or women who wear little to heavy make-up, and a lot of accessories? Elaborate?

Devon: I am OK with make-up as long as it's not laid on a woman face thick - it should not be so noticeable on her face.

Q: Tell me, in regards to natural hair styled women, do you prefer natural textured-hair women or women who frequently/always wear their hair chemically-treated (relaxed/permanents) and covered with protective styles as weaves or wigs.

Devon: When it comes to hairstyles, I really do not like the weave - natural hair is the best because it's different than the norm, it shows the woman embraces her culture. Women knows she can be beautiful without it being chemically treated. To answer the question.. I prefer women to wear their hair naturally.

Q: Would you be supportive if your woman/wife/sister/daughter/mother decided to go natural, and how?

Devon: My wife and daughter are already natural when it comes to hairstyles.

Q: What would turn you off about natural beauty or natural textured hair?

Devon: Nothing turns me off about natural beauty or natural texture hair.

Q: Do you feel that a woman who wears her hair natural looks better with make-up? Elaborate.  

Devon: I would say that a woman makeup highlights her natural hair.

Q: How would you react if when the next time you saw your wife/woman, her is natural but the last time you were with her, her hair was either relaxed or always straight, weaved or covered with a wig?

Devon: My reaction would be caught off guard at first but I love the natural look on my wife and daughter.

Q: If you had to choose your favorite natural hair style for a woman, what would it be?

Devon: My natural favorite hairstyle for a woman would be the coils. I like the way the Afro-look with coils look on a woman.

Q: Do you think some men have difficulty embracing natural kinky or coily textured-hair due to the self-hatred taught to African Americans…in this country during and after slavery, and the influence of Westernized views that correlates with social acceptance of what’s considered beautiful?

Devon: I really do not think men find it difficult if a woman wears her hair naturally. Men are more mesmerized with a woman body than her hairstyle.

Q: Finally, what advice or affirmation would you give a young girl or female teen to help boost her level of self-esteem about loving her natural hair texture and image?

Devon: It would be difficult to give advice to a teen about wearing her hair natural because she is influenced by her peers who wears a weave. It takes courage for a young lady to wear her hair naturally. My daughter started at the age of 15 because her hair was breaking from perming it, so she decided to let it grow naturally. Three years later she still embraces the natural look.

Andre's Response: 

Q: Hey Mr. Andre (aka Dre'). I wanted to know if you have family and/or friends within your circle/community who are natural beauties?

Dre':  I have many in my family, work, church and community who are natural beauties and I appreciate their natural flow and the fact that they are comfortable in their own skin and hair.

Q: Overall, are you more attracted to natural beauty or women who wear little to heavy make-up, and a lot of accessories? Elaborate?

Dre': I am more attracted to all that is natural from her nails, to hair, naturally treated skin from oils, spices, and minerals. I don’t do the heavy make-up, long weave, false eye lashes, nor over revealing clothes – to me it’s a cry for attention and will attract what it’s intended too. But be natural being you.

Q: Tell me, in regards to natural hair styled women, do you prefer natural textured-hair women or women who frequently/always wear their hair chemically-treated (relaxed/permanents) and covered with protective styles as weaves or wigs.

Dre': Seeing more and more sisters shifting into the natural flow is rather exciting to me because they have to basically start over. So more of their feminine qualities are released to cover the absence of hair and when the hair catches up, they are ready to go. Natural not chemically treated preferred. 

Q: Would you be supportive if your woman/wife/sister/daughter/mother decided to go natural, and how?

Dre':  I would be supportive as I have already been of my baby girl. I encourage her in compliments and in reminding her of how lovely she is and that’s she’s something on the planet that no one else can say, My Baby Girl!!!

Q: What Do You like About Being Natural Beauty?

Dre':  It’s Natural – Organic – Self – it’s not rehearsed, made up, or manufactured…

Q: What would turn you off about natural beauty or natural textured hair?

Dre'': If It’s NOT CLEAN!!!!!!

Q: Do you feel that a woman who wears her hair natural looks better with make-up? Elaborate.  

Dre': Some! As long as it’s soft and blends, and well as flows naturally. Not caked on!!!

Q: How would you react if when the next time you saw your wife/woman, her is natural but the last time you were with her, her hair was either relaxed or always straight, weaved or covered with a wig?

Dre':  N/A – when I find my wife/woman she will be natural out the gate and I would not have to worry about weaves, wigs, nor relaxed!

Q: If you had to choose your favorite natural hair style for a woman, what would it be?

Dre':  Twist, Locks, Kinki Or Fro  - in that order.

Q: Do you think some men have difficulty embracing natural kinky or coily textured-hair due to the self-hatred taught to African Americans…in this country during and after slavery, and the influence of Westernized views that correlates with social acceptance of what’s considered beautiful?

Dre':  I do think that some men have this issue because of the commercial like that we’ve been fed through media and as a form of self-hate as we don’t embrace our blackness and our natural self. But it’s shifting daily as the issue is brought to the forefront.

Q: Finally, what advice or affirmation would you give a young girl or female teen to help boost her level of self-esteem about loving her natural hair texture and image?

Dre': I just did it today in my Character Education Class – having to remind a young sister of her beauty in skin and hair – her smile came forth and her esteem lifted as she heard it from a man, father, mentor and or teacher that she respected and knew that it was to build her up in love.

