Natural Beauty Magazine™ promotes spiritual, personal, and professional development. We connect women to God, women to women, women to business, and women to community! What makes us unique is that all of our efforts are concentrated on helping women move into their God-given purpose through inspiration, motivation and empowerment! OUR MOTTO:
Katie, MacKenzie and St. Baldricks
2
Terri Johnson’s Natural Hair Journey
4
Your Authentic Self. The Real You!
6
Gorgeous Galleries Art Showroom
7
Remove the Things That Do Not Serve You
10
Shannon King Confident and Natural
11
I Am … A Natural Beauty!
Acknowledgements Bishop Earl B. Ford and Mother Gloria Ford Spiritual Overseers Pastor Kisha Coleman (The DO IT Mandate) I DID IT! Nevia Brown A willing helper! JD Cooper Poetry David (DAVE J) Johnson Comedic Relief Maryam Garba LLC Fashion Designer Krystyna Gehl of KG Photography Cover Photo
Nicole D. Reed Product Junkie No More
13 14
The Power of Asking!
16
Romonia’s Locks
16
Editha’s Empowerment
17
Richita Jones Natural Hair Journey
18
Budget Cuts
Mary Mitchell and Bette King-Osuji Gorgeous Galleries Art Showroom Karl Ray Photography (773) 719-8863 http://www.karlrayphotography.com Terri Johnson Photos
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SoleilArt Photography (872) 222-9541 www.soleilartphoto.com Nicole Reed Photos
Gorgeous Galleries Art Showroom
Lande Sanusi Your Encouragement and Wise Advice Zaneta Searles Life Organics
May 2013
Quality and Affordable Art Pieces www.gorgeousgalleriesart.com
Janina Taylor Make-Up
June 2013
Ashley Venerable Photography
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Dr. Renee Wright You said, “YES” from the very beginning!
SlicebyCAKE Culture of Africa for Kids Everywhere
A BIG THANK YOU to all who helped to make this first edition of Natural Beauty Magazine™ a success!
Unique and beautiful clothing and accessories for boys and girls up to age 12.
Natural Beauty Magazine™ Natural Beauty Magazine™ P.O. Box 3294 Munster, IN 46321 Website: naturalbeautymagazine.org Facebook: Natural Beauty Magazine™ Twitter: @NBCommunity9876
Lande Sanusi
doctor identify the type of rhythm problem and find the problem areas. The doctor uses the wires to send energy-heat or freezing cold in MacKenzie’s case) to those areas. The energy destroys, or ablates, the tissue. After it's destroyed, the tissue can no longer cause a problem. The areas of tissue are very tiny, and destroying them does not affect the heart’s ability to do its job (www.webmd.com/heartdisease/tc/supraventricular-tachycardia-overview).
www.stbaldricks.org My daughter MacKenzie, who is now ten years old was born with SVT (supraventricular tachycardia). This condition means that from time to time your heart beats very fast for a reason other than exercise, high fever, or stress. My husband Jim, and I, were unaware of her condition until she was two years old. Her heart rate went up to 240 beats per minute when it should have been 120 beats per minute at that age. When MacKenzie was six years old, she had a ten hour long procedure called catheter ablation. Catheter ablation is a procedure that treats heart rhythm problems by destroying tiny areas of heart tissue that are causing the problems. The doctor inserts thin tubes called catheters into a blood vessel in the thigh, groin, neck, or elbow and feeds them up into the heart. Wires in the catheters help the
A few weeks ago on a Friday, MacKenzie came up to me and said, “Mom, I want to shave my head for kids with cancer.” I told her that would be a lovely way to raise money. I shared with my husband Jim, what MacKenzie said. His reaction was the same as mine. I believe MacKenzie sympathizes with anyone who is sick, especially children. I proceeded to set up a donation page on St. Baldrick’s website. I told MacKenzie her head would be shaved on that following Monday. Over the weekend, she was starting to get a little nervous. On that Sunday night, I asked her “What does your gut feeling tell you?” MacKenzie replied, “I want to do it.” I offered to shave my head with my daughter MacKenzie. When I saw the smile on her face, it made me realize that I wanted her to know she doesn’t have to be afraid of anything, and to understand what’s on the inside of a person is what really counts! After sharing this experience with my daughter, I could appreciate what the children and family members go through when a child is struggling with a serious illness.
