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Our Team Azizah Nubia Editor in chief
Tammarah Overton Chief of Beauty & Fashion
Shanell Russell Beauty Director
Az media Graphics & Layout
J. Mills Advertising & Sales
R’kasia Ramsey Intern
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Table of Contents 26
Creating Wealth Dr. Lynn Richardson has been the mastermind when it comes to money. Dr. Lynn Richardson is an author, entertainment executive and celebrity financial coach who uses her quick wit and humorous presentation style to help others face their money issues and achieve personal, professional and spiritual harmony. .
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The Ultimate Detox Guide Whether you’re looking for simple ways to detox your diet or a fullfledged cleansing overhaul, Natural Woman has you covered with natural tips for a healthy detox.
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THE MAN BEHIND R KELLY : LIFE WITH ROBERT KELLY R Kelly Ex- Girlfriend Asante McGee Shares Her Relationship Experience with the famed R & B singer. This story contains details about abuse that may be disturbing to some readers.
Natural Woman Magazine App
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Being Miss Black DC
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From Threads to Coffee Beans
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Beauty Secrets |Get rid of unwanted hair
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Top 10 Natural Hair Care Expo
Listen To The Entire Interview Download The App 5
Words From the Editor
We have made it to 2019! Natural Woman Magazine has been going strong for 6 years and 2019 marks year 7. This year is the game changer for us. How? You say, well hopefully you are reading this on our new magazine app. This App is a dream come true and I am so happy our NWM team made this goal a reality. This App will give us the opportunity to reach our readers in a whole new way. If you are like me you already know the true new year started on the Winter Soltice back in December. This was the time for us to plant our seeds (goals) and affrim them in the fertile soil of the Universe for them to flourish in this new season we are in. I know alot of you have made new resolutions and have affirmed new things into lives for this year. And I want to tell you that you have all the power you need to make your wildest dreams happen, but they will only come into reality if you do the work to make them appear. So remember dreams require action, focus, belief and a sprinkle of patience. With this combo everything is possible. Please enjoy this issue. We are so delighted to have Dr. Lynn Richardson as our cover feature to start our 2019 off witht he energy of building wealth. I hope you find her interview informative. Happy New Year Azizah Nubia
@azizahnubia
Photography by AZ MEDIA
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What To Do With Unwanted Chin Hairs?
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nwanted hair anywhere can be an annoyance, but unwanted facial hair on women can be embarrassing. The amount of hair on women's chins varies and appears thicker or longer for a variety of reasons. Have you every wondered why this happens?
life-threatening or medically harmful. Women may encounter this problem during hormonal disturbances caused by stress, menopause, and obesity. The hair may start out as thin and light, however it can turn darker and stiffer as time goes by. Stopping chin hair growth naturally takes time and patience.
The condition thick, coarse hairs appear on a woman's chest, lips, back or chin, the condition is called hirsutism. Changes in your hormones and certain medical conditions may be behind your unwanted chin hair, as can plain old unlucky genetics.
Excessive or unwanted body and facial hair is a long-term challenge. Most women with diagnosed hormonal imbalances respond well to treatment, but the hair can grow back if your hormone levels become out of sync again. If the condition makes you self-conscious, counseling and support from friends and family can help you to cope.
Changes in hormone production often cause unwanted chin hair on women. While all women produce small amounts of the male hormones called androgens, hair begins to grow on the chin when a woman has an overabundance of the male hormones. The condition is not
Check out 3 major steps you can take to reduce unwated hair growth.
Step 1 Relax and de-stress daily. Stress increases androgen production such as testosterone, says Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine professor Jerome Litt. Keeping calm will force androgen production to return to normal and will cause chin hair to stop growing.
Step 2 Eat a healthy diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low fat dairy. Eating healthier and losing weight may increase estrogen production, suppressing testosterone spikes which are responsible for facial hair growth, according to the Rodale book, “Total Health For Women,� excerpted on MotherNature.com. Exercise teamed with a healthy diet will help shed pounds while keeping hormone levels in check.
Step 3 Apply lime juice, lemon juice, or chamomile to the chin in order to bleach that hairs and kill the follicle. Do not pluck the hairs as this could stimulate other dormant follicles and cause them to produce hairs. Once the hair follicle is dead, you may wax or shave the bleached hairs.
