Natural Woman
Magazine
LETTER from
THE EDITOR
2016 has come and gone and my oh my what a wonderful transforming year it has been. The Journey of building a media empire for women to connect and inspire one another has brought me so much joy. Because every woman that is awakened to her true potential adds an amazing touch to our planet. The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams. And by living your dreams you have the opportunity to live in your true potential. We are all being called to tap into our unlimited potential and uplift the vibration of our planet. Whether it is by starting your own business, helping others, or simply sharing your own story of triumph to inspire another, we have a responsibility to strive to be our very best. Doing the best at this moment puts us in the best place for the next moment. So as we end the chapter of 2016 I am reminded of what it truly means to trust your journey. We all have an amazing story that was born inside of us and it is our life’s mission to unfold those mysteries our discoveries from our stories with the world.
Our mission at Natural Woman Magazine is to promote, empower, and inspire you to live a more abundant healthy life.
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Azizah Nubia
MARKETING DIRECTOR
AZ8 Media Marketing
ADVERTISING/SALES
Gracie J. Perry
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Miranda Collins
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Samanda Robinson
PHOTOGRAPHER
Nikita A. | AZ8 Media
Happy New Year and create wisely for 2017.
Azizah Nubia Editor in Chief
QUESTIONS & FEEDBACK Phone: 220-252-0109
www.asknaturalwoman.com
COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY NIKITA ANDERSON RUSSELL OF GLAMOROUS FACES, PHOTOGRAPHY BY AZIZAH NUBIA AZ MEDIA.
Nulputetum amcorero conseqau amcommy niatet, quat gait la faci
NATURAL WOMEN OF 2016 Vote Today!!
EVERY YEAR NATURAL WOMAN MAGAZINE INTERVIEWS AMAZING WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US ALL WITH THEIR STORIES. WHETHER THEY ARE BUSINESS OWNERS,
CELEBRITIES, MUSICIANS, OR JUST ORDINARY WOMEN WHO DO GREAT THINGS
FOR THEIR COMMUNITIES. THESE WOMEN EMBODY WHAT IT TRULY MEANS TO BE A NATURAL WOMAN.
BEING A NATURAL WOMAN ISN’T LIMITED TO HOW YOU WEAR YOUR HAIR IT IS
MUCH MORE THAN THAT. A NATURAL WOMAN IS A WOMAN WHO LIVES HER LIFE NATURALLY AND POSITIVELY AND RADIATES THAT THROUGH THE WORK SHOE
DOES THAT INSPIRES OTHER WOMEN TO TAP INTO THEIR OWN NATURAL WOMAN. THIS YEAR WE ARE HAPPY TO FEATURE SOME AMAZING WOMEN WHO DO JUST THAT. CONGRATULATIONS LADIES AND CONTINUE TO LIVING LIKE A NATURAL WOMAN.