Katie and McKenzie’s Donation Pages: http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/633818/2013
We are Natural Beauties! Katie and McKenzie Shepard
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I started my natural journey in April 2007. I can't say there was any one thing that inspired me to go natural. It was a transition that evolved from me wearing hair extensions, wigs and braids. Instead of perming my hair at every rest period (the time between me taking my extensions out and putting some more in) I just kept it washed, conditioned and rebraided or "rewiged". My hair never grew past the bottom of my neck (I didn’t even think it could), however when I left my hair alone (stopped perming it) I have found that God blessed me with a head full of beautiful hair. I stayed focused on my hair journey simply by wanting to keep my hair on my head. Lol... When I permed my hair, I would lose it; it would break off and I would have scalp sores. Now that my hair is chemical free, healthy and growing, I have no desire to alter or change what its doing. I leave my hair alone and it stays put on my head...lol.
month. (I found that shampoo dried out my hair and it took an additional week to recover from the shampoo). After I co-wash, I deep condition with whatever conditioner I have available. (My name is Terri and I am a recovering product junkie...lol). Than I do a two strand twist. I have used many products, but I have found that Shea Moisture products give my hair much needed moisture and it feels incredibly soft. My biggest supporters since going natural have been my sister and my friend. My sister is the research guru and she is always sending me information on new products and sites and she has even traveled to a natural hair show. My friend is the one who talked me out of going back to the creamy crack (perm) on more than one occasion, when I was in the early phases of growing my hair out. Both are natural now, with heads full of thick healthy hair. Going natural for me was freedom and an acceptance of who I am. Every strand is a distinct reflection of who God individually, uniquely and awesomely made me to be.
My weekly routine is to co-wash (no-poo) my hair. I only use shampoo on my hair once a
DAILY SEED "Personal Training for the Spirit"
Terri Johnson (Author) www.dailyseed.com I am a‌ Natural Beauty! Terri Johnson
I have always liked hair styles that were low
deep sleep. I felt like chains had fallen off of me. It
maintenance because of my busy lifestyle. I learned
was a deep and spiritual experience. The GENUINE
some of the secrets to wearing wigs, weave, half
ME had finally surfaced!
wigs, and hair pieces. It was no problem for me to
I stood in front of the mirror. For the first time
throw one on and keep going. I did this for many
since I was a child, I really looked at myself. I saw
years until I had worn every hair style I desired.
my full lips, my high cheek bones, my mocha
I wanted to give my hair a break from wigs and
complexion, and my smile! I saw for the first time
weaves, so I cut my hair several times and wore it
my authentic beauty! I embraced it. Today, I OWN
short. I put a relaxer in my hair to get a textured
IT!
look. I went back to weaves and wigs as soon as my
I want to go back to my question: Why couldn’t I
natural hair grew out. Why couldn’t I or wouldn’t I
or wouldn’t I accept my natural coils? The answer
accept my natural coils? Once I committed to going
for me is I didn’t love myself enough to be who God
natural, I became aware that people identified me by
created me to be -- Authentically!
my hair, and not by who I am! Doing the big chop forced people to really see ME!
There are many women who hate the way they look. I tell you it goes deeper than not being happy
I didn’t realize how un-naturally chained I was
with the way you look. In essence, you are telling
to my hair. You know what I mean; I wouldn’t put
God, the one who made you in HIS own image that
my head under the shower when bathing or under
when it came to you, HE messed up! When it came
the water when swimming or enjoying a fun day out
to you, HE didn’t know what HE was doing!
with the grandchildren at the beach. I would sleep
Everything GOD made is good!
on my stomach with my chin in my hands, so my
STOP comparing yourself to someone else! Don’t
weave or sew-in would not get messed up or
you understand you were made in the image of God!
tangled.
That image is good and authentic! When you are
I deprived my husband of a simple act of affection by not allowing him to run his hands
perpetrating as someone else, you will be dissatisfied within, and without!
through my hair because it was sewed in, and he
When you are trying to be someone you were not
might loosen the track in so doing. The ever so
designed to be you are actually committing identity
popular patting of the head because it is itching instead of just scratching my head. Lastly, I spent,
theft (I will talk about this in June’s edition)! Please understand, I am not knocking wigs, weaves, hair
and wasted thousands of dollars for hair that I
pieces, and half wigs by no means. Do what you
ultimately threw away. If you can identify with any
gotta do!). But, there is nothing more beautiful than
of these, say OUCH!
accepting who God created you to be authentically,
I finally decided to do the big chop March, 2012.
and being comfortable in your own skin.
