Natural Woman Magazine "Women in Business" 2015

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“We want to be the change we wanted to see in the world. Empowering women is what Natural Woman Magazine is about”.

Founders & Best Friends Azizah Nubia Tammarah Overton

Photography by Gidget Hunter Allen of GIDGETImages

Natural Woman Magazine is an Independent Media Company of Natural Woman LLC © 2015 To advertise please email asknaturalwoman@gmail.com Natural Woman Magazine www.asknaturalwoman.com

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Azizah Nubia Editor in Chief

Tammarah Overton Chief of Beauty & Fashion

Photography/ Video

Gidget Hunter Allen of GIDGETImages Vernell Dillingham Nikkita N. Anderson Front Cover Beauty & Hair

Shanell Bowles Russell Nikkita N. Anderson Of Glamorous Faces Written Contributions

Fatima Gaskins Kamalaliaya Raet Shishini

Trazana Staples Victoria Gaskins Zephanie Garrett Marketing & Promotion

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

AZ Media 3

Making the Cover...5 Words from the editor...6 Red Carpet Naturals...7 Natural Sound Music Review...8

Natural Hair New & Style...9 Make up or no Make up...13 Vulva Charts...14 From the Boardroom to the Bedroom...16 Health Corner...18 Women in Business...26 Gratitude‌ 31 Let’s Talk About it: Suicide...32 Designer Spotlight...34 Meet the Model...35

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The January 2015 Natural Woman Magazine Women in Business issue was shot in Downtown Cincinnati at the Towerview Plaza. Our cover model for the shoot is Mercedes Brown. Learn more about Mercedes in our Meet the Model page.

Cover photography by: Gidget Hunter Allen of GIDGETimages Make up by: Shanell Russell & Nikkita Anderson of Glamorous Faces

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2015 is here and boy, the energy I feel from all the goodness this year is bringing is incredible. ELEVATION is the term I want to use to describe 2015, I chose this word because 2014 was the year we found our way and really got into focus what it is we are truly meant to be doing. Whether it is writing a new book, starting a new business or career. I want you to make 2015 the year you make your dreams a reality. The women featured in this Women in Business issue are women who we can look towards as examples of what we can do and become. All it takes is that ONE THOUGHT, PURPOSE and an undying fire to become the woman you DESTINED to become.

Watch Azizah’s Tips for Manifesting in 2015 video HERE.

@AzizahNubia

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2015 means it is a new season of the Red Carpet and Natural Woman Magazine is on the job of spotting Natural Coils on the red. This year’s 2015 Golden Globe had a host of talented artist in the film and entertainment industry. Check out some of the Natural Coils who represented the kinky coils….1.

Ava DuVernay, director of Selma didn't disappoint in the hair department. Celebrity stylist Felicia Leatherwood styled her locs in a twisted updo that turned heads. 2. Quvenzhané's curls were ones to covet. The young star took the style up a notch and had her bouncy curls cascade down her left side. 3.

Leave it to Lupita to liven up the red carpet! Last night the 31-year-old Oscar winner.

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By: Kat Neverin

“Babylon” by SZA SZA St. Louis Native and first R&B signee to Top Dawg Entertainment the musical home to Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, Jay Rock, and Ab-Soul. Her first three EPs, See. SZA. Run., S, and Z left fans impressed by her unique, yet vulnerable vocal abilities and a style that leaves us wanting more. We’re excited about SZA’s upcoming year. Check out her sound here.

Los Angeles Native Jhene Aiko has been a busy woman for 2014. with her Souled Out album release and Sould Out music tour wrapping up her 2014. We are super excited to see where this Light working songstress takes us. Check out her sound here.

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Courtesy of Black Enterprise

A federal judge has ruled it unconstitutional for a set of Texas laws to prevent African hair braiding schools from teaching students how to braid hair.

Isis Brantley, an entrepreneur who runs a hair braiding school in Dallas, sued the state in 2013, citing the laws that pertained to hair braiding schools to be unreasonable. Under Texas laws, hair braiding schools must first be a fully equippedbarber college before turning into a facility that teaches students how to braid hair. In the case of Brantley, she had to first convert her small business into a barber school that had at least 10student chairs that reclined back and a sink behind ever work station before being allowed to teach hair braiding.

On Monday, U.S. District Judge Sam Sparks ruled the laws against hair braiders to be “irrational,” citing the fact that braiding salons don’t need sinks to do hair because hair washing is not a part of the braiding process. Judge Sparks also reasoned that the state cannot force entrepreneurs to do meaningless things before starting their own business and challenged the state tofind a single hair braiding school that met their requirements.

“I fought for my economic liberty because I believe there is a lot of hope for young people who seek to earn an honest living,” said Brantley in a news release. “This decision means that I will now be able to teach the next generation of African hair braiders at my own school.”

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Join the Natural Hair Movement, represent your look for the world to see. Natural Woman Magazine wants to showcase your unique Natural look . Natural Hair is more than just a style it’s a MOVEMENT!

