Natural of the Week




It is with great pleasure that I would like to introduce you to: 

Dietrich Cannon; 
Wife, Mother, and Make-up artist.



I first met Dietrich at the SC Natural Hair Gathering that was held in Cleveland Park, a few weeks ago.  On the day of her photo shoot, I had to wear my big FRO!!  Yall should have seen the people looking at us! or maybe her!  I was in the scope of things, does that count..

Read on


1.How long have you been natural?  

11 years 



2.Did you transition?  

I did  by a freak accident I guess you can say? 
True story-I had a perm since  I was in the 6th grade and around 15, I started coloring my hair. In my mid 20's I was going through this stage where I was coloring my hair a new color every month. I was truly addicted to color.  I know there are rules, as to how long you are supposed to wait before you color your hair after you have perm it and I was caught up in trying the next new color that I may miscalculated that time frame. A girlfriend had came over and dyed my hair Indigo Black, over this blotched red/bronze hair dye I messed up and honey she was washing my hair out in the sink and said oh my goodness..oh my goodness DD! I'm bent over (back hurting) in the kitchen sink w/one eye open and water dripping in the other saying WHAT IS IT! She sad Girl your hair is coming out and I said whatcha mean?  She handed me a big ole chunk of my hair and my stomach dropped to my knees. I quickly got from up under the running water and started touching my hair and was pulling my hair out like you do cotton candy.  This happened on a Sun and back then no hairdressers worked on Monday, so I started calling any and all beauticians, I had ever went to and the first one that said they could get me in Tues first thing I was there!  I end up getting a Toni Braxton cut (minus the sideburns) and wore that for about 6 months. I did not perm my hair again during this time. It was so fragile and thinner than usual that I did not want to put any chemicals on it.  I got about 2 sets of micros and then another set of braids down to but for about another 6-7 months. Once I took them out I had this virgin hair and figured I would wear it as is since my hair is naturally curly. I mainly wore my hair in a puff for 2 years (1999-2001) bc I didn't have a clue about twist out, flat twist, etc to style my hair. I have an Aunt in NJ that I visited one summer and her sis-in-law had dreads. I liked them, they were different.In 2001 I begin to lock my hair. I enjoyed them but they were about 3 inch above my but, heavy, HOT in the summer and I wanted something new so on July 13, 2006 I chopped them off to about 2 inches of hair and have been wearing my natural ever since.


3.Did you have any support going natural? or negative experiences when going natural?  

None at all . My family and friends know that I always do my own thing and don't follow trends. 


4.What is your regimen?
  
Go to style:   Mainly 2strand/twist out 
shampoo: Talijah Waad Black Earth Shampoo 
deep condition:  Herbal Essence Totally Twisted or Panteen Naturals 
Oil:  Talijah Waad 






5.What is your nightly routine?  

I place my hair in a loose pony tail and tie a satin scarf over it 

6. What is the best thing about being natural?
The versatility.  You can do so much with it especially now that you have networking for naturals and more products to use made for natural hair. 

7.What advice do you have for an aspiring natural/transitioner?  

GO FOR IT! Just chop it and don't try and "grow" your perm out that way you can experience the short natural hair and just be amazed at how your hair grows and the styles you can do at each growing stage. 




Let's talk  make-up...

How long have you been studying to be a make-up artist?  

9 months but I been wearing make up since I was 11!  I am currently studying skin care as well. Please wear sunscreen black people!




When will your training be complete?

Aug 3rd,2010! 


What are you plans upon graduating? 

I will do free lance make up and work part time in a reputable day spa. My own day spa will be opening in about 3-5 years. Metyme Day Spa!  Look out for me!

What is the best advice that you can offer to a person who is not keen with applying make-up? 

Call me! ... and get educated. Go to a make up counter in the mall and do invest in some good foundation for you skin type and have someone match it to your skin tone.  You may  need liquid, creme to powder or powder foundation but the average women doesn't know that and you can't go off what your girlfriend is wearing as her make up.

Is there anything that you would like to add, whether it is hair or make-up? 
 Yes. Don't use any body soap to wash your face!  Wash, tone , protect and moisturizer your face each day!! This is very important for those who do wear make up. You have to set the foundation for the  make up to go on smoothly and not look all cakey and dry. You should always put on a moisturizer or primer before you apply your foundation.  I recommend a moisturizer d with SPF in it already which it wear the "protect" comes in to place and most of them do have it. Keep your eyebrows arched, wear mascara ,nude gloss and bronzer for a quick everyday summer look if you don't wear anything else.

You need to wear sun screen so you can be protected from the harmful UV rays in the sun.  Don't think bc you have a year round tan that you can't get skin cancer bc we can.  The darker your skin is the lower the # needs to be.  If you are very light skinned you may need a SPF45 and if you are on the darker side use a 15. If you fall in between use a 30.

Very important to use conditioner. I drench my hair with conditioner,  rinse with the coldest water I can stand and never rinse all of it out.  Make sure you have a detangler comb and it will glide right through. I think any hair stores sells them for about $1. I'm not talking about just a comb with a wide teeth, that will bend when you comb your hair,  no this is a "detangler" comb. Mine is brown and huge.  I love it!

Last but not least-treat yourself and get a Facial at least every 6-8 weeks. We now offer them in clinics at Greenville Tech Campus (Pleasantburg location) on Tues and Thurs from 6-8:15 pm for $20 for an hour until 7/22.  We will soon be offering body scrubs, back facials, etc as well.  We also do waxing too!  Call and make an appt at 864-250-8975.

We took alot of pictures on this day.  I would really like to thank Dietrich for the opportunity.

Enjoy More Photos of Dietrich:



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Introducing Adam's Eve:

Wife, Mother, Sister, Daughter, Friend, &
 Business Partner



I have met this lady and she has such a warm , wonderful spirit. Enjoy her story


1..How long have you been natural?


I've been totally natural for less than 1 week, and I'm loving every minute of it :)


2.Did you transition? If so how long and why? 


Yes, I transitioned for approximately 7 months.  


My "unconscious" transition began September 2009 after returning from vacation in Miami & Key West, FL.  I decided after that last touch up that I wasn't going to put another chemical in my hair because no one could tell me why my hair was thinning.  I'd always had thick, big hair, but over the years my hair was thinning, but the stylist would always tell me my hair was healthy and treat it with a Mizani deep conditioner.  I knew it was healthy, but since I knew my hair, and thinning had never been a problem, I knew it was time for me to take matters into my own hands or risk being bald.  


Baldness wasn't an option for me so I began researching the causes of thinning and started treating my hair with Nioxin products to combat the problem that was causing my thinning.  It worked and I saw less hair on the floor!  That's when I knew I was on to something and could care for my hair myself with positive results. 


