Venus Miranda! Fall 2013 • Issue 1
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Editor’s Note Welcome
to our first issue of Reset Your Crown! RYC started as a concept of our Art Director LaKaye, who, in addition to being a lovely person, is an amazing photographer. Like many of us, LaKaye noticed, and congratulated, the acceptance that has been rising towards women of color embracing their natural hair. Being the go-getter that she is, LaKaye recognized the positivity that surrounded this beautiful movement, and immediately thought of working on a book of photography to document it. But after several conversations with a few girlfriends (including yours truly), she realized that embracing natural
hair on its own was too limiting. How much more dynamic would it be to create a magazine that encouraged natural living for women of color? And so RYC was born. Our mission is to promote healthy, sustainable, and real lifestyles for all beautiful women of color. In addition to talking hair, our magazines will also cover topics related to health, home, fitness, DIY, and style, hopefully in a manner that isn’t too stylized or pretentious. We are just like you, real people who: try to do the best we can, recognize the struggle in maintaining healthy and natural lives, and are grateful for all the help we can get!
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To that end, we will generally focus on one individual at a time; A mother, sister, wife, or friend, whose lifestyle was so inspirational to us, that we felt we had to spread the love. Our first inspirational gal is the lovely Venus Miranda, but we realize that there are many others. If you happen to know one of these beautiful people, please don’t hesitate to nominate her for a future RYC issue! We appreciate your support, and are ecstatic to begin our journey with you! Thank you, ~ Dominique, on behalf of the RYC team y
ALL ABO U T H A IR VENUS TALKS HAIR & LIFE
This one should be a little more about styling tips to maintain this kind of hairstyle.
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Q&A by Dominique Panganiban
ASK A STYLIST
Straighten your natural hair without damage! By Nneka Otim
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RECIPE
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PRODUCT ROUNDUP
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Venus Miranda’s Favorite Leave In Conditioner Photography by LaKaye Mbah Five awesome products to nourish your giant fro. By Alana Patrick
S TYL E G U ID E A GODDESS SHOWS AFRICA LOVE
Venus shows off her love of Africa and its style.
LaKaye Mbah lakaye@resetyourcrown.com
EDITOR IN CHIEF & STYLE EDITOR
Dominique Panganiban dominique@resetyourcrown.com
STAFF WRITER
Alana Patrick alana@resetyourcrown.com
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
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Kayla Harp kayla@resetyourcrown.com
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Subscribe:
By Alana Patrick
SCENES FROM AFRICA Photo Essay by Venus Miranda
GET THE LOOK
Want to feel like an African Goddess? Try these looks on for size. By Dominique Panganiban
DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT
JAH2!’s unique jewlery inspired by Africa. Photography by LaKaye Mbah
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STREET STYLE
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Q&A
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MOVE OF THE MONTH
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Downtown Norfolk shows us their tribal styles! By Dominique Panganiban Ask an Interior Designer: Living Room Remodel By Astral Riles Bike your way to a happier, healthier life. By LaKaye Mbah
Send an email to info@resetyourcrown with SUBSCRIBE ME! in the subject line!
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Questions?:
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ON THE COVER
Venus is wearing earrings from JAH2! and is wearing her own green dress. Make up by Kishinna Fields. Photography by LaKaye Mbah. Go behind the scenes of our shoot on page 46.
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Accessorize it! Hand Painted Earrings by JAH2! pg. 36
Contributors
Nneka Otim
Astral Riles
Kishinna Fields
Nneka’s Natural World Salon www.nnekaotim.com
Riles Home Staging & Redesign www.astralriles.com
Makeup Artist KishinnaFields@yahoo.com
Nneka completed her Master Cosmetologist License at The Atlanta Technical College and her dedication to excellence landed her an internship at the Schnitt Punkt Salon in Germany. Her professional training includes mastership in prestige product lines such as Aveda, Phyto and Barex, among others. She is a certified Sisterlocks consultant, master locktician and a natural hair specialist.
Astral’s impeccable home staging skills allow her to de-clutter, organize & stage homes to make them more marketable to potential buyers. She has also been blessed with a creative eye and attention to detail, which enables her to envision the perfect plan for redesigning a space. The ultimate goal for all of her design projects is to provide a better quality of living for her clients.