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Want the 411 on how you can achieve the perfect curls?

Perfect curls are not obtained by chance. It takes preparation, special care and healthy hair habits. Here is the scoop..

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Curls are like people: they are full of personality, and it takes time to know them. Take time to find your favorite products and then commit to them. If you stick to one product, you are more likely to perfect its application and get perfect curls. (Tip: stick to natural hair products.) What you put into your body not only affects your body’s appearance, but your hair’s as well. It’s a simple habit, but one difficult to take on. Perfect curls do not sprout overnight. Whether you take time before bed or wake up extra early is up to you. Your curls deserve time for maintenance, styling, and loving.

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By: Tammarah Overton, Chief of Beauty and Fashion

Often times women we feel that putting on too much makeup can make us seem unnatural. Then sometimes we feel that not wearing make-up makes us feel “naked’. Well what if I told you that you can still be natural and still wear make-up.

Natural looks make women appear likeable and trustworthy than no makeup at all. Slide over to the other end of the spectrum, however, too much makeup may come off as unprofessional and over the top, depending on the context.

dition to being well received by others, natural makeup is simple, easy to integrate into your morning routine, and provides understated polish and confidence without having to feel “done-up.” These days, more and more professional women are wearing little or no makeup to work. When in doubt, go light on the makeup—apply foundation, a dusting of color on the cheeks, mascara, and a dab of neutral lip color. At the end of the day, it’s all about what makes you feel comfortable and confident.

To appear professional and capable, opt for a natural, casual look around the office. In ad-

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Health

Did you know there is a readily available cosmic connection and map to your vulva ’s path of bliss? It is an affirmation of the integrity of your Feminine Self and Masculine Essence. Wombn often ignore our deeper callings for bliss for many, many reasons. Earth density being what it is can also serve as a block to our deeper fulfillment. Our vulvas will not be ignored, however. Throughout our lives either softly or loudly she requires our attention. What I have come to know is that to live life through our bliss core is a birthright. This doesn’t mean there will not be challenges. The third dimension is filled with them. However, being armed with the truth of who you are in love and wisdom can serve as a major inoculation against not manifesting a fulfilling life. We need reminders of who we are truly as the Feminine force. I created the vulva chart to serve as that. Many men have become more and more uncomfortable with the “overlord” version of masculinity but rightly uncomfortable with the other extreme of watered down Heru consciousness. They need their Sun! The masculine version of this specialized chart the Tekken or Lingam chart focuses on assisting men in honoring their true masculine power in all areas of their lives. True masculine power radiates warmth, confidence, focus, penetrating directly to the heart of any matter and taking compassionate leadership (Heru consciousness).

The lingam chart focuses on embracing and lov-

ing Heru however He is expressing through you—your unique bliss path.

In Vedic or Tantric astrology there is a either a feminine or masculine deity for your vulva or lingam and womb (yes, men do have wombs)!

Technically it is based on your moon sign, lunar mansion degree, lunar day and Kemetic Ntru and all of the associated energies He or She reigns over such things as your ruling element, sexual preferences, diet, potential emotional imbalances that may lead to illness as well as healing directions, and path of bliss. This unique womb signature shares His or Her secrets with you. You will receive insight into your natal or birth Vulva Goddess or Lingam God as well as where She or He is in your chart for the birth lunar return. Healing recipes, (herbs, stones, rituals, strengthening sexual practices, mantra/hesi etc.) are also suggested as well as how she communicates with you, her favorite playmates and deepening your Natural Woman Magazine www.asknaturalwoman.com

contact with her. I also include the way your heart transmits and receives love energy through Venus and Jupiter.

Not only do you receive your interpreted chart in a beautiful and colorful pdf; wombn will receive three gift mp3s—Goddess Grotto Meditation, Restoring Feminine Balance, and Het Heru The inspiration for this type of chart came Revelations for Wombn. Men will receive my through my involvement with The Temple of Wombn of which Nut Tmu Ankh Butterfly is the four part audio workshop mp3 Awakening The chief priestess. Upon entering temple initiation I Heart of Heru which includes a very healing was at a major crossroads in my life. Although meditation with Het Heru entitled Tekken Love.