TOP PICTURE: NWM OWNER AZIZAH NUBIA, AND GLAMOROUS FACES CEO SHANELL BOWLES RUSSELL
NAWWAL SINGER, SONGWRITER, AND BUSINESS OWNER NAWWAL MUHAMMAD WAS FEATURED IN NATURAL WOMAN MAGAZINE’S FEBRUARY BLACK LOVE ISSUE. NAWWAL WAS BORN AND RAISED IN QUEENS, NEW YORK, AND HAS BEEN AROUND MUSIC AND TALENTED PEOPLE ALL HER LIFE. SHE STARTED SINGING AT THE AGE OF SEVEN. SHE WAS INSPIRED TO SING BY HER COUSINS DAVID, WAYNE AND JONATHAN LEWIS BETTER KNOWN AS THE MUSIC GROUP “ATLANTIC STARR”. AT AGE 13, NAWWAL WAS BLESSED TO BE ON STAGE WITH THE KING OF POP MICHAEL JACKSON TO PRESENT THE CARING FOR KIDS AWARD. AT AGE 14, SHE WAS OFFERED A RECORDING CONTRACT WITH LL COOL J. AT AGE 16, SHE WAS A DANCER IN THE MUSIC VIDEO “ALL NIGHT LONG,” PERFORMED BY DR. ICE AND HOUDINI. AT AGE 23, SHE AUDITIONED FOR PRINCE AT HIS PAISLEY PARK RECORDING STUDIO IN MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA FOR HIS ALL GIRL GROUP. NAWWAL IS ALSO OWNER OF NAWWAL MUSIC PUBLISHING (NWP) “NMP WAS BORN OUT OF NECESSITY. AS A YOUNG WOMAN, I FOUND IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO WORK IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY WITHOUT SOME KIND OF COMPROMISE OF MY MUSIC AND STANDARDS. AS A SINGER AND SONGWRITER, I WANTED TO PERFORM MUSIC THAT HAD SOME INTEGRITY AND TASTE. I DID NOT WANT TO COMPROMISE MY MUSIC AND STANDARDS BUT KNEW I MIGHT HAVE TO IN ORDER TO FIT IN AND GET MY MUSIC MARKETED AND DISTRIBUTED GLOBALLY OR JUST PLAYED ON THE RADIO. WHILE LIVING IN NEW YORK, I WITNESSED TOO MANY OF MY FRIENDS AND ACQUAINTANCES COMPROMISING THEIR MUSIC AND STANDARDS TRYING TO FIT IN AND BE ACCEPTED IN CERTAIN MUSIC CIRCLES. I HAVE WANTED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS AND NOW I AM DETERMINED TO MAKE IT HAPPEN!”
ENVIRONMENT TRAZANA STAPLES of Cincinnati Ohio. she has two adult children and five grandchildren, and is a loving daughter of her parents.
Featured in our Summer Green is Gorgeous Issue was the Executive Director of Gabriel’s Place Trazana Staples. Although the article highlighted the wonderful atmosphere of Gabriel’s Place, Overlooking the amazing accomplishments of it’s leader would not be right. Traznana is exactly the type of woman Natural Woman Magazine Stands for. She is an advocate for Justice for all people especially for communities that are in need of healthy food Environmental awareness Education. With over 15+ years of Educating, community Food activism and leadership, Trazana is an excellent example of one of Natural Woman’s biggest attributes and that is being environmentally Empowered and aware of our responsibility to take care of our planet. Trazana is a native
She holds a Masters in Environmental Law and Policy Degree from Vermont Law, Bachelors of Science from Trevecca Nazarene University in Management and Human Relations, and an Associates of Science Degree from Xavier University in Criminal Justice. In addition, she is an alumni of Class 31 in the Neighborhood Leadership Institute of Cleveland, Ohio. Trazana is fulfilling her passion to help and support communities in providing healthy food and nutritional education, while enlightening all to a natural healthy way of living. She is longtime advocate for healthy food, community, and environmental sustainability, as well as an author, song writer, and ecopreneur.
JELISA BARRINGER Natural Woman Magazine Back to School Cover Girl Jelisa Barringer Miss Black America 2015 graced the Natural Woman Platform sharing her ‘Big Sisterly Love,’ Campaign where she is a big sister to youth and serves as a mentor to young girls, age 5 to 18. Jelisa Barringer is from Columbus, Ohio. She is a graduate of Central State University ‘14,being Jelisa earned the title of Competent Communicator and Motivational Speaker in her role as the president of the Toastmasters International Speech Club. Jelisa also was elected, by her student body to the Central State University Royal Court, and Student Government Association.
