SUMMER DELIGHTS AND NATURAL CREATIONS
FOR THE IDEAL MAN
7 STEPS TO JUMPSTART YOUR BUSINESS
TO GO NATURAL
EXCLUSIVE! Interview with
Dr Aboo
2014 LOCS CAREER AND NATURAL LIFESTYLE FOR THE SAVVY INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN
CONTENT NATURAL HAIR SALONS Don Gills Salon Le Naturel Styling
04 09
REGULARS Children Fashion African Fashion Sonia Browne MBE talks Business Jumpstart
12 16
Natural around Town Writers Corner
38 42
30
FEATURES TRAVEL
Exclusive interview with Dr Aboo Gambian Pilgrimage Ghanaian Children
20 24 27
HAIR & BEAUTY 9 reasons to go natural Ideal Man Ideal Hair style Hottest Natural Hairstyles
34 36 40
COMMUNITY VIBES Conscious Minds Counselling Service Style Me Image Consultancy Charity Quiz Nite
44 46 47
EDITORS COMMENT’S
G
reetings, welcome to our summer edition packed with creative hairstyles and fashion ideas to ensure that you make a statement this summer.
Ladies there is an on-going debate, about our natural hair, from women and men, so we thought we would turn the hair debate around and find out, what hairstyles women really desire in their ideal black man, check out some of the results on page 36. Summer is the time for holidays, embracing new cultures and learning different lifestyles. We are sharing our experiences, with you, and encourage you to share your vacation experiences, with us in the December edition. Enjoy Conscious Vibes Team
ConsciousVibesM Conscious-Vibes
IS BALD YOUR IDEAL?
DON GILLS NATURAL HAIR SALON OWNER IN STREATHAM
L
ocs & Natural hair is seen as ones natural beauty. According to Barry Chevannes, he states that “the longer the locs, the greater
Ocansey has brought a new fashion trend in art within the hair and beauty world in his community within a small amount time.
Morris Root AcademyIn Tooting, London after a career change. As a hairstylist Assistant at Morris Roots, he learnt most of his hairstyling skills in Locs for 2 and half years. This ignited his passion to learn and launched and extensive career. He later decided to set up his own business and decided to move on to Modern barbers in Penge where he established himself as Don Gills. He later, felt it would be best if he had moved to a beauty and hair salon in Sydenham, where it was convenient for all his clients to attend their appointments. As a result of this private work, he landed himself with various hair shoots and major events in UK. His long commitment to hairstyling has graced him the most well-known celebs in UK and aboard.
From the very start, he’s had a passion for hair, has given him the Opportunity to meet, network and work alongside with various people outside of the hair and beauty. His main aim is to succeed to become a wellestablished Celebrity-hairstylist and also produce his own natural and herbal hair care products.
Models: EMILY, NELIO RODRIGUES, HENNY, WUTAH KOBBY Photographer: ERNEST SIMONS, NII ARMAH Hairstylist: DON GILLS Make- up artistes: MICA MYER Designers: JERPURITY, NII ARMAH Creative Director: OBAA YAA ( NANA YAA )
NATURAL HAIR SALON
BANTU KNOTS BEAUTY
FREE STYLE BUNCHES
NATURAL HAIR SALON
HOW TO CONTACT DON GILLS: Facebook like page: www.facebook.com/pages/Don-GillsLocsNatural-Hair-Pro-Salon/rf Twitter: https://twitter.com/DonGills Instagram: Don Gills Email Address: info@dongills.co.uk Tel : +44 794 - 0584 - 604 / +44 753 - 1469 - 876
MODEL AZIZA
NATURAL HAIR SALON
LE NATUREL STYLING Carol Hazel-Clarke
C
arol is available for personal consultation, diagnostic evaluation of hair targeted for individuals. She offers styling for those with locs, natural hair and others who are making the transition from chemical process hair to natural. Loc extensions, colouring, interlocking, re-twist & palm rolling, loc repair, loc start, conditioning & build up & breakage treatments are all available.