My hair was flourishing and I wanted it to stay that way so I decided that I would not put another chemical in my hair to straighten or color it since those were the only things that I'd done to harm my hair over the last 27+ years.


I knew that I was going to have to BC, but I wasn't ready to let go of my BSL hair.  So, on May 14, 2010, I went to my stylist to get long layers.  It was a disastrous cut and I fell out of love with my hair.  Over the next 2 weeks I woke up disgusted and unhappy with my hair.  So, on the morning of Saturday, May 29, 2010, I decided to cut it all off!


3.Did you go to a professional or did you Big Chop yourself? 


I didn't have the nerve to cut my hair myself and I wanted to make sure the cut was neat.  So, I went to Latrona Sims of Kut N Up in Spartanburg, SC, to allow her the honor of doing my BC.  However, before I let her put her shears in my head I asked her a ton of questions to make sure that she understood & embraced natural hair.  I also made sure to let her know that I knew how much new growth I had and what my expectations were after the cut as far as my length.  Basically, I drilled her to make sure I wasn't going to walk away with a shaved head and lose my gorgeous new growth.  After my last cut I was weary of anyone cutting my hair so I had to make my needs and requirements crystal clear.


We videotaped the BC and took some great before & after photos.  She did an excellent job!


4.What or Who influenced you to go natural?


My decision to go natural was an effort to save my hair.  Second, I wanted the freedom of not having to worry about my hair getting wet in the rain or if I wanted to go swimming.  Third, I wanted to see if my hair would perform like my daughters' hair.  Fourth, I wanted to see my natural hair again.


I remember hating my big, wavy hair as a child.  No one knew what to do with it, and as I grew older I didn't either.  My mom would always put my hair in one or two ponytails or keep in braided so I never got a chance to really play in my hair to learn to embrace it.  As I grew older I wanted to be like everyone else with cute styles so I talked my Mom into allowing me to get it pressed.  After I had my daughter in 1983 I promptly got a perm and never looked back.






5. Did your Big Chop affect your self-esteem?


WOW did it ever!  If I had know the BC would make me feel sexier than I've felt in my entire life I would have done it a long time ago!


I've always been confident in my appearance, but the BC stepped up my confidence in a major way.  For example, I would have never gone out of the house with my hair in bantu knots prior to transitioning to natural.  It's not that I didn't think the style was banging, but because I thought people would look at me like a fool.  


Guess what?  The first style that I rocked in public were bantu knots!!!  My husband couldn't believe I left the house with my hair in the bantu knots.  He didn't care for them, but I LOVED THEM.  In fact, people couldn't stop staring at my hair.  One girl at McDonald's even forgot to take my money because she couldn't stop staring at my hair LOL!  


Now that I've BCd I noticed that my head is held higher.  My walk says, "I'm the bomb & I know it".  My attitude has always been like a line in Whitney Houston's song, My Name Ain't Susan, "You ain't got nothing on me", but now I truly feel it!  


I'm not conceited, just so much more confident in my beauty so that it now matches my inner beauty.  You can't beat that!  The BC was the most liberating event of my life!


6.Did you have any support going natural? or negative experiences when going natural?


My support has been from my husband and children as well as a few friends & family members.  However, my husband did not want me to do the BC.  He prefers long hair so he wasn't feeling the idea of me not having my BSL hair.  


Overall, I can't say that I had any negative experience other than the disastrous haircut that actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise.  For the most part, people know that I'm going to do what I want so there really wasn't any debate or discussion about my going natural or deciding to BC.


7.What is your regimen?  


Marci, that's a loaded question.  Since I've only be a natural for less than a week I'm still tweaking things to determine what's working and what isn't and when to do what.  I have given the regime some thought however, and this is what I'm contemplating doing going forward:


1. Poo weekly on Saturday evening w/ either Miss Jessie's Sudsy Shampoo or Kinky Curly Come Clean (KCCC)
2. DC weekly w/ LeKair Cholestrol Plus
3. Co-wash at least 2x week w/ AOHSR
4. Leave-in Conditioner = Suave or other light weight conditioner
5. Spritz hair 2x day w/ mixture of aloe vera juice & EOs (rosemary, clary sage, lavender, tea tree oil, & ylang ylang mixture)
6. Moisturize hair w/ shea butter mixture (shea butter, jojoba oil, EVOO, honey, & EOs) when wearing my hair out.
7. Massage & oil scalp w/ EOs 2x week to promote growth
8.  Protein Treatment Monthly w/ mayo, eggs, & honey


I may add the following to my routine on a monthly basis:


1. Detox hair w/ Bentonite Clay
2. Henna application (as needed)


What products are you using:


1. Carol's Daughter Hair Milk - Leave-In Conditioner on twists, bantu knots, etc.
2. Darcy's Botanicals Transitioning Cream - Leave-In Conditioner on twists, bantu knots, etc.
3. Carol's Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey - Great for shine, moisture, & frizz control.
4. Ecostyler Olive Oil Gel
5.  Essential Oils, i.e, rosemary, lavender, clary sage, ylang ylang, & tea tree oil
6.  Homemade whipped shea butter blend w/ jojoba oil, olive oil, aloe vera jel & EOs


8.What is your nightly routine? 


Currently I'm spritzing my hair with my aloe vera juice & essential oils mixture and applying my homemade shea butter blend to keep my hair moisturized.


I always, always sleep in my satin bonnet as well.


For those nights when I'm wearing my hair loose I'm using the baggy method to seal in moisture.


9.What is your go to style?  What style would you like to try? and why?  what is preventing you from trying this style?


I don't have a go to style yet, but I do like my hair in the wash n' go TWA because it accentuates my beautiful curl pattern.  Now all I have to do is figure out how to prevent the crunchiness and make it cottony soft!  


I'd love to wear my hair in a long twist chignon because it's classy yet casual.  However, I'm going to have to get some length before I'll be able to try this style out!


10. What is the best thing about being natural?


There are so many things that I love about being natural, and the first thing that comes to mind is the ability to walk in the rain without fear of messing my hair up!  I did that yesterday and it was so much fun.


Second, I'm not paying someone to play at caring for my hair.  I'm actually caring for my hair and getting positive results without shelling out $30-50 every two weeks.


Third, I'm not held hostage in someone's salon listening to pointless gossip and the like.


Fourth, I can try so many different styles on my hair that I wasn't able to pull off with relaxed hair.


Fifth, I don't have to worry about someone putting in the wrong relaxer and burning my scalp, my hair, or both.


11.What advice do you have for an aspiring natural/transitioner?


