Jan 2014 - Midwest Black Hair Magazine

Volume 3

Issue 1

Chicagoland Pop Up Shop For Naturals Curl Kitchen

Top 5 Tips For the Perfect Winter Wash-n-Go From Blogger Nik Scott

Montina Cooper: Beyonce Backup Singer Straight From the STL

BH MWBloggers Spotlight

{

www.MidwestBlackHair.com

}

HAIR BLOGGER OF The Year

Cherice Richmond

Hair... Beauty... Events... Q&A’s...

And More!!!

1

www.MidwestBlackHair.com

Hosted by Midwest Black Hair Magazine in the Kansas City, MO area. Alopecia Areata is a common autoimmune skin disease resulting in the loss of hair on the scalp and elsewhere on the body. Alopecia areata affects approximately two percent of the population overall, including more than 6.5 million people in the United States alone. Join the run for a cause of raising money for victims of this widely spread disease. A portion of the proceeds will go to help children diagnosed with Alopecia.

Please visit www.MidwestBlackHair.com/Alopecia-Run for more information about the race and how you can participate or help.

2 MIDWEST BLACK HAIR MAGAZINE - December2013

Register.

Run. Support.

Race Begins at 9:00am (Runners will begin the first wave, followed by walkers, and then participants with strollers.)

Immediately following the race will be activites for the entire family:

Race Participants 13 & Older 1/1/2014 - 2/28/2014

Registration Starts at 7:30am

$20.00

3/1/2014 - 4/30/2014

$25.00

5/1/2014 - Race

$30.00

Vendors Fun Activites For Kids Drinks & Food Informational Booths & Speakers

Race Participants 12 & Younger 1/1/2014 - 2/28/2014

$7.00

3/1/2014 - 4/30/2014

$10.00

5/1/2014 - Race

$12.00

Hosted By:

Registration & Info:

tion a r t s i Reg es: Includ irt -T-Sh b Bi -Race hip ng C -Timi

Por the tion o f P don roceed help ated t s chil o with dren Alo pec ia.

JUNE 2014

www.MidwestBlackHair.com/Alopecia-Run 3 www.MidwestBlackHair.com

www.MidwestBlackHair.com

Model | Tina Richardson & Kavan McCambry Photographer | Irma Lomidze Hairstylist | Brandize Riggins MUA | Brayan Aguirre LB GLAM Accessories

4 MIDWEST BLACK HAIR MAGAZINE - December2013

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“Hair is not merely just hair, but it is an accessory to our style” Hairstyles | Articles | Stylist & Barber Spotlights | Celebrity Interviews | Events Giveaways | Reviews | and much more!

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

month this

Contents 16

Chicagoland Pop Up Shop For Naturals:

56

Stylist Spotlight: Yalanda Young

CurlKitchen ™ Hair Care Products

20 40

In Every Inssue

In The News:

Curly Catrel Honors Ms. Tracee Ellis Ross and Ms. Teyonah Parris

Kansas CIty MUA Honored: Aisha Simon

48

When You Know Better, You Do Better Healthy Hair Care Tips

10 Event Calendar 12 Editor’s Letter Midwest Black Hair Magazine is a monthly publication that is devoted to showcasing African American hair styles, promoting local hair and beauty stylist, supporting local small businesses, putting a spotlight on hair & beauty events, and providing hair, beauty, and health information specifically to people of color through monthly articles.

8 MIDWEST BLACK HAIR MAGAZINE - December2013

42

Montina Cooper: Beyonce Background Singer Straight From the STL

24 Hair Blogger of the Year:

32

CoveredWithCurls.com Meet the 2013 Uzuri Blogger of the Award Winner, Cherice Richmond.

s r e g glight BlSo pot

Top 5 Tips for the Perfect Winter Wash-n-Go:

9 www.MidwestBlackHair.com

34

By Nik Scott

EDITORIAL CALENDAR

January

February

March

January 12, 2014 Xotics Hair Battle: Barber/Sneaker Battle Los Angeles, CA http://www.hairbattletour.com/

February 9, 2014 Xotics Hair Battle: Barber/Sneaker Battle Miami, FL http://www.hairbattletour.com/

January 19th, 2014 Roc Da Runway Hair & Fashion Show 2014 Hosted By Nene Leakes Charlotte, NC http://rocdarunway.com/

February 9, 2014 Hair In Motion Hair Show Los Angeles, CA

March 2, 2014 Cleveland Natural Hair Care & Fitness Expo Cleveland, OH http://www.NaturalHairCareExpo. com