Le Naturel Styling Contact: Carol Hazel-Clarke Hair Lounge 441 Porters Avenue, Dagenham RM9 4ND Tel:Â 07956316036
PETAL LOCS
FASHION
CLOTHING RANGE
ISOSSY CHILDREN
FASHION
ISOSSY CHILDREN Dollis Hill, NW3 7SP, London, UK
Shop @ www.isossychildren.com
Photography CreativeSoul Designer Ronke Lawal
2014
A
frican Fashion Show London 2014 went down with a bang this past weekend. The highlight for Angela Small was the award winner, Nigerian born, Doris Gam-Dede designs. Her creations for this event entailed lace, vibrant African prints and lots of beads and sequins, creatively placed around each item, adding an element of sophistication and awe to each concept. Doris quotes “I design for women, urban chic clothes that you can wear to any event, church, a dinner or any other gathering”. When she was asked what inspired her designs she replied “Jasmine is my inspiration for this season’s line”, Doris is a lover of nature and likes to blend this into her clothing line. Mrs. Gam-Dede is the CEO and creative Director of her company ‘Jazz Effects’, named after her love for music. In 2013 she was the proud recipient of the Young Designer of the Year Award at the Port Harcourt International Fashion Show. See Jazz Effects collection
Photographer: KARLTON CHAMBERS
Hotshot Multimedia www.hotshotsmultimedia.co.uk
J A Z Z E F F E C T S
Photographer: KARLTON CHAMBERS Hotshot Multimedia www.hotshotsmultimedia.co.uk
Angela Small with the designer Doris Gam-Dede
Jazz Effect Designs @ www.jazzeffect.net
DORIS SAYS “THE FLOWER JASMINE INSPIRED HER CREATIONS”
DR ABOO TALKS VOODUM WITH ANGELA SMALL
I
’m here relaxing in The Gambia interviewing the mischievous Dr Aboo from Galaxy
have travelled to the Gambia with AGM Associates, and 30 other beautiful brothers and sisters. We are all here, enjoying the Gambian people and the peaceful lifestyle that his country offers. AS: Dr Aboo I thank you for agreeing to do this interview. Dr Aboo: “Your most welcome” AS: Can you talk me through Galaxy radio, the inspiration behind the station? Are you the founder of Galaxy radio? Dr Aboo: No, I am not the founder, the founder is a brother called Steady Bongo, the station has been going on for over 30 years I joined galaxy in 1980.
AS: So do all the DJs on the radio promote African culture on the station? Dr Aboo: No, not all of them, but from a management perspective that is the aim of the show, but sometimes people get caught up in their own little comfort zone. We all do what we have to do, and what we can do. AS: So are you part of the management? Dr Aboo: Yes, I am AS: I didn’t know any thing about you until I came out here in the Gambia, and one of the things that I am hearing that is associated with you, is the phrase “voodum” can you explain to me what voodum” is? Dr Aboo: Voodum is the African word that a lot of people use
voodum means the true spirit. AS: Wow, that’s a long time! Dr Aboo : Yes, it’s a long time I never had any grey hair at the time. (Laugh) Galaxy radio is about the empowerment of the community, bringing awareness to the people and to remind them that they are Africans
AS: Oh, okay, that’s excellent; I like the idea of us defining our own identity. Dr Aboo: Yes, because of the miss-education, we weren’t taught these things.
TRAVEL EXPERIENCE
AS: Yes, that’s true, I haven’t heard of this before, but I notice all the Gambians have caught on to this saying, I am constantly hearing voodum, throughout my travels here in the Gambia. So tell me a bit about yourself Dr Aboo. You are a doctor a
philosopher what does that mean? Dr Aboo: It’s about the minds the philosophy of the mind helping people overcome certain hurdles. I’m a counsellor I sit in certain mediations, I sit on the youth referral panel back in Southwark, for the past 16 years. When the court sends back
getting them into race esteem. A lot of people talk about I self esteem. But race esteem is the greatest esteem we can reach to. AS: Can you define race esteem? Dr Aboo: Awareness of self. Since I have been out here on holiday I have heard you mention quite a few books to read and I’m thinking about the readers of Conscious Vibes, what books would you recommend for the women who live a conscious natural lifestyle? Dr Aboo: Well, there are so many books out there, but there is a book by Queen Afua, called Sacred Women. This book offers a lot of things to help women, as women are the bastions of our society. There is also another book called Two Faces of Hell; The Vision of Ezekiel Thorn by author Shyanne Ebelysa. They are both very good books. AS: What are your views on black women and their hair? Dr Aboo: Well, sometimes I feel really sorry for them, it’s like they don’t know how beautiful they are, when I see them with these things in their hair, it’s like a freak, like they’re going to a freak show. It’s really painful to know that they are the teachers of the younger generation. I feel really sorry for them, but sometimes it’s not them, it’s the man that they live with, they are not like real men they look physically like a man but mentally they are like a boy. AS: Ok........... I’m trying to work out, how you came to that conclusion are you saying that they are not empowering the women to be themselves? Dr Aboo: Yes, they’re not there to control the woman, we are meant to support the women; help her to vibrate her feminine aspects. This control mechanism I don’t like it when the men say to the women “I don’t like this and I don’t like that” everybody has their own tastes. But when you ask the women why they did that, they’ll turn around and say “ their man likes it like this”. I realise that a woman would do anything to please