TESTOSTERONE LOWERING FOODS FOR WOMEN
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igh androgen or male-sex hormone levels lie at the heart of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS.) These excess androgens like testosterone are the main culprits behind a myriad of pesky PCOS symptoms like cystic acne, excessive body hair, thinning hair on the scalp, dark skin patches and even your unexplained weight gain. Since a healthy diet is one of the best ways to treat and manage this endocrine disorder, why not give your PCOS diet an extra punch with testosterone-lowering foods! Let’s take a look at the top 8 foods that reduce testosterone naturally.
ALMONDS & WALNUTS All nuts are a good source of healthy fats. But when it comes to testosterone-lowering abilities, walnuts and almonds reign supreme. SPEARMINT TEA Spearmint tea has significant anti-androgen effects that can be very beneficial for women dealing with PCOS. It’s safe to drink 2-3 cups of spearmint tea every day. This is a really soothing, calming herbal tea that also helps relax you and keep bloating at bay. RED CLOVER Red clover is a rich source of phytoestrogens, which are water-soluble plant-based estrogens. They have an ability to fit into estrogen receptors of the body, which is why they have testosteronelowering powers.
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THE ULTIMATE DETOX GUIDE FOR 2019 Whether you’re looking for simple ways to detox your diet or a full-fledged cleansing overhaul, Natural Woman has you covered with natural tips for a healthy detox.
Step 1 Choose your detox plan
Find the best detox method for you with four detox plans that suit a variety of specific needs, including fighting fat, clearing up skin and quelling digestive stress.
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Diet Detoxing The Sugar Detox Breaking up with sugar has some, er, sweet benefits (like living longer, NBD), but it isn’t easy—at first. The key is knowing what exactly to turn to when those cravings hit. Spoiler alert: Avocados are involved. The Dairy Detox Dairy is one of the biggest causes of inflammation, but giving it up is easier said than done. Fortunately, there’s a way to do it without giving up pizza and ice-cream. The Protein Detox Crazy but true fact: It’s possible to get too much protein—and when that happens, your body turns it into fat and stores it. What a waste, right? This detox will help you figure out how much to eat for fuel, plus how to cut back without feeling deprived. The 10-Day Anti-Inflammatory Detox By now you probably know that inflammation is ground zero for a whole slew of health evils. This 10-day meal plan will reset your body, giving a boost in happiness and sleep while lowering stress levels. Yep, it’s that powerful. The Post-Party Weekend Detox Hungover? There’s a detox for that, and it encourages eating pancakes and zoodles. Bonus: The recipes are so easy, you can master them even while your head is throbbing.
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Beauty The Hair Detox Blow-drying, flat-ironing, and curling your hair on the reg takes its toll. And no, that doesn’t need hiding out under a baseball cap for weeks. The Nails Detox There’s a health-backed reason why you might want to skip a manicure once in a while. Nail polish can block nutrients from getting under your nails—literally. Here’s how to go natural while still feeling, er, polished. The Skin Detox
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Not brushing your face on the reg (yep, you read that right) can put you in serious need of a skin detox. Fortunately, shedding the microscopic toxins takes less than three minutes—and you’ll definitely feel the difference.
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Digital The News Detox Sometimes, a Trump-blocking app isn’t enough— and there’s a way to do a news detox while still staying informed. Doing so will significantly reduce your anxiety and make room for more positive thinking. And that’s great news! The One-Day Phone Detox Putting down your phone (and other various modes of technology) has actually been proven to make you happier. Even just one day sans notifications and Instagram scrolling can make a huge difference. Home The Cleaning Detox Plastic containers are storing more than just your meal-prepped lunches; parabens in the material can actually leach into your food. Going old-school and switching to glass containers can keep your food—and body—safe. Body The Sweat Detox When in doubt, sweat it out. It’s one of the most effective ways to get rid of toxins in the body. Plus, you can blast Drake while you do it. The Infrared Heat Detox Sweating in a sauna has the same detoxing effects as hitting the gym—shedding nasty stored up in your body. That’s right, you get to reap the same post-workout benefits by just hanging out.
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8 NEED-TO-KNOW VEGAN HACKS Have you been wanting to go vegan, but you are having a hard time giving up some of your favorite foods? Try out our 8 Vegan Hacks.