Nurtured Naturally: Thank you Dre'. I knew you were also a good candidate for this project. Good insight Preacher!

Isaac's Response: 

Q: Hey Mr. Isaac I wanted to know if you have family and/or friends within your circle/community who are natural beauties?

Participant:  Yes I do.

Q: Overall, are you more attracted to natural beauty or women who wear little to heavy make-up, and a lot of accessories? Elaborate?

Isaac: I am more attracted to natural beauty & someone who wears very little make-up & little accessories. I believe a woman doesn’t need a lot of anything to make her look beautiful.

Q: Tell me, in regards to natural hair styled women, do you prefer natural textured-hair women or women who frequently/always wear their hair chemically-treated (relaxed/permanents) and covered with protective styles as weaves or wigs.

Isaac: I think it depends on the woman & what she prefers. As long as she is happy, I am happy.

Q: Would you be supportive if your woman/wife/sister/daughter/mother decided to go natural, and how?

Isaac:   I would be very supportive & help her find a style that we both like.

Q: What Do You like About Being Natural Beauty?

Isaac: Natural Beauty does not require a lot of make-up, & I prefer a woman that does not wear a lot of make-up.

Q: What would turn you off about natural beauty or natural textured hair?

Isaac: I would not be turned off by either.

Q: Do you feel that a woman who wears her hair natural looks better with make-up? Elaborate.

Isaac: It depends on the woman. Some woman prefer to wear make-up & some do not. I like it either way.

Q: How would you react if when the next time you saw your wife/woman, her is natural but the last time you were with her, her hair was either relaxed or always straight, weaved or covered with a wig?

Isaac:  I would first have to take in the change & understand that she is still the same woman so I would not react negatively. I would still like it either way.

Q: If you had to choose your favorite natural hair style for a woman, what would it be?

Isaac:  It really depends on the woman, but I would choose natural curls.

Q: Do you think some men have difficulty embracing natural kinky or coily textured-hair due to the self-hatred taught to African Americans…in this country during and after slavery, and the influence of Westernized views that correlates with social acceptance of what’s considered beautiful?

Isaac:  Yes I do. Most men want their woman to look like what society has conditioned them to think is acceptable.

Q: Finally, what advice or affirmation would you give a young girl or female teen to help boost her level of self-esteem about loving her natural hair texture and image?

Isaac: I would encourage her to first love herself & don’t let anyone tell her that she is not beautiful.

Thank you Isaac for your honesty and time. I appreciate your participation. 
_______________________________________________________________________________

She Did That! Natural Hair Cut Short! Ready On the Set!

What a natural hair movement! Home girl, Actress, Miss Elegant, Legendary and Pioneer Cicely Tyson made a bold step during her first live television role. She believed in totally and accurately immersing herself in films where she depicted African Americans and African women by looking the part. For one television show (during the years 50's or 60's?), she decided to go to a barber shop in Harlem (without alerting anyone) to get her natural hair cut very short and close to the scalp as possible. Especially because she was playing an African character, and knew that African women in Africa were not wearing wigs and straight hair. In response, Cicely received letters from many hair stylist who were upset because their clients wanted to cut their hair similar to Cicely's hair...Hey CHECK OUT HER STORY IN HER OWN WORDS in the video: 

Let This Inspire You to Birth Your Dream/Vision

A new line of organic and natural skin and hair products formulated by a divorced single mom who formerly resided in Queens, New York but now lives in Richmond VA, was presented in the health-food/products market.

After the economic crisis had manifested between 2010 and 2012, many jobs were lost, some corporations and organizations lost funding and money, and a lot of small and larger businesses suffered lost and had to shut down. So what are people doing to keep their head above the water? Despite the rise in crime, increase in poverty, and a sense of hopelessness as a result of the financial crisis in the US, there were some good stories that came out of this storm. Many people had become more innovative, creative and bold in their attempts to make it through. These innovators, visionaries and dreamer’s ideas were birthed in the midst of hardships. Maybe it’s because of the free time they finally had being unemployed  or with insufficient income and/or their feelings of frustration that worked as a catalyst and actually pushed them to tap into their creative concepts, ideas, and stirred up their talent and gifts that were lying doormat. Sometimes we get stuck working at places we dislike and may have given up on our dreams because we let society dictate to us our goals that are common and “safe.”

One lady suffered a tremendous decrease in her already low income/salary, and lost another job, and had recently received her Master’s Degree in social work field, always had a passion to develop her own line of natural skin and hair products. The products are made with organic and natural ingredients-with beneficial properties for the total-body. On her label-brand, she acknowledges God’s sovereignty and provision; crediting His divine creation of all things made. Read more

Yarn & Silky Loc Extensions / Senegalese Twists

Because I get tons of calls for loc extensions, especially installing them with yarn fiber, I decided to create this video as a brief presentation of my Senegalese twists, Yarn Loc Extensions aka Yarn twists, Synthetic Loc extensions, and Silky locs. Included are the types of fiber used to create these protective styles.

Tips & Transitioning Interviews

Here, are some inspiring stories from women about their natural hair transitioning journeys along with their challenges, recommendations and hair regimens. Here, we can learn from each other. I want to form a community of encouragement, inspiration, connection and education. No competition, No bashing, No negative criticism, No fanaticism but only love, empathy, knowledge, your experiences, support and sister/brotherhood!

I interviewed several women and here are their stories with more to come...  Their Journeys Here