her man. AS: Some women, not all women will do anything to please their man. For me it’s about whom you put first. I believe that Love of self is more important than living up to others expectation. Are you saying women don’t love themselves? Dr Aboo: No I would not say they don’t love themselves, they don’t know the true history of their existence. AS: You mention history and your right, a lot of women do not know about their history before slavery. Black history was not a subject taught in school. Dr Aboo: And a lot of men don’t know about our history either, so if you put the two together into a relationship, it’s chaos. AS: So how does it feel for you being here in Africa? For me, we are all Africans, but now that I am here, I can see that certain generations of Africans don’t want to be African; they want to be Jamaican. What do you think is the way forward for us as a people to get back to who we are? Dr Aboo: Well, we living in England, are coming from a place where even black people who look like us, don’t want to be us; they would rather connect to the white people. It is all about miss-education. This is what miss-education has done to us those of us in the diaspora and those of us in the motherland. I would rather be a Jamaica than a Wazambu. AS: What’s a Wazambu? Dr Aboo: What they called Tubab in European. See the Gambians are in a better position because all they want to do is imitate their fellow African brothers on the island. But where we’re coming from in England I see a lot of black people want to be a European. So I have to give it to the Gambians. AS: So what do you think is the way forward for us in England? Dr Aboo: To know our selves, and stop acting as though, we never went through a certain maat. Black people in England, act as though they speak on behalf of the white people. They’re eager for white people, they come up in your face for white people. They need to stop that. AS: So don’t you think that, that’s a coping mechanism for some black people here in England to survive in the system? Dr Aboo: Go along to get along, yes. They would prefer to suffer peacefully. AS: Thank you Dr Aboo, It has been really interesting talking with you. I believe my readers will be very enlightened if they listened to your station can you please give us the frequency for Galaxy radio?
Dr Aboo: It’s Galaxy 102.5 FM, you can also get us on the Internet at www.galaxyafiwe.com remember Galaxy Radio Afiwe. The only de-brainwashing station.
Fa ra fe nni
B a nj ul
these contribu was a ple
Angela would like to thank all of e beautiful people and many more, for uting to a great holiday in the Gambia, it easure meeting you all. Apologies to those not included on this map. Peace and Love always
TRAVEL EXPERIENCE
TRAVEL EXPERIENCE
GHANAIAN CHILDREN COMPULSORY NATURAL HAIR Angela Small, Founder and Director of Conscious Vibes magazine, for many years longed to visit the beautiful homeland Africa and chose Ghana as one of her African continents to visit in the latter part of 2013
A
ngela left Britain with great expectations of seeing her fellow African women embracing and enjoying their
found that a lot of the grown women chose to adopt a western style of wearing their hair, wigs and extensions were very visible to the eye. Mirroring a lot of what we observed here in England, namely Brazilian weaves, long wigs, short weeds and various other styles of processed hair. However staying true to African traditions, mainly in the older generations, she did observe women with plaits, these plaits were either natural or with extensions and gave that WOW factor that Angela was looking for to include in the magazine. On her travels across Ghana Angela repeatedly saw young girls between the age of 5 to approximately 12 with really short hair, shave cuts like a number 1 or at the most a number 2 cut that men request when they go to the barbers. Her curiosity got the better of her and she then stopped and asked an elder “why have all the children got short hair?” she was then told, “this is done to ensure that the children concentrate on their schooling and not to be distracted by hair”. Her response was WOW, that such a good concept, as she has observed so many young girls in England with extensions or weave’s in their hair going to school. On returning to England, Angela discussed her observations with other Ghanaians and was informed that the tradition of cutting school children hair only makes them crave longer hair when they get older hence why so many young ladies are wearing wigs or weave. There appears to be a discussion for and against this tradition, however it is a tradition that speaks volumes’ about the impact that the west has had on the African Caribbean hair, it is quite clear that his generates yet another division with the community.
REPUBLIC OF THE GAMBIA ROOTS FESTIVAL 2014
A Personal Pilgrimage
I
was listening to Galaxy Radio when I heard about The Gambia
bustling with variety and people: but too crowded for my liking and something
was hearing about trips to The Gambia but this time there was a warmth, sincerity and honesty in the content as well as in the tone of the woman’s voice that captured my attention. Payments could be made in instalments! Being ill and unemployed for years, I had given up on my dream of going to West Africa – but a new, creative opportunity was being presented and I knew I had to grab it.
Bamboo Cream which my Gambian family had advised me would help heal my damaged nails and skin and it has.
