Natural Woman Magazine July-August 2014 Break the Chains by Natural Woman Magazine

Natural Woman Magazine www.asknaturalwoman.com

Natural Woman Magazine Contributors Azizah Nubia Editor– in– chief

Tammarah Overton Chief of Beauty & Fashion Gidget Hunter Allen of GIDGETimages Photography

Shanell Bowles Russell Beauty Director Angela Hernandez Editor’s Assistant AZ8 Media Marketing & Promotion Contributors Iayaalis Likia Chrisitine Trazana Staples Zephanie Garrett Natural Woman Magazine www.asknaturalwoman.com

Natural Woman Magazine www.asknaturalwoman.com

NW’s “Break the Chains” July –August 2014 issue was shot The Frederick H. Alms Memorial Park is a Cincinnati park in the community of Mt. Lookout/Columbia-Tusculum Cover Model Kayla Photography by Gidget Hunter Allen of GIDGETimages www.gidgetimages.com Make Up by: Shanell Bowles– Russell of Glamorous Faces Hairstyle by: Chavonne Dale Cover Shoot Assistant: Georgette Mccullar

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Table of Contents

Ask Natural Womanâ&#x20AC;Ś 10 Natural Woman on the Scene...11 Product Reviews...18 Conserving Water...22 Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the Color of Your Food...25 Indigenous Remedies...33 Wisdom of the Waist Beads...35 Home Grown Naturals...40 Women Who Inspire...42 Relationships...48 Summer Fashions...50 Natural Hair on the Go...61

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Break the Chains that are binding you from living your most authentic life. With this new issue of Natural Woman Magazine we wanted to give off a message to all women that, it is time we remove all of the self and external afflictions that make us think we are not worthy of good things. We are all amazing creatures with so much potential; our unique gifts, talents and skills are needed in the world today. The world is a cold place and the only thing, in my opinion that can turn it around is the loving touch of a woman. I hope you will be inspired and begin to let go of the things that stop you from living your dream. Maya Angelou said that, â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside of you.â&#x20AC;? It is time that you start telling your story and becoming Photography by Gidget Hunter Allen of GIDGETimages the woman YOU were destined to be. BREAK THE CHAINS! ~ @AZIZAH

NUBIA 1

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Ask Natural Woman

Q: A:

Natural Woman what can I do to alleviate lower back pain, I do not want to take pain killers I would prefer to deal with it naturally.

Thank you Tina for question and what a good question it is. Everything on the Physical plane is a manifestation of something on the Metaphysical plane. The signs and symptoms that are apparent on the Physical plane lead us to inquire, more deeply into ourselves as energetic and spiritual beings. Pain killers may numb the pain temporarily, but to get to the root of the problem you must tackle the energetic/ emotional cause. As above so below is my motto The Lower Back represents support; financial support, emotional support of family and friends, and support of God or the Universe. The Kidneys are located in this area and Kidney dysfunction results in Fear/Fright/Phobias. My advice would be looking into healing modalities that will help you alleviate the fear that is causing the pain. Natural Woman Magazine www.asknaturalwoman.com

Natural Woman on the Scene Azizah Nubia has been on the scene covering some of the most empowering, informative, entertaining and transforming events of the summer. Photography by Gidget Hunter Allen of GIDGETimages

The Get Elevated Women’s Conference 2014 was held in Scottsdale, Arizona Mother’s Day Weekend that he Montecula Resort. The Get Elevated Women's Conference was an empowering and transforming 3 day event that featured workshops with some of the most inspirational women in the field of Women’s Empowerment. The event also featured Celebrity Keynote Speaker Devon Franklin and his wife Actress Megan Good. The GEWC was founded by Yetta Young & Felicia Davis., check out their inspirational story on what led them to create the GEWC. Click Here

Watch Azizah Nubia’s Journey to the GEWC HERE

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Natural Woman on the Scene

The International Natural Hair Meet Up Day was May 17, 2014 and Natural Woman Magazine shared the experience in our hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio with the Cincinnati local Natual Hair Meet up Group â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Nati Naturalistas. The Group Founders and organizers Sonya Moore, Billie Rae "International Natural Hair Meetup Day is an annual one-day event. Its purpose is to allow the opportunity for women across the country to meet in their own communities while networking, sharing and meeting (virtually) other women across the country participating in meetups on the same day. Natural hair meetups are events designed to share information, techniques, inspiration and products to aid individuals in their natural hair journey. "