The trend of becoming vegan is becoming ever so popular in the United States . But there are still many people on the fence when it comes to adopting a plant based diet. One of the major reasons for this is that many people do not know what they can eat and how they can prepare delcious traditional dishes vegan style. To make your vegan transition easy Natural Woman went on the hunt to find 10 vegan hacks that will make your switch to a plant based life style a breeze. 1. Nutrional Yeast Nutritional yeast is a food additive made from a single-celled organism, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, which is grown on molasses and then harvested, washed, and dried with heat to kill or “deactivate� it. Because it's inactive, it doesn't froth or grow like baking yeast does so it has no leavening ability. Nutritional yeast is a highly nutritious vegan food product with various potential health benefits. It can be used to add extra protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to meals. Nutritional yeast has a strong flavor that is described as nutty, cheesy, or creamy, which makes it popular as an ingredient in cheese substitutes. It is often used by vegans in place of cheese, for example in mashed and fried potatoes, in scrambled tofu, or as a topping for popcorn.
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Almond milk Is a tasty, nutritious milk alternative that has many important health benefits. It is low in calories and sugar and high in calcium, vitamin E and vitamin D. ... You can use almond milk in any way that you would use regular dairy milk. Vital Wheat Gluten Is the natural protein found in wheat. A small amount added to yeast bread recipes improves the texture and elasticity of the dough. Vital Wheat Gluten can also be used to make a vegetarian meat substitute known as seitan. This is a Gluten product so if you have a gluten intolerance you might want to stay away from this.
Cauliflower Cauliflower is *definitely* making a comeback as your go-to powerhouse veggie. Remember when Cauliflower rice recipes were all the rage? Before that, everyone went crazy for the ever-popular cauliflower pizza. Now that everyone knows the veggie is the chameleon of the vegetable world, healthy recipes are popping up, transforming the stuff into all of your favorite comfort foods. Name any dish and you can probably make a delicious and way healthier version of it using cauliflower.
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BEING MS. BLACK DC Lauren Poteat, On the Strive to Making History By: R’kasia Ramsey Photography: Submitted by Rebecca Grant Media
Empower Women to Lead is Lauren Poteat’s platform within Ms. Black DC 2019. At the age of 29, Poteat is a woman of many titles: an award-winning journalist who currently serves as the Washington Correspondent for The National Newspaper Publishers Association, Field Reporter for PGC TV in upper Marlboro, Maryland, and an occasional guest host to radio outlets including Radio One, WUHR and We Act Radio. Holding multiple pageant titles such as Miss Black America Maryland 2018 and Ms. Black District of Columbia USA 2019 are milestones in her career but the pageant title that puts the icing on the cake for Poteat would be winning Ms. Black USA; as she will be the first from her district to ever win this title. Losing both of her parents before the age of 19 hasn’t stopped Poteat from chasing her dreams. In fact, she contributes her ambition and optimism to her career in pageantry. She was a young girl in middle school when she first fell in love with beauty pageants but was reluctant to jump in. As she grew older and began her work in journalism, gained an understanding of the competition and conversed with family members she believed it was possible to compete and win. Washington Post veteran reporter, Hamill Harris, Poteat’s mentor, jokingly stated, “You're wasting your looks.” Although she was on the fence about participating in beauty pageants, positive factors such as encouragement from family members and her mentor, pushed her to make the leap and Poteat’s story was in the making. After competing in the Miss Black America pageant system, Poteat met Charles Debrow from the National Black Chamber of Congress who assisted Poteat, a well-acquainted pageant competitor, in understanding the business side of the competition. While Debrow didn’t give her any monetary benefits, she did receive business savvy information that helped her along the way. Her network has provided her to have a successful fundraiser- raising $1400-, surrounded by mentors