January 26, 2014 Xotics Hair Battle: Student Barber Battle Phoenix, AZ http://www.hairbattletour.com/

r u o y s u d n Se g n i m o upc ! ! ! s t n e ev

February 22-25, 2014 Bronner Bros International Hair Show Atlanta, GA http://www.bronnerbros.com/

10 MIDWEST BLACK HAIR MAGAZINE - December2013

March 22-24, 2014 America’s Beauty Show Chicago, IL http://www.americasbeautyshow. com/ March 29-30, 2014 Baltimore Natural Hair Care & Fitness Expo Baltimore, MD http://www.NaturalHairCareExpo. com

events

April

May

June

April 26-27, 2014 17th Annual Taliah Waajid World Natural Hair, Health, and Beauty Show College Park, GA http://naturalhairshow.org/

May 5, 2014 The WITJ Natural Hair & Beauty Show London, UK http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ the-witj-natural-hair-beauty-show-2014-london-tickets-7801403207

June 2014 Care 4 Hair: 5K Run For Alopecia Shawnee, KS www.MidwestBlackHair.com/ Alopecia-Run

May 10, 2014 KC Natural Hair Event Kansas City, MO www.CoveredWithCurls.com www.MidwestBlackHair.com May 4-5, 2014 Hair Wars Detroit, MI http://www.hairwarsustour.com/

Have an event coming up in 2014 that you would like to add to our Events Calendar?

11 Email us at: info@midwestblackhair.com www.MidwestBlackHair.com

editor’s letter

Happy New Year From The Editor!

To all the readers of MWBH Magazine: Happy New Year Everyone!!! Midwest Black Hair is bringing in the New Year with a bang! Our Bloggers Spotlight this month showcases some awesome beauty bloggers out there, including our Blogger of the Year Ms. Cherice Richmond, and some great words from the great Nik Scott! Tons of other great articles, photos, and more so be sure to read it until the end!

We are constantly striving to perfect our magazine for our readers, and would love to hear from you. Please let us know if you have any feedback, suggestions, questions, or general comments that you would like to share with us. Feel free to email us at: info@midwestblackhair.com.

Thank you and I hope you enjoy this issue!

Malisse Lockhart-Ford Editor-In-Chief Midwest Black Hair Magazine

www.MidwestBlackHair.com

12 MIDWEST BLACK HAIR MAGAZINE - December2013

13 www.MidwestBlackHair.com

Editor-In-Chief:

Malisse Lockhart-Ford

mford@midwestblackhair.com

VP of Marketing & Advertising Christina Richardson trich@midwestblackhair.com

Advertising Department

advertising@midwestblackhair.com

MWBH Contributors

Keyon ‘Noyek’ Wilson

Human Resource Department hr@midwestblackhair.com

Subscriptions

MidwestBlackHair.com/Subscriptions

Midwest Black Hair LLC info@midwestblackhair.com 816-866-MWBH (6924) www.MidwestBlackHair.com Cover Photo-Pg3 Model | Cherice Richmond Photographer | Brittany JoRae King, Smash Glam Lighting Technician | Tiffany N. Cody, Smash Glam Makeup Artist | Aisha Simon, Smash Glam Stylist | Autumn Orphey, Smash Glam Designer | Black by Jovani, Copper by La’Femme Wardrobe | Camille La Vie Boutique, Overland Park, KS Back Cover Photo Models | Tina Richardson & Kavan McCambry Photographer | Irma Lomidze Hairstylist | Brandize Riggins 14 MUA | Brayan Aguirre Accessories | LB GLAM MIDWEST BLACK HAIR MAGAZINE - December2013

Model | Maybelline Victoria- Aenpmodels.com Photographer | Dauna Kraag - Daunakraagphotography Mua | Viola Sarkodee -Thesura Styling Hairstylist | Latoya Plet - Toyafiercehairdesign

15 www.MidwestBlackHair.com

Beauty Business Spotlight

Chicagoland Pop Up

Shop For Naturals:

Curl Kitchen ™ Brings Natural Based And Organic Hair Care Products

Curl Kitchen ™, a Chicago based company, is offering natural based and organic hair care products for customers across the country via their on-line Pop Up Shop as they are still in negotiations for acquiring retail space in the Chicagoland area. The Pop Up shop allows current national clientele to get a taste of what Curl Kitchen’s brick and mortar store will offer. The company is known as Chicago's premiere retailer of natural based and/ or organic hair care products.