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Natural Woman on the Scene

Inside Body brought the Natural Hair Evolution Tour, to Central PA for the Central PA Natural Hair Care Expo. The Evolution tour 2014 is an 18 stop tour the crosses the country educating people on natural hair care holistic healthy and beauty. This year's show featured the Natural Woman Fashion Show hosted by Azizah Nubia & Bro Kev. The show featured Designs from, Vinani Sports, & Bornatty. Watch the Reâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cap of the Central PA Natural Hair Care Expo Here Natural Woman Magazine www.asknaturalwoman.com

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This kit, designed especially for those with Natural hair, or transitioning to Natural, helps grow, strengthen, moisturize and maintain healthy, shiny, growing natural hair. The Natural Kit comes with the following: Sulfate free shampoo (All-Natural), which is very gentle to the hair and prevents the natural hair from having a brittle feel after a good washing. Leave in conditioner. Softens hair and makes it more manageable. Spray with Moisturizer (All-Natural). Keep hair moisturized and helps stop shedding, breaking and brittleness as well. Adds body, bounce and shine. Helps heal damaged hair and actually improves texture. Shea Butter-GRO (All-Natural), which locks in the moisture and shine. Liquid Hair-GRO Oil (All-Natural). Use for Hot Oil Treatment, or alternate with Moisturizing spray to keep hair healthy, stop shedding & breaking and add body, bounce and shine. Use these products and you are sure to have a healthy head of natural hair, whether it is curly locks, twist, or dreads. For more information check us out at www.NUGROHAIR.com.. Natural Woman Magazine www.asknaturalwoman.com

Product Reviews Indulge your self in the ultimate healing experience with our amazing hair and body butter. Made with organic African Shea Butter and other organic Earth Oils and Ingredients.

Shea Moisture product line do not contain synthetic ingredients commonly found in other products that may be considered harmful or carcinogenic, including: No Sulfates, No Parabens, No Paraffin, No Propylene Glycol, No Petrolatum, No DEA, No Phthalates, No UREA, No Mineral Oil. They have product for every inch of your body and its safe for the entire family to use.

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by Trazana A. Staples, MELP

It is my opinion that most people in America tend to be wasteful and often neglect the abundance we have. Most do not think about â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;lackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; until its gone. We tend to be content with certain amenities and conveniences that are only dreamed of in some third world countries. We often view water, electricity, and convenient stores, not only as a necessity in our culture but as entitled amenities. Unfortunately, misuse of them will cause serious destruction in the long run. We often neglect to turn off the faucets while brushing our teeth, and flushing the toilet uncontrollably. Water seems to be abundant, however, due to climate changes, natural disasters, pollution from oil spills and debris, our water is not fit for drinking let alone bathing. of milk, and 16,000 liters to make one pound of beef. Check out this online water footprint calculator to see how much water some common foods need in order to be produced. The same principles of decreasing the carbon footprint of your diThe UN expects that 3.4 billion people will be living et (eating local, eating organic, and eating less in countries defined as water-scarce by 2025. When meat) are generally the same principles for dewater is scarce, people are forced to consume con- creasing the water footprint. taminated water. 2. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t leave the tap running needlessly. If you Here are ten simple things you can do to cut down are washing your face and you need to get the tap on your water consumption today: warm, use that initial cooler water to brush your 1. Consider the water footprint of your diet. Some teeth, and then wash your face afterwards when the hot water starts coming out. foods require a lot more water to produce than Below are ten simple way adopted from Planet Save that will not hurt, but will help us conserve water.

others. According to Water Footprint, it takes 140 liters (35 gallons) of water to make just one cup of coffee, 1,000 liters (270 gallons) to make one liter

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3. Choose and use your appliances wisely. Use energy star appliances whenever possible and always use them at full capacity. Choose economy settings

and don’t run the dishwasher half-full.