I didn’t realize it was more than just cutting my hair.
Today, I accept, embrace, and celebrate the fact
Like many of you, I realized I was coming into a
that I Am…A Natural Beauty. Not because of who I
place of authenticity. A place of identity! I felt sooo
am, but because of whose I AM.
liberated! It was like awakening out of a long and Dorothy Brown-Smith, Founder Natural Beauty Magazine™
I had the wonderful privilege and pleasure of meeting Mary Mitchell, visionary and co-business leader of Gorgeous Galleries Art Showroom in Chicago, Illinois. Gorgeous Galleries Art Showroom opened in October, 2010, and offers the home party with a twist! As Mary shared the journey she and Bette, her business partner, took to birth Gorgeous Galleries Art Showroom, Natural Beauty Magazine™ shares their story with you because Gorgeous Galleries Art Showroom is a jewel right in our community!
What can people expect from the Gorgeous Galleries Art Showroom and Art Consultants? Our guests will find a vast collection of quality and affordable artwork in our Gorgeous Galleries living room. We showcase artwork which represents the great talent of many local and national artists. Though our walls are constantly changing, (because individuals purchase paintings off the walls of the showroom) we always reflect the many styles of artwork i.e., abstract, contemporary, impressionism, realism and scenic, as well as historical and nostalgic. We appreciate the opportunity to showcase the artwork in the warm and welcoming environment that has been created in the showroom. We want our guests to know upon entering that they have stepped into our living room, and we expect as they spend time with us, they will discover the perfect piece to enhance their living space. We want them to feel free to walk around or sit back, relax, and experience the difference that the artwork makes. The art speaks! Each piece says something different to the beholder. It is also the voice of the artist and expression of their thoughts and inspirations. It speaks of our historical past, present and future. The artwork provokes thought, evokes energy and generates conversation. We believe that everyone’s taste in art is personal, so we aim to do whatever it takes to find the perfect piece(s) to accentuate the décor of the individuals’ home or office, which requires consideration to every detail. This includes personal taste and style, color, size, orientation and placement, in order to achieve the greatest impact in the space. One of our missions is to make sure that we keep the artwork in sync with the current decorating trends.
There are twelve (12) Art Consultants on our team. We are all passionate about helping people, and we have a love for the artwork. Once upon a time, as participants of the home party plan, we would pack up our canvas, easel, frames, etc., and head out to the home of our host for the art presentation. This choice is still available to the hosts, but we are now able to offer our Gorgeous Galleries living room as an OPTION at no cost. We discovered that there were various reasons why hosting an art show for some could require a lot of work for the host and the Art Consultant. This could discourage some potentially great hosts. Mary would travel all over Chicago land to do shows, as well as offer her home to her hosts as an alternative show place for hosting their presentations. However, after years of sharing her home with others, she felt an inner urgency to move to the next level. The vision was to create a home environment in a public venue (not the easiest thing to do) where hosts would have the opportunity to host their art shows, invite their guests (family, friends, and coworkers), out for an experience to be remembered. We have worked together to create something new and different that has not been done before in the home party business. This new concept of the art show has been well received. Our guests are also welcome to request one-on-one personal appointments. Our Art Consultants are equipped with the knowledge, and the energy to deliver an art presentation that is all that it should be – FUN, EDUCATIONAL, AND A CULTURAL EXPERIENCE!
What are the advantages of booking a show, and how does a person go about it? Our host is a vital key to our business. We value and appreciate each one of them. The host is able to take advantage of deeply discounted and/or free artwork. Booking a show is a partnership formed between the Art Consultant, and their host. They each have a part in the success of the show. The host schedules their date to host a show, and their date is blocked on the calendar. The host is responsible for over- inviting guests, getting the RSVP list, any special art requests to share with their Consultant, providing the refreshments for their guests, and of course, to have FUN!
framing selections, making sure the guests have fun, working together with the host to book future parties, and makes sure the host is HAPPY. After a successful show presentation, (which includes minimum show sales are met with 2 future art show bookings), the host gets to choose which artwork they want to receive deeply discounted and/or free. Consultants are always available to come out to the hosts’ home and present the artwork. For those who don’t like to do shows and parties, we are happy to schedule a personal appointment (one-on-one) at the Showroom or at the individual’s home or office.