Your price also includes a personal consultation having trained and practiced as an astrologer for over 20 years I was in a place where I didn’t with me and a personalized meditation I will create for you. want to anymore. I questioned how useful it was. I was always more interested in using any ‘metaphysical tool’ such as astrology and even My approach is unlike any other cosmic mapyoga as a gateway for shamanic journey healping you’ve had before. I do truly feel it was ing and evolutionary sacred sexuality. Most channeled as a gift from Divine Mothers people I’ve done readings for simply did not Sekhmet, Nut and Het Heru. Here are what a want that depth of reading or focus. I was ready few wombn have said about their charts: to give it up. However once I entered initiation To learn more about Vuluva Chart please visit in the Temple it gradually became clear to me that the way I practiced astrology came straight http://celestial-dakini.weebly.com/ from the ancestors. Even though the Kemetic ancestors did not practice what is known as western astrology they did use cosmic maps known as stars and galaxies as gateways for cosmic astral travel. In the Vedic/Tantric system the force fields known as planets are living entities called ‘grahas which interact with our non-physical selves. The lunar mansions are Shaktis or energy Goddesses we pass through all the time. Sexual energy is what it is, the fuel that runs any universe. When I had my first Khamite initiation years ago my given ren (name) was “Aneb Nua” which translates as “one who seeks mastery of the cosmos.” The alkhemy was there and the resulting offering is vulva astrology—and men, your version is the Lingam or Tekken chart.

In essence vulva astrology and tekken astrology is an energy medicine tool which supports your bliss. It honors your deepest yearnings and reveals your personal path. Based on the Tantric lunar goddesses and Kemetic Ntru it reveals and confirms those secrets, passions, and inner knowings we have been taught to ignore. Here is a way to reconnect with this wisdom, joy and fulfillment.

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Your sexual health is just as important as your nutritional health if not more. We tend to neglect or misuse our sexual energy, and for women who are in the world of power (Business), its something we should learn to use for our business success. I had a chance to speak with Trazana Staples, MELP and environmental law major, Community activist, and Ecopreneur. On the importance of sexual health and how it has helped her in the world of business.

"Sex is more than what you think it is, its a power that you can use to power your life. The power of sexual energy creates, (not just babies), but creates all the energy you need for the position your in right now. It helps to fuel your determination, creativity, and the desire to want to do more.� Women must learn to embrace and feel comfortable with their sexuality, because it can be used in away that can enhance your life, and bring you closer to your dreams. “

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Relieves Stress Lower Blood Pressure Boost Immunity Provide Exercise

Burns Calories Improves Cardiovascular Boost Self-Esteem Strengthens your well being

Reduces Pain Keeps you looking youthful

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The Benefits of

Health Corner

Soaking your feet Do you remember the old foot basin grandma use to have? Well it looks like foot soaking is not only relaxing, but it has many health benefits. Immersing your feet in a tub of warm water, even without anything extra in it, is a nice way to relax after a long day. A foot soak soothes your muscles, hydrates your skin and can relieve aches and pains due to standing for hours or walking in uncomfortable shoes. All of us are exposed to toxins that need to get out. A detox soak with Epsom salts is a natural way to draw those toxins out and replenish magnesium of which most of us are deficient. Since our feet have the most and largest pores of the body, a detoxing foot soak can be very efficient in a short amount of time. It’s an excellent place to absorb the magnesium in Epsom salts as well as key essential oils.

5 Benefits of a Mini Detox Foot Soak 

Boost your magnesium intake



Ease stress, improve sleep



Reduce inflammation, reduce muscle pain



Flush toxins



Helpful during illness, clear congestion

"The feet express the heavens and the hands express the feet. If you want to adjust the psychic body, massage the feet. If you want to adjust the physical body, massage the hands." -- Yogi Bhajan

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Have you ever wondered how women of the past dealt with unwanted facial and body hair? Did they use razors, hair removal creams, or did they just grow it out? Well after a bit od research we have learned how the women of yesterday removed unwanted hair, and you may find these natural methods useful for use today.

Hair Removal with Palm Nuts Take a full palm of nuts shells and burn them. Then, put the ashes in water and let it stand for 12 hours. Then soak gauze in the water and place it on the body parts that you want to remove hair.

Repeat this procedure several times a day, and hold the gauze for about 30 minutes.

In a few weeks, you will get rid of the hair on your face and body (END).

This base recipe will create a smooth, clear lipstick that is very moisturizing and protective. It is made from completely natural ingredients and is safe for us on the lips or skin. If you want, you can add color with the following add-ins to create a color of your choice.

What to do Melt the beeswax, shea butter/cocoa butter and coconut oil in a glass jar without a lid in a small pot of simmering (not boiling) water. It should melt quickly because so little of each ingredient is used.

When melted, remove from heat and add any optional ingredients like  color or scent. To get the hue in the picture above, I used a tiny pinch  of beet root powder (1/8 tsp or less), 1/4 tsp cocoa powder,

1/8 tsp bentonite clay, 1/8 tsp cinnamon and a drop of peppermint es sential oil (just because I like the smell). I think I added slightly more cocoa powder after mixing to darken it up slightly but I didn’t

1 teaspoon beeswax pastilles 1 teaspoon Shea butter or Cocoa Butter 1 teaspoon coconut oil

Optional Color Add-Ins For Red Hues: 1/8 teaspoon of beet root powder or 1 drop of natural red food coloring with no chemical additives. NOTE: Add these very slowly as a little goes a long way!

For Brown/Tan Hues: 1/4 teaspoon (or more for color) of organic cocoa powder, a tiny pinch of cinnamon or turmeric to get the shade you want.