and colleagues who support her vision. “If you do it right it can become an entrepreneurial thing for you,” said Poteat. Competitive Pageantry When observing beauty pageants and competitions on television, as an audience you tend to assume that there isn’t a serious process behind the business. Most imply that the women are just showing off their assets, but that’s not completely true. Women competing in these competitions have a platform and a cause that they truly care about whether it is social injustice, civil rights or environmental issues that affect us every day. “Pageants motivate you to step outside of your box,” said Poteat. While Poteat was blessed to have mentors surrounded by her, she noticed that some of her peers didn’t have the same amount of support needed to be successful. “Registration fees are $1500 and up!” said Poteat. “I could buy a car for that!” Because of costly expenses, many women become highly competitive. Advice to be Successful Poteat advises that aspiring entrepreneurs purchase Alicia Darby’s “How to Win a Pageant on Stage and in Real Life” book because it helped her build confidence and be comfortable on and off stage. Her guidance throughout education and mentorship has provided her with the abilities to understand and articulate proper negotiations, and she learned how to perfect her public speaking voice and the art of persuasion. Reflecting on her life and career experience, she advises young people to find a mentor and understand what a mentor is meant to be for you. Poteat is an advocate for believing in yourself and putting your best foot forward. Although she enjoys her present achievements, big plans are to come for her future. Poteat mirrors her morals and values as being a vessel to her community. 23
10 AFFIRMATION TO LIVE BY
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ffirmations is basically the process of repeating positive words that can boost your spirit to new levels. When we translate our thoughts into words and then into intentions we then manifest what we want in our reality. Affirmations have been a proven methods of selfimprovement for centeries. Affirmations have the ability to rewire our brains and have the power to change people’s lives. Science also says that positive self-talk definitely brings about changes in the brain. Here are 10 powerful affirmations to live by. 1. I create the opportunities for success. 2. attract abundance in beautiful and creative ways. 3. I am successful in all areas of my life. 4. I am in the process of becoming the best version of myself. 5. Though these times are difficult, they are only a short phase of life. 6. I wake up today with strength in my heart and clarity in my mind. 7. My efforts are being supported by the universe;
my dreams manifest into reality before my eyes. 8. I am adventurous. I overcome fears by following my dreams. 9. I am in charge of how I feel and today I am choosing happiness. 10. I am enough.
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Cashews One big hesutation people have when it comes to becoming completely vegan is dairy poducts. Now there are some vegan sliced cheese products. But what about dishes like alfredo, mac and cheese or cheese cake? Well for those who think becoming vegan means giving up these foods we are happy to le you know that by the power of cashews you can make everything from mac and cheese to a creamy alfredo sauce. Flaxseeds When it comes to finding a vegan egg replacement Flaxseed should be your item of choice. Loaded with Omega-3 essential fatty acids, "good" fats that have been shown to have heart-healthy effects. Each tablespoon of ground flaxseed contains about 1.8 grams of plant omega-3s. Lignans, which have both plant estrogen and antioxidant qualities. To get the egg like substance boil 1 cup of flaxseed in 2 cups of water. Boil until water becomes slimy. Lentils Lentils are rich in minerals, protein, and fiber. Lentils are a highly nutritious food, rich in minerals, protein, and fiber. Lentils are good for crockpot meals and other tasty foods like lentil fritters and chili. They don't take long to cook and are very versitile when it comes to cooking. Liquid Aminos Ingredients Our Bragg Liquid Aminos are made from health-giving, NON-GMO soybeans and purified water. They are an excellent, healthy, gourmet replacement for Salt, Tamari, and Soy.
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CREATING WEALTH Goals for creating Wealth with Celebrity Financial Expert Dr. Lynn Richardson Written By Azizah Nubia
Dr. Lynn Richardson has been the mastermind when it comes to money. Dr. Lynn Richardson is an author, entertainment executive and celebrity financial coach who uses her quick wit and humorous presentation style to help others face their money issues and achieve personal, professional and spiritual harmony. With more than two decades of leading roles in the banking and real estate sales industries, Lynn's vision is best portrayed in her books, most notably Living Check to Monday: The Real Deal About Money, Credit and Financial Security, which achieved Best Seller status at the Congressional Black Caucus Conference Book Pavilion. Dr. Lynn is featured regularly on The Steve TV Show, The Halllmark Channel's Home & Family Show, BET Networks and has appeared in Essence, Jet, Upscale, on Get Up Mornings with Erica Campbell, and in countless media outlets nationwide. She has served as Chief of Operations for Russell Simmons' & Dr. Benjamin Chavis' Hip Hop Summit Action Network and is currently the President and CEO of MC Lyte's Hip Hop Sisters Foundation, and President and COO of MC Lyte's Sunni Gyrl entertainment and celebrity management firm, where she oversees empowerment programs that impact the globe.