Kishinna is a professional model and makeup artist from Chicago. She’s a lover of all things fashion and beauty and is a natural hair-care junkie. She fell in love with makeup artistry while modeling and working with some of the world’s top celebrity makeup artists. Kishinna created all of the gorgeous looks on Venus Miranda’s face in this issue. Follow her on instagram & twitter @Forever_Foxie to see more of her work.
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Hair Q&A with Venus Miranda Ask a Stylist Recipe Product Roundup
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Venus MirandA Q&A WITH
Q&A Interview: Dominique Panganiban / Photography: LaKaye Mbah / Makeup: Kishinna Fields
For our inaugural RYC issue, we sat down with the lovely Venus Miranda, an educator, hair enthusiast, and overall testament to the benefits of a natural lifestyle. When speaking to Venus, the old idiom “speak softly and carry a big stick” comes to mind. Although Venus has a very soft-spoken and reserved demeanor, her confidence and inner strength is apparent. After making the commitment to adopt a natural lifestyle - exercising regularly, eating clean, and shunning chemicals - Venus underwent a complete physical, emotional, and spiritual transformation, and emerged with a new love for life. And it shows! We were curious to find out her secrets for inner and outer beauty, and also her tips for girls interested in “going natural.” Who or what influenced your decision to go natural? In the early 90’s I can remember loving Patricia Williams’ (one of my mentors) hair. She was one of the first women in my community with natural hair. I admired her confidence in loving her hair back before the natural hair movement was popular. It made me start to wonder how my hair would be if I let my relaxer grow out. Within a year or two later I had decided to do the big chop and I did. What challenges, if any did you have as a woman with natural hair and how did you overcome them? I haven’t had any challenges with having natural hair. However, when I first decided to cut out my relaxer I can remember certain individuals questioning my logic and suggesting that I get a relaxer. I have always been one to dance to my own drum. What others feel and think does not stop my show! It only makes me want to embrace the 8 WWW.RESETYOURCROWN.COM
many talents God has blessed me with even more. Who are your “natural role models?” Mrs. Annette Larkins who is in her 70’s but she looks 40. She shows what one can look and feel like in their golden years if they’re good to their body. Ms. Chef Ahki an educator and natural food chef and Ms.Cipriana of the Urban Bush Babes. Chef Ahki enlightened me with her plethora of knowledge on nutrient and nongenetically modified food recipes. [From her] I have learned Sea Moss/Irish Moss contains 92 of the 102 minerals of which the human body is made. Ms. Cipriana of the Urban Bush Babes (www.urbanbushbabes.com) is my other role model. I love Cipriana’s beautiful big hair and her vintage styles. She is the one who made me want to experiment with trying new styles and rocking my big bouffant! (continued on page 11)
Email: anaturalembrace@gmail.com / Instagram: @stamfurdgurl
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What products do you use? I use Shikakai hair soap to clarify my scalp when I’m washing my hair, Bracato Saturation conditioner as my detangler, Trader Joes shampoo olive oil, jojoba oil, aloe vera juice, and kinky curly. These are my staple products! What part of your hair care routine do you enjoy the most? What part do you most dread? I love how diverse my hair is. Now that I have mastered how to manipulate my hair, I can make it big, curly, straight or kinky. The part I dread is my washing my day . I know I will have to wash my hair, then steam it, detangle, rinse, moisture and twist it up. But with my music playing, the time does go by faster. How does how your hair care routine affect what you eat? To maintain healthy hair it is very important to feed my body the right things. Your hair and nails are the last in line to receive nutrition from your foods. The body is a very efficient machine and it will sacrifice your hair and nails for the good of your vital organs. So, I try to make sure I’m eating mostly healthier foods so that my hair can receive the nutrients. I try to eat 70% vegetables and dice them up into a big ol’ salad lots of mostly raw green vegetables. I mostly eat bok choy, kale, collard greens, cucumbers, avocados and mostly poultry and fish. If you could give any advice to anyone going natural, what would it be? Have patience, give your hair nutrients, and do not compare your hair journey to anyone else’s. Learn your hair and see what works best for you. Be sure to give your hair maintenance. It is VERY important to wash and detangle your hair on a regular basis. (Preferably using your fingers first.) This will definitely eliminate a lot of knots. It is important to keep moisture in your hair. Our hair is like a plant, it needs to absorb water.