First, don't wait to do your BC!  It's a major step, but it's worth it and so liberating!  I know it's scary going from having lengthy hair to having short hair, but it's just hair...with the care and love you give to your natural hair you'll have long hair in no time!


Second, learn as much as you can about natural hair.  Participate in the forums, read books like Curly Like Me by Teri LaFlesh & Grow It by Chicoro.  Visit YouTube and look at the wonderful videos of other sisterfriends who are transitioning and/or have already BCd to learn how to handle your hair.


Third, EMBRACE YOUR GOD GIVEN BEAUTY!


Fourth, listen to your heart and not what everyone else has to say.  Some mean well, but at the end of the day you need to be happy with you.


Here's an additional photo of Adam's Eve:


This one she is a permie!








Meet Lynnieluve
Wife, Mother, and Physical Fitness Queen!


I met this lady over a year ago on Curlynikki.com
She is such a beautiful spirit, always there to extend her helping hand. Lynnie has the most beautuful styles.  I tried to copy one with NO LUCK at all!!  Enjoy the read!


1.How long have you been natural? As of June 9, 2010, I have been natural 10 months. 2.Did you transition? If so, how long and why? Yes, I transitioned 4 months.  I wanted to transition just long enough to about an 2 inches of hair.

Also, what was your transitioning process?
 
I washed my hair once a week.  I wore curly styles most of my transition...roller sets, straw sets, bantu knot outs, twist and curls.
 

3.Did you have any support going natural? or negative experiences when going natural?  The only person's support I was concerned about was my Hubby.  When I told him I wanted to go natural, he told me to do what makes me happy.  When I told my mom I was going natural, her exact words were, "Your hair is going to be nappy."  I told her that was what I wanted. LOL!!  I am happy to report she is now natural too.  She transitioned 5 months and big chopped Easter weekend.   I have not had any negative experiences since going natural.
 

3B.In the words of Michael Baisden...What did your huzz-bun think?
My hubby supported me from the beginning. 


4.What is your regimen?
I recently finished a six week twist challenge and found out Roxie (my hair's name) loves to be shampooed every week.  So this regimen is fairly new. 

Shampoo once a week
Co wash if I feel I need a mid week wash
Deep condition once a week (rotating between moisturizing treatment and protein treatment every other week)


5.What is your nightly routine?
I wear my scarf and/or bonnet every night.  Because I wear two strand twist about 90-95% of the time, I only have to moisturize once or twice during the week.  I also try to apply oil or shea butter to my ends twice a week.

6.What is your go to style?
Two strand twist/twist outs
 


7. What is the best thing about being natural? 
The best thing about being natural is the versatility.  I can start out with two strand twist on Monday, twist out fro on Tuesday, add two strand flat twist to one side on Wednesday, pin back both sides for a twist out fro hawk on Thursday and turn it into a twist out puff on Friday.  I wouldn't do that but I could if I wanted too. 
LOL!! 
 


8.What advice do you have for an aspiring natural/transitioner? 
The best advice I got was to do my research.  I always pass this advice along to others.  I would also suggest getting to know your hair before you big chop.  Learn how to do some of the styles you would like to wear once you become 100% natural.  So many times I hear of ladies transitioning with kinky twist, micro braids, sew ins, etc their entire transition and when they big chop, they dont have a clue what to do with their natural hair. 

The last thing, which can be so hard, is not to purchase every product you hear/read about.  I made this mistake while transitioning.  I went out and purchased almost $100 worth of products
.  I didn't use most of them until I was fully natural and they didn't work for my hair.   Purchase the basics (shampoo, conditioner, styler), use it for a month, if it doesn't work, then move on to the next product

Let's talk life...

I notice you are into physical fitness.


How do you find the time to work out? 
Being a stay at home mom, finding a time to workout was hard for me.  Hubby's schedule is so unpredictable...he would get home at 5pm some days and 10pm on other days. 

First I started trying to workout after my son went to bed, but at that time I was ready to go to bed myself (LOL!).  Once the scale hit 172 pounds and my size 10 pants were getting too tight, I decided I had to do something different. The only time for me to go to the gym is 5 am.  That's before my son wakes up and Hubby is home with him. 


Please share the work out routine
I currently workout 4 days a week (still trying to make it 5 days a week)....45mins to an hour of cardio and light weight training.  My fitness journey started at the same time as my natural hair journey.  I have been working out consistently a little over a year now.  I decided this couldn't be another "Get Sexy for Summer" weight loss.  It had to be a lifestyle change.    

What recommendations do you have for someone starting a physically fit lifestyle. Based on your PERSONAL experience.
I know how hard it is to start working out and keep working out.  We go consistently for about 2 weeks and then we stop again.  When I started this time, I decided I would take baby steps and I would not deny myself the foods I love.  I started out working out 3 days a week for 30 minutes.  I increased my water intake.  I cut down on my portion sizes. Instead of french fries, I get a salad or fruit.  I cut back on red meats and pork.  Instead of purchasing ground beef, we now eat ground turkey.  Instead of white bread, get wheat bread.  I cut back on fried foods.  I started eating 5 meals a day...breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner.  The foods I love, I eat them in moderation.  The 100 calorie snacks were a lifesaver for me because I love junk food. LOL!!
My advice would be to take baby steps.  Implement realistic things for yourself.  You can't eat tuna, salads and drink water only for the rest of your life.  LOL!!  Plan your meals.  When you don't plan your meals for the day, it's hard to make healthy decisions, especially when you are hungry.  Now with taking baby steps, you can't expect "Biggest Loser" results.  STAY OFF OF THE SCALE!! It is NOT your friend.  LOL!!  It's best to assess your weight loss with the way your clothes fit.  My original goal was to loose 20 pounds (pre baby weight).  I got down to 152 pounds but now my weight hovers around 154-156 pounds....but I am smaller now (clothing wise) then I was before I had my son.  Before I got pregnant, I was in a size 10.  I am now a size 8.  So don't totally rely on the scale.

Lastly, it's good to have a workout buddy but in the end, every thing falls on you.  I tried the buddy system and didn't work for me.  If my buddy didn't work out, I didn't either.  Learn to be self-motivated.  Once you start working out about a month straight, it starts to get addictive...which is a good thing.

Is there anything special that you do to your hair before a work out? After a work out?  
I work out with my hair in two strand twist.  I've worked out with my hair "out" a few times and had a mess on my hands afterwards.  I only wash my hair once a week but I have a aloe spritz (water, organic aloe vera gel, tea tree, peppermint, and rosemary oil) I apply to my scalp to keep it "fresh.

Here are some additional photos of Lynnieluve!