I expected the accustomed businesslike approach. Instead the Customs “Welcome home”! I felt as though he had known me and missed me for many years and was delighted to have me back. I felt especially loved. Outside there were 2 bands of enthusiastic drummers and dancers. I found it impossible to resist joining them and one of the dancers named me Mariyame. My hotel room was beautiful as well as comfortable. I was looking forward to going to Sizzla’s performance on the night of arrival and got dressed but unfortunately, I fell asleep before it was time to for us to go. In the morning I heard there had been a power cut during Sizzla’s performance and was told “No. He did not sing Black Woman and Child… but he will perform again…” Sorrell and Baobab juice (the latter new to and the company was friendly. On the
Roots Festival events never failed to deliver more than I had anticipated. The Carnival Procession presided over by His Excellency President Yahya Jammeh was replete with spectacular performing groups from many organisations but the energetic dancing of the elderly female spectators rivalled the more formal presentations for my attention. I am still with which women punctuated the end of each piece of music! Awaking on Monday May 12, I marked what would have been the 114th anniversary of my Grand Father’s birth with a special libation. It was very poignant waiting in the boat that was going to take us to Juffureh/Albreda. I enjoy wading on the beach but I cannot swim and would always turn down opportunities to ride in Then it struck me that my Ancestors had endured waiting, bound, tired, hungry, thirsty, with no toilet facilities and no tour guides, among strangers who did not speak their language and survived weeks of sea-faring to unknown destination where no one had said “Welcome home!” I celebrated my Grand Father and all my Ancestors again – it was though they were all there with me. I felt a very strong sense of achievement for making the “Middle Passage Reversal” journey and thanked those who had taught me to love and nurture my Afrikan Self.
room reserved for the more assertive and rebellious captives, most of whom died in that oxygen – starved space and never made it to the slave ships. The Symposium at Kariba Beach Hotel blessed me and started my conscious journey toward a personal reparation. The speakers included Dr Rashidi, Dr Garvey, Mr Lamin Sarr of the Middle Passage Reversal Project, Mutaburuka and Tina Jones Savadogo who spoke about Women and Disability. The music from the Kora soothed and elevated me as the painful memory of my capture and alienation became the fabric for weaving a stronger platform of potential productivity in my DNA. I was light-hearted by the time I got to Banjul Wharf for the Regatta and another chance to enjoy the dancing women of the Gambia. Although I felt a deep sense of peace, paradoxically, I could not sleep that night. I kept wondering what I would do for the Children Centre in Albreda… for the children who had come to me expectantly and their parents…who had probably given up on their dreams for their own lives but were still able to be generous. A woman in Albreda gave me a necklace which I told her I could not buy and insisted that I “Take it!” when I attempted to give her 200 Dalasis. I remembered a young man named Indica who respectfully looked out for me and well with me without asking anything of me or becoming too familiar. My mind re-played the experiences I had had. The Slavery Museum in particular and the words of Kwadoo Opoku Agyemang reverberated in my soul:
sat close to the dwarf palm tree with
when I got to 12. As they sang, a deep sense of joy and security engulfed me and I embraced the chance to meditate there and then. Shopping trips – beautifully crafted and uniquely designed jewellery, artefacts, clothes, baskets and pieces of batik were within my budget for a change! I picked up treasures for my family, friends myself and my home. Serekunda Market – big,
When we disembarked at Kunta Kinteh Island (formerly James Island) fortune struck! Entirely by accident I ended up standing immediately behind Sizzla while he spoke with a group of people assembled in front of him. I whispered “Black Woman and Child directly into his right ear and he immediately launched into that song. If my journey to The Gambia had ended there, I would have returned the remnants and feel the (still palpable) sense of oppression in the tiny passage/
“The captured Africans left behind them graves without bodies in the collective memory of surviving kinsfolk…” “I am alive and well” (my mind screamed, despite my physical disability) “I have not died! I am back to carry on my work here at home.” I was excited about what the
TRAVEL EXPERIENCE
Initiation Ceremony the following day was going to offer my new born sense of resourcefulness and ability. The Initiation Ceremony (Futampaf) was challenging physically, emotionally and psychologically. My host family was thoughtful, generous (I got a lovely waistband as a gift from my sister/ guide) open and very accepting as they prepared me for joining with the other female initiates. It seemed more than coincidence when I was given the very same name that I had received on joining the dancers in the car park at the Airport. instructions of some of the female hostesses caused me to resign from full the words of a song by Spartacus R –
“Africa! Oh Africa I see…but the land of my forefathers is not really mine!!” My sense of isolation did not last for long. It was therapeutic to hear the cannons and to watch his Excellency Yahya Jammeh as he handed out bottles of water to the thirsty initiates. Later on, I marvelled at his tenacity, his determination to maintain high standards and shook my head in respect and admiration as he stepped from the platform and showed individual male initiates exactly how the Initiation Dance steps are to be performed. It was healing and restorative to do my own dance for His Excellency and receive copies of his books which explain his political philosophy and world view. I look forward to sharing these with
communities in London and Jamaica.