For a more Matte texture: 1/4 teaspoon bentonite clay- I use this with a color so it doesn’t leave a white tint on the lips.

For Scent: A drop of essential oil of choice (optional)

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People often tell me that it is difficult to grow plants, specifically plants that are consumable who live in an apartment. However, I am here to tell you that growing edible plants are easy while living in apartment, especially herbs.

Herbs have a wide range of uses from cooking to medicinal. They are easy maintenance and they do not require much sunlight or water in most cases. They can also be grown year round from the inside of your kitchen window seal so that you can just sip and use at your convenience.

When considering growing an herb garden in your home, purchase local and organically grown nongmo, seedling or seeds if possible.

Below are some of the ’10 Easy-to Grow Herbs for a Simple Kitchen Herb Garden’ published in Mother Earth Living, Natural Home, Healthy Life written by Barbara Pleasant July/August 2011

Basil Grow It: Plant seeds or seedlings of basil, a warm-season annual, after the last frost during a warm spell. When flowering tops appear, cut them off (toss them in salads!) to encourage new leaf production. You can sow a second planting of seeds directly in the garden in early summer. Indoors, a pot of basil repels flies.

Eat It: Basil is best fresh. Always toss it in at the end of cooking—heat damages its flavor. Preserve fresh basil by making an infused oil or freezable pesto.

Recommended Varieties: Genovese is best for cooking; ask your nursery about specific varieties for spicy flavor, compact growth habits or frilled foliage.

Mint Grow It: Plant mint, a hardy perennial in most areas, in spring. You can start mint from seed, but plants you buy often have better flavor. Mint is a notoriously aggressive spreader, so it’s best to grow it in containers. Clip growing tips monthly to encourage new growth.

Eat It: Mint is versatile and easy to dry. Crush it with sugar and vinegar for a wonderful mint sauce.

Recommended Varieties: Peppermints and spearmints are best for cooking; pineapple mint has beautiful variegated leaves.

Chives Grow It: A mild onion-flavored perennial, chives produce edible flowers in spring and early summer. You can grow chives from seed, but it’s faster to start with plants. Plant as soon as the last frost has passed. Trim regularly to prolong production. Every few years, divide and replant clumps to encourage new growth.

Eat It: Toss chives into almost any savory dish—add at the end of cooking or they become bitter. You can freeze excess chives; use them as you would fresh.

Recommended Varieties: Compact Grolau is great for containers; Grande features big, broad leaves; try garlic chives for bold flavor.

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Tarragon Grow It: Start with transplants, and French tarragon will grow to 24 inches tall with stems that tend to sprawl. If a stem rests on the soil, covering it with soil often coaxes it into developing roots. In midsummer, cut back plants by half to stimulate new growth.

Eat It: The leaves have an anise flavor that is sweeter earlier in the season. In spring, use the entire sprig, rather than just the leaves. Later in summer, the leaves benefit from long cooking, as in stews. Tarragon is easy to dry, but also makes fine vinegar. Steep leaves in white wine vinegar in a sunny windowsill for 4 weeks, then strain.

Recommended Varieties: There is but one true French tarragon, which must be purchased as a plant. Nibble a leaf before you buy—it should have a zingy licorice flavor.

Cilantro Grow It: A fast-growing annual, cilantro can be planted in spring and again in late summer. Cilantro is among the easiest herbs to start from seeds sown directly in the garden, but it suffers badly when transplanted. The ripe seeds are the orange-scented spice known as coriander. To harvest coriander, allow plants to flower and then collect seeds after they turn brown. Store seeds in a cool, dark spot.

Eat It: The entire cilantro plant is edible. Enjoy the leaves, the brown seeds (coriander) and the roots (in soups and stir-fries). Toss the flower heads in salads.

Recommended Varieties: Santo lasts longer than most varieties; Cilantro has lacy leaves.

Rosemary Grow It: Superior rosemary cultivars are best purchased as plants. A woody perennial, rosemary can be pruned back, potted up and kept indoors through winter in cold climates.

Eat It: Rosemary accentuates many foods, especially baked goods and roasted vegetables and meat. Varieties differ in size and flavor, though all produce pungent leaves and sturdy stems that can be used as skewers. The leaves dry easily for preserving. Harvest the small flowers as they appear in spring and summer to add to egg and veggie dishes.

Recommended Varieties: Arp and Hill Hardy tolerate more cold than other varieties. Try compact Blue Boy in containers.

Thyme Grow It: This hardy evergreen can be grown from seed, seedlings or rooted stem tip cuttings. Cut back blooming branches to increase production of leaves.

Eat It: Thyme boosts the flavor of meat and vegetables, and the oil in thyme helps to break down the fats in many foods, making them more digestible. The leaves are easy to dry, and it also makes nice vinegar. Steep leaves in white wine vinegar in a sunny windowsill for 4 weeks, then strain. The leaves have the strongest flavor before the plants flower, but you can pick the flowers when they open to sprinkle over vegetable dishes.