VOICE NIKKI WOODS
Want to be Featured for your accomplishments in Natural Woman Magazine? Submit your bio to www.asknaturalwoman.com
Featured on Natural Woman Magazine’s Power of 4 Nikki Woods graced our platform with her wealth of knowledge in the media world and having your voice heard. She is an Multi-media personality, Social Media and Personal Branding Coach, Motivational Speaker and Voice-over artist. Nikki Woods is the senior producer of the Tom Joyner Morning Show, the most successful syndicated urban radio show in history reaching more than 8 million people. She earned the title of Global Visibility Expert, and continues to reach millions by using multi media to empower and train audiences with messages and methods for excelling in business, marketing and personal growth. Nikki currently serves as an OWN ambassador, as well as an ambassador for Pretty Brown Girl Inc. She is the author of “Easier Said than Done” and is currently penning her second and third novels.
HEALER IAYAALIS
Another Natural Woman Magazine Power of 4 feature the Oracle IAYAALIS she is a Shaman, Metaphysician, and a certified Radiant Health Institute Wholistic Life Coach. She also is the Creatrix and Founder of Supernal Indigenous Healing Arts Initiative. Currently she works as a Spiritual Adviser and Teacher, professional Music and Visual Artist, . Writer and motivational Public Speaker. “My purpose is to serve as an Oracle, Shaman, Metaphysician, and certified Wholistic Life Coach, offering insight for resolutions on a large range of concerns - from personal health and relationship matters to business and financial situations. I work with a wide variety of metaphysical tools and natural wholistic healing modalities to assist in the process of spiritual growth with the overall objective to empower you and enhance your existence in the life you choose.� To find out more about IAYAALIS visit her website = www.IAYAALIS.com You can even Google her...! Just remember the name and search for it. IAYAALIS = I Am You Are And Love IS...! I will soon be offering metaphysical courses and new programs to assist others in self-mastery and in developing spiritually in 2017. To be able to take advantage of amazing discounts and bonuses in the near future, simply stay connected by visiting my website and following me on Facebook @ SupernalLoveCreatrix.
AMBITION
DANIELLE P. JETER
“Creative, visionary, and inspiring” are just a few words used to describe Ms. Danielle P. Jeter. Jeter’s a graduate of Spelman College where she majored in history, dance, and theater arts. After honing her skills through her experiences serving as Director of Marketing with several Atlanta based companies, Danielle decided to take her unique combination of communication skills, leadership, and expertise to launch her own business. Jeter founded AOI Events & PR in 2009, a full service creative communications firm headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, which specializes in event production and public relations, representing clients nationally. Focused on professional growth, Danielle completed the Public Relations Society of America Philadelphia Chapter Nancy Bacher Long Public Relations Institute. In addition, Danielle completed an Event Planning Certificate from Temple University. AOI’s ongoing signature Internship & Mentoring Program called Pipeline, has had over 26 high school and college students since 2009 successfully complete the curriculum for hands on experience in communications and business. As an award-winning, acclaimed, sought after social innovator, business, and civic leader, Jeter helps build national brands with her strategic approach and creative solutions. Jeter is the Visionary & Co-Founder of the Women in Media Network. Women in Media was created to empower, equip and encourage women from all walks of life who are in the media field or seek to enter it. This organization was founded as a response for the need of more upper level leadership from women at media brands and to continue to challenge women to pursue every area of media from ownership, management, leadership, operations, and in front of the camera talent. Annually in September, the organization products a professional development conference which equips and encourages hundreds of women to be fore-front leaders in the industry of media.
