Venus Miranda! Fall 2013 • Issue 1
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Accessorize it! Hand Painted Earrings by JAH2! pg. ??
Co n t r ibuto rs
Nneka Otim
Astral Riles
Kishinna Foxie-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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D EPA RT M ENTS GET THE LOOK
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Feel like an African Goddess? Try these looks on for size. By Dominique Panganiban
Q&A
Ask a Stylist: Straighten your natural hair without damage! By Nneka Otim Ask an Interior Designer: Living Room Remodel By Astral Riles
RECIPE
Venus’ Favorite Leave In Conditioner photo by LaKaye Mbah
FITNESS
Biking your way to a happier, healthier life.
ART DIRECTOR
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LaKaye Mbah lakaye@resetyourcrown.com www.lakayembah.com
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EDITOR IN CHIEF & STYLE EDITOR
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ALL A BOUT H A IR PRODUCT ROUNDUP
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VENUS TALKS HAIR & LIFE
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Dominique Panganiban dominique@resetyourcrown.com
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Kayla Harp kayla@resetyourcrown.com kmaegraphics.tumblr.com
STAFF WRITER
Alana Patrick alana@resetyourcrown.com Alana’s youtube page?
Five awesome products to nourish your giant fro. By Alana Patrick
This one should be a little more about styling tips to maintain this kind of hairstyle.
FEATURED T H IS M ONT H VENUS IN AFRICA
A photo essay of Venus Miranda’s trip to Africa. Photos by Venus Miranda
ON THE COVER
Kayla is wearing some make-up from Mac and some clothers from her closet.
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To Subscribe: To Advertise:
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To Write a Question to an Expert
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Venus MirandA Q &A WITH
Q&A Interview by Dominique Panganiban/ Photography: LaKaye Mbah / Makeup Kishinna Foxie 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 one of my mentors Patricia Williams hair. She was one of the first women in my community with natural hair. I admired her confidence in loving her hair back then 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 many talents God has blessed me 4 WWW.RESETYOURCROWN.COM
with even more. Who’s your “natural role model?” If I may name two people I will say 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 non-genetically modified food recipes. I have learned Sea Moss/Irish Moss contains 92 of the 102 minerals of which the human body is made. And, my other natural roll model is Cipriana of the Urban Bush Babes. 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 7)
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What products do you use? I use Shikakai hair soap to clarify my scalp when I wash 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. Being that I now have mastered how to manipulate my hair, I can make my hair big, curly, straight or kinky. The part I dread is my washing my day because I know I will have to wash my hair, then steam it, detangle, rinse, moisture and twist it up. But with my music playing keeping me company the time does go by faster. How does how you treat your hair affect what you eat? With maintaining my 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 to make sure its vital organs and its survival. So, I try to make sure I’m eating mostly healthier foods so that my hair can receive the nutrient. 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 mixed with my diet of poultry and fish.
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 sealers, keeping 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 distracted (?) from it.. 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 house. I try to buy what I know I will use or need. When it comes to eliminating junk mail or paper clutter I pass the dumpster (recycle bin) first before entering my house with junk mail.
If you could give any advice to anyone going natural, what would it be? I would give advice on having patience, and giving your hair maintenance, and nutrients. 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.