knew after being in her presence that she was I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Lynn the best person share with our NWM reader’s Richardson over the summer at the Cincinnati practical steps in creating wealth and financial Music Festival she led a discussion with Hip Hop stability for 2019. Check out our interview legend MC Lyte on the importance of becoming a wealth minded woman. It was there I was AZ: The majority of the Natural Woman introduced to her 10 10 30 50 money system and Magazine platform is filled with women who desire to achieve a balanced spiritual, personal, her message behind Living Check to Monday. I 28
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and professional lifestyle what would be work will come to you and you will flourish. the first steps in achieving this balance? AZ: Most entrepreneurs are tight when it DLR: The first step in achieving balance is to comes to spending their dollars especially “let go and let God”. I think as women we are so when they have family and responsibilities driven to do it all and be everything. Just think to maintain. What advice would you about it we carry babies in our bodies for nine give to entrepreneurs on spending and months. As women we are natural creators and making their money work for them? we naturally want to give life. And when you DLR: One of the things I will tell you I am have that kind of responsibility we think that tired of is that everybody is looking for the we can do it all and make it happen and the hand-me-downs, the credit program for truth is we cannot. Surrendering, if women people with bad credit, the investors who are surrender then we can have a balanced life. going to invest. I tell people especially women AZ: You the guru when it comes to growing to look at yourself what are you willing to and maintaining a business What advice do sacrifice? I tell entreupenurs to be frugal and you have for those who are trying to maintain live below your means. When you get a big and grow their business in this economy? check from a big job, do not spend it, do not go out and buy a new kitchen or car. Put that DLR: The best advice on growing and money to side because you will never know maintaining your business is to be really what you will need to get to the next level. clear on what you can do well. I have been this kind of person my entire life, if I take on AZ: Most of our readers want to something you are going to know I can do it. 'get and maintain wealth', is there a Do not take on too much, be honest about process to this? If so what are the steps? what it is you can do and give that your best. DLR: The first step is to change your mind I subscribe to this saying I heard years ago until you change your mind you will never listening to Steve Harvey speaking on a be wealthy. I think that we ourselves are our morning radio show and he said ‘If you are own worst enemy and the number 2 enemy trying to grind to get to the next level you is the people closest to us even your kids. All cannot get to the next level sleeping 8 hours a to often we are trying to help everybody, but day. You cannot sleep away a 3rd of your life what we need to do is to teach them how to and expect the massive success you’ve dreamed grind, sacrifice and be self sufficient like we of.” He said get your rest then get back on your are. So to answer the question Step 1 Change grind, and that’s what I tell people. If you are your mind 2. Live below your means and live in business be in business and if you are not in by the 10, 10 30 50 rule that I talk about in my business do not be in the business, but get out book Living Check to Monday. And this rule of the way of people who are trying to handle means the first 10% you tithe, the second 10% their business. Do what you do well with you save the next is 30% cash in your pocket so excellence, show up, and be that person that you will not be subject to a spending addiction. someone will go into a room and talk about. This 30% is to be used for your hair, groceries, gas, nails and the remaining 50% stays in your Another thing I would add is to minimize your checking account for bills. Now if there is not expenses. Don’t think that you have to spend enough money left over for your bills, guess a lot of money on overhead. Be excellent; what? You have to get rid of some stuff. Now minimize expenses and when you are if there is more then enough money that is excellent with low expenses and overhead the not a license to go out and spend everything.
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If you have more money in your account after your bills are paid, that’s when you can start to build wealth. The first thing you want to do is to pay down all of your debt allocate a certain percentage to pay that off. Now do you just want use your money to pay bills and have no fun? No! Of course not, allocate 5 to 10% to go towards a vacation or go Christmas shopping. But make sure you are staying on the wealth track and once you are debt free you can use that money to starting building on your retirement. The goal is to have several million dollars in retirement so you can establish an income fore life. AZ: Being a Life, Spiritual, and Financial coach, do you feel that there is a connection to our money and beliefs? DLR: Yes there is absolutely a connection it’s all connected. The degree to which we submit in submission is all about spirituality. I love the Lord Jesus Christ and that’s who I submit too, but the truth is whatever it is that you do if you can find away to dig yourself out of your own mind and submit to a belief that is higher then you that is truthful, good, and loving. I believe there is a connection between it all and it up to each and every one of us to find it for ourselves and to keep growing. AZ: What tips could you give on ways to create financial stability in 2019? DLR:Doing the financial revolution simply go to lynnricharson.com click on products and take one of those classes. Until we learn the money game I do not care what you do or how much money you get if you do not learn the money game you are going to loose it. More money will not fix a money problem if it did millionaires would never go bankrupt. The only thing that is going to change our financial problems are the tools that we get and how we choose to apply them and that’s what I hope to help with all the women reading this magazine.