EMPOWERED KENYA SIMMONS Featured in Natural Woman Magazine’s Fall Issue is Kenya Simmons co- Founder of Sisiter Girl Dream Big LLC. an organization established to empower women to live their life’s purpose by thinking and dreaming bigger. We hold one-day intensive “DreamShops” with motivational speakers, life changing dream activities and dream work after the workshops. The “DreamShops” are designed to provide women a different perspective of viewing their lives. “ The manifestation of dreams into reality is a daily source of inspiration. As my dreams are fulfilled, I am motivated to help others DREAM BIG and achieve their life long dreams. I am a woman of deep faith and strong convictions; my mantra is “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:17). I am inspired by the thought of helping others access their untapped potential; particularly women – which motivates me to help women discover and realize the awesome power of their undiscovered dreams; help them establish principles to apply action to their dreams; help them realize that their dreams are solutions to unanswered questions and unresolved problems; and to learn to embrace their uniqueness and the value of self. Participants from previous “Dreamshops” have stated that “… writing a vision statement, setting goals, affirmations, consistency and believing – really works.” Their positive feedback my drive and further motivates me to help others “DREAM BIG” “Dream bigger - fear is an illusion that hinders one from being their BEST. In response to the question, “Can I fulfil my dreams?”, the answer will always be “No” if you fail to ask or make an attempt to do the work. When others say “You Dream Too Big”, your response should be “You think too small.” FB Sistergirl Dream Big, LLC. Twitter@SistergirlDB
ARLETTA MOORE Arletta L. Moore a visionary with a mind and heart for serving and helping others. A Detroit, native, she is a self-publishing author, inspirational and motivational speaker. She has a MBA from the University of Phoenix as well as a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Electronics Engineering Technology from Grambling State University. She worked in Corporate America for 15 years, assisting with improving quality processes for several Fortune 500 Companies to increase their profitability. Although she was very successful in her Corporate Job, her true passion is to share her story of the abuse she faced as a young child in her biological home. Arletta’s goal is to show others how to use their past as motivation for a better future.
VISIONARY MALAIKA TAMU COOPER Owner of Dreadz N’ Headz Natural Hair Care Center. A native of Baltimore and a Natural Hair Care Master/Entrepreneur Advocate. Winner of the National Golden Scissors award for three (3) consecutive years. She is affectionately known by many as the “LOC MAMA”. Founder of the Baltimore Natural Hair Care Expose, Poets N’ The Park/Happy Nappy Day held annually, 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 Diaspora. Through her quintessential motivation, many of these women are now proud business owners in the natural hair c are industry. She states “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. 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. Remembering home … where it all began. If it is Gods’ will it is Malaika’s way!
SHOP IN THE NATURAL WOMAN WEBSTORE
GODDESS TIFFANY JANAY Tiffany Janay is a world traveling high priestess on a mission to assist women on their journey to realizing their true power. She is a Lifestyle Consultant that focuses on holistic health and has acquired the knowledge, certifications, and experience to be the perfect guide to her clients and audience. She teaches only from what she has mastered. Years ago she worked a traditional 9-5 lifestyle that she regularly states was “killing” her mostly because she wasn’t living within her passion and utilizing her gifts. She began studying with as many masters as she could find and she took their formulas and created her own signature style. Now, she is a full time entrepreneur and CEO of a 6 figure business, a highly sought after motivational speaker, and holistic health advocate. Her product, Organic Blood Yoni Eggs is an internationally distributed product and is highly demanded by thousands because of her unique approach and essences she infuses into her brand. Featured on major press outlets such as Ebony Magazine, Essence Magazine, The Dr’s TV Show, and XONecole.com her charm and knowledge has turned her brand into a household name. As a pioneer in the womb wellness movement, Tiffany Janay aims to unify all women and encourages them to tune into their internal power, ultimately activating their highest and best version of themselves. She is a certified Crystal Healer, Tantra Practitioner, Red Tent Facilitator, yoga instructor, and Sacred Woman.
VICTORIA MULLINS Victoria Mullins is a 2016 Natural Woman Model who organized the largest water drive for Flint, Michigain in Cincinnati, Ohio. As we all may know Flint, Mi. has been in a state of emergency with water contamination for months, causing tons of distress and probelms for thousands of families in the area. Victoria was inspired to do something to help, she put the word out on FB one night and by morning she had gained the interest if several people who were wanting to help. Victoria along with volunteers from Americorp, Krogers, and several other residents of Cincinnati sent over 12,000 gallons of water.