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 8)
It is important to keep moisture in your hair our
What brings you the most joy? 7
This may sound cliché but just waking up with having that inner peace knowing that God has my back is the biggest joy. And of course the loves of my life...My funny and sweet son, my love of my life. My fiancé, my family and friends who genuinely love me for me on my good and bad behavior. What also brings me joy is on some Saturdays just walking out of my house with no plans and just seeing where the day will lead me and enjoying life and that present moment in time. If you could be anywhere for the day, where would it be and why? It is my travel goal to go to Dubai! I would love to lie on a beach in Dubai with my man of course. It’s a very romantic and beautiful place. I love the fact that they operate by whenever the sun sets not at 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 calmness anything is negotiable with my calm approach. 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. =)
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What are your hobbies? I love to travel and do destination Photography, I’m a foodie and I love to cook, 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 in the morning skyping with my man when I know I have to be to work at 6 in the morning. I feel guilty of 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. §
Some kind of ad
As you review please take note of the questions and comments I may have posted on various pages. Also, pay no attention to the spacing. I will tighten up any loose spacing once I get the final corrections to the copy from you all. Please review all of the copy for mistakes, typos, and inconsistencies. I will go back through and add hyper-links to all websites. Will need someone to test them with second proof. Cover: I honestly think we should go with the standard logo because I polled some friends and they thought it said NYC. Also, if it does ever go to newsstand, it needs to be seen on the stand. Photos: They are un-edited for the most part. I will send another copy around for review when I finish editing. Here are a few things I’m grappling with: Should we have section openers? If so, what should they be? Hair, Style, & ? I need help with determining how to separate paragraphs. Indent? Space in between lines? How much of an indent? Should we put crowns as article enders? When you write back with your suggestions, please let me know the device you used to look at the document. If you reviewed online, please let me know which browser! Thanks!
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I am a product of the 80’s & an old school Hip-hop head. ~VM
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LISTEN
Common, The Dreamer/The Believer | 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
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Goddess
Out Of Africa (Can we improve this article title. Should play off the word Goddess)
Photography by LaKaye Mbah Styling by Dominique Panganiban Make Up by Kishinna Foxie-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. she was inspired to travel to Africa and explore the beautiful country. “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 would 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 (continued on page 17 ) 15
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peaceful and respective of each others religious choices. 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 states, “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!
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Scenes from Africa Venus provided us with a few photos from her trip. (Please provide brief caption info)
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Accessorize It! (Idea 1We would use this as a spread with some copy about jewelry) Can you writ a sentence about ho and/or why we layered these looks and where to buy this from?
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(Idea 2We would have intro pages for style and maybe hair, with an ad on the left side.
LaKaye Mbah Photography AD
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Style Designer Spotlight Q&A Fitness Hair Care
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Letter from the editor
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Nemped quam qui tem exceperchit aut eaqui desed quostia sitius. Ernatquia quam nos istis ut quat. Nam quiam autem volorro ex eostio es es aut vendelestio tentorepro quisciatur moluptatum qui cum facepudam eatur, sequasp icimus inim et optatur, que entis dolupta tinullest as nimuscit ullentium am aut et assi conetur, nis sus si demquide velessim estiat. Idipsa etur? Em as velendiam soles dolupta quoditiam voloritiorro dolor aut
Hair Product Roundup Q&A: Ask a Stylist Venus Talks Hair & Life
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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 unique piece is signed JAH2 on the back, so you know it’s an original work of art! To find out where they’ll be next or to buy your own unique piece contact KimnZiah@gmail.com or call 301-646-2005. 30 WWW.RESETYOURCROWN.COM
Designer Spotlight:
JAH2!
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Get the Look I do not rock a lot of labels. I would say my style is classy, feminine and simple. ~VM
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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
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street style 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! by Dominique Panganiban
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 from “in-authentic places,” we love how Kianté pairs her colorful Olive Olé tribal leggings with a sheer black blouse and flirty pumps! 34 WWW.RESETYOURCROWN.COM
Downtown Norfolk, VA 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!
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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. Kinky Curly “Knot Today 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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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. 39
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. Jasmine Parker demonstrates a few 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 41
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Q&A 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. Find a professional and do your research. 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.
A. Blow- drying the hair in sections makes it easier to handle. B. Always use cool or the lowest temperatures possible while blow- drying. C. 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. D. 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 43
Q&A 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 really couldn’t be utilized for its true purpose because nobody that lived in the house actually even knew how to play 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
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the overall redesign. I painted the 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 so that they wouldn’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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Body Wrap Ad
Sonya’s Ad Astral Riles
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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 woman. 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 took place 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
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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 resetyourcrown.com. 50 WWW.RESETYOURCROWN.COM