Recommended Varieties: Upright, green-leafed French and English thyme provide the best flavor; variegated forms are excellent in containers.

Sage Grow It: This 20-inch-tall woody perennial is pretty cold-hardy, but new plants should be started from rooted stem tip cuttings every other year. Or start with transplants. Variegated varieties are less cold-tolerant and more petite.

Eat It: Preserve an abundance of sage by drying it, packing it in salt, or mashing it to create a flavorful butter. The sweet flowers are an ideal accompaniment to dishes with light flavors.

Recommended Varieties: Compact Berggarten is great for tight spaces; White Dalmatian features silvery leaves; Tricolor foliage has pink and white stripes.

Read more: http://www.motherearthliving.com/herb-gardening/10-easy-to-grow-herbs-simple-kitchen-herb-garden.aspx#ixzz3OpCLVJ6a

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This article originally appeared on AlterNet.

It is no secret that our bodies and our environment are swimming in estrogen. Puberty is occurring as early as eight years old in children and recently babies in China have developed breasts. Frogs and fish are becoming “intersex” and losing their male characteristics from excreted estrogens in the environment and waterways. In England, the Daily Mail ran a feature on the phenomenon of women’s bra cup sizes increasing independent of their weights, likely because of environmental and livestock chemicals.

The website Green Prophet speculated that women in the Middle East are not yet experiencing cup inflation because their environments have not become similarly estrogenized.

While many people are fans of big boobs, the larger issue of feminized women, men and wildlife should be a wakeup call. Estrogen is blamed for everything from breast and prostate cancer and other hormonelinked conditions to obesity, sexual dysfunction, dropping sperm counts and depression and mood disorders. In studies of women given prescribed hormone drugs, estrogen was linked to lung cancer, ovarian cancer, skin cancer, gall bladder cancer, cataracts urinary incontinence and joint degeneration.

Most of us know we unwittingly get synthetic estrogens (endocrine disrupters) from plastics like BPA, petroleum based products, detergents, cosmetics, furniture, carpeting, thermal receipts and on our food from agriculture chemicals like pesticides, herbicides and fungicides (a good reason to buy organic). But we also get a lot of “natural” estrogens from foods we may eat every day. While these “phytoestrogens” are not as bad as synthetic chemicals, women who are plagued with PMS, fibrocystic disease and water retention, or who are at risk for breast cancer and men who do not want to be feminized may want to use them moderately.

Here are some “good” and “bad” foods that have more estrogen than you may realize—or want.

1. Animal Products On most lists of products containing estrogen, animal products like milk and beef are at the very bottom. Milk, for example, is said to provide 1.2 micrograms of estrogen per 100 grams. Unfortunately, most “research” that assures the public that hormones used in meat production or milk production (like Monsanto’s rBGH) result in less estrogen are funded by Big Ag. Two features betray the Big Ag-funded research —it claims there is no difference between hormones that occur “naturally” in the human body and synthetic hormones, and it claims there are no residues of the latter. If synthetic hormones are so safe, why would we mind residues? The European Union disagrees about the dangers and boycotts US beef, which is swimming in the hormones oestradiol-17, trenbolone acetate, zeranol and melengestrol.

As for “no residues,” a scientific paper called “Detection of Six Zeranol Residues in Animal-derived Food by HPLC-MS/ MS,” disputes the claim. Zeranol, an estrogen-like drug widely used in US livestock production is especially controversial. “Our laboratory has reported that long-term exposure to either Z [zeranol] or E2 [estradiol-17β] can induce transformation of human breast epithelial MCF-10A cells,” says a 2009 paper in Anticancer Research.Translation: it can contribute to breast cancer: “The proper evaluation of the safety of Z [zeranol] is of both public health and economic importance.”Another paper reports “breast irritation” in people exposed to nothing but the clothing of those working around zeranol. This is an ingredient used in US meat?

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Estrogen in Food 2. Flax Flax and especially flax meal has the image of being a healthy superfood.

But when you look at a list of the top phytoestrogen-containing foods, flax and flax products are at the very top. A hundred grams of flax packs an astounding 379,380 micrograms of estrogen compared with 2.9 micrograms for a fruit like watermelon. Flax is now widely found in baked goods like bread, bagels and muffins, snack foods, cereals, pasta, drink mixes and used in poultry, swine, beef and dairy cow feed.

It became a popular alternative to fish oil which had been promoted to improve mood, the immune systems and to prevent heart attacks and strokes, especially as concerns about mercury risks in some fish surfaced. A tablespoon of flaxseed oil, which contains alpha-linolenic acid (also found in walnuts and some oils) is “worth” about 700 milligrams of the omega-3 found in fish oil says the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide. Flax also provides fiber, a substance lacking in our over-processed diets. But there is another reason it may not be the superfood it appears besides its estrogen wallop. Like so many edible plants today, genetically modified versions of flax are ram-

3. Soy What is the second highest phytoestrogen-containing food in most lists? Soy, which packs 103,920 micrograms of estrogen per 100 grams. Low in calories and with no cholesterol, soy has been a mainstay protein of many cultures for centuries and is considered nature’s perfect alternative to meat by many vegetarians and vegans. It has been hailed as a “good” estrogen that could prevent breast cancer and serve as an alternative for hormone replacement therapy, traditionally made from pregnant mare urine.