His Excellency President Jammeh is quoted as saying: “We want to transform the Gambia into a trading, export-oriented agricultural and manufacturing nation, thriving on free market policies and a vibrant private sector, sustained by a well-educated , trained , skilled healthy, self-reliant and enterprising population and in so doing bring to fruition this fundamental aim and aspiration of Vision 2020.” Wikipedia and other internet sources inform that The Republic of the Gambia withdrew from the Commonwealth of Nations in October 2013. It is the smallest country on mainland Afrika and has with no mineral wealth. The River Gambia is navigable deep into the Continent and this feature made the area a coveted prize among Europeans for centuries during the slave trade. The Republic of the Gambia is surrounded on three sides by Senegal, with a coastline on the Atlantic Ocean on its western side. Without natural barriers, the Gambia has become home to most of the ethnic groups that are present throughout Western Africa, especially those in Senegal. The Gambia plays an active role in international affairs, especially West African and Islamic affairs. Sources say a third of the Gambian population live below the international poverty line and there is a great dependency on remittances from abroad. Under President Jammeh, The Republic of the Gambia has improved public health. There are many women empowerment initiatives in the Gambia including free girls’ education. The country’s
vice-president Isatou Njie-Saidy is a woman and the longest serving cabinet member and many women are serving or served in the cabinet. In February 1998 President Jammeh ordered the of schooling. The Constitution mandates free and compulsory primary education in the Gambia. Lack of resources and educational infrastructure has made
While sitting among new friends, my new family, in a boat on the river Gambia and listening to the guide inform us about the many attributes of the mangrove, images of the intelligence, economic struggles, warmth and loving nature of the Gambian people I had As I sat there, in the boat, on the water (which I thought was something I would never do) I remembered stroking the crocodile…and the snake….I remembered a boy (Yahya) about 9 years old, who was among the dancing children who welcomed us to Aunty Dorricing’s School – the freedom, sure-footedness the smile underpinning his countenance, despite the stitched and steri-stripped wound that sat like a clamp around his instep. Yahya’s liberation despite his wound ignited me. I faced how multifaceted, multi-textured and able I was equipped to become without realising it before my pilgrimage to The Gambia. There, in the boat, on the water, I realised I had lost an enormous amount of fear- I stood on my feet and danced my initiation into a new realisation of what I am, who I am and what I am to become. My reparation has truly began…
Yaa
JUMPSTART YOUR BUSINESS THIS SUMMER
B
elieve it or not the summer months are a great time of year for business owners.
Long, lazy, sunny days provides a great opportunity to take time out to jump start your business for the busy months ahead. Yes, business can be slow period of time for a lot of entrepreneurs in the warmer months as clients, customers and other businesses take time off, go on holiday or spend leisure time with their family. However, you should not let this time go to waste because the great news is, you can take advantage of this time to not only de-clutter but focus on kick starting your business with fresh ideas. So here are my seven simple steps to jumpstart your business during the summer months.
1.
Analyse
Analyse your business performance from the previous year. Identify what you did right and improve on it. But it’s also important to recognise problem areas in your business and strive to take action to prevent them becoming a bigger problem in the future.
problems, create contingency plans and take action. Work out what products and services have been your best sellers; what didn’t work well and implement strategies to improve these products or services or ditch them if necessary. Look at your business from four perspectives; Financial, Customer, Internal business processes and learning & growth. If you are struggling to give your business a pragmatic review, why not take the indicator test at http:// soniabrown.co.uk/indicator-test/ which will help you to identify the most immediate areas that need to be focussed on in your business.
2.
Improve yourself
What did the indicator test reveal to you about your business and personal acumen and performance? Your success lies with you so with less demands being made on your time now, sit back and set aside time to upskill your leadership and management skills with a business taster, booster or short summer course. Normally you wouldn’t have time for this type of activity but if you want to refresh your marketing, social media or sales strategy, this is the ideal time to refresh and develop your skills.
3.
Refresh, revamp or reinvent
Do you feel that your brand could do with an uplift? Take a look at your business presence, can it be improved or does it need a revamp? Is it time to upgrade your business cards, corporate stationary, sales collateral or do you need to give your business premises a fresh coat of paint! Is your online bio out of date?
social media platforms or made connections with your network leads? Maybe it is time to update your website, service if need be.
And it doesn’t have to be formal. Take time to sign up and watch industry related webinars and download audio training you can listen to while you are working at the PC or have a quiet business leaders and experts; there may be strategies you can tweak and implement in to your business when it picks up again.
Don’t be afraid to put your business brand under the microscope and make the necessary changes. A great brand needs to be kept up to date and relevant if you want to keep your customers and stakeholders engaged and more importantly, buying. The small things count, take steps to improve your business in ways you would never busy schedule.
BUSINESS TALK
4.