8. You don’t need to take shorter showers, necessarily, but some hardware will help cut the wa4. Convert your toilet to a dual flush, and don’t ter use every time you shower. At the very flush it more than necessary. If it’s yellow let it least replace your shower head with a high effimellow, you know? But you still have to flush. Thankfully, converting your toilet to a dual flush ciency one. These are designed to maintain wais easier than ever, thanks to the Tap-n-Flush. It’s ter pressure while using much less water than the old-fashioned sort. Treehugger says you will a remarkably easy installation, a very intuitive device, and pays for itself in water savings super reduce your shower water use by 20 to 60 percent by doing so. Check out this high-efficiency quickly. If you don’t want to convert and still showerhead installation tutorial to see how easy want to save water, you might find this toilet it is to cut your shower’s water use (and save tank insert super helpful, too…it’ll reduce the amount of water used every time you flush. But piles of money). if you really want to up your water conservation 9. Never throw water away. If you pour too game, check out the TapNFlush’s dual flush toilet much out or have some left in your glass, use it. converter review. The device is simple to install, Pour the surplus into your dog’s water dish, wasaves a ton of water, and pays for itself more ter plant, or add it to your water kettle. than twice over in the first year alone. Here’s a 10. Set up a rain barrel this summer. You can colvideo of the device. lect rain water from your eaves to water your 5. Make sure every tap in your home has a highefficiency faucet aerator. Faucet aerators are the little pieces of hardware that screw into the bottom of faucets. High-efficiency aerators can reduce flow by 1.5 gallons per minute or more… saving you piles of money and saving lots of water. Check out this high-efficiency faucet aerator product review from Green Living Ideas.

garden. There is so much that we as individuals can do to help conserve water. Our collective conservation and advocacy efforts will not only reduce our monthly water bills, but will go a long way towards alleviating this growing problem. You can read more about World Water Day and the world water crisis atWorldWaterDay.org and by downloading the UN booklet, Water for Life Decade.

6. Stop that leaky toilet. Not only does it sound annoying, it wastes loads of water. Leaks can often be fixed by making minor adjustments. Test your toilet using some dye tablets, available Image Credit: Hypergurl at Flickr under a Creative Commons License. in this all-in-one water conservation kit. http://planetsave.com/2009/03/20/10-simple7. Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. According to American Water & Energy Sav- ways-to-conserve-water/ ers, a faucet that drips at the rate of one drop per second will waste 2,700 gallons per year.

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What color is your diet? Eating a variety of colors for optimal health

Likia Christine

We all know that we need to eat our veggies to be healthy, right? But did you know that it is extremely important to eat ALL colors of fruits and veggies in order to receive all of the nutrition that Mother Nature has to offer? Stepping out of your comfort zone, and grabbing an eggplant could save you from a heart attack. Cooking tomatoes will release more lycopene, which is a powerful cancer fighting agent. The Vitamin A in orange fruits and veggies can save your eyesight, and reduce the risk of macular degeneration. Knowledge is certainly power. We do not have to leave our health strictly in the care of someone else. We have the control and the power to keep ourselves healthy, by eating the right foods, exercising, and managing stress through meditation and yoga. In the pages to follow, you will find in-depth information on the nutrients in each color of fruits and veggies, and the benefits of each. You will also be informed of different ways of ingesting these power packed nutrients! I grew up knowing to eat my green veggies, but I never realized the relevance of purple, orange, red, and yellow too! There are endless ways of combining the different varieties of fruits and vegetables, making delicious and healthy meals that are inexpensive and easy to make.

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Blue/Purple The blue/purple hues in foods are due primarily to their anthocyanin content. The darker the blue hue, the higher the phytochemical concentration. Anthocyanins are antioxidants that are particularly heart healthy and may help support healthy blood pressure. The anthocyanins that give these fruits their distinctive colors may help ward off heart disease by preventing clot formation. They may also help lower risk of cancer. (**blueberries are considered to have the highest antioxidant activity of all foods.)