Yet the bloom has partially fallen off soy’s rose. Its possible cancer prevention properties were called into question after some animal studies and groups like the American Cancer Society found themselves defending its moderate use.

Like flax, unlabeled GMO soybeans dominate the market and have been linked to sterility and infant death in

4. Other Legumes and Common Health Foods Other “healthy” foods like flax and soy may have more estrogen than you think. Legumes like chickpeas (garbanzo beans) red beans, blackeyed peas, green peas and split peas are also estrogenic and black beans pack 5,330 micrograms of estrogen per 100 grams. Hummus (from chickpeas) has 993 micrograms of estrogen per 100 grams. How about the “healthful” seeds we think of as mingled in trailmix? Sesame and sunflower seeds are among the highest of all estrogenic foods. While their seeds are not a staple of most people’s diets, their oils are widely used in processed and prepared foods.

A site for women suffering from the estrogen-linked endometriosis advises against sunflower oil as well as safflower, cottonseed and canola oils and recommends only olive or grapeseed oil.

Other ingredients that can amount to a side dish of estrogen are alfalfa sprouts, licorice and the flavorings red clover and fennel, sometimes found in teas. Food ingredients in personal care products can also have estrogenic effects. Tea tree oil found in some shampoos, soaps and lotions can enlarge the breasts of boys reported ABC news. And sore and tender breasts have also been reported from usingNatural a shampoo with www.asknaturalwoman.com pomegranate.

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We always want the best for our bodies, the right foods, the safest beauty and body products. But did you know that your common household cleaning products can be harmful for your body as well? For example Cleaning supplies often contain substances like bleach or ammonia, which can release toxic fumes that lead to respiratory distress.

Below are 8 common products we have all had in our homes at one time or another.

1. Non-Stick Cookware Non-stick cookware may save you some cleaning time, some elbow grease and some scouring pads, but at high temperatures the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) that makes Teflo nnon-sticky gives off toxic gases that have been linked to reproductive problems, cancers and other health issues.

It’s best to opt for stainless steel or iron skillets, or if you must use nonstick pans, cook at lower temperatures.

2. Plastic Bottles and Containers Watch out especially for the hormone-disrupting, possibly birth defect-causing Bisphenol A (BPA).

Many plastic products promote they are now BPA-free, but that isn’t the only potentially harmful chemical they can shed. It’s safer to use a glass.

3. Pesticides When you see roaches or ants in your house, it’s natural to want to dash out and grab the first high-power pesticide you see on the shelf. Hold that disgust!

Try a natural solution: one of many insect repellent herbs, such as mint or tansy, or some vinegar or lemon juice sprinkled along their entrance points and other places where they hide.

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Environment

Antibacterial Products

Cleaning Supplies

Dryer Sheets & Fabric Softeners

“Germ-killing” hand soaps and other antibacterial products are full of chemicals but have become widespread due to the public’s overblown fears of catching an illness. In addition, killing off germs indiscriminately can hinder the immune system’s own defenses, eliminating good bacteria along with the bad.

Cleaning supplies often contain substances like bleach or ammonia, which can release toxic fumes that lead to respiratory distress.

Dryer sheets and other fabric softeners work by coating your clothes with a thin layer of—you guessed it!—potentially toxic chemicals. A common one is quaternary ammonium salts which can cause skin irritation and rashes, respiratory problems, nausea, headaches and even vomiting.

A good Alternative: Many common household products such as baking powder and lime can be effective in tackling ordinary household cleaning jobs.

A good alternative: Envir onmentally friendly and healthful soap and water.

A Good Alternative: Tr y tossing some wool balls or an old sweater in the wash to eliminate wrinkles and static cling.

Air Fresheners Air fresheners contain a brew of chemicals such as phthalates, known to cause hormonal abnormalities, reproductive problems and birth defects.

They also contain such little-defined ingredients as “preservatives,” “propellant” and the everpopular “fragrance,” which could be just about anything.

A good alternative: Tr y bur ning essential oils, herbal incenses or try a big pot of some fragrant, flowering, house-loving plant like jasmine instead.

Mothballs With so many natural moth repellants available, ranging from cedar blocks to sweetsmelling herbal solutions like lavender, mint, cloves and rosemary, there’s little need to resort to those old-fashioned mothballs. Not only do they smell like those old clothes of your grandmother’s that have been in the attic for years, but they’re little balls of toxic chemicals that can cause dizziness, headaches and nausea.