Plan for your success
Use the summer months as a catalyst to plan for future marketing opportunities for boosting your products, services and events. This is a prime time to put your strategy together to maximise sales during the festive seasons when sales pick up tenfold. Putting the research, planning and hard work in now will prepare you for the busy and stressful times that will arise when business demands increase. By planning ahead you will save time, back to back campaigns to run in the last business quarter; as you capture leads and maximise sales associated with the festive season. 5.
Take full advantage of social media
Are you using your social media platforms to their best ability?
bring to a business but more importantly for solo and micropreneurs it’s an inexpensive way to reach large segments of your customer base if designed and executed correctly. Use this time to analyse and evaluate the effectiveness out if your customers have switched from Facebook to Instagram. Are your biggest leads coming from LinkedIn rather than Twitter? Are there new platforms that you need to get your products and services on? Follow your sales and get the most out of your efforts. Watch your analytics. If they are not stacking up then it’s time to change course and revise your online strategy. 6.
Get Talking
networking and industry events or to catch up with your business peers on a regular basis. Why not use this time to get out and talk to others in business to brainstorm ideas and revise your marketing efforts for the upcoming year. This can be in a formal or informal setting e.g. coffee, mastermind circle or networking events. It doesn’t matter just get out there and talk! If you have time sign up for some formal mentoring in order to get some fresh insights on your business performance and long term sustainability plan. Mentoring allows you to spot potential niches, customers or times of year that you can use to your advantage and better plan around them, with greater
impact when the time comes. If you want to get ahead of your competition then talk help you to avoid the expensive pitfalls and take your business to the next level. 7.
Have some time out
Enjoy your summer because you deserve a break too. Spend time with your own family, go on holiday, get down to the gym and more importantly get some sleep! Whatever you choose, make sure that you have some time out in order to avoid burnout in the busy periods that will be coming ahead. Don’t underestimate the value in taking time out of your business. It will guarantee you come back to work feeling refreshed, energised and raring to go. With a relaxed and clear mind, you can focus on bringing your business to a new level. Finally, I hope you enjoyed these seven simple steps to jumpstart your business during the summer. However, if you are looking for in-depth ways
success.
Sonia Brown MBE is a business communicator; coach; trainer; writer and uber connector. She is a branding strategist and speaker. She contributes to a number of radio shows, magazines and newspapers on women, diversity and enterprise issues. If you feel that you require additional support to move your business forward then sign up at www.soniabrown.co.uk for more information about her success tools and membership packages.
CEZANNE POETESS THE STORY OF MY INNER CHILD
H
ave you ever felt like you are going round and round in circles in life, and no matter how hard you work, you just don’t seem to be making any real progress?
That’s how I felt for years, until I learnt that it was my subconscious mind sabotaging my success!
I began to learn how my mind works so I could begin to create the life of my dreams; I learnt about the conscious mind, the subconscious mind, and the super-conscious mind, and each of their roles. I also learnt how to meditate in order to take control of my negative thinking patterns, and began the process of re-programming my mind for success to Be!” explains how I do this!) I discovered that I had been programmed for failure from a young age, just by the negative words spoken to me which seeped into my subconscious mind like a sponge. It was those words which were to run my subconscious programming as an adult. At school, my two favourite subjects were English Literature and Art. I gained ‘A’ Levels in both subjects, but because I didn’t believe in my Self or my abilities, I didn’t further my education in any of them. When I left Sixth Form, I pursued a career in Accounts - a classic case of Self sabotage (I hated Maths at school!). I sabotaged my relationships, my career and any chance of happiness because I didn’t feel like I deserved it. So for over 20 years, I didn’t write or paint. My inner child was huddled in a corner somewhere in the deep recesses of my subconscious mind. She was crying out to be heard, but I ignored her. But then ‘The Artist’s Way’ by Julia Cameron literally saved my inner child’s life! The book taught me how to identify the root causes of my mental blocks, and to nurture my started the process of re-programming my mind by telling my Self things like
“ I am a brilliant and successful artist, I am a prolific writer, I am confident and competent in my creative work, I have rich creative talents, I am a channel for God’s creativity to flow through...
“
I had a lot of negative thoughts running through my mind on a daily basis, and I learnt that these thoughts were actually creating my reality!
I also nurtured my inner child through exercises like writing my Morning Pages and taking her on our weekly ‘artist’s dates’ (anything that would feed her imagination). Slowly but surely, she began to emerge
was ‘My Artist Child’ (inspired by the book ‘The Artist’s artist in 2008 was of – you guessed it, my inner child!
It took years before I began to see the fruits, but I am now well on my way to creating the life of my dreams using my natural God-given talents, and the power of positive thinking!