NICOLE LYN
Long Island born Alternative Soul Singer and Songwriter, Nicole Lynette Hibbert aka The Sacred Songbird, made her debut in May of 2015 as a street performer, though she began wetting her feet at open mics with her original music prior. Nicole has always been involved in singing and songwriting from church worship, to school talent shows. After earning a degree in Textiles she hosted several art shows of her own displaying fine art, textiles, original fashion designs, creative writing, and of course music performance. Nicole has also actively used her writing
abilities to produce articles in the entertainmant and black community on platforms like Delawareblack.com, Afrophilly.com and Metroatlantablack.com. Her music, art, and articles have ususally themed around the purpose of self affirmation. Though she attended open mics regularly, street performing is where she ultimately found her strength and perserverance. Nicole has become an effective influence, by using not only her voice and words, but by implementing a loop station into her performance. By recording her voice in different keys she is able to create the entire song she performs live before her audience. Her following grew, and since then she has performed on stages which include World Cafe’ Live, the historic Germantown Theatre, The Ladybug Festival, and TedX with her topic, “Our Subconscious is a Symphony”. She has also appeared and performed on television and radio shows both live and recorded which include: 93.7 WSTW, The Charles Brittingham Show, Morning Coffee with Mark Cook, Happy Feet Dance Network, and The Linwood Jackson radio show. Nicole has become even more destinctive by winning the crown for the historic Miss Black America Pageant reigning for the year 2016 2017, where she represented Delaware. Nicole won 3 out of the 5 categories which include Projection, Talent and the Overall Crown. She tied in her fourth category for Miss Positivity, and graced the stage in an evening gown she designed and made herself.
ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH APPLE CRANBERRY SALAD WITH HARRISSA SPICED PECANS
SEND YOUR HEALTHY RECIPES TO ASKNATURALWOMAN@GMAIL.COM. THEY MAY BE IN OUR NEXT ISSUE
INGREDIENTS ROASTED BUTTERNUT: ½ LARGE BUTTERNUT SQUASH, CUBED OR USE 1.5 CUPS FROZEN ½ TSP DRIED THYME OR 2 TSP FRESH, CHOPPED SALT TO TASTE FRESHLY GROUND BLACK PEPPER TO TASTE OIL AS NEEDED HARISSA SPICED PECANS 1 TSP OIL ¼ TO ⅓ CUP PECANS 1.5 TSP OR MORE DRY HARISSA SPICE BLEND (OR USE ½ TSP PAPRIKA, ¼ TSP CUMIN, ¼ TSP CORIANDER, ¼ TSP GARLIC AND A DASH OF CAYENNE AND SALT) OTHER: 3 CUPS OF MIXED BABY GREENS 1 APPLE THINLY SLICED 2 TO 3 TBSP DRIED CRANBERRIES SALT AND PEPPER LEMON JUICE, OLIVE OIL OR BALSAMIC VINEGAR AS DRESSING INSTRUCTIONS TOSS THE BUTTERNUT CUBES IN OIL, SALT, PEPPER AND THYME. SPREAD ON A BAKING SHEET AND BAKE AT 400 DEGREES F UNTIL TENDER. (25 TO 35 MINUTES DEPENDING ON THE SIZE OF THE CUBES). OR COOK IN A SKILLET OVER MEDIUM HEAT. ADD A SPLASH OF WATER, COVER AND COOK UNTIL TENDER. STIR AFTER 10 MINUTES. TOAST THE PECANS IN A SKILLET OVER MEDIUM HEAT UNTIL LIGHTLY TOASTED. 4 TO 5 MINUTES. ADD OIL AND HARRISA SPICE BLEND. TOSS TO COAT. COOK UNTIL THE PECANS ARE TOASTED TO PREFERENCE. IN A BOWL, TOSS OR LAYER THE GREENS, CRANBERRIES, APPLES, ROASTED BUTTERNUT AND SPICY PECANS. DRESS WITH SALT AND GENEROUS DASH OF PEPPER. ADD A DRIZZLE OF LEMON JUICE OR BALSAMIC JUST BEFORE SERVING.