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We are always hearing of the BeyoncÊ's and Oprah’s of the business world, and believe me I love them both. But what about all the other Natural Women out on the grind building empires that you did not know about? Well Natural Woman Magazine went on the hunt to feature Natural (hair) women who are moving and shaking in the business world. Their missions encourage us to continue our effort in making a place for the Natural Hair Movement not only in our homes, but at work too!

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Women in Business

LEANNA ARCHER This Long Island native started her Leanna Inc. hair care line at just 11-years-old. Yes, 11years-old. Her all-natural organic hair butters and shampoos have helped her earn over $100,000 in revenue. Her small operation thrives with lots of help from her family.

MARA BROCK AKIL The brains behind hit TV shows like Being Mary Jane, Girlfriends, The Game and Moesha, Mara Brock Akil is also the cofounder of Akil Productions with husband Salim Akil, who directed the highly anticipated remake of Sparkle starring Whitney Houston.

KIMBERLY DILLON Her quest to change the way we use technology led Kimberly Dillon to launch House of Mikko, a website that helps women choose their makeup and hair products based on their features.

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Women in Business BIRAME SOCK

Blazing a path in the tech industry, Birame Sock is the CEO and founder of Third Solutions, the marketing company behind MyReceipts.com, which lets users keep track of their receipts online.

Kimberly Kimble Where style and healthy hair maintenance collide you will find Kimble Hair Care Systems.

The company is led by founder celebrity stylist Kimberly Kimble, a third generation hair dresser turned entrepreneur. While her high performing hair solutions can be bought individually, she offers haircare “systems� of complimentary treatments to get hair to its absolute best.

Kim Etheredge and Wendi Levy These Savvy chicks have been hashing out their grand scheme to target the curly locks and frizzy manes of ethnic chicks for a few years now. The bi-racial duo (both of black and white heritage) invested $10,000 to initially develop the shampoo and conditioner and have relied on celebrity buzz from the likes of Halle Berry to propel sales.

With distribution in both coasts, Mixed Chicks sales topped $3.5 million in 2009 .

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Women in Business

Ending our Women in Business spread are the beautiful Miko and her sister Titi (RIP) Branch, they are the Beauty and Brains behind Miss Jessie’s hair products a leading company in the natural hair care industry . The sisters launched their company out of a Brooklyn brownstone and it’s been a success ever since.

Their unique blends of puddings and crèmes are primarily targeted to those natural women looking to enhance their curls and waves. These type of products were barely present on the market. But these savvy sisters realized a market opportunity by to create their own natural “hair recipes” learned from their paternal grandmother, Miss Jessie. The duo has wracked up many accolades for their savvy entrepreneurship and hair treatments. The sisters have also opened up a salon in New York city to cater to their curly haired fans.

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Titi Branch co-founder of Miss Jessie’s, one of the top leading natural hair care companies in the hair industry, passed way on Dec. 04, at the age of 45. Titi’s sister Miko Branch left these final words for us to help her keep her sisters legacy flourishing; “Many of you have generously asked what more can you do. I simply ask that you keep Titi’s name and legacy alive and help me spread the good word about how great she was – a wonderful woman of invention and innovation.”

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one. I can't begin to say how blessed I felt when I You never know how much just being thankful and finished my first message. I felt a physical and spiritually shift in the atmosphere and within myself. It expressing kindness to someone else not only can help another person, but how it can make you feel was a high like I've never felt that made me whole as I am. I wasn't expecting the responses I received whole and grounded as well. As the year of 2014 from my friends and I will never forget them. My was coming to an end. I decided to take some time to reflect on my year. Something was missing and I journey isn't over its just beginning I have a long way to go to reach out to everyone I have in mind. needed to show my appreciation for the people I Even then this will not be a one time thing for me. cherish and the impact they made in my life. I I'm going to also keep a gratitude journal to remind made a commitment to express my deepest gratitude to all those people. Not expecting anything in myself to write down at least one or more things I return just to open my heart to them. We don't tell am grateful for. If this in any way speaks to you then please embark in this with me. Still not conpeople enough what they mean to us and most of the time we wait until its too late. It took me some vinced? There is an even more influential woman who has some words to say about gratitude. "When time to figure out how I would do this. I chose a soyou allow yourself to feel gratitude in the present cial media site (Facebook) to send individual messages to each person I wanted to give my gratitude moment, in the now, what I promise you is the spiritual dimension in your life begins to change. It to. I really put some thought into it before I did... Yes, I could have called each one or saw them opens up and you will just grow with it. If you want to change your state of being start to be grateful." in person, but I'd much rather them have something to look at anytime they need those words to remind them how special they are. How someone believes in them or is thankful for just knowing them for any length of time. Some people may think words don't mean much but they can mean everything when you’re in a dark place mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. Kind words can turn around a bad day almost in an instant when its genuine. That's what I hoped that I could do for everyone I reached out too so far. Writing up some generalized message wasn't good enough I put thought, memories, and personalized each