This one is my personal fave!
Pin-up Twist


Corrine Bailey Rae Inspired Twist out 
Another one of my faves


Braidout

Coils 



Twists


Hair HeadBand
The one I tried to copy with no luck!


Natural of the Week..Gathia


Child of the Most High, Military Wife, Mother, Daughter, Sister, Friend, Student and a Natural Woman




Hair:
1.How long have you been natural? 6 months and growing . . . .
2.Did you transition? No  

Also, what was your transitioning process?
My story is a little different than the stories of other naturals.  For the past 16 years, I've worn my hair cut very short and permed (weekly).  With my hair at a short length, the perm made my hair curly. So going natural was quite an easy process for me.  I continued to cut my hair (weekly) but without perming.  Last perm was November-2009, last cut was December-2009
3.Did you have any support going natural? Yes! my family, friends, and co-workers. The idea was a shock because my daughter and most of my friends had only seen my very short hair style. or negative experiences when going natural? None





3B.What was your husband's reaction? He hasn't seen it in person yet only via pictures.  He's currently in Iraq.  He will be home in August for R&R! Yay ME!! He says that he loves the pics and can't wait to see it in person. August will be month 8 for my hair. I'm thinking about wearing a twist out to pick him up from the airport.



4.What is your regimine? I wash with castille soap and condition with keratin conditioner.  I use a shea butter recipe that my hair loves (melt all ingredients on stovetop). Recipe: unrefined shea butter, 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 tsp. jojoba oil, 6-8 drops vitamin E, 1/2 tsp. tea tree oil, 2 tbsp aloe vera gel, tbsp castor oil,  and 2 tbsp. coconut oil.


5.What is your nightly routine? 

I wear a satin cap to sleep.


6.What is your go to style? the fro with a headband.  There's not much I can do right now, but I'm waiting patiently for my dream hair to come . . . a MASSIVE fro.  I'm looking forward to being able to rock a twist out, finger curls, and other beautiful styles.  Although I have big hair dreams, I am totally loving my little fro. She's growing so well.
7. What is the best thing about being natural? The best thing about being natural is that it's my hair.  It's what God blessed me with. I'm so proud of my hair texture, curl pattern, and it's thickness.   



Work related questions.

1.Were you concerned about what your co-workers would think? No
2.How did your co- workers respond to your hair? My co-workers were paying very close attention to the growth.  My positive attitude and excitement for my hair got them excited as well. During your transition?  After your BC?


You work in an elementary school. With that said, I know children will speak honestly and straight from the heart.
3.What did the children say? I work with kindergarten students and the little boys noticed the growth faster than the girls.  Two male students were growing fro's as well.  The little girls got the most excited when I started wearing headbands.  One student said, "Mrs. Lewis I love your hair! It's bigger". She had her hands out on both sides of her head! LOL
4. What was your reaction? I laughed and told her I wanted it even BIGGER, putting my hands even further out on the sides of my head.

5.As your hair continues to grow, will you wear it out more at work or utilize more protective styling methods? Why? I will definately wear it out always because I love it. I will wear defferent styles, but they will all be done with my own hair.

6.What advice do you have for an aspiring natural/transitioner? Research! Research! Research! It's good to have direction and good resources before getting started.  There are several different ways to transition.  Some women are brave enough to start off as short as a boy cut, others are not.  My advice is to look at pictures, read other transition stories, become familiar with YouTube natural hair tutorials, and get to know your hair.  Even with youtube, I watched tutorials of women whose hair texture was closest to mine.  Products that work for one may not work well for all. The natural hair journey is trial and error, but once you find out what your hair likes . . . .it's smooth sailing

Enjoy more photos of Gathia's Journey!






Meet Gail
Natural of the Week
Elder, Wife, Sister, Aunt, Friend, and a Mentor to Young People.



Hair:


1.How long have you been natural? This Friday it will be 1 month. 6-25-10. Yayyy Me!!!

2.Did you transition? If so how long and why? I transitioned from a relaxer for two months. I always wore my hair short with the spiky look, so in the midst of the transitioning period, I just wore it like that, straight on the top and natural looking in the back. Due to the fact my hair was tapered real low in the back all the time, it gave me the opportunity to wear it kinky/wavy.


3.Did you have any support going natural? My husband was and still is my biggest fan. I have one person, Lori Bolden, who I have been following her natural journey for quite some time now and she has been my inspiration as well as a big support person.

Negative experiences when going natural? No

4.What is your regimen?  Since I am fairly new to being natural, I am trying to find what works for me, right now I use a hydrated shampoo and use Tresemme conditioner for co-washes. Deep condition every other week and To moisturize the hair, I use Loboshea, which is an all natural product made from various oils, I also use crème of nature leave in conditioner and eco styling gel for defined curls.


5.What is your nightly routine?  I have a satin pillow case when I don’t want to wear anything on my head. I also use a satin cap.

6.What is your go to style? My style is wash and go since I am sporting a TWA.

7. What is the best thing about being natural? The best thing about being natural is: It is inexpensive. (Real talk). And the other best thing about being natural is: It helps me to embrace the fact that I have beautiful hair no matter what texture it is.

Life


How did your coworkers respond to your Big Chop? Everyone liked it. So they say!!! LOL. But it didn’t matter to me, because I was fine with it and it made me happy, so anything else wasn’t a concern of mine. 


Recently, I came into contact with a straightened natural who told me that she wears her hair straight because natural hair is not professional. What is your opinion of that statement? I feel if a person who wears their hair natural, should be able to be versatile in the work place. For instance, in the workplace, one may wear a flower to enhance an outfit or to make that look professional. I also feel whether a person wears their hair straightened or natural, you are who you are. You are not who you are because of what texture of hair you have, but because you are who you are because God has made you fearfully and wonderfully!!!


As your hair grows, Do you think there will be styles that are not appropriate for work? Yes, I will take into consideration of wearing my hair to compliment the environment of the work place. I work for The Workforce Commission and we always have visitors coming into the office from the higher level, such as the U.S. Secretary of Labor, so therefore, I will always compliment the work environment.  


What was your co-workers' reaction to your various styles? They always say, oh I like the flower to compliment that new look.  LOL!!!! If I do not wear a flower, some would pull me on the side and say, I really love how you decided to wear your hair and embrace being natural, free and confident.


What advice do you have for an aspiring natural/transitioner? I would advise a natural/transitioner to view others’ journey as being a natural by looking at Youtube. Read a lot, ask questions if you are not sure about something and take one day at a time. Learn your hair, because it will teach you a lot. Actually, sometimes my hair speaks to me and it tells me “I don’t like that”!!! LOL

Listen, Rome was not built in a day and your hair has stages it will go through, but just be patient with it and at the end of the day you can say, I have made it through another day of being a natural beauty.  ; )

 Gail before going Natural



Meet ChrsLvsBks
Wife, Mother, Friend and My Hair Idol




1.How long have you been natural?