The retailer has introduced a few exciting promotional offers as well for buyers including free shipping for qualifying purchases of $45 and over using code curl45. Chicago hairstylists will receive a 10 percent discount once registered on the site.

When contacted, Peggy Arthur, President & CEO of Curl Kitchen ™ said, "Our products are made by vendors who provide the most natural-based and organic products possible.

Customers can shop our online pop-up shop for products that would help them achieve healthy and stylish hairstyles by using natural hair products.

We also promote healthy luxorious hair in the long run; no more temporary solutions for the future of your hair. Our products have been specially selected to make sure that we provide consumers products containing high quality ingredients that have been crafted with your unique texture in mind, to feed your curls naturally. " She further added that trying a new style or experimenting with your look is quite common these

16 MIDWEST BLACK HAIR MAGAZINE - December2013

days. Women and men alike are becoming empowered by realizing their natural options and "One who never tries anything new will not be able to find the best version of themselves."

Buyers can get various hard-to-find brands such as Astella 19 accessories, Koils by Nature, My Honey Child, and Q-Redew among others.

The company offers an outstanding class of products exclusively tailored to various hair textures including waves, curls, kinks, and or afro textured hair; their products can also be used on straight-relaxed hair as well. Curl Kitchen’s products have been prepared by experts who know the exceptional structure and requirements of hair and how to nourish your hair without damaging it.

About Curl Kitchen ™ Curl Kitchen is a Chicago based retail shop that offers natural based and/ or organic hair care products.

Curl Kitchen is owned by Truly Natural, Inc. a family owned business.

Contact Information: info@curlkitchen.com Contact Person: Cynthia "Queen" Arthur Contact Number: 502-528-0212 Email id: queen@curlkitchen.com Website: www.curlkitchen.com

17 www.MidwestBlackHair.com

18 MIDWEST BLACK HAIR MAGAZINE - December2013

19 www.MidwestBlackHair.com

IN THE NEWS

2013 Curly Cartel Christmas, Holiday Cheer for Charity Los Angelas, CA Photos Courtesy of Angel Photographie

The 2013 Curly Cartel Christmas, Holiday Cheer for Charity event held on December 13 honored Ms. Tracee Ellis Ross and Ms. Teyonah Parris, two women who embody a spirit of cheer and charity.

The Curly Cartel, led by founders Ms. JGray and Miss Dunnie O., have become known for their illustrious events that encourage women to embrace their natural beauty, and have decided to use their platform to bring awareness to another issue that impacts women today, poverty. Curly Cartel Christmas, Holiday Cheer for Charity acted as a meeting ground for women who want to give back to their community. Proceeds from ticket sales helped benefit the Down Town Women’s Center.

20 MIDWEST BLACK HAIR MAGAZINE - December2013

21 www.MidwestBlackHair.com

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22 MIDWEST BLACK HAIR MAGAZINE - December2013

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FEATURED

24 MIDWEST BLACK HAIR MAGAZINE - December2013

HAIR BLOGGER OF The Year

Cherice Richmond www.CoveredWithCurls.com “I

never thought I would go natural, but there was a time where I was tired of the “creamy crack” aka relaxer, and wanted to have healthy hair again. So, I stopped getting my hair relaxed and was about that healthy hair life. During the time of transitioning I experience horrible breakage and matted puppy dog hair. UGH! In July of 2012, I grabbed my scissors and cut off my poor excuse for relaxed hair and was no longer held down by scraggly ends. AND O-M-G! That was the best move I ever made for my hair and now I can’t get enough of flirting with my natural tresses!”

{Covered with CURLS where “Being ME is Natural!”}

This is how it all started for Cherice Richmond, Natural Hair Blogger of CoveredWithCurls.com. Wife, mother of 2, and also a Full Time employee in the Education Field, she is a poster child of having a family and doing what you love. She was a new blogger on the scene in 2013, but Cherice came out with a bang! Being nominated for the 2013 Uzuri Hair Blogger of the Year Award was a huge honor for Mrs. Richmond, and after a vigurous voting period, her fans helped her snag the title!