Use real oils and butters like coconut oils, jojoba oils, shea butters, cold pressed olive oils and almond oil. Using real oils and butters in your hair is essential because they work as a sealant to keep any moisture and or leave in condition in your hair. Do not use synthetic oils and products that contain mineral oils, sulfate. I have learned all “olive oils” are not created equal. The extra 100% virgin olive oils you see in the grocery stores may read that but are not really real. Instead, a lot of them are chemically rectified or have been blended with cheap seed oils. Obviously, blended oils will not have the tremendous health benefits. However, cold press olive oils will. Cold pressed means the olive oil comes from the first cold pressing of the olives to make it. It has a lower acidity. And the nutrients are there without being dilluted. Throw your olive oil in the refrigerator. If it gets cloudy, it’s probably the real thing and you are receiving all of the health benefits of olive oil. If it doesn’t get cloudy, it’s probably fake and your hair will not get the best benefits of locking in your moisture. Besides your hair, how else are you living a natural lifestyle? I avoid having clutter in my home. I try to [only] buy what I know I will use or need. When it comes to eliminating junk mail or paper clutter, I pass the [recycle bin] first before entering my house. What do you do in the community to inspire others? Locally, I have participated at several local workshops as a natural hair educator, sharing how to maintain healthy hair. It is my goal to have an upcoming event with a panel of guest speakers; Q & A session hair demonstrations and education on maintain healthy hair and more. (continued on page 12)
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What brings you the most joy? This may sound cliché but just waking with that inner peace from knowing that God has my back is the biggest joy. And of course the loves of my life: my funny and sweet son, my fiancé, and my family and friends, who genuinely love me for my good and bad behavior. On some Saturdays, it also brings me joy just to walk out of my house with no plans. Just seeing where the day will lead me, and enjoying life and the present moment. If you could be anywhere for the day, where would it be and why? It is my travel goal to go to Dubai! It’s a very romantic and beautiful place. I would love to lie on a beach in Dubai, with my man of course! I love the fact that, in Dubai, they operate by whenever the sun sets, and not a particular time. It is literally whenever the sun sets. I could definitely get use to that carefree lifestyle. What’s your secret / secret weapon? My secret weapon is my silence. I’m very observant. Sometimes it’s best to sit back, be quiet and watch the show. People will show you their true intentions when you do not interfere and just let them be. 12 WWW.RESETYOURCROWN.COM
What are your hobbies? I love to travel and do destination photography. I’m a foodie and I love to cook. I’m writing a book. Everyone has a story to tell. My life has been very interesting thus far. Define your personal style. I do not rock a lot of labels. I would say my style is classy, feminine and simple. What’s your guilty pleasure? Staying up late until the early morning skyping with my man when I know I have to be to work at 6 in the morning. I feel guilty for not getting my beauty rest. What is something that you know now, that you wish you knew then? How knowledge is power and freedom. Especially with getting an education. Once you have that freedom nobody can take that away from you. y Venus Miranda is an aspiring hair model and natural hair educator who is planning a natural hair event for late 2014. For participation and sponsorship information, contact her at anaturalembrace@gmail.com.
“I am a product of the 80’s & an old school Hip-hop head.” ~VM
Here are a few of Venus’ favorite artists. Clockwise from right: Sade, Soldier of Love | Stevie Wonder, Songs in the Key of Life | The Best of Lauryn Hill | Nas, Life is Good | Dwele, Greater Than One | Common, The Dreamer/The Believer
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Ask a Stylist! By Nneka Otim
Q. I’ve heard that any type of heat is damaging to natural hair, but I want to try a new style. Is there a way to temporarily straighten my hair without causing a lot of damage?