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Green Do you know which color of vegetables is the most nutritious and beneficial in our food supply? Here is a hint: Studies show that Americans eat the least of this color vegetable vs. the others. The answer comes as no surprise: dark green, leafy vegetables. Green foods are crucial to our health for a plethora of reasons including their role in strengthening the immune system, cancer prevention, improved blood circulation, blood purification, lowering cholesterol, promotion of healthy intestinal flora, increased energy, detoxification through improved liver, gall bladder functions, kidney function, and even clearing congestion. Eating green vegetables (and fruits) provide a load of nutrients that will help to keep your body healthy. The natural plant pigment chlorophyll colors green fruits and vegetables. The green foods represented those foods rich in isothiocyanates, which induce enzymes in the liver that assist the body in removing potentially carcinogenic compounds. Cruciferous veggies such as broccoli and cabbage contain the phytochemicals indoles and isothiocyanates, which may have anticancer properties. Green vegetables are excellent sources of vitamin K, folic acid, potassium, as well as carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. Diets high in potassium are associated with lowering blood pressure, and there is an inverse relationship between cruciferous vegetables and cancer, especially colon and bladder cancers. In addition, sulforaphane, a phytochemical present in cruciferous vegetables, was found to detoxify cancer-causing chemicals before they do damage to the body.

So eat your greens for optimal health! Natural Woman Magazine www.asknaturalwoman.com

Natural Woman Magazine www.asknaturalwoman.com

Natural Woman Feature

By: Azizah Nubia

is that it is customized to your local area. So if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in Nigeria and want to take the course you will learn Dr. Turtle & Aremisa Hailey are the creators of an about the herbs indigenous to your land. Indigenous herbal company out of Dallas; Texas called IndigeRemedies motto is teaching the community how to nous Remedies. This husband and wife duo created fish, they have a passion for making healers out of this company as a way for them to educate their everyone. "We are all healers, we want to send as community and communities around the world on many healers out in the communities to share the the ancient traditions of healing. Their business con- information." sists of herbal education course, herbal products, Another interesting service provided by Indigenous birthing services, and energy healing. The dynamic Remedies are their birthing services. Aremesia beduo even has a children's summer program that came a Doula in 2008 and with her herbal backstarts in July called Earth Keepers Camp there they ground she has been able to incorporate herbal teach the children basic nature skills, basic garden- knowledge with her services. Her services also exing, and basic herbal therapy. tend to womb healing, there she can The company started in 2004, and it was primarily a work with women who have infertility and reproproduct company, and they created a number of ductive issues. "Birth is such a wonderful human exbody butters and black soaps. Their passion for holistic health started them on the path of adding workshops to their list of services. Now they offer online herbal certification courses called IRE Herbs, with the course you will learn the science behind medicinal plants, their origins and how they are used for healing. In addition, you will be able to use some of the most common herbs safely and confidently. This certification of completion will allow you to add herbs to any aspect of your life, whether personal or professional. The unquiet thing about their program

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perience, it should be something celebrated, not something that feared." Indigenous remedies head captain Dr. Turtle is a master reiki practitioner, and he brings the energy healing services to this unquiet company. Teaching and healing are his passion, he has allowed his craft to eve love into a Shamanistic approach when it comes to healing. "Energy healing is something we all posse, and it is a huge part of this wonderful human experience." Dr. Turtle has done an excellent job in healing and teaching others how they can use their own healing gifts to heal themselves and their community. Aremisa & Dr. Turtle have been dedicated to their business for 10 years, and it is a pillar to their community. They are living on the path of fulfilling their Divine destiny and have been blessed to have this business provide for them and their family. They are a true testimony that you can live your passion and have that passion sustain your life. So to any other entrepreneurs out there here is your proof that you can make your vision a reality and it will come true and be bountiful. To learn more about Indigenous Remedies please visit their website at http://www.irherbs.com/

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Natural Woman Feature

Interviewed by: Tammarah Overton Daliah Ferguson is founder of Homegrown Naturals of CT. Homegrown Naturals of CT is a hair care and skin care company. Her mission is to create the best products to address healthy hair and skin care for people everywhere. Tammarah O.: Tell Natural woman Magazine how Home grown naturals got started?