2525 www.MidwestBlackHair.com www.MidwestBlackHair.com

www.CoveredWithCurls.com Her down to earth personality is something that all naturalistas can relate too, which makes her blog such a huge success. She shares not only her personal everyday journey with followers, but also natural hair tips, product reviews, DIY hair styles, and tons more. Cherice’s message to her followers on CoveredWithCurls.com shares her philosophy of her blog, and reads as such, “I will share all my secrets on keeping your natural “mane” under control and stress free! Go ahead honey, flaunt your natural tresses with confidence and know that the de- cision

you made to go natural was one you can embrace and become proud of! I will give you the skinny on keeping it simple, but with great results! I’m not a beautician, so the advice I disclose is my opinion only and necessarily doesn’t mean it will, or won’t work for you. Being natural is all about discovering your hair texture and creating a regimen designed just for you.”

We sat down with Mrs. Cherice Richmond to talk more about her successful blog, and her hair journey...

What is the most asked question that you get from your followers?

The biggest question I have been asked would be how long I have been natural. I believe this question is common amongst the natural hair community for hair inspiration purposes and for the pure love for our hair!

Tell us about your hair journey?

I wanted healthy hair again, so I opted out of relaxing my hair. I wasn’t trying to become natural but that’s what it lead too after transitioning for 10 months. I cut off my relaxed ends in July of 2012 and haven’t looked back since then!

How has your blog impacted your life?

I have a great compassion for my blogging and it’s almost therapeutic in a way. I have a desire to help out other naturals and those who are considering to embrace their inner beauty. I share all, good or bad. I believe being natural is a process and loving your natural tresses is a great first step to take for anyone.

26 MIDWEST BLACK HAIR MAGAZINE - December2013

What or who was your inspiration when you created CoveredWithCurls.com?

My husband is my inspiration behind CoveredWithCurls.

He supports and admires my natural hair and has gone as far to say, “it gives me character.” I want other curls who come across my blog to feel the same love and support as I did. Going natural may come with a few side eyes, but having a strong support base behind you will make every curls journey seem brighter. Not everyone has that support and I want to be just that for other naturals.

City with the help of Midwest Black Hair Magazine. This event will help unite all kinks and curls to indulge in a time of FAB with a “Naturally Glam” makeover by the Smash Glam Squad, a mini photo shoot, live presentations, presenters, vendors, music, giveaways and much more! This event with will be held on May 10, 2014 at the Smash Glam Studio in Kansas City, MO! “Being ME is Natural” and I’m always there to help other curls through their journey any way I can!

CoveredWithCurls can be found on the following social media websites; Blog: www.CoveredWithCurls.com Instagram and Twitter: IMCWCURLS Facebook and YouTube: Covered With Curls Send all business inquiries to: coveredwithcurls@gmail.com

What are your staple hair products that you live by?

My natural hair product staples as of today are Beautiful Textures Curl Defining Pudding, Miss Jessie’s Cleansing Creme, Aussie Moist and Palmer’s Replenishing Hair Milk.

Tell us about your upcoming hair event this May.

I am proudly hosting my first Natural Hair Event in Kansas

Credits Pg. 24-27 Model | Cherice Richmond Photographer | Brittany JoRae King, Smash Glam Lighting Technician | Tiffany N. Cody, Smash Glam Makeup Artist | Aisha Simon, Smash Glam Stylist | Autumn Orphey, Smash Glam Designer | Black by Jovani, Copper by La’Femme Wardrobe | Camille La Vie Boutique, Overland 27 Park, KS

www.MidwestBlackHair.com

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29 www.MidwestBlackHair.com

Model | Tina Richardson Photographer | Irma Lomidze Hairstylist | Brandize Riggins MUA | Brayan Aguirre Accessories | LB GLAM

mlfCreations Design

Media

Corporate Projects

mlfCreations specializes in graphic design for corporations, small businesses, non-profits, and individuals as well. Web Design is also another division of mlfCreations and we offer professional services to fit your every need. We specializes in WordPress, and can create a customized site just for you!

The Media Division of mlfCreations will be added in 2014. Services to be included:

Completing projects for corporations large and small. From company forms to manuals, templates, and specialized projects, mlfCreations can handle it all.

We look forward to competing for your projects.

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31 www.MidwestBlackHair.com

FEATURED

Bloggers Spotlight

O

ur Natural Kids is an online blog filled with information to assist with caring for your child’s GORGEOUS Natural Hair. Their mission is to share ideas & resources while promoting healthy hair care and maintenance for children with kinky, curly, or multi textured hair. They have compiled several information areas to help in just about every area including:

History of Afro Hair Hair Typing Retaining Moisture & Preventing Dryness Baby Hair Care Books for Natural Kids!