The last time I relaxed my hair, from what I recall, was more than 10 years ago.  I base this on the ages of my sons in a picture taken the summer of 2000.



2.Did you transtion? If so how long and why? 

I did not transition. I knew nothing about transitioning. I just decided one day to no longer relax my hair.  It was not until August 2009 that I found YouTube and a host of great resources on how to care for my curly hair.

3.Did you have any support going natural? or negative experiences when going natural?

No, I had no support. I did not hear anything negative. This could be because I would wear my hair in ponytails and straightened for many years.

4.What is your regimen?

This is a complex question for me. Why? I always change things up. The main things I do are as follows.  Cleanse one to two times a week. Moisturize daily sometimes two to three times a day. Clarify before using a new product or before applying henna. Deep condition weekly. Do a protein treatment as needed (typically once a week).

I always, always seal in my moisture. I use either oils or butter-based products.

  
5.What is your nightly routine? 

Depending on my style, I put on a silk scarf then bonnet and sleep on a satin pillowcase. This is probably OCD since my bonnet and scarf do not come off while I sleep, LOL.  I do pineapple if I am trying to preserve my WnG or other “out” style.



6.What is your go to style?

Hmmmm, I don’t have one. I change up my styles often. There is no one style I depend on or seen wearing more often than not.


7. What is the best thing about being natural?

OMGoodness, the ability to be a chameleon. My hair is my accessory. I can take a funky look and transform it into a more conservative look in a few moments. I love the water so getting my hair wet is fun to me.

Working/working out?

What or who inspired you to start a workout routine?

Diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer are prevalent on my maternal side. While diabetes has ravished many on my paternal side. Exercising and eating properly are things I can do to help lessen my risk of acquiring one of these diseases.

What does your routine consist of?

I workout Monday through Friday burning 3,000 calories a week.

Monday and Wednesday  - 10 minutes on cardio before full body strength training on machines during my lunch hour; 45 minutes of spinning then 15 minutes of stretching (instructor led)

Tuesday and Thursday – 30 minute of cardio on the treadmill (15% incline at 2.7 mph) during my lunch hour

Thursday – 35 minutes of cardio on elliptical; 15 minutes of ab work and one hour Zumba class (both instructor led)

Friday - 10 minutes on cardio before full body strength training on machines during my lunch hour

What goal are your trying to achieve (with working out)?

I plan to get down to a healthy weight. I started out needing to lose 78 pounds. I have lost 25 pounds as of June 28—woo hoo!

On those days when you dont feel like working out, What do you do to get motivated?

I think about how I felt after a good workout. Remembering why I workout—get and remain healthy—also helps.

What do you do to your hair to prepare for a workout?

I wear a scarf and will sometimes moisturize and seal before putting it on. If my hair is braided or twisted, I put on a wave cap before putting on the scarf to keep hair flat to my head.

What is your routine after a workout?

After working out, I take off my scarf and shake if wearing a WnG or other out style. Otherwise, I just take off the headwraps and go back to work—simple as that :o).

Recently, I cam into contact with a straightened natural told me that she wears her hair straight because 
natural hair is not professional.
What is your opinion of that statement?

Everyone is entitled to their opinion. As long as a person’s hair is cleansed and well kempt it is professional, IMO.


Do you notice that you sytle your hair differently for work?  (please submit a work style)

Yes and no, I love sporting a frohawk at times. I will not wear it to work. Any other style is fair game.  Styles I have worn to work include twists, braids, twist outs, braid outs, buns and ponytails.

What is your co-workers reaction to your various styles?  Do you let that affect you?

I work for a engineering consulting firm.  My supervisors and other workers are mostly white males. They will say things like you have a new ‘do but nothing negative.

Are there any natural styles that you feel are professional?

All of them as long as they are neat and not too out there if you work in a professional office. If my hair was shorter, I would even rock a frohawk.



What advice do you have for an aspiring natural/transitioner?

Learn your hair. Your hair will not react to products like someone else’s even if their hair looks like yours.

Do your own research.  There is nothing like finding out information for yourself. Do not depend on others for the answers. 

Check out livecurlylivefree.com and the Curl Whisperer posts on CurlyNikki.com.  Tiffany Anderson’s advice was my saving grace. She breaks down the properties of hair like no other person I have come across and believe me I have researched A LOT.

Is there anything that you would like to add?

Being natural and dating, did not pose any problems for me. I always let the men I dated know I did not relax my hair.  I actually met a man when my hair was in a ponytail and air dried, can we say huge and out of control. This is what actually attracted him to me, go figure.  Another guy liked how I changed up my styles. You know men, they like variety so I guess it made him think he was with a different woman. 

I met my husband in 2006.  My hair was straightened. I told him I did not relax my hair. He said he had no problem with it.  We married in August 2009.  I had my hair blow-dried, straightened, braided in the front and a high bun with pincurls in the back.

Have fun with your hair. Try new styles and products (coming from a true PJ) ;oD!  Check out YouTube for style ideas.

My fotki (public.fotki.com/ChrsLvsBks) contains a lot of photos showing my journey including many different styles from the summer of 2009 to April 2010.






Meet Curls Galore & Nina







***sidnote***  I had the pleasure of naming Curls' Hair.  She was going with Simone and I thought of Nina Simone.  The name Nina means FIRE!  
I know you will agree with me, Curls Galore and NINA are on FIYAH!!!



1.How long have you been natural?
I've been completely natural for 13 months.  I did the big chop on June 13, 2009.


2.Did you transition? If so how long and why? 
I was a short term transitioner.  I transitioned for 3 months, because my last two attempts to go natural failed.  I would get frustrated with the two textures and then relax again.  The third time, I knew if I wanted to do this I had to take the plunge and cut all off.  So I did and I'm so glad I did.

3.Did you have any support going natural? or negative experiences when going natural?
I had more support from my natural friends than anyone.  I told my family and other friends of my decision, and I got a lot of side eyes and crazy looks.  Many tried to discourage me from cutting off my hair.  When I decided to do it for the 3rd time, I didn't tell anyone but two natural friends.  They were my accountability partners to see my decision through!  It was a shock to many when I cut my hair down to .5". I'm a high school teacher.  My kids almost had a heart attack when I went back to work with super short hair.  I got a lot of mixed reviews about it, but I was so comfortable with it, I couldn't care less what anyone said or thought.  Now, it seems like I started somewhat of trend at work.  Many black women are going natural or are now natural who otherwise would not have been.  It's great to see self acceptance of this magnitude.