BAKED MANGO SRIRACHA CAULIFLOWER WINGS METHOD: 1 HEAD OF CAULIFLOWER (MINE WAS SMALLPREHEAT THE OVEN TO 450 DEGREES F. CHOP THE CAUMEDIUM-ISH SIZE) LIFLOWER INTO 1.5-2 INCH PIECES. MIX EVERYTHING BATTER: UNDER BATTER IN A BOWL UNTIL SMOOTH AND THICK 1 CUP WATER ENOUGH BATTER THAT CAN COAT THE CAULIFLOWER 3/4 CUP + 2 TBSP FLOUR (I USED HALF WHOLE PIECES WELL.(ADD MORE FLOUR IF NEEDED). DIP CAUWHEAT + HALF WHITE) , (USE 1/2 CUP CHICKPEA LIFLOWER IN THE BATTER AND PLACE ON PARCHMENT FLOUR + 1/4 CUP OR MORE RICE FLOUR TO MAKE LINED BAKING SHEET. LINE THE SHEET WITH PARCHMENT GF) OR GREASE VERY WELL. BAKE FOR 20 MINUTES. 3/4-1 TSP SALT OR TO TASTE 1 TSP EACH OF GARLIC POWDER, ONION POW- GLAZE: DER IN A PAN, MIX ALL THE INGREDIENTS UNDER GLAZE AND 1/2 TSP EACH OF SMOKED PAPRIKA, CHILI POW- HEAT ON MEDIUM. TASTE AND ADJUST SPICE, SWEET DER/CAYENNE AND TANG IF NEEDED(ADD SUGAR OR VINEGAR FOR A VERY GENEROUS DASH OF BLACK PEPPER EXTRA SWEET OR TANG). YOU CAN ALSO USE FRESH OR 2 TSP OIL (OPTIONAL) FROZEN RIPE MANGO PUREE + MAPLE/SUGAR INSTEAD OF PRESERVES(AS SUGGESTED BY SOME READERS WHO MANGO SRIRACHA GLAZE: MADE THESE ALREADY). ONCE THE GLAZE IS HOT, TASTE 1 CUP MANGO JAM OR PRESERVES (OR USE OR- AND ADJUST SPICE + SWEET. ADD THE BAKED CAULIANGE MARMALADE OR GRAPE JELLY FOR VARIA- FLOWER TO IT. TOSS WELL TO COAT CAREFULLY AND LET TIONS) THE GLAZE COME TO A BOIL. 1-2 MINUTES. YOU CAN USE 1/4 CUP SRIRACHA SAUCE OR TO TASTE A LARGE PAN THAT CAN FIT ALL THE FLORETS OR DO 2 1 TBSP OR MORE HOT SAUCE OR TO TASTE (I BATCHES. DO NOT TOSS/MOVE THE FLORETS TOO MUCH. USED FRANK’S RED HOT) REMOVE FROM PAN AND SERVE HOT AS IS, OR WITH RICE/ 1/4 CUP ORANGE JUICE OR APPLE JUICE (MORE GRAINS OR WITH ANY CREAMY COOL DIPS LIKE VEGAN JUICE IF YOU LIKE A THINNER GLAZE) RANCH. ALTERNATIVELY, BRING THE SAUCE INGREDIENTS A GENEROUS PINCH OF GARLIC POWDER TO A BOIL AND POUR OVER THE BAKED CAULIFLOWER, 1/4 TSP GINGER POWDER MIX TO COAT AND SERVE. VARIATIONS: USE GRAPE JELLY OR ORANGE PRESERVES. ADD A 1/4 CUP KETCHUP TO THE GLAZE. USE BARBECUE SAUCE OR SWEET AND SOUR SAUCE. TO MAKE BUFFALO WINGS, MIX IN ENOUGH HOT SAUCE WITH MELTED VEGAN BUTTER OR OIL (2:1 RATIO) AND TOSS THE BAKED CAULIFLOWER IN IT, BAKE FOR A FEW MINUTES AND SERVE.
CLASSIFIED