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Two shots to the head. Dead. It had been a normal, early morning, slow traffic ride to Norfolk Naval Base, Norfolk, VA. I had just received a call from an Atlanta number that was not in my contacts. When I answered the call, it was from the mother of someone I had once been very close to. “Are you sitting down?” she started out the conversation with. “Yes.” I responded, not knowing what was going on. Two shots to the head. Dead. Suicide. “She shot herself twice.” Her mother continued, “One shot went through her mouth and out her cheek. The second shot went through her mouth, into her brain, and exited out the back of her head. The second shot was the fatal shot.” I sat at a green light stunned. Horns started blaring. The phone call suddenly seemed to sound very far away. SUICIDE. Let’s talk about it! Suicide does NOT discriminate. It affects all age groups, cultures, and demographics. The end result is death or serious injury. But before it even gets that far it can be stopped. Suicide is preventable. My friend’s mother told me her daughter wrote a note and then she killed herself. It detailed why she was in so much pain and could not bear to continue living that way. A note her mother wished she would have gotten before

she took her life. “A suicidal person may not ask for help, but that doesn't mean that help isn't wanted. Most people who commit suicide don't want to die—they just want to stop hurting.” (HelpGuide.org) The note revealed many things that my friend’s mother never knew her daughter was struggling with. Depression, drugs, and abuse, were just a few things that my friend could was never able to express to anyone while she was alive. What surprised me was her mother had witnessed her daughter exhibiting irregular behavior before she took her life. Her mother hadn’t acknowledged that behavior as suicidal. She figured her daughter was “strong” and would “deal” with it. She never thought she would take her own life. Learning to recognize the warning signs of suicidal behavior is essential. “If you believe that a friend or family member is suicidal, you can play a role in suicide prevention by pointing out the alternatives, showing that you care, and getting a doctor or psychologist involved. “ (HelpGuide.org) There are many sources, such as HelpGuide.org, Suicide Awareness Voices of Education, and The American Foundation of Suicide Prevention to name a few. They can offer you guidance in how to engage/approach someone you believe may

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be suicidal. “Suicide is one of those subjects that many of us feel uncomfortable discussing. If you're the one feeling suicidal, you may be afraid that you'll be judged or labeled "crazy" if you open up.

Or maybe you're just convinced that no one could possibly understand. It's not much easier for concerned friends and family members, who may hesitate to speak up for fear that they're wrong or that they'll say the wrong thing.” (HelpGuide.org) You may encounter someone who is suicidal anywhere. Don’t be a bystander. Do something and get involved. I live with some regret wondering if there was something that I could have done to save my friend from taking those two shots to the head. In 2012, firearms were the most common method of death by suicide, accounting for a little more than half (50.9%) of all suicide deaths. The next most common methods were suffocation (including hangings) at 24.8% and poisoning at 16.6%. (American Foundation of SuicidePrevention) My friend’s life ended in tragedy. A life that was gone too soon. Unfortunately, there has been more than one person that I know that has attempted to commit suicide. “There are an estimated 8 to 25 attempted suicides to 1 completion.” (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education)Thankfully, the people I know who attempted suicide were unsuccessful and were given appropriate medical treat-

ment. But their attempt on their life affected more than themselves. It affected even more than just their friends and family, it affected their job. The time it took for emergency medical treatment and the mandated therapy afterward resulted in lost wages and decreased work productivity. That work productivity puts a strain on those people who have to step in to carry the load. Suicide is an “everyone issue”. It affects more than just the person who is attempting to take their life. With that being said, the holiday season for the winter in full effect, be mindful of those who are exhibiting suicidal behavior. Remember, don’t be a bystander. Choose life.

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Ladies are you looking to dress your man in the finest clothing known to man for 2015? Well check out Fashion expert and upcoming designer Larry Scott. Larry styled our Jan “Women in Business� male model Carlos Hall in a style that has inly the touch of Larry. Be sure to follow him on FB and be on the look for his new line.

Model: Carlos Hall Photography: Gidget Hunter Allen of GIDGETimages

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Mercedes Brown is a wife, mother, entrepreneur, and co-author of "Dear God, Do You Have Any Good Friends For Me". A book she co-authored with her best friend Sandy Lindsey. “This book takes a real honest look at the way women often times operate in friendship due to past hurt. Through our personal journey of becoming friends we decided to debunk and confront the ideas of separation between women. Our book inspires women to let go of past hurt and learn to forgive so that true friendships can be created and maintained. “ Mercedes is also a former community reporter for Fox 19 news. She is cofounder of IndieByChoice.com and Joined By Truth Ministries. She has been involved in several local commercials through Heyman Talent Agency. Her most treasured project is one she shares with her daughter CreateLoveShareCare.com which is a positive bully free social network designed to unite teens worldwide through positive online interaction.

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

Natural Woman Magazine www.asknaturalwoman.com

Natural Woman Magazine www.asknaturalwoman.com