  
What does your sweetie think? Sweetie, met me when I was 2 months post-BC.  He's been in love with my natural ever since.  He never wants me to relax it or weave it up (not that I would).  He can't get enough of it.

4.What is your regimen?  
Weekly or up to 2 week: 





  • Prepoo:  Baggie overnight with EVOO
  • Remove shed hairs with EVOO
  • Shampoo:  Giovanni Triple Tea Tree Treat Shampoo
  • Conditioner:  Giovanni Smooth As Silk (fave) or Desert Organics Green Apple & Ginger Conditioner (no sulfates/cones/parabens)
  • Buffer Method:  Apply condition before rinsing shampoo and detangle in sections -- twist each section into 3 large twists
  • Baggie for deep conditioning for 30-45 min, then rinse.  The timing varies.
  • Plop hair dry with a cotton t-shirt; I never use a towel to dry hair
  • Apply leave-in (Kimmaytube recipe ), jojoba oil or coconut shea moisturizer mix (Naptural85 recipe ), seal with shea butter mix.
  • Plat hair in two strand twists or braids
5.What is your nightly routine? 
Loose hair:  Plait my hair in large sections to maintain style (twist or braid); add satin bonnet and sleep on satin pillowcase.
Protective styled hair: Add satin bonnet/sleep on satin pillowcase


6.What is your go to style?
I love braidouts!  I love the "funky all over the place big hair" after day 2.


7. What is the best thing about being natural?
The best about being natural is just that; being natural.  I love the freedom, versatilty, beauty, and self-acceptance that comes with being natural.  It's a self tranformation inside out.  I love who I am infinitely more than I ever did.



8.What advice do you have for an aspiring natural/transitioner?
Be patient and enjoy the journey.  I have truly evolved in a matter of a year. I love the woman that I am becoming and I owe it all to first accepting myself as I am.  If you are a Fotki stalker, like me, You can see more of Nina and Curls...HERE







Meet Lenora the LOC STAR!!







I secretly want locs.  In the past, I have gone back and forth about it.  I like sisterlocs and find myself watching Youtube videos about how to style locs.  This interview with Lenora was such a good experience for me.  Be Inspired.....

Lenora can be found on YouTube...



How long have you been natural?
I've been natural since 1999. My bestfriend told me she was going natural and I was like "what does that mean?" sad i know. Anyway she came home from college and had a lil fro and I was like "ooohhh I like". It had never crossed my mind that wearing my hair natural was an option because I'd had a perm since I could remember.... So I just decided to chop all my hair off in 99'. I went back to a perm for about 8 or 9 months since that time but i kept missing my naps so I went back to them.

Did you have any support going natural?

Yes and no. I had support from my close girlfriends but my family was not trying to hear it. LOL But I didn't care I just did what I wanted to do anyway. Now some of those same family members are natural...umm hmmm..

What made you want to loc?

I've always liked locs. Everytime I saw pics of Lauryn Hill I would almost drool over her hair. Having had every natural hair style I could think of and going through the big chop several times I decided to give locs a try. I LOVE them!

What loc process did your loctician use?
I started and maintain my locs myself. I started my locs with two-strand-twists. I did my research to see the size of twists should be because I wanted medium/large size locs and just sat down one day and did it.

Maintenance of the locs...
I wash my locs every week or every other week. I've used various haircare lines but I find that some of the generic brands work just fine. Save your money ladies/gents! Currently I'm using Suave's clarifying shampoo and a regular moisturizing shampoo. 
I use Oyin's Honey-Hemp conditioner about once a month, and I also do Apple-Cider-Vinegar (ACV) rinses. ACV rinses are a great way to get rid of build-up. I keep a spray bottle mixed with water, Infusium, rosemary essential oil, tea tree oil, some vanilla oil for fragrance, vitamin-E oil, and spritz my hair/scalp with it daily. 
I've also tried different loc gels. Taliah Wajheed's Lock It Up! gel works really good, but I've started making my own. I mix aloe vera gel, jojoba oil, avocado oil, safflower oil, almond oil. I got a tip to add honey to the mix to get a better hold so I'm going to try that next time I retwist.

How often do you re-twist? 
I retwist my locs using the palm-rolling method once a month, maybe twice. I wanted my locs to be thicker and I don't like them super-neat so I don't retwist that often. The less stress on my roots the better. In the beginning I retwisted more often and interlocked the locs where my hair was softer/straighter to prevent the stray hairs from joining with other locs. But now that they are fairly mature once a month works good for me.

How do you keep your scalp clean?
Just my regular washes and ACV rinses. I don't put alot of products in my hair so I haven't had a problem with build-up or dandruff.
What is the best thing about being loc'd?
I made one year loc'd in May so I would definitely say the journey is the best part. I used to think it was so cliche' but I really have learned alot about myself during this process. I'm much more patient. Learning what's best for hair/locs (water, less chemicals, natural products) has also inspired me to live a healthier lifestyle. Plus locs are cool! 

What advice do you have for an aspiring LOC STAR!
It's hair..if you twist it up and decide you're not ready..then no worries just wait.
If you are gonna go for it though my best advice is to keep your hands out of your head. Don't over manipulate. Do your research to see which loc style is better for you (traditional, sister/brother/locs, braidlocs, etc) and just watch your hair go through the process. It's pretty cool. Know that there are bumps in the road, there is a "frizzy stage" that cannot be tamed, times when you'll feel like nothing's changing (but trust it is), and times you might miss your other hair (i still miss my fro sometimes). But just enjoy the process, all of it, and DOCUMENT your journey!






Natural of the Week


 Meet Nichole

A Mother, A Daughter, A Wife, 
A Sister and The Best Friend you could ever ask for!


1.How long have you been natural?
I will be celebrating my one year nappiversary on September 1st!


2.Did you transtion? If so how long and why?
I transitioned for TWO months! I wanted to go for at least six months but I couldnt deal with the two textures! Plus, I was ready to just do it!!



3.Did you have any support going natural? or negative experiences when going natural?

I had soo much support! Two of my biggest supporters were my mother (whos been natural my whole life) and my husband, who has questioned why I was constantly relaxing since we were dating. I had a few nay sayers, including my brother, but since its grown out (and I put him in his place)hes been cool!


4.What is your regimine?
I still struggle with creating a "concrete" regimine! Im still trying to find the right products yo use on my hair! I do wash (with a sulfate free shampoo) twice a month. I pre-poo, co-wash, deep condition, seal moisture with one of my MANY oil concoctions, and moisturize, moisturize, MOISTURIZE with shea butter!! My hair is soo dry Im afraid if I dont constantly moisturize my hair will revolt and fall out! I tell myself "hair is like a plant, it needs moisture (water) to grow", so I am religous about wetting my hair 3-4 times a week! I also henna and indigo every month or so, and do a bentonite clay treatment when I can remember!