Daliah: It all started back in 2011 when my daughter showed me a picture of someone that had natural hair. At the time, we both had relaxers and she was getting tired of the maintenance of her hair as well as her scalp burning. When she showed me that picture the thought of going natural never crossed my mind at the time. Seeing that she wanted to change from wearing straight relaxed hair and become natural it inspired me. So we started that transition together. Making that change allowed me to tap into some of the skills I didn't know I had. I am a creative person, but I didn't know how much creativity I had in me. Going natural made me want to create a support system for women, men and children who wanted to embrace their Natural Woman Magazine www.asknaturalwoman.com

natural selves. I just wanted to create a positive community for them to do that. Everything else just flourished from there. Tammarah O. So it is safe to say youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re pursuing your passion? Daliah: Absolutely. The more I learn about different hair types and the things you need for your hair and body. Yes, this is what I love doing. I feel like this is what God has instructed me to do. Tammarah O.: Did you have any fear and obstacles that you had to overcome? Daliah: I do not have any fears. I just have to do what I have to do, to stay motivated and keep positive people around me. I feel 40

that my brand is different from any other brand. I mainly concentrate on what it is that I have and focus on building that. Even though the industry right now is so competitive with different products, fashion, and hair styles. I just Focus on what Home Grown Naturals of Connecticut is doing. It's an intimate company, and I love having the interaction with my customers that I have. We make all our products with love, so that tends to stand out in the community I have.

butter is a good sunscreen for your hair. It also helps locks in moisture. A good summer style I would recommend is mini twist because it helps keep your hair from drying out from the sun. For more information: Home Grown Naturals of CT www.homegrownnaturalofct.com go to my product page to find my products fb:Home grown Naturals

Tammarah O.: What inspired you to become Intstagram;Homegrown_naturalsofct an entrepreneur? Youtube:Home grown naturals of cttv Daliah: Being tired of working for other people who don't know your worth. I was in the social work field for over 15 years an got burnt out. I feel like a lot of times your at a certain level but your co-workers nor your supervisor see your worth. When your working your own business youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re working hard because you know your worth. You have the freedom to work hard and you can be yourself. I love seeing entrepreneurs and being one . I see the power in it and the creativity behind it.

Tammarah O. Can you give us some hair tips for the summer? Daliah: I would recommend my Herbal hot oil treatment, it has three types of infused oils-. Hot oil treatments are good any time of the year, it helps strengthen the hair and it locks in moisture after a good wash. I also have a whipped shea butter-, shea Natural Woman Magazine www.asknaturalwoman.com

By: Azizah Nubia I love all my sistars!! This love has always been the core energy behind creating Natural Woman Magazine. I want to inspire women to love themselves enough to create the life of their dreams. The best way to do this is in my opinion is to share other stories and experiences of women who are already living the life of their dreams. The women that I highlighted in this issue are women who are using their unique talents, skills, and wisdom to not only enhance their lives, but they inspire other women to do the same. And thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what I call BEING A

NATURAL WOMAN. Natural Woman Magazine www.asknaturalwoman.com

Women who Inspire

Malaika Tamu– Cooper is a force to be reckoned with. A native of Baltimore and a Natural Hair Care Master/Entrepreneur Advocate. She is the owner of Dreadz N’ Headz Natural Hair Care Center & Academy. She is the creator and founder of the Natural Hair Care Expo Movement an Evolution of a Natural Revolution tour. Winner of the National Golden Scissors award for three (3) consecutive years. She is affectionately known by many as the “LOC MAMA." Malaika has served a plethora of clients that include people and places in Paris, French West Indies and Tunisia (North Africa). She has taught and empowered many women locally and across the world. Through her quintessential motivation, many of these women are now proud business owners in the natural hair care industry. Malakia shared with me that “it has always been my ministry to educate people about their natural hair, its beauty, significance, and bring them back to their natural states; mind, body and soul." Ultimately, empowering people to become entrepreneurs. “I’ve been doing this since was young, I never wanted anyone to tell me how much money I could make. “ Her passion is giving opportunities to our young black woman who may not fit into Corporate America and equip them with lifelong skills. Enabling them to be independent and self-sufficient. She continues to touch the lives of many not only in the industry but personally as well. Malaika has over 20 years of professional natural hair care expertise. Dedicated to learning and teaching innovative techniques for natural hair, she has developed several natural hair care techniques to help sistah’s and brotha’s nurture and restore their hair to its natural state. She has her own line of bath and body scrubs, non-itch hair formulas as well as natural hair pomades. To learn more on Malakia and her Natural Be sure if your in Baltimore Maryland, MD that you check out Happy Nappy Day July 13, 2014 Natural Woman Magazine www.asknaturalwoman.com

Hair Tours. Please visit wwwnaturalhaircareexpo.com

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Women who Inspire

Nubia I Sutton is a powerful source of Divine Feminine power whose 478 YouTube videos have created her a global audience of over 14,000 viewers. Her message is a message of healing and reconnecting every woman she comes across to her womb or as she calls it the creator. I had the pleasure to interview Nubia I and we talked about self-worth, manifesting, and fasting and how to be a woman.

it, it is the creator. Even women who experience negative womb experiences like infertility, fibroids and things of that nature it is because their creativity is being stifled.