The Art Consultant is responsible for setting up and presenting the artwork, assisting the guests with custom
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about starting a business? If there is one principal thing that we have learned about entrepreneurship, it is that it takes focus! To us, this means: FOLLOW ONE COURSE UNTIL SUCCESSFUL (F.O.C.U.S.)! It is absolutely necessary to know that the course you are on is the one for YOU! At times, we have been tempted to turn off course, and do what we see others doing because it seems to be working for them or because we are temporarily experiencing a disappointing bump in the road. During the tough times, we have seen God do the MIRACULOUS
to re-affirm that we are on the right track. This has preserved our ability to stay on OUR course, and remember why we started Gorgeous Galleries to begin with. Also, whatever your needs or desires are, I suggest that you WRITE THEM DOWN, in detail. Oftentimes, we are receiving the very thing we prayed and hoped for, but good things can happen so fast when you’re on the journey, that it’s very easy to lose track! God is so smooth, if you blink, you can miss His goodness.
What makes Mary, Bette, and Gorgeous Galleries Art Consulting team natural beauties? We have made it our business to create a positive, encouraging, and supportive environment for women to work together towards a common goal while helping others. I think that is the epitome of BEAUTY! Gorgeous Galleries Art Showroom’s entire business is focused on BEAUTY! Wherever we go, and whomever we meet, we bring beauty with us! Our goal is to create beautiful environments that people can be happy and proud to share with others. I don’t know anyone who would not love to be in a gorgeous home or office. Artwork takes the “work” out of it! Gorgeous Galleries Art has the power to create the look and feel of your personal space. Just like your hair, facial features, your fingerprint…no two people are exactly alike. Art is so very personal and naturally, it’s beautiful!!
Natural Beauty Magazine’s Experience at Gorgeous Galleries Art Showroom We spent time viewing the Gorgeous Galleries showroom. There was such a peace and beauty that resonated not only from the Art Gallery, but from Mary also. Mary gave us a mini-education about each piece we viewed, its history, the artist, and the value of the piece! I was just amazed, as I observed that even the electrical sockets were a work of art! If you have a dream, now is the time to get off the sidelines and fulfill your dream. What’s holding you back?
VISIT GORGEOUS GALLERIES ART SHOWROOM TODAY!
GORGEOUS GALLERIES ART SHOWROOM 10043 S. WESTERN AVENUE, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60643 www.gorgeousgalleriesart.com (773) 941-5433 TUESDAY THRU SATURDAY 12-6 P.M.
“Eliminate the things in your life that don’t serve you in order to make room for something that will serve you.” Doreen Rainey Remove the Things That Do Not Serve You Take an inventory of your day. What things served you well today? What things did not? Start making room for the provision and supply of good things and/or people God wants to bring into your life. Begin to remove the things from your life that prevent you from achieving, performing, completing, supplying, providing, and serving-up your authentic self. I applied this exercise to my own life. I inventoried my day, and the things that served me well. I found the following did not serve me well: Procrastination Negative Thinking Laziness Pride Critical and Judgmental Attitude Complaining Dream Killers (negative speech or actions of others toward spoken dreams) These were some of my findings, but yours may be different. After you do this exercise, find the courage to remove anything that’s not serving you well! Why keep it around?
Remove the things that do not lead into a place of positive and good. Remove the things that bind you, oppress you, and keep you held back. Remove the things that lead you into a place of mental illness and stress. Remove the things that cause you to become critical and cynical. Remove the things that do not move you in the direction that God desires you to go. Remove the things that make you want to destroy another’s dream. Remove the things that make you too afraid to dream. Remove the things that keep you refusing to put in the work that it takes to birth your dream. Remove that fear of failure (the what if’s). Remove that fear of rejection (what others will think and/or say).
I can go on and on, but I believe you get the point! Remove yourself from ANYTHING that makes you stop moving in the direction of being authentically who God created YOU to be. by Dorothy Brown-Smith
Natural Beauty Magazine™ and T-Shirts are sold exclusively as a package for $20.00. You can go to our website and choose from 12 different designs.