5.What is your nightly routine?

Since my hair looks a HOT MESS if I dont retwist or rebraid EVERY night, redo whatever style I rocked that day. Im blessed to have ALL of my pillows in satin pillowcases so if I ever "misplace" on of my satin bonnets Im ok!


6.What is your go to style?
Either two-strand twistouts or braidouts. Im really loving the braidouts right now..my hair HATES wash-n-gos! :(


7. What is the best thing about being natural?
The fact that my hair doesnt look like ANYONE ELSES!! Its also WAY cheaper to care for and maintain (and yes, Im a PJ!) and lastly, I feel like for the first time in my life I can be myself! I can get my hair wet, let whomever touch it and best of all, not be locked into the weekly beautyshop oblivion!


8.What advice do you have for an aspiring natural/transitioner?
That the natural hair journey is full of peaks and valleys and you have to stick it out! Also, dont concern yourself too much with hair texture..God makes NO mistakes and your texture is your birthright so wear it PROUD and ignore all the haters!! :)





Natural of the Week

Meet Pam

Wife, Photgrapher, 
& Fellow Blogger





1.How long have you been natural?

Since September 2008

2.Did you transition? If so how long and why?

I started my transition in September 2008.  I tried keeping it braided so I would not have to do the BC.  That didn’t seem to work for me because as soon as I saw a few hairs popping out through the braids I was ready to take it down and have it re-braided.  This was just getting too costly and taking up a lot more of my time than I liked.  Besides that, I was having major breakage.  So one Saturday morning in February 2009, I called up the hairdresser, made an appointment for THAT day without any family members knowing.  When I got there she asked what I wanted done.  I told her to just cut it ALL off.  She thought I was joking and kept asking me if I were sure.  The picture below shows what I looked like when I got home.  J
 




3.Did you have any support going natural? or negative experiences when going natural?
If I had to name any one person as far as support, it would be my niece, Shauntae aka Shaun.  We would be up all times of the night experimenting with stuff in and on our hair.  She’s been natural for quite some time now (approx 5-7 years, I think).  She would be at her house, and I’d be at mine, but picture mail was flying back and forth all the time.   
I didn’t rely on others for the support because I knew going in, not everybody would “understand”, nor did they need to but it really is nice to have a support system.  A few years prior, I’d made a half-hearted attempt at going natural, but that only lasted a few months and I went back to MY comfort zone (my relaxer).  I cannot imagine myself with a relaxer ever again even though I had one for 25 years or more.  This time was a lot different.  I was bent, bound, and determined I was going to do it NO MATTER WHAT!!  
YouTube, Face Book, and other naturals I’ve met while on this journey have been my support system.  Honestly, I must say 97-98% of the experiences pertaining to natural hair I’ve encountered have been positive.
Shaun just asked me earlier this week if I think natural hair is just a fad.  My answer was no.  I think it’s here to stay.  For me, it’s been an awakening.  Hopefully that’s the affect it’s had on others and they will embrace their “COILY-ness”. 




4.What is your regimen?
Ok, this is my confession, what had happened was uhhhh….  I went through the product junkie phase, and I have plenty of evidence to show for it.  The basket on my bathroom sink as well as the cabinet underneath is proof.  (LOL!!)   BUT, I’ve recovered, somewhat, and it’s all pretty simple now.  Truly, simple is better!!  Every 7-10 days, I shampoo with “Say Yes To Carrots” Shampoo.  I detangle with either LeKair Cholesterol (only because of the product’s thickness) or with my normal conditioner (Mane and Tail).  I generally do leave conditioner in my hair.  It rally softens my hair tremendously and since it is so thick, the detangling process is nowhere near as time consuming as it once was.   
For the days in between shampoos, I usually co-wash or mist my hair.  My water bottle consists of with 95% water, BeeMine Hair Milk (a squirt or three), and Mane and Tail conditioner (a squirt or three).  This is my leave-in or mid-day refresher whenever it’s necessary, which is rare.   On occasion, I use the Bee Mine Luscious Crème for extra moisture.
So, after I’ve applied my products, I jump back in the shower, and do what I call the “puppy-dog” shake.  That’s when I swish my head back and forth like a little puppy dog that’s just gotten wet.  This actually lifts, and separates my curls/coils.  I keep my hands out of my hair while it is wet because if I don’t, it will frizz.  Naturals, I know that’s hard to do because we generally suffer from HIHS (Hands In Hair Syndrome).   
Now, I must add if there are any sponsors out there wanting a hair model for their products, let’s talk…


5.What is your nightly routine?
Satin bonnet, and night night!!  If I wear my hair really big on any particular day, I will tame her down before bedtime by putting (very loosely) a stretchy band so she will at least go under the bonnet. 

6.What is your go to style?
Wash and go’s just work for me!!  My sister will braid it across the front from time to time, but I don’t do too many of the twist sets, etc…  I will have it pressed about twice a year and that’s generally to get a really good hair cut and to do a length check.  And I can NOT leave out the PUFF.  That is a lifesaver for sure!! 


7. What is the best thing about being natural?
It’s just so versatile.  It can be straight, curly, braided, twisted, wrapped, all in the same week, and I don’t have to go to a hair dresser to do it!
And, I absolutely love the fact that I don’t need an umbrella.  Half the time I’d get caught in the inside with the umbrella outside in the car anyway but now, I can and do just walk in the rain.  It’s just a sense of freedom that I did not have before. 


8. What advice do you have for an aspiring natural? transitioner?
My advice would be to just do what works for you.  There’s no cookie cutter pattern in this journey, and everything that works for me will not work for you vice versa.  Learn your own hair by experimenting.  And most of all enjoy your journey.  No one natural has all the answers.  Everybody has an opinion but none of it is the “gospel”, it’s just that, opinion.  I’ve been told I shouldn’t press it, and I shouldn’t do XYZ, yadda yadda yadda.  I wear it straight, wear it curly, twisted, braided, you name it.  I’ll even break out the afro every once in a while.  I have fun with mine and my advice would be for you to do the same.  After all, it’s just hair.  




Natural of the Week...

Meet Lady J



How long have you been natural?
I started my locks with the Nuloc technique in December 2004. So almost I'm almost 6 years now.




Did you have any support going natural?
At first, no one really thought it was a good idea or that I would stick with it. My then boyfriend but now husband, hated locks and loved straight hair.