Butter Knowledge Hair Washing Edges & Kitchens Understanding PH Balance Natural Hair Maintenance Series

32 MIDWEST BLACK HAIR MAGAZINE - December2013

Blogger: Our Natural Kids

Ournaturalkids.ning.com

ivachyk is an up and coming Blogger: D blogger and the mastermind Relaxed Thairapy, Your PreJay Wes “Divachyk” behind mier Healthy Hair Resource. She is #productjunkie that Relaxedthairapy.com ais#relaxedhair crazy in love with hair, health and

beauty. She has relaxed, waist length hair and skillfully demonstrates relaxed hair can be healthy hair. Her signature style of endless jaw dropping buns will make any head turn.

Divachyk created Relaxed Thairapy

Brandy Hazzard is an Esthetician and Makeup Artist at Red Pearl Chicago. She's the Editor-in-Chief of Gold'n Glitters: A Human Side to Beauty www.goldnglitters.com.

Writing about beauty and fashion has opened many doors for Brandy. She has guest blogged for Ddbabetta, GlamNoLablez and Plus Size Fashion Week Chicago.

She's in love with all things beauty and glitter. Ms. Hazzard loves helping people feel good from the inside out.

“The Human Side to Beauty” Twitter: @goldhoneebee Instagram: @goldnglitters www.goldnglitters.com

33 www.MidwestBlackHair.com

with the thought in mind that hair can be relaxing and therapeutic, hence the name Relaxed Thairapy.

Don't be fooled by the name! Relaxed Thairapy is an awesome resource dedicated to helping relaxed and natural hair enthusiasts achieve and maintain healthy hair through tips, techniques and tutorials. Do check it out!

Relaxedthairapy.com

Blogger: Brandy Hazzard Goldnglitters.com

FEATURED

Blogger: Nik Scott www.inikscott.com

{ } Nik Scott is the YouTube personality on LHDC-TV and the author of the children’s book My Hair Is So Happy. Purchase Nik’s new book on Amazon.com and follow her everywhere online! www.inikscott.com • Facebook. com/lhdctv • Twitter. com/inikscott • Instagram.com/inikscott • YouTube.com/longhairdontcarellc

Nik’s Top 5 Tips for the Perfect Winter Wash-n-Go! Winter. Spring. Summer. Fall. I wear my wash-n-go through them all! But many curly girls shy away from the carefree simplicity of the wash-n-go in cooler months. And, honestly, I can’t say that I blame them. Wintertime in the Midwest can be bitter, cold and downright rude sometimes, but with proper hair care, you, too can continue to rock your kinky-curly tresses in a wash-n-go all winter long!

1.

CO WASH-n-GO Because of its high concentration of soap and sulfates, shampoo is widely known to dry out curly hair. So instead, reach for a rinse out conditioner to wash your hair – this is a co-wash!

Unless your hair has a lot of product build-up, the surfactants in commercial conditioners are more than enough to keep your tresses clean during the winter months. I opt to use a cheap drug store conditioner for my co-washes, but there are many products available now that are labeled and formulated for the sole purpose of co-washing.

2.

GET A LEAVE-IN TO BELIEVE IN After you’ve washed your hair and before you get ready to go, treat your strands to a creamy leave-in conditioner before you begin adding any curl defining products. The leave-in will give your hair added moisture and help protect your hair against the dry indoor heat and brisk outdoor weather.

3.

RUB IT DOWN WITH HOT OIL I’m talking about your hair! What “it” did you think I was talking about!  After you’ve applied your leave-in to your hair, warm your favorite natural oil and put it in your hair. The warmth of the oil will help lift the protective layer of

*My Hair Is So Happy is a children’s book written

by Nik Scott. It can be purchased at Amazon.com.

34 MIDWEST BLACK HAIR MAGAZINE - December2013

s r e g g Blo ght Spotli

your hair enabling the oil to reach deep down and penetrate the hair shaft. The oil will also act as a sealant and lock in the moisture of the conditioner – again, helping to protect your hair from the elements.

4.

DEFINE AND MOISTURIZE By now you’ve noticed a recurring theme here…MOISTURE! You’ve used moisture to wash your hair, you added some more moisture with your leave-in and you sealed in moisture with warm oil. Now top it all off with a moisturizing curl styler. I love gels to set my curls but there are some great puddings out there, too! Whatever you

use, be sure that it leaves your hair feeling supple and soft, not hard and stiff.

5.

DRY IT QUICKLY Who wants to walk out the house in the middle of winter with WET hair!? Not me and I’m sure you don’t either. So, after you’ve applied all of your styling products, you can use a diffuser to dry your hair or sit under a hooded dryer.