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My natural hair journey began at birth. I recall throughout my childhood my mother taking the necessary steps to keep my hair well-oiled and free from chemical irritants, Like most young girls, as soon as I had a say in my styling process, I did everything within my power to change my hair to look like whatever famous Hollywood star I was admiring at the time. I got a “care-free curl” (similar to the Jehri (Jerry) curl) first. After that, I got a relaxer. I wore bouncing and behaving hair until I needed a touch up. At times, I opted for the “home kits” when money was tight. Other times, I let the dreaded new growth peak threw when I just didn’t have the time. This resulted in years of damage done voluntarily. My mother frequently would say, “All for the sake of beauty.” Nine years ago, I decided to start believing my inner glamour girl screaming, “You are as beautiful as you keep telling people you are.” I cut my hair
down to about 2 ½ inches, (This is appropriately called The Big Chop), and I haven’t looked back since. I love and walk confidently (although confidence has never been in short supply with me). I found that I was spending a lot of time and money on hair maintenance for my natural hair. I experimented with all types of store bought products, to make my natural hair regimen easier, I have settled in the past year or so with olive oil and water. I get the same or similar curl pattern as those expensive concoctions sold in stores. By mixing the proportions of oil to water, I can adjust the saturation of oil depending on how thirsty my hair is on any given day. I don’t miss the relaxer at all, and wouldn’t trade the selfdiscovery I have found and walk in today. Now, when people meet me, they see and meet the REAL ME! Shannon King! Rockin and lovin my natural beauty! I am a… Natural Beauty! Shannon King
Photography
I have "GONE" natural three times in my life. I will take this time to talk about my 3rd and lifetime choice of being natural. I did my big chop a little over two years ago, it moved me. I was in the shower, while I was washing my hair, I detested how tangled and mixed textured my hair was. I got my robe, and headed to the kitchen, took some scissors and cut off my shoulder length hair! I was liberated. I had what one would consider long hair, but it wasn't healthy as it could be. So I cut it off and started from scratch. Like someone who plants a little tree in their yard, I read every book and article,
watched Youtube videos, etc. about natural hair. I had to find out what would work with my hair to create healthy hair that I could teach my little girls. How could I create hair that would bring me joy? I was on a mission. I became a product junkie, until I learned that not all products are created equal. My sister, Zaneta, had her own all natural organic hair company called Life Organics. She had two products that changed how I dealt with my hair. The Fractionated Coconut Oil and the Skin Vitamin seemed to give my hair the nutrients that it truly needed. I learned for my hair, in its natural state, it had to have water. I had to have conditioner in my hair to help detangle and soften it. I learned that all
I am a‌ Natural Beauty! Nicole D. Reed
natural products, free from sulfates, parabens, mineral oils, and other chemicals give your hair the healthiest environment to grow in. I learned that my hair had to have protective styles and maintenance each day in order to keep it healthy and strong. I now stand with beautiful hair! It is beautiful because it is mine. It is beautiful because I know the story behind it. Consistency was the key that I was lacking in all my past transformations. The consistency of letting myself off the hook for how my hair had to be; For telling myself faithfully that it was okay to fall in love with my own hair, not covet another woman's locks...but to treasure my own! I am now going over 2 years strong of healthy, happy hair!!
In my endeavor to start my own business and empower women to live authentically, I faced many challenges even before I could get the business out of the womb. Just because we are Christian, and profess the powerful name of Jesus, does not mean we will not face adversity, trials, and challenges. As a matter of fact, I have come to learn the more I obey God the more adversity I find myself facing. The adversities will come in various forms such as distractions, discouragement, negative people, negative words, negative thoughts, disappointments, setbacks, depression, lack of finances, your dark past or your mistakefilled present. It is in these times, we tend to trust God more or should I say, it is in these times, we have exhausted all of our human efforts, reasoning, and resources. In this wonderful place, we can only turn to God! It is here, that I begin to tell my story of the Power of Asking. I collided with a specific and very disappointing situation that brought fear into my heart, and made me think everything I had done to start the business I know God spoke to me about was going to fail. Every place I turned, it looked bleak! God brought to my mind the following words: “I am your Redeemer and your God! I will never leave you, nor forsake you, nor fail you! I will teach you to profit. I will show you the way that you should go! I will guide you with my own eyes.” God put it on my heart to ask for what I needed from not only Him, but the people I needed it from. I struggled with this instruction because some of these people I had never met at all, and I did not know them personally. I could only contact them via email. God took me in His word to Matthew 11:28-30. He