ENTREPRENEUR PROFILE
For details of Cezanne’s Poetry, Art and Self-help books visit: www.cezannepoetess.com Cezanne Poetess has been nominated in two categories of the Spokenword Billboard Awards: International Artist of the Year, and Best Perfect Bound Collection (for her novel ‘Single, Spiritual...AND Sexual!’)
VOTE FOR HER AT: http://spokenwordbillboardawards.webs.com/vote-for-nominees Listen to Cezanne’s poetry at www.reverbnation.com/cezannepoetess
CONTACT CEZANNE:
Email: cezannepoetess@gmail.com Twitter: @CezannePoetess Facebook: Cezanne Poetess Tel: (+44) 7944 244 116
#
HAIR AND BEAUTY
THE NATURAL HAIR REVOULOTION IS MORE THAN JUST A HASHTAG
N
ow more than ever, black women are choosing to abandon the chemicals and love the hair that they were born with.
Research from Mintel backs up the notion that natural hair is moving to be the new normal in hair care for the African Caribbean Community. Tonya Roberts a multicultural analyst at Mintel, stated “The natural hair trend is driving an increase in sales of styling products, but the increase has caused the relaxer segment to decline in sales.
The relaxer sector declined by 26% since 2008 and further 15% in 2011.
Shampoo and conditioner formulated for Black hair was estimated to reach $257 million in 2013, up from $211 million in 2008. The full report from mintel can be found at http://www.mintel.com/press-centre/beauty-andpersonal-care/hairstyle-trends-hair-relaxer-sales-decline
9 REASONS TO WEAR YOUR HAIR NATURAL 1. It’s unique. No other racial/ethic group on this planet has hair like us. We’re special!
2. It saves a lot of money 3. Natural hair is undeniably stronger than permed/ chemically altered hair
4. Flexibility!!!! You can locs it either groomed, un-groomed or micro loced alternatively, wear it curly, kinky, TWA or in braids…
5. It separates you from looking like everyone else and
the media’s opinion of beauty. Standout with pride
6. You can go swimming without worrying about destroying a ludicrously expensive hairdo
7.
No itching or tapping your hair.
8. Your partner can run his hands through your hair without worrying about what he might encounter
9. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS “BAD” OR “GOOD” HAIR, this is the hair the creator chose for us, enjoy it.
WANT TO K WOMEN PR HAIR STYLE IDEAL MAN
Check Out These
“My preference is for men to have locs, low cut (No men with straight or dyed hair (using chemicals)..na
“ My choice would have to be Locks as in Rastarfari, mean trimmed around the hairline or beard, I mean
he is coming from, this however does not mean that am only saying what it personally means for me. I love to see a man with well groom Locks.”
“My my personal preference is that what ever style clean.
“I dont really have a preference when it comes to m moisturised good one, not dry and uneven. I dont re and either a bit scruffy ot a bit feminine. Otherwise
“My man hair has to be groomed, he has to be clean hair, it’s a huge turn off. I like my king to take pride
I also like a man with a beard, The locs along with t and Delia. If he loses the hair he is week in my eye
HAIR AND BEAUTY
KNOW REFERRED ES FOR THE N?
e Survey Results...
o.1 I believe) or a shaven head. I do not like to see ah” EILEEN
, they have to be very well groomed and I don’t n twisted neatly, and maybe with a plaited style,
t men without Locks does not know themselves, I
MAUREEN
my partner has should be well groomed, tidy and
LORETTA
male hairdos, actually if its an afro it has to be a well eally like cornrows either... too much maintenance e its all good “ KASS
n-shaven as well, I can’t stand beards, or messy e in his appearance”. ANITTA
the beard makes my man look strong like Samson es”. DENISE
ROCKING NATURAL
nd u o r ed a hair! p p na ral s u t n a bee heir n s ’ ho ing t w e Se , rock n tow
AROUND TOWN YVONNE DOUGLAS
EBR AWARD WINNER 2014 SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
BE FEATURED IN THE NEXT ISSUE
Show off your natural hair in the next issue by sending us a picture to:
info@consciousvibes.co.uk www.conscious-vibes.co.uk facebook.com/ConsciousVibesMagazine twitter.com/consciousvibesM
HAIRSTYLE
SPECIAL OCCASIONS
THIS SELECTION W IDEAS FOR THOSE
NATURAL HAIR COILS PINNED UP, FOR WEDDING AFFAIR
HAIR AND BEAUTY
HOTTEST NATURAL ES FOR THIS SUMMER
WILL GIVE YOU SOME CREATIVE E IMPORTANT OCCASIONS
SASSY LOC UP DO THEN TIED BACK FOR COMFORT
SAY IT WITH A FLOWER,
SUITABLE FOR ANY HAIR STYLE OR OCCASION
LOCS CROWN NUMBER 1 CUT SIMPLE & ELEGANT
ARE YOUR PROFITS SINKING TO THE BOTTOM OF A BOTTLE?