A. That’s a great question.
So often my clients ask me the same question. I have read natural hair blogs where women describe their horrible experiences of their hair being straightened and it not returning back to the original texture. Well, the great news is, heat is not always damaging. It’s the way in which heat is used that is damaging. The
old-fashioned hard press is the method hairstylist were a custom to using. A hot comb and pressing oil usually did the trick. While this method left your hair very straight, it also broke down the outer layer of hair (cuticle layer) leaving the hair thin, lifeless, and damaged over a long period of repeated pressing. Here are few tips to apply heat while maintaining the health of your hair. Do your research to find the right professional. Make sure you find someone that specializes in straightening natural hair. You also want to make sure the stylist is familiar with the soft press technique (A soft press is a one step process after blowdrying the hair that uses less heat). As a D.I.Y here are few suggestions to assist with the process:
Blow-drying the hair in sections makes it easier to handle. Always use cool or the lowest temperatures possible while blow- drying. Use a heat protectant product before blow-drying or straightening. I suggest Carols Daughter Macadamia Heat Protection Serum or Phytodefrisant Relaxing Balm. Both products are great at protecting the hair and sealing the ends. Make sure you use the lowest heat temperature setting and keep in mind hair burns at 451 degrees. I hope these tips are helpful and as long as it’s done in a healthy way you can straighten your hair without damage.
Nneka Otim’s hands have been working magic on her client’s hair for over ten years. Because of her transition and journey from relaxed to natural hair, Nneka believes that it’s her calling to assist others on their journey. Nneka accepts appointments in Atlanta by appointment only. 404-587-3002 14 WWW.RESETYOURCROWN.COM
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Leave in
conditioner
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Recipe Super Moisturizing Leave-In Conditioner
This leave in conditioner is Venus Miranda’s favorite hair care recipe, and has become a staple in her regimen. She learned how to create this combination by watching her favorite You-Tube channel, Kimmaytube.
INGREDIENTS: 2 tbsp Aloe Vera Juice 2 tsp Jojoba Oil 1/2 tsp of cold pressed coconut oil 1 1/2 tsp of cold pressed extra virgin olive 2 tbsp of “Knot Today” Kinky Curly leave-in conditioner (Or your favorite leave in conditioner) DIRECTIONS:
Mix all together in a small container and then you can place it in the fridge or in your pantry until you use it. After washing and detangling your hair your put this mixture in your hair then you can twist your hair up and or style your hair. 17
Product Roundup by Alana Patrick
There’s nothing like perfecting your twistout, only to have your beautiful kinks and curls demolished by the weather. Here are five products that I’ve come across that will help build and maintain the ultimate afro when the heat and humidity get in the way.
1. Cantu “Natural Hair Moisturizing Twist & Lock Gel”
This is definitely a product that is the essence of “a little goes a long way.” Typically used while the hair is damp, it provides a strong hold against heat, and has minimal frizz in the results. A little too much, and the hair has a “crunchy” feel - not fun! 2. Jamaican Black Castor Oil
Keeping your hair constantly moisturized, despite any type of weather, is essential. No matter what brand, JBCO not only keeps hair soft, but also helps with growth. Massaging the scalp with oil helps seal in moisture and reduces frizz when taking apart twist outs. 3. Shea Moisture “Curl Enhancing Smoothie”
Often described as a “curl refresher,” this helps define curls and shape them, while helping
re-moisturize the scalp after being in the heat. Pairing this with the hibiscus curling gel, also from shea moisture, creates a moisturizing, bouncy and amazing twist-out. 4. Pure Shea Butter
Whether it’s your own mix of oils and butters, a nice whipped shea butter is all that’s needed sometimes when you’re keeping it light and simple. After all, shea butter helps reduce frizz, conditions hair, and is enriched with plenty of vitamins that are essential to hair, natural or relaxed. Spraying a little water on the hair from roots to ends and mixing your shea butter combination locks in moisture and gives hair a soft result, nobody likes that “crunchy” feeling. 5. ORI Essentials Leave-in conditioner Using a leave in condition-
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er is essential to natural hair, whatever your choice may be, always check the ingredients. It’s important to find products with humectants, because they reduce frizz and keep hair sealed, eliminating the chances of your twist out being demolished by the heat! Whether or not you know what works best for your hair, there’s nothing wrong with experimenting! Trying new products could have both good and bad results, but it also helps discover something new. Being natural takes time, nothing comes easily, but when we stop taking care of our hair, the results could be disastrous. Remember to keep it moisturized, cover your hair at night, or sleep on a satin pillow case, and always, always, always be gentle when you detangle!