specifically had me read it in 3 translations in the following order: King James Version, Amplified Version, and the Message Bible. MESSAGE BIBLE: “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” When I got to the Message version of the text, I said to God, ‘I now partner with you, and work with you. I repent of my pride, and doing things my own way. I will now watch, and learn how you do things. I take your yoke upon me Father! You said your burden is easy and your yoke is LIGHT. Yes, I receive rest. Yes, I receive refreshment. I now decree recovery from being burnt out doing things my way--in my human reasoning and efforts. Whatever you have me to do will be a perfect fit for me. There will be no struggle, stress or strain for the things that fit me. I receive your instruction and direction in Jesus’ name. From this position, I sent out those emails, and I personally asked individuals for what I needed. Some, I asked face to face, some via telephone, and some via email. Every one of those individuals said “YES” to my requests. They each said “yes” without hesitation! It was as if they were waiting for me to come to them to ask—even those I had not met or even knew yet! This is my story of the power of asking! It was simple to begin the journey, but it started to become difficult and challenging, as I moved forward in my faith. Remember, without God, we can do nothing! You can labor to build the house, but all of your building is in vain, except the Lord helps by providing the resources and people you need to assist you. We must know and cling to God’s word! We must speak it, believe it, and most importantly, live it! Hide His word in your heart. Meditate on it day and night. Step out in faith on God’s word. Put some foot work to it. Ask, seek, and knock! He promised that the doors would be opened. God promised He would make water to spring up in those dry places of our lives. What are you waiting for? ASK! God has chosen you! God has put that burden, idea, ministry, business or whatever it is upon your heart. Not only has He put this thing upon your heart, but it should bring forth fruit that remains. It should bring forth fruit that builds and enhances the Kingdom of God! Before you can bring forth fruit, He instructs you to GO! GO is an action word—a verb. You do something! Don’t sit there and die! Go, and do it by faith! Scripture References: II Kings 7:3-5, Isaiah 48:17, 66:9, Matthew 7:7-11, Matthew 21:21-22, John 12:13-14, John 15:7, John 15:16
It always seems impossible until it is done! Nelson Mandela
We offer T-shirts, accessories and a unique collection of items promoting natural hair and self-esteem.
Over 100 lightweight hand-made earrings sold in a set of three 1 pair for your ears, 1 matching detachable earrings for your t-shirt.
Host a t-shirt party and find out how you can receive a free T-shirt call 773-844-1021 708-217-4330
Facebook@kimi-calfree twitter kimicalfree Place an order on the web www.kimi-calfree.com
Hello, I’m Mona! I’ve been wearing carefree locks for over 10 years. I chose to go natural in order to get off the "PERM WAGON". Even though my locks are low maintenance, I do have a creative hairstylist, Kaprice Smith. Locks are a great hairstyle that enhances my natural beauty! I am a…Natural Beauty! Romonia Brooks
My natural hair journey all started after being devastated by a man I loved. As so many of us do after being heartbroken, I thought it was time for a change. I've worn my hair short for the last 20 years, but didn't want to transition naturally. I was too afraid I was going to look as I did in 2nd grade. I decided to transition by way of wearing sew-ins, which grew my hair but weakened my edges over time. When I would take it out, I would get my hair flat ironed. I was still longing for the straight-permed hair look, too ashamed to rock my hair in its natural state. This phase in my life lasted about a year and a half before I decided to return to my short permed-hair. Years have passed. My attitude and lifestyle have changed.
I've always been fairly athletic, but I made exercise, and healthy eating a part of my life about 3 years ago. After turning forty in July, I decided that I was done with perms. I thought to myself, if I was so concerned about what I was eating, I should also be concerned about the chemicals being deposited in my system through my scalp. My last perm was August 2012, during this time, I wore my hair rodded. I finally got the remainder of my permed-ends cut off at the end of January, 2013. It feels GRRREAT and so empowering! I did it for myself this time, and not out of emotions. I am so much more than my hair. I love and embrace my natural roots. I AM Editha Brown, a natural beauty!
I am a… Natural Beauty! Editha Brown
At the tender age of 7, I was introduced to the relaxer. I can remember sitting in the chair waiting to get my hair done, as I watched my mother mix the ingredients of the at home relaxer kit. I was excited because I knew that when it was all said and done, I would have beautiful straight hair. At the same time, I was not looking forward to the torture that my scalp was getting ready to go through.
for me to take action and get my hair back in a healthy state by any means necessary. In August of 2009, I decided that enough was enough and it was time for me to go natural. My original plan was to transition for eight months before doing the big chop. During this time, I planned to overload my brain with information on natural hair, so I would be prepared to take care of my hair once I did my big chop. After transitioning for about a month and half, I woke up and decided that I wanted to do the big chop.