Visit Dr. Lynn Richardson www.lynnrichardson.com Dr. Lynn Richardson LynnRichardson
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FROM THREADS TO COFFEE BEANS Black Owned Expanding Their Horizons with an Urban Coffee Shop By R’kasia Ramsey
The Black Owned brand was created by Means Cameron and Marcus Irving in 2011 to promote black excellence through fashion and ownership. In 2014, Black Owneds’ storefront opened its doors for business. Earlier this year, Means was awarded a $25,000 grant by Main Street Ventures as part of the Cincinnati Startup Week, part will be used to begin the hiring and training process for the new coffee shop. Startup Week is a free, five day event that is designed to encourage and motivate the local entrepreneurial industry in Cincinnati. Why Coffee? Means Cameron,28, also known by many as Eddie Vaughn, grew up in 32
the West End of` Cincinnati, Ohio. Although his love for fashion remains, one of his first passions was coffee. When he first created the brand Black Owned he knew he would open his own coffee shop someday because the passion was always within him. As an adult he noticed there weren’t many coffee shops that appealed to urban customers. Even if the environment was welcoming, there was still something missing. “When I was 12 years old I fell in love with coffee. As a child, I noticed how important coffee houses around the country were in its communities,” says Cameron. “When ever you go into a coffee shop it feels like everyone knows one another even if they don’t.” Since 2011, when Black Owned began, Cameron was traveling abroad and
visited various coffee shops. As an adult he noticed there weren’t many coffee shops that appealed to urban customers. Even if the environment was welcoming, there was still something missing. “When I first started Black Owned, I knew I would open my own shop someday but it would be different,” says Cameron. “I noticed they were all the same, Italian-inspired or a pretty nostalgic environment.” He believed these places weren’t speaking to him completely so he began his research for black owned coffee shops and ventured off into his own. “Some of the greatest ideas and conversations come over a cup of coffee,” says Cameron. Threading Beans Once Cameron’s urban coffee shop is planted comfortably next door to the Black Owned store in Downtown Cincinnati, he plans to mirror the Cincinnati model, for newly launched stores in other prospective cities. Since the coffee shop, that he solely owns, branched out of the Black Owned brand, Cameron wanted to make sure there were some overlap with the brands.“When we move the shop to another city, they will be paired together and we’ll definitely do some cross-branding,” says Cameron. “ Fashion, arts and the hip-hop culture is rooted with arts and music and so is coffee. It makes perfect sense to bring all of these people to one place and create culture.” Black Owned is excited for what 2019 has to offer, as they plan on releasing some collaborations with high profile people and notable names. Some collaborations are complete but Cameron would rather
release them when the time is right. “It’s been seven hard years,” says Cameron. That’s his take on the grind he and his team experienced to get Black Owned where they are today. He recalled a friend making a statement that ‘he’s making it look easy.’ “I read that and said, ‘If they only knew; we don’t, sleep we worry because it’s bigger than us; now it’s about the people,” says Cameron. Annual Black Owned Party November 16, 2018 was officially “Black Owned Day” in Cincinnati, Ohio, with their anniversary party falling on the same day. Cameron and his business partner Marcus Irving agreed that this year’s party was more work and neither one of them got to really celebrate at the event like they did years before. “There were opportunities to party but really just work,”says Cameron. “I mean we are celebrating more than just the party, were celebrating seven years, black ownership, entrepreneurship, men and the people that came out to support us,” says Cameron. “We’ve been building and growing for a while now and this year it’s finally starting to make sense.” “It’s an amazing event when you think about it,” says Cameron. “This is a brand that started from the trunk of a car and now we can bring out 1,300 people or more. Cameron believes the biggest hurdle is going to venues that charge steep prices to hold the event which make us want to create a black owned venue that’s large enough to hold large events. “Our goal is
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to find or create a black owned venue that works for everyone including us and our following. “It’s hard to work with people who don’t understand your brand or what it means to the culture,”says Cameron. “They won’t approach the event with the same energy that you will.” Maintaining the Brand From his experience as an entrepreneur Cameron feels that there are different types of supporters; some who are there for the brand and as far as you can take it and then in our community there are people who may fall back when they perceive that you’re rich and don’t need their support anymore. Noticing this pattern in entrepreneurship, Cameron will also focus on marketing the Black Owned brand outside of Cincinnati to new cities. Many people think that you only need support when you first start,”says Cameron. “The truth is that’s when you need the most support; when you’re growing a brand not when you’re starting.” “A lot of people can get up, but being able to stay up is the hard part,” says Cameron.