Either process shouldn’t take more than about 20 minutes. PLUS, the heat from the appliance you use will open up the cuticle on your strands and allow further penetration of moisture!

That’s it! Now you have no reason 35 www.MidwestBlackHair.com

NOT to wear a wash-n-go in the winter! The key is to keep your hair well hydrated and to strategically use products that will help keep your hair protected and looking good! ____________ Nik Scott is the YouTube personality on LHDC-TV and the author of the children’s book My Hair Is So Happy. Purchase Nik’s new book on Amazon.com and follow her everywhere online! www. inikscott.com • Facebook.com/ lhdctv • Twitter.com/inikscott • Instagram.com/inikscott • YouTube. com/longhairdontcarellc

36 MIDWEST BLACK HAIR MAGAZINE - December2013

IamDatNaturalGirl (also known as Alicia) is from the Windy City.

The oldest of four and also a mom to one she is also currently pursuing a degree in Business Management. Some would say that she is a jack of all trades, and she would definitely agree. “I'm always on the hunt of finding something new to learn; I think that's what keeps life so young. From the time that I could remember I

always challenge myself to do and learn different things. In my past life time and now present, I've done hair, sew, style, design, encourage and currently started my own jewelry line CocoNut U Hand Crafted Jewelry Designs as of 2012. I'm always up to learning and exploring a new journey in life. I know that with one life to live the options are endless. I am ready to discover my truth...�

Blogger: IamDatNaturalGirl Iamdatnaturalgirl.com

Blog Spot gers lig ht

Peggy Arthor, CEO of Curl Kitchen in Chicago, IL, is also the Blogger behind Consciousafro.com. She does not classify herself solely as a natural hair blogger as she does not believe in constraints and wanted her blog to reflect her diverse personality and characteristics. Further she wanted her blog to be a piece of art. Her goal is for the viewers to break free of the constraints and stigmas that society has placed upon those who wear their hair chemical free. With this, she opens her blog with regal protective styles done with Havana Twist (done by her hair stylist).

Blogger: Peggy Arthor 37 Consciousafro.com

www.MidwestBlackHair.com

Model | Tina Richardson Photographer | Irma Lomidze Hairstylist | Brandize Riggins MUA | Brayan Aguirre Accessories | LB GLAM

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IN THE NEWS

Kansas City MakeUp Artist Aisha Simon of Smash Glam honored as People'sChoice Recipient for RAW Kansas City

By Brittany JoRae'

Photo Credit - AndersonArtwork.com

Aisha Simon, makeup artist and co-owner of Smash Glam, was nominated for RAW: natural born artist Kansas City's MakeUp Artist of the Year. Along side this honor she was named the People's Choice MakeUp Artist of the Year during the event held at the Voodoo Lounge on Thursday, November 21st, 2013.

About RAW: Natural Born Artist Kansas City's 2013 Semi-Finals What is RAW: RAW:natural born artists is an independent arts organization that hand-selects and spotlights independent creatives in visual art, film, fashion, music, hair & makeup artistry, photography, models and performing art, explains their website http://www.rawartists.org People's Choice Nominations for RAW Kansas City Voodoo Lounge, located at 1 Riverboat Dr, North Kansas City, MO inside Harrah's Casino. Along with the MakeUp Artist nominees, were honorees for Hair, Fashion, Accessories, Photography, Music, Film, Performing Art and Visual Art. All nominees were invited to create booths displaying their amazing talents where guests could vote for theirfavorite from each category.

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While guests enjoyed the visual displays of each nominee, they were offered an array of drinks and live music. Performers included Nominees Pursa and Ben Benifeld, later followed by a highlighted concert from singer Sosha Oshaye.

Short films played were by nominees Adam Roberts and Mazurak and a live performance from Tricks of Light was enjoyed. In between the amazing performances were fashion shows for the nominated designers, hair stylists and makeup artists.

Aisha's chosen theme was Vintage Pin Up. Her models were styled in all black body suits with pencil skirts, black stiletto pumps and vintage hats by nominee Lotus Eye Productions. They strutted the runway to ,”I Am Woman” by Jordan Sparks only pausing to check their lipstick and lashes in the compacts they modeled with.

About Aisha Simon Aisha co-owns Smash Glam with partner Tiffany Cody. Smash Glam was a happy accident that has become a large success with hopes for expansion.