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Style
Out of Africa Get the Look Designer Spotlight Street Style Ask an Interior Designer
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A Goddess
Shows Love to Africa
Photography by LaKaye Mbah Styling by Dominique Panganiban Make Up by Kishinna Fields Words by Alana Patrick
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No matter what we do in our lives,
we always aim to make a change, to leave the world a little better than the way we found it. For Venus Miranda, this meant being inspired to travel to Africa to explore the beautiful continent. “It has always been my dream to go to Africa,” Venus says, “I believe everyone should make it a goal to go there, at least once in their lifetime.” Venus believed the portrayal of Africa, as depicted in the media, was only filled with famine and disease; however that horrible depiction was far from the truth. “I experienced this country first hand...traveling to Nairobi, and staying in Kenya.” Venus continued her travels, stopping in Mombasa, visiting the children’s schools and the local orphanage. There, she was able to volunteer and assist with the children while
learning each of their stories and creating everlasting bonds with the kids. Volunteering with the children, Venus believes, was a humbling and beautiful experience. With plans to return in 2014, Venus plans to explore more of Africa and take advantage of the tourist elements of the country. “I want to go to the beach and ride camels. I also want to photograph the eye captivating landscape and the wonderful, exotic animals.” Venus went on, further, discussing how the trip opened her eyes to so many traditions and acts of hospitality that were never seen in America: “While I was in Kenya I felt right at home. The people there are so genuine and kind. What really touched my heart was how everyone was peaceful and respective of each others religious choices. (continued on page 25 )
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On Sunday mornings I would walk down the street and hear Muslims worshipping in a Mosque and Baptist services across the street. When I would venture out to shop on the streets it was nice seeing all cultures and different people interacting together.” Her travels inspired her to spread the word to her friends in America, and hopefully, convince them to join her when she returns. “They look up to us,” Venus said. “When volunteers come, it’s mostly people of other ethnicities. It’s a blessing to volunteer; however, it’s very special when someone who looks like them comes to volunteer.” Venus believes it is not only uplifting, but it sends a positive message: their brothers and sisters abroad care too! y
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Scenes from Africa
Venus was able to travel to Africa through a cool travel program called i-to-i Volunteering. (www.ito-i.com) Here are a few photos from Mombasa, Kenya with children from the local school and orphanage. There are also scenes from the streets of Nairobi, another stop in Venus’ adventure. Photography provided by Venus Miranda
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Get the Look
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1. Wide Waist Cincher Belt, $30, www.asos.com | 2. Topshop Friendship Bracelets (Set of 3), $25, www.nordstrom.com | 3. TiareOPatitifa Cowry Shell necklace, $15, www.etsy. com | 4. searituals Dashiki Tribal Dress, $32, www.etsy.com | 5. Boutique 9 Leather dress sandals $100, www.macys.com | 6. ExoticbyDesign4u African Headband, $10, www.etsy. com | Items compiled by Dominique Panganiban 35
Designer Spotlight:
JAH2!
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You don’t have to go full on African to have a tribal flair. These handmade accessories by JAH2! Cultural Accessories & Clothing will add an ethnic pizazz to any outfit. Their eye-catching jewelry is sold at cultural festivals, concerts and events. Each of the hand-painted pieces is signed JAH2 on the back, so you’ll know it’s an original work of art! To buy your own unique piece, visit their store JAH2.storenvy.com, contact KimnZiah@ gmail.com or call 301-646-2005.
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Street Style by Dominique Panganiban
Inspired by Venus Miranda’s effortless African/ Tribal style, RYC took to the streets of downtown Norfolk to discover how other chicstas were interpreting this fun and versatile trend!