What made you want to loc?
I was tired of wearing weaves and extensions and spending hundreds. I wanted to wear my own hair and have it grow long with no perms or relaxers. BUT I wanted the convienence of get up and go, plus the versatilty of ponytails, curls, or updos. I felt I had a big forehead and short hair wouldnt work for me. I also said that if I did my locks thin enough it would be no different than wearing braids.

What loc process did your loctician use?
I used Nulocks or yarn braids that resembled locks. She braided the yarn in my hair and burnt the ends. I chose this method because I didnt want to cut off all my hair and start from scratch and if I changed my mind I could just take out the braids. As my hair grew, I twisted the new growth and cut off the nuloc.


Maintenance of the locs...

How often do you get them re-twisted? ___

I retwist my new growth every 2 weeks. I use the palm roll method.
_


How do you keep your scalp clean?
I wash and condition every week but when I first started I used an astringent spray "Refresh" I believe it was called.





What is the best thing about being loc'd?
Its so easy and its so versatile. So many different updos. I can use rollers or even bump my hair with a curling iron! I can dye it or cut it in a style when I get bored. I can even braid it back and wear a wig. I do my own hair so I dont have to make hair appointments and wait around all day. Its beautiful and its long and healthy. Its MY HAIR. Growing out my scalp and I love it.



What advice do you have for an aspiring LOCK star? 
Do not be discouraged by anyone. My husband had to get used to it BUT loves them now. Do you research there are hundreds of websites. Ask around to women you see looking good. They will love answering you. Keep them clean, lint free, moisturized, and groomed. Its one of the best things I' ve done for myself.





Natural of the Week

Meet Fee King

Personal Trainer 





1.How long have you been natural?
apprx:  8 years

2.Did you transtion? If so how long and why? 
Yes. I started out with long corn rows with hair added. I did it this way,because of the work I do and my lifestyle. I grew up, in Omaha, NE wearing various cornrow hair styles and have always LOVED braids. Also, they were really in style with women at the time.

3.Did you have any support going natural? or negative experiences when going natural?
I had no Negative experiences. I was totally supported and if I wasn't, who cares. I do what I like.

What does your sweetie think ?
I don't have a sweetie in particular, but I find white men and others are intrigued and curious; whereas some black men are enamored and beguiled. Other Black men sometimes question my current style, but for the most part EVERYONE compliments it, thinks it's brave, has a lot of energy and matches my personality. See...I drive a jeep and work as a personal trainer, actor, writer and outdoor fitcamp facilitator; so my hair goes along with who I am.

4.What is your regime?
With my hair?  I get it cornrowed and have curly hair added for texture, color and fullness at the crown.

5.What is your nightly routine? 
I wrap the sides of my hair (braids) in a scarf. I typically put shay butter and scentsational soaps body butter on my hair at night and in the morning. I then  add a little water and LRC leave in conditioner in the morning only.

6.What is your go to style? 
I like rocking my version of a mohawk. When I have an audition, I rock a curly natural style wig.

7. What is the best thing about being natural? 
You stop caring about what other people think. I love ALL hair:  curly, weaves, straight, braided, colored. It's a preference. I feel most beautiful when my hair is short, off of my face and curly...kinky. I think women who wear ALL of their own hair natural and cropped low are AMAZING and Confident!

8.What advice do you have for an aspiring natural/transitioner? 
Work on your inner self-development and then just do it.

Why did you want to be a Personal Trainer?
I LOVE how it makes me feel and know what it can do for other's lives; especially women. Women have taken on the weight of the world and the weight of their mates and kids. Fitness is the one thing I guarantee will help you recliam your power and have you looking and feeling Amazing while doing it. My motto is:  If you don't like what you see...Come see Fee. And ladies - Go get your Shit!

If you would like to discuss your certifications, please do so here.
certified through IFPA- bio attached.  Currently studying for my ISSA certification to have by the fall.


What do you think a Personal Trainers greatest responsibility is?
.  integrity
 If you can't get the job done, refer that person to someone who can. It's more than a job. It truly is a lifestyle.  Help your clients help themselves get RESULTS!  Transform their entire life..not just the exterior.

Do you have a standard routine that you assign to most clients? if not, how are your clients routines established?
No. I absolutley don't believe any two people have the same body, can be trained the same and looking for same results. Evferything we do, outside of the fitcamps, are customized to your needs, fitness level, budget, mental capacity, and age.

How often should people work out with you?
3-4 times a week
What if a potential client can only meet with you once each month? What would their routine consist of?
I would not train that person. It's a waist of their time and money. Results come from consistency and retention

Do you have a specific training philosphy?
.  You get what out of it what YOU put into it
.  We dont' "try"  we do. No straddling the fence
.  Your Nutrition and behavior changes will get you 85% of your results
.  I guarantee Results. If it's meant to be...it's up to Fee!

How do you envision growing Unique FEESIQUES?
through branding my company name with my company vision with my company standard of Success!
.  global services to include the following;
.  Wellness coaching and Nutritional services/products via Herbalife
.  Group training programs via DVD and on-line memberships
.  Inspirational speaking and on-site training services to empower women; particularly african-American women on how to empower, reclaim their lives and get what the deserve and need. Getting their shit

Is there anything that you would like to add.
Statistically - THEY are saying within 30 years, ALL african-American women will be obese. I plan to be alive in 30-years, that will NOT be my story. My goal and mission is to not allow that to be my sistahs stories.  Time to get our Shit - Success...Health...Integrity...Total Package Together


Natural of the Week

Meet Mystic Fingers
Massage Therapist





How long have you been natural? First off Thank you for The interview. I have been Loc'd know for 11 years.

Did you have any support going natural? Yes People around me wanted me to do it Quickly, I wore Twists for awhile and decided to loc in 1999.

What made you want to loc? I was Pregnant at the time and wanted a a change all around Mentally, Spiritually, It was time and My hair wouldn't hold a press and curl and my twist were great. It was just Time.

What loc process did your loctician use? I Started my locks Myself i Used a comb and Product called Natures Blessings That i use Regularly and on Other people's hair. Loving a Product called LRC as well.




Maintenance of the locs...

How often do you get them retwisted? When I first started i would get them twisted every 2 weeks Now Every month I like the new growth to come so i can see how long they are getting.

How do you keep your scalp clean? I use sea breeze or a Fresh Rosemary and sage. I make it in a tea form and Use it like a Conditioning formula. Very refreshing!


What is the best thing about being loc'd?
I am free from all chemicals that get in to my scalp and the rest of my body, I can Play in the rain, and Be Me, All The time.

What advice do you have for an aspiring LOC STAR! If you decide To Loc Do It, Because you really want to Be You.Love you and Patience is the key.
Thank you Nyla.