Tiffany is a photographer that was unknowingly sharing clients with Aisha, as Aisha was working her magic on clients preparing for Tiffany's shoots. The two learned of their collaboration and decided to make it official. Their studio opened in April of 2013 and has grown to add an assistant makeup artist, assistant photographer and stylist. The team has been published both nationally and internationally and is only growing!

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To view Aisha and Smash Glam's work, please visit: www.smashglamsquad.com Contact To learn more, please contact: Tiffany N. Cody Smash Glam, Co-Owner 816.533.

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IN THE NEWS

Montina Cooper:

Background Singer for Beyonce for over 10 years

By LeAndrea Mack

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IN THE NEWS

E

nvision your office as a stage, stiletto heels and cocktail dresses as your company’s required dress code, and your boss is Beyonce!

Montina Cooper gets to live this dream night after night as a background vocalist for Beyonce on the current “Mrs. Carter World Tour!”

This talented songstress has become a “go-to girl” in an ever-changing industry with a career spanning over 10 years that include backing huge singers like Kelly Rowland, Mary J. Blige, Jamie Foxx and an accumulation of other prodigious opportunities like arranging vocals for Earth, Wind and Fire, performing at BET’s 2012 Black Girls Rock and opening for the late great Gerald Levert.

Singing since the age of 2, Cooper was hand selected by Beyonce along with Crystal “Crissy” Collins and Tiffany Moníque during the Beyoncé Experience tour in 2007.

Collectively they make up the group The Mamas and are Beyonce’s background vocalist for her current tour but this St. Louis native raised in Houston, Texas success as a background vocalist was jumpstarted by an encounter with Mary J Blige at the age of 21. After belting out perfect pitch for Blige, she was sent to NYC where she started the process of working on an album and singing background for Blige. Although the album process didn’t pan out, the

learning process for Cooper was valuable. She has learned more about the industry and we should all pay attention because her time to shine as a solo artist is near!

to continue the path of a healthier lifestyle and has set new weight loss goals.

As a participant in the reality series, “The Biggest Loser” Cooper fought to shed weight and even after her time with the show had ended, she continued to lose the pounds and adopt a healthier lifestyle. After going through battles of cancer alongside her mother and her husband (both survivors) she found that the stress had brought back some of her weight. In the St Louis Post Dispatch she confessed, “I lost weight in front of the world and then picked it up in front of (Beyoncé) fans.”

However she is determined

hair trends are developed by one of Houston’s premier hair stylists Michelle “Meme” Coleman, who happens to also be Cooper’s sister. In the St Louis show of the Mrs. Carter World Tour, Cooper rocked a sleek black, shoulder-grazing bob with blue undertones, something that stylist Michelle “Meme” Coleman has helped Cooper maintain as her signature look with a special blend of colors made exclusively for her. The captivating blue tresses represent the edgy class of style Coleman has always envisioned for her

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Montina Cooper is a lady of style but her cutting edge

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IN THE NEWS

sister. Over the years Coleman has styled her sister with great versatility including naturally textured short hair, cascading curls past her shoulders, and beautiful hues of blondes. Coleman says, “I always make sure she (Cooper) is ready before she goes on the road and I will touch her up when she is home on breaks to get her ready again. Because she is gone for long periods of time I always use The Resurrection" by Back To Basic on her hair to replenish it and the Chi Royal Treatment line as I style it.”

Together these sisters have built impressive resumes. Other clients of Coleman’s include tennis star Serena Williams, WNBA megastars Tina Thompson and Sheryl Swoops and singer Kelly Rowland. Montina Cooper has been on 5 big tours with Beyonce including the 2004 Ladies First Tour with Alicia Keys, Missy Elliott, Tamia , The Beyoncé Experience with Robin Thicke in 2007, the 2010/2011 I Am ... World Tour, and the promotional tour for the album “4.”

Currently you can catch Montina Cooper on the Mrs Carter World Tour and visit Michelle “Meme” Coleman at Family Cuts Hair Salon in Katy TX.

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IN THE NEWS

When You Know Better, You Do Better

By Keyon ‘Noyek’ Wilson

Being natural, as we have all gathered, is a beautiful thing.

It signifies a woman’s strength and displays her confidence in her physical being.Trust me when i say It’s not a trend; it’s an entity of our being, much more powerful than can be expressed. For this reason, it is important that your natural hair is properly cared for.

Since becoming aware of my hair and understanding that it was naturally kinky, not knotted and nappy I have used so many style altering chemicals in an attempt to tame my natural hair. Yet and still I proclaimed I was indeed natural. In actuality I was natural with restrictions.