I asked Nubia what are some ways we can heal and reconnect with our wombs, and she shared with me her secrets to fasting. Fasting can be a powerful way for one to connect with the god/goddess within. She If Nubia, I could describe what she does, it would be shared ” Fasting is when you give up everything that helping women tap into that part of themselves that is suppose to make you happy. People say that you is whole and complete and needs nothing. She becannot live without food or water, but when you fast lieves that self-worth comes from knowing that you you begin to realize that you feel great, and that is already have what you need. “A lot of times we go because you hear the voice of the creator. outside of ourselves to feel worthy.” This is one of Nubia I offers one on one consultations, group the reasons why she started her business BlackBerry coaching, and natural healing modalities.” I teach Beauty business “ I wanted to concentrate on heal- women how to eat healthily, start a business, garing our wombs; our wombs are the place where we dening, life coaching, heal ourselves, and so much hold all of our joys, pains, and fears. I want women more. I have a thirst that cannot be quenched when to know that even though they may experience fiit comes to healing and loving ourselves and being broids, endometriosis, or lack of money. You have able to share that with women.” everything you need to alleviate all of those issues if To learn more about Nubia I Sutton or her business you go to the womb. You will find the answer.” please visit www.blackberrybeauty.com The womb is the creator, and when you think about Natural Woman Magazine www.asknaturalwoman.com

Women who Inspire

Helping women ignite their inner goddess and manifest their dream life, is Renee Konan passion. I had the pleasure of connecting with Renee by viewing her YouTube channel; she has a vault of information that is awakening women across the globe to the power of the divine feminine. Renee is a unique soul with a magnetic personality from Gabon, Africa. Renee has a business called Shreyas Ayurveda Cosmetics. Her company is a 100% natural cosmetic line using all natural African plants and Ayurvedic herbs . The unique thong about her business is that she incorporate spirituality and the power of the Goddess in her products.

Renee is an anchor of information that every woman in my opinion should utilize and apply to their lives. Renee can also add book author to her many lists of talents. Her newest e-book 10 Steps to care for Your Hair like a Goddess. Her book is a fun and insightful piece that will leave you wanting to dive in even more in the Renee Konan magical Realm.

“True magic in spirituality only happens in a state of total faith and great imagination. If you visualize healing, you are allowing the energy to run freely and do its work. It is important to have the intention of wanting positive change and to focus on the outcome and not on the « how." If you were guided to Starting as a natural hair and beauty business me and are searching for an answer to help open the Renee’s has transformed her business into a spiritu- gates of manifestation of a wonderfully fulfilling and al business where she provides services to help oth- abundant life, there is no coincidence. Stop hesiers how to attract and manifest the life of their tating and have the courage to be happy! I'm here to dreams. She is a multi-dimensional healer “I put to- help. Be open, be free and choose success and happigether a unique technique to empower and help you ness!” ~ Renee Konan get rid of your fear-based blocks and limitingTo learn more about Renee Konan and her business thought patterns.” Very spiritual and connected please visit http://www.reneekonan.com/ very closely to the wisdom of the spiritual realms, Natural Woman Magazine www.asknaturalwoman.com

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By Zephanie Garrett Have you ever wanted to know what men are really thinking? Well, we unlocked that code and surveyed a lot of men. We asked them questions about women. These are the factors these men had in common when they expressed their thoughts.

You Accept What You Don't Want Women are looking for a certain kind of lifestyle. However, women are finding it hard to marry a man with the lifestyle that they desire. Therefore, some women settle for less. They say women know what kind of a man they want and how they want to be treated, but seem to accept the opposite of their desires.