D
id you know that every day in the UK, over half a million people go to work with a hangover? Did you also know that 1 in 10 of these people admit that having a hangover has a
Alcohol is a growing concern in today’s society. It not only impacts on the individual and their private lives, it can also affect their work life and professional performance. No one takes much notice of the glass of wine Jane has each evening to unwind or the beer that Tim has at the pub to relax after work. The problem is that for many people, the odd glass of wine eventually turns into one or two bottles a night and a post-work beer can easily turn into regular drinking sessions.
“
None of us drink alcohol. We drink delicious, liberating, inspiring or socially significant liquids which happen to contain alcohol JANCIS ROBINSON
“
alcohol. This does not mean that they are consuming alcohol on the premises or the employee is having a liquid lunch. What we’re talking about is employees simply drinking too much the night before and being unable to function at work the following day. Often employees are oblivious to the effects of the previous night’s drinking and are convinced that everything is ok and no one will know. IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM People are often not aware that they have a drink problem until something drastic happens. Alcohol abuse is caused by a diverse range of personal, family, social or work situations, or a combination of all four. Did you know that contrary to popular belief, the majority of adults who are at risk of alcohol problems are employed?
Sonia Ackun MSc is the fo SoniyaRise. SoniyaRise s training on alcohol awa corporate industry.
Sonia has worked in the years, working for leading including Blenheim and Project.
She is an expert in the field focuses her work on prom around alcohol.
Sonia has broad experie project management as wel people. Her work has tak where she lived and wo Therapeutic Community fo cocaine and alcohol abuse.
She also sat on the board which worked with wome recourse to public funds. Sonia is a member of the Institute and holds a CMI D Sonia also has an MSc in a
working days a year to alcohol related issues, which is estimated to be costing British
out if you have a problem. Possible signs that your business may be suffering as a result of alcohol problems can include:
Under the Health and Safety Act), employers have a respo health, safety and welfare of if an employer suspects that alcohol, the issue needs to be
ounder and Director of specialises in delivering areness and works with
e addiction field for 24 g charitable organisations the Alcohol Recovery
d of alcohol addiction and moting health and safety
ence in developing and ll as leading and managing ken her to the Caribbean ork for three years in a or those affected by crack .
of the Streatham Project, en refugees who had no
e Chartered Management Diploma in Management. addiction.
y at Work Act 1974 (HSW onsibility to ensure the f all employees. Therefore, someone is abusing e addressed immediately.
WRITERS CORNER
• • • • • • • • •
loss of productivity and poor performance constant lateness and absenteeism safety concerns poor team morale and or employee relations bad behaviour or poor discipline negative company image and customer relations employees smelling of alcohol dishonesty employees attempting to borrow money from colleagues
As employers, you are with faced with a number of legal and management issues in relation to how best to approach this problem with employees. Employers have a responsibility to support the employee and offer what support they can. To dismiss an employee can be costly and time consuming, especially if the employer does not have a robust alcohol policy and procedures to PROVIDING A SOLUTION
employees by:
• • • • • •
saving on the cost of recruiting and training new employees reducing the risk of accidents caused by impaired judgement enhancing the public perception of your organisation as a responsible employer creating a more productive environment by offering support to those employees who declare an alcohol-related problem reducing the cost of absenteeism and poor productivity Improved employee morale
HOW TO DO THIS
• • • •
Put an alcohol policy in place. This is imperative for any organisation. It helps to have your employees’ input in the construction of your policy. provide training workshops for employees to ascertain their understanding of the effects of alcohol in the workplace establish whether coworkers and supervisors have noticed a developing alcohol problem policies should be designed to encourage employees with an alcohol problem to seek help
Employers need to be clear about what to do should they suspect that an employee’s drinking is affecting their work. Thought should also be given to the health and safety of other employees. By having a written alcohol policy, there is no room for misunderstanding or misinterpretation. It is important, when dealing with an issue of this so rt, that employers assure their employee that they will be treated with sensitivity, fairness
If you’d like to find out more about how your business might address issues with alcohol among employees, please email me at soniyarise@soniaackun.org
ARE YOU SUFFERING IN SILENCE? PARENT OR GUARDIAN ABUSED BY CHILDREN?
JOIN OUR SUPPORT GROUP Your safety is important
07539 012 504
www.conscious-minds.org.uk
COMMUNITY VIBES
Can parents or guardians, really be victims of abuse? From children!!
What is this?
Private & Confidential Service SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE Contact us at consciousmindsinfo@gmail.com www.conscious-minds.org.uk
COMMUNITY VIBES
Have your say! facebook: ConsciousVibesMagazine twitter: @ConsciousVibesM email: info@consciousvibes.co.uk
www.consciousvibes.co.uk