From Left to Right:
Name: Ilia Age: 32 Occupation: Teacher Describing her personal style as “versatile,” Ilia shows us the flexibility African/Tribal by pairing both animal and tribal prints together! We especially love her handmade bracelets from Namibia, carved from plastic pvc piping! Name: Kianté Age: 36 Occupation: Mortgage Specialist Kianté proves that tribal patterns can be fun! Explaining how she enjoys discovering authentic-looking finds 38 WWW.RESETYOURCROWN.COM
Granby Street / Norfolk, VA See the video! from “in-authentic places,” we love how Kianté pairs her colorful Olive Olé tribal leggings with a sheer black blouse and flirty pumps! Name: Mischiel Age: 35 Occupation: Real Estate Mischiel describes her personal style as a “mix of unique, awkward, and unusual,” but there was nothing awkward about her combination of a sari top with a pair of Moroccan harem pants from Paris! We love how she completes the look with one-of-a-kind accessories from the thrift store! Name: Brianna Age: 18 Occupation: Student Brianna downplayed her style as “sometimes lazy,” but we think she brings a casual flair to this animal print trend! We especially love how she mixes and matches animal prints together, with a vibrant tee from Urban Outfitters, and a sleek shoulder bag from Rainbow. How do you rock your tribal style? Instagram your Street Style look to us @resetyourcrown! 39
Ask an Interior Designer! Venus Miranda is a gal who adores clean, uncluttered spaces. One way to remove clutter is by getting rid of items that no longer serve you! Make room for beauty in your life in your living areas and beyond. We asked Astral Riles of of Riles Home Staging & Redesign to show us one of her life-renewing redesigns. Words & Images by Astral Riles This particular space in my client’s living room used to serve as the resting spot of an old piano. The area wasn’t used for its true purpose because nobody in the house actually even played the piano. It was just there taking up space! Part of my design plan for the living room was to give it a more contemporary/modern feel. One of the major changes was removing the carpet and replacing it with laminate flooring. Laminate is very durable and a low-cost option when it comes to upgrading flooring. By changing the carpet to a light colored laminate flooring also made the space appear to be bigger. My goal in this design was to add another functional space in the living room so that
my client & her family would have more places to hang out other than the sofa. I decided to create a “reading nook” area. This new space would serve as a relaxing spot for my client, as well as, provide additional seating options if she were to have company. I searched several stores looking for the perfect accent chairs, but all of the nice chairs exceeded my client’s budget. Both my client and I were getting very discouraged until one day, while just browsing around my favorite thrift store to kill some time, I happen to come across 2 awesome chairs. They were only $25/ each and in great condition. The wonderful thing about this was that I could customize the chairs to go with the overall redesign. I painted the
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chairs a few shades darker than the neutral gray color that is on the walls and I reupholstered the seats. Between the purchase of the chairs, fabric & paint, this DIY project came in at under $90. Once everything came together, there was no need to add a bookcase or a huge table, etc. I always believe that if you limit the amount of surface area that people can use to put junk on, this will greatly decrease the odds of any type of clutter accumulating. This space now serves as another functional area that has been added to the living room but still appears to be minimalistic. I achieved this by using very low profile furniture pieces that didn’t take up too much floor space.
Below: Living room with piano. Chair before refnishing. Right: Updated stylish corner sans piano featuring beautifully refnished classic chairs.
Astral was born and raised in Chicago. She has always been interested in interior decorating, but after purchasing a “fixer-upper” single family home about five years ago and doing a complete renovation, she knew immediately that design was going to be her new “Love”! See more of her before and afters on www.astralriles.com.
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For gourmet cupcake orders in the Baltimore area, call 410-635-0941 www.kalebskakes.com
Astral Riles
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Move of the Month:
Bike Stretches
We all know biking is great for your heart, and good for the planet. It doesn’t hurt that your legs become super-sexy in the process. But, don’t just hop on your wheels with cold muscles. Our fitness model, Jasmine, demonstrates a few important stretches to try before and after your ride. Your body will thank you for it!
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“I have found a new love for riding my bike to do errands. It keeps me humble and fit!� ~Venus Miranda 45
Behind the Scenes
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The goddess does not rule the world. She IS the world.~ Starhawk Venus Miranda completely represents my vision for Reset Your Crown. Not only is she a goregeous, natural, woman of color, but she’s also made great strides in becoming a healthier person. Her desire to give back to the planet is admirable as well. She’s changing the world from the inside out. Venus Miranda got the royal treatment as our team of photographers, stylists, makeup artists and assitants transitioned her from gorgeous to goddess! The shoot, which lasted about four hours, spanned two locations. The first look was photographed in and around the studio. Our team gathered jewelry, clothing and accents to bring Africa into the scene. We wanted a natural surrounding for the second part, so we tried to find a location that was reminiscent of the lushest parts of Africa. We found that in the gorgeous and majestic First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach. I sincerely hope you’ve enjoyed this issue! -LaKaye Mbah y
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Let yourself be drawn by the strange pull of what you love. It will not lead you astray. -rumi
What would you love to see? Sound off on what you love about the magazine and how we can improve it. Subscribe for FREE at www.resetyourcrown.com. 48 WWW.RESETYOURCROWN.COM