Your Expectations Natural Woman Magazine www.asknaturalwoman.com

The high standards you have can be unrealistic. You can't want men to do everything in a relationship. Some men said that women have an ideal of a knight in shining armor complex. Seemly, believing a man should take care of them like a father would take care of a daughter. No man wants a girl in marriage. He wants a woman to be his wife. Men also want women who can maintain their own lives. Your Independent

Women were becoming more powerful and confident of their own abilities they have become individuals and not helpmates. Naturally, a woman should be a helpmate for the right man. Women have gotten so use to the failures of men they don't want to commit or assist them to go the distance in a relationship. Don't get men wrong they said that a woman's independence is very attractive to 48

them. As long as, it doesn't get to the point she wants. If that woman knows what she where one shuts down everyone, and no one wants and applies her life in order to reach can do anything for you those goals. She will also attract the right man to add too and elevate her life experience its Your Attitude apart of law and attraction. The downfall of Everyone needs to learn how to let go of the this kind of lifestyle is the perception of past. Letting go sets you free of the weight a woman who constantly parties, casually you been carrying. Some women can be too dates and leads a promiscuous life. They are argumentative taking out all their frustrations stamped with not being marriage material of the past on the current situation. Thereto many men. So, even if fore, ruining everything that could be a future they wanted someday to settle down their with a person that's completely genuine. reputation can hinder that from happening. Fear The environment we grew up in was our first teacher in life. It taught us how to interact in our relationships, what we should except, and what is possible for us to have. Growing up in a single parent home could be the cause of insecurities, because some women never learned how to correctly interact with a man. The thought of a man leaving you or betraying you in any way. May bring back those memories you don't want to face. If you've never seen a successful marriage that may cause self-sabotaging actions towards anyone that gets too close to your heart. The lack of trust and fear are your defeating elements.

You Love The Single Lifestyle If you love the single life too much to settle down we understand. There are some good things that come from this. That is a woman being able to find herself to know truly what Natural Woman Magazine www.asknaturalwoman.com

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NWM presents the newest fashion trend of your every day look in 2014!!! Show stopper- shake the town with this eye catching after five attire!!

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A day at the beach, a walk in the mall, or just hanging with the crew. Earth tones never go out of style Natural Woman Magazine www.asknaturalwoman.com

Classy and sassy- Not only can you wear this dress as a party dress but you can even dress it down with a blazer for your work attire.

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A great casual look for a walk in the park or meeting up with the girls. These warm earth and summer tones will have you looking hip and stylish. Natural Woman Magazine www.asknaturalwoman.com

What girl doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t love pink? This casual piece can be dressed up or down depending on your accessories.

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Natural Woman Feature

Interviewed: Tammarah Overton Sole Sista Shoes was created by Mona J. Ramsey, a true shoeaholic with a passion for "flashing!" Determined to carve out her own niche in the shoe and fashion industry, she set out on a journey to provide women with high-end shoes on an affordable budget.

I worked at Bakery’s back in Detroit Michigan where I am originally from and then I moved on to DSW. After working there I began to have a passion for shoes and wanted to go into shoe business. I prayed about it because I didn’t know what direction I wanted to move into. Being the researcher that I Tammarah O. Tell Natural Woman Magazine am I started looking up different shoe companies that sold to individual shoe owners. how Sola Sista Shoes come about? In 2009 my family and I moved to Nashville Mona: Growing up, my mom was a very TN where I started working for the state, I stylish person. Being around her I started to was making a decent salary at the time so I get into wearing big hats and gloves at a begin to get serious about my passion. I very young age. started to buy shoes one case at a time until I attended Fisk University in the 90s’ there I it I reached a certain trend of styles. In 2010 became a big shoe hound. I built my website and started promoting my Natural Woman Magazine www.asknaturalwoman.com