Mom would always advise me days before a relaxer, “Don’t scratch your head.” Whether I heeded her advice or not; my scalp ALWAYS burned when I got a relaxer. My scalp would burn so bad that I cried during the entire application and a little afterwards because my scalp was so tender. Yes, I had scabs on my scalp from the burning. At this time in my life, I didn’t understand that this process was crazy and harmful. I just knew that my hair would be beautiful and that’s what I wanted. I was willing to endure all the pain just to have beautiful straight hair. When I became a teenager, I started doing my own relaxers. Still experiencing the burning, but for me this was normal. All I knew was this is what I had to go through in order to get the results that I wanted. No pain; no gain! Over the years I continued to relax my hair in addition to coloring, cutting, and getting different braided and weaved styles. I was so wrapped-up in the styling of my hair, I never paid close attention to the condition of my hair. My hair was a decent length, but it was very thin and fragile especially around the edges. I had moments of healthy hair but overall, I always experienced some form of damage and breakage. I had a desire to go natural but I never had the courage to do so. For about a year, I wore nothing but weaved hair. Once I stopped wearing the weave, my hair was in bad shape. I felt that it was time
On October 24, 2009, I became natural! When I first cut my hair, I remember feeling liberated and happy but at the same time I was thinking “oh my God; what have I done?” Now that I was natural, I had no idea what to do with my hair, but I was so happy to embrace the new and natural ME! My hair journey has been an emotional roller coaster at times, especially in the beginning. I have never regretted my decision to become natural. I have been natural for almost 4 years, and I am absolutely in love with my hair! I have no plans of ever turning back to a relaxer. My main reason for becoming natural was to have healthy hair. My journey thus far, has been so fulfilling and I am looking forward to the future of my hair. Although my decision to become natural was a personal choice, I don’t believe that I became natural by accident. I believe that it was for a greater purpose. Since becoming natural, I have influenced others to become natural, devoted my time and resources to helping others with their journey by offering consultation services, and started a blog called Natural Conversations, and a Facebook group called Nappy Beauties. I am also in the process of starting my own natural product line. Embracing my natural beauty is one of the best things that I have done for my hair, and my hair loves me for it!
I am a… Natural Beauty!
Join Me on Facebook: Nappy Beauties
Richita Jones Check out my Blog: Natural Conversations http://chitaj-naturalconversations.blogspot.com
Tips to keep you looking good while paying less. The Basics Maintaining natural and healthy hair does not have to be expensive, if you have a quality shampoo, conditioner and moisturizer for your hair. These three are the basics of all hair care. What kind of shampoo, conditioner and moisturizer you use is up to you. We want to give you some tips for maintaining beautiful and healthy hair without going broke. 1.
Use products that are natural (shea butter/coconut oil). Natural products have a plethora of uses for hair, skin, and body. Today, with access to information via the internet, it should not be difficult for you to do the research on the benefits of shea butter, coconut oil, and other natural products.
2.
Purchase products that are multi-purpose or two-in-one, such as a shampoo and conditioner combined. This is a great way to look good without going broke. Who wants to have 6 bottles in the shower to maintain their hair?
3.
Just because a product costs less does not mean it is not a quality product, nor does it mean it’s bad for your hair. If a product costs less and does the job you bought it for, you got your money’s worth.
4.
Samples. Most companies have no problem providing samples. They want you to try their products, so try them. I suggest, if at all possible, get a sample or samples of a product that you are thinking about trying. Use it for one or two weeks, and see how it works or what it does for your hair. Then make your decision as to whether you want to continue with the product or not. If the product is a quality product, spend the money for it. Generally, a good quality product lasts for approximately six weeks because you don’t have to use a lot of it for it to work. But this can vary, and depends on the length of your hair.
5.
Educate Yourself About YOUR Hair! I don’t have time to watch 50 YouTube videos, and read 50 blogs about taking care of my natural coils, so I try to talk to professionals, who have studied in the area of cosmetology and natural hair care. Get useful and common sense information.
6.
Do what works best for YOU! I am a strong advocate of doing what works best for you. Your hair is not an exemption! If you can’t afford expensive and high priced products or just don’t want to spend a lot of money on products that might or might not work, create your own. Who knows, you just might become the next Madame CJ Walker, Miss Jessie, Taliah Waajid, or Lisa Price.
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