Chemicals were in all my products beginning with the shampoo I used to clean my hair to the daily moisturizer I lived by for shine and softness.

What I didn’t know was that all of that hair ”care” was

slowly, over time, harming my hair. The alcohol, the petroleum, the sulfate and everything else that I had believed to be good for my hair was actually not good at all, but it made my hair look good in the end.

Many products are riddled with chemicals that we have over time believed were essentials in hair care beauty. In my household growing up, my mom used petroleum-based pressing oil faithfully to straighten out my kinks and the end product was absolutely gorgeous. My faith was built in what my mom used because it was tried and true to great results each time. So, when I became further educated about what my hair really needs and doesn’t need, I must say I was sad to throw out my favorite hair grease, curling mousse and everything in between. When I was done, all I had left was a lonely bottle of olive oil.

However, it was a start in the right direction of what my natural hair really deserved, a quality plantbased hair care ritual. By adopting

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a plant-based hair care ritual I found that I didn’t have to compromise the health of my hair for beautiful results.

When developing your plantbased hair care ritual, keep in mind that it should cater to the six elements of proper hair care: cleanse, restore, nourish, moisturize, shine, and hydrate. * Cleanse- When cleansing the hair, opt in for a sulfate-free shampoo. I’ve found that suds are not the indication of clean, its simply the indication of sulfate, something African American hair doesn’t need. Its harsh and strips the hair of its natural oils. African American hair needs just the opposite as it does not produce as much oil. * Restore- after cleansing, restore moisture and nutrients to the hair with a botanical conditioning creme. Its also great for detangling and can be used for co-washing.

* Nourish/MoisturizeWhat’s a head of hair if the scalp is unhealthy? A healthy scalp is pertinent for yielding healthy hair.

Consider hair dress and/or moisturizers comprised of natural hair butters such as Karite, essential oils such as peppermint, lemongrass and ylang ylang. * Shine- Dull hair is the key to the demise of any beautiful style, instead of harmful aerosol sprays that contain alcohol, try a nourishing hair serum that contains oils such as sweet almond oil or avocado oil. * Hydrate- Always, always remember, natural hair craves moisture. Hydration is the key to moisture as it prevents breakage and retains length. An herbal infused hair mist works great with keeping the hair hydrated.

Other benefits of the use of the fresh and natural ingredients of a plant-based hair care ritual includes aromatherapy. The essential oils such as peppermint, lemongrass and lavender are all therapeutic and greatly relaxing.

After all whether you are transitioning into your natural state or simply embracing your already natural hair, it is still your journey and deserves to be as relaxed and

worry-free as possible. If your current hair care ritual doesn’t measure up quite as natural as you thought, don’t stress, as grandma said, “When you know better; you do better.”

Keyon “Noyek” Wilson is a fulltime model and author. Short of the release of her debut literary publication of creative writing, she is currently enjoying tackling freelance projects as well working on her follow up literary release. Wilson currently resides in the metro Atlanta area.

Keyon “Noyek” Wilson Twitter/Instagram: @OfficiallyNoyek Facebook: www.facebook.com/iamnoyek Tumblr Fashion Blog: fashionrepeat.tumblr. com Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/noyek

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Photo by Myron Vines

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Pg 52-53 Model | Maybelline Victoria- Aenpmodels.com Photographer | Dauna Kraag - Daunakraagphotography Mua | Viola Sarkodee -Thesura Styling Hairstylist | Latoya Plet - Toyafiercehairdesign

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Stylist Spotlight

{Stylist }

Yalanda Young Glytz Hair Studio

2201 WS YOUNG DR. Suite 107-C Killeen, Texas 76543 Phone: (254) 539-9000 Email: yalanda@vanabaefashion.com www.vanabaebeautyultd.com

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Y

alanda Young has been a multicultural hairstylist for over 12 years. She believes with the perfect cut, color, and style, a person's whole attitude and confidence level can be changed. “I love to make new hair transformations, whether it be color, cut, extensions, or updos, I'm a stylist that believes it takes a client's personality and a stylist's know-how and creativity to come up with perfection� Ms. Young works at Glytz Hair Studio in Killeen TX, and is also a competitor in Expo Hair Shows, participates in numerous education classes, and is featured in various hair and fashion magazines.

So if you are in the Texas area and looking for a great stylist, check out Ms. Yalanda Young!

*Make up | Melissa Jones & Hailey, Vanabae Team

57 www.MidwestBlackHair.com

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MIDWEST BLACK HAIR MAGAZINE - December2013