shoes on social media. I then begin doing some things. You will lose sleep, you are godifferent events around the city as well as pri- ing to lose friends in the process but God will send you the right people that will invest in vate parties. your business. Always take care of your cusTammarah O. Would you say you are fultomers and they will take care of you. filling your passion? Mona: Absolutely, I’m a firm believer in lis- For more information on Mona or Sole Sista Shoes please visit www.solesistashoes.com tening to the voice on the other side. God gave me the vision to start this business. He also gave me the will power to be steady and build on it. So yes I would say I am walking, breathing and striving in my purpose. Tammarah O.: What are your fear and obstacles that you had to overcome to get started? Mona: Being a business owner you have to decide “Am I buying for me or am I buying for the customer.” The reason I say that I because being that I am from Detroit I love bold colors. I don’t do neutral colors at all that was my obstacle. For example, in my shows I would only have a few neutral selection depending on what was going on in that season, but the majority of the women would be looking for neutral colors. In owning your own business you are not only the owner, you are the customer as well as the cashier. Tammarah O. What Advice would you give to other upcoming entrepreneurs? Mona: Pray and be specific in your prayers, make sure that its God ordained. You want God to sustain your business. Also stay the course, running a business is not easy. It is a lot of hard work and you have to sacrifice Natural Woman Magazine www.asknaturalwoman.com

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1. Options for those Naturalistas wanting a fresh new look. For this spring, I see a trend in combo up do styles. That's cornrows or flat twist styled with twist outs or pompodours, using all natural hair. A little (or a lot) of extension can be added for length or drama. These styles can be worn conservatively, casually or with a few adjustments it can become an unforgettable style for the bride. Because these styles can be worn using all natural hair or with extension, they're perfect for transitioners.

or do the same to one-half.

3.When trying to achieve a particular shape, the easiest way to do this is to start with a stylist that can give you a good cut. This pretty much determines the outcome of your style. Depending on the style you're attempting to achieve, a rod set, paying close attention to the rod size and sectioning, (the smaller the rod the tighter the curl), can give the illusion of a desired 'heart shaped' or tapered look. This technique 2. A great way to update or refresh a along with hair teasing can do wonders twist out is to turn it into a combo style. for creating shape. Take the desired portion or the portion 4. For those rocking locs. To maintain that has the least amount of definition, moisture in locs you want to steer clear section it and flat twist or cornrow it in- of heavy gels and creamy products. to an up do leaving the top portion out These products tend to cause build up. Natural Woman Magazine www.asknaturalwoman.com

straight, kinky) than braids, yet the full length your hair is uncompromised and protected in @ Glo On. Immediately following shampoo the TreeBraids. Both styles can be cut and the treatments include basic essential oils styled as desired. In addition to these styles like almond, and various kinky twist/twist out styles are jojoba, rosemary, peppermint, argan, deoptions from short and tapered to long, waist pending on the individual needs of the client. For both braids and locs lite moisturiz- length senegelese.

We use customized Hot oil treatments

ing/conditioning mist are excellent. Both Taliah Waajid and Shea Moisture product lines have these types of mist.

5. A textured look can be achieved after a big chop by getting a rod set or twist out. This elongates your 'fro' and you only need about and inch to an inch and a half to do this. It requires patience and agile fingers, but it can be done. If all else fails contact your trusted Natural Stylist.

6. Some other great protective styles for transitioners, other than cornrow/flat twist combos, twist outs, mentioned above, are nondamaging professionally done extension styles. Two of my most popular techniques are Interlock and Tree Braiding. Interlock (also called lacing) is essentially a strand by strand braided-in weave. If your transitioning and want to achieve the natural curl heart shaped bobs, funky fros, this can be achieved in 3hrs using quality human hair, while your hair is uncompromised and protected in cornrows underneath. If you prefer a little more versatility, the TreeBraids are individual micro-sized braids, that provide the look of more hair(your desired texture, curly,

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7. The best natural styles start with healthy hair, once you've determined the condition of your hair you can then decide what it needs most. For instance, if you're experiencing excessive breakage, a protein treatment may be what your hair needs. The basics would consist of a good sulfate-free shampoo, a good conditioner, regular deep conditioning treatments and daily moisturizer. Shea butter infused with essential oils are great, and conditioning mist are great for wash n go's. One of the common mistakes is not getting your ends trimmed regularly, this is very important for the maintenance of healthy hair, and has a significant affect of the look those defined curl patterns. 8. Design Essentials has a wonderful curl stretching cream that's great for and maintaining defined curl patterns. Elongating your tresses can be achieved by setting your hair in two strand twist, nubian knots or flat twist. Fyi: All pics are executed with All natural hair, with the exception of the pic with model wearing turquoise top.

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Photography by Gidget Hunter Allen of GIDGETimages Natural Woman Magazine www.asknaturalwoman.com

Natural Woman Magazine www.asknaturalwoman.com