Cameron works with his family and friends
Visit The Black Owned Store visit thier website www.blackowned19xx.com @imblackowned BlaCk OWned Outerwear
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The Man behind R Kelly : Life With Robert Kelly R Kelly Ex- Girlfriend Asante McGee Shares Her Relationship Experience with the famed R & B singer. This story contains details about abuse that may be disturbing to some readers.
By Azizah Nubia
R Kelly is no stranger when it comes standing in the fire of public scrutiny from his alledge sex tape leak, to being accused of pedophila and sexual abuse. Allegations he has been able to walk away from without staining his reputation of being the King of R & B. But this may not be the case after January 3rd when Lifetime debuts a bombshell documentary series called, “Surviving R. Kelly”. This ground-breaking documentary series shares the stories of women who share their experience with Robert Kelly the man behind R Kelly.
career and playboy lifestyle has been tainted with rumors of abuse, predatory behavior, and pedophilia. Despite evidence and multiple witnesses, to date, none of these accusations have affected R Kelly. For the first time ever, survivors and people from R. Kelly’s inner circle, are coming forward with new allegations about his sexual, mental, and physical abuse that will shed light on the secret life of R Kelly the public has never seen.
One woman from R Kelly's past has come forward to Natural Woman Magazine to Celebrated as one of the greatest R&B share her experiences with R Kelly from her singers of our time, R. Kelly’s genre defining
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Asante McGee and Kitti Jones spoke out against R. Kelly on “Megyn Kelly Today� (NBC)
new book "Trapped in the Closet". Asante made her first public statement about her relationship with R Kelly in BuzzFeed Asante McGee is a 38 year old woman, mother of 3 children, and a grandmother of 1 from New Orleans, Lousiana she now resides in Atlanta, Georgia. Asante had a 2 year relationship with R Kelly. Asante was a devoted R Kelly fan since she was 14 years old. Asante met the singer for the first time at a promo show for his upcoming Black Panties tour, in Atlanta in September 2013; through a member of his entourage, she reconnected with him at a later performance in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
A Life of Abuse Like many women Asante grew up dealing with abuse at a very young age. From being abused by her mother growing up to her ex-husband. She felt that her pattern with with abuse is what made being with R Kelly comforting. According Mcgee her ex-husband habitually lied and cheated on her so much throughout her marraige he even had an child outside of their relationship. It was comforting to see that R Kelly was open and honest about his relationships with other women. "Yes, there were other women he's R Kelly I would be crazy to think there wouldn't be, but because he was honest and he let that be my decision in wanting to continue a relationship with him I appreiciated and respected him for that. What started out as short encounters and sexual hook ups evolved into a two-year relationship 38
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that took her cross-country to hook up with the R Kelly on tour stops. According to her those trips were fully funded by the singer; they included flying into cities, checking into hotels, going to concerts, but she didn't always get to spend time with him. She had to be on-call for him. She says she spent plenty of hours, days even, alone in a hotel room, passing time on the phone with friends, watching television and resting while waiting to be summoned for Kelly’s entertainment and sex. It wasn't until a year and a half into thier relationship that she started to see the red flags.
demands that his women obey his every command and if she didn't well Asante say "you did not want to make him upset." When R Kelly movede Asante into his home she said she only stayed there for 3 weeks because she could no longer take the abuse. "I had to get permission to take a bath and use the bathroom. I had to ask for food. It got so bad that I had to walk around wih a Victoria Secret Bag just for snacks because I did not know when my next meal woud come". She says that Robert made up rules every day and even demanded that she where jogging suits even in the summer.
R Kelly vs. Robert
Being Summoned to the Black Room
According to Asante R Kelly and Robert Kelly although the same person are two different men. R Kelly is the beloved singer who made hits like "Step in the Name of Love" and "I Beleive I can Fly. Robert was a controlling manipulitive, cold, sex crazed man who
According to Asante Robert has a sex room in his home called the Black Room. "I hated the Blackroom because any and everything happens in the Blackroom." She shares that some of the sexual activity that went on in the Blackroom included multiple sexual
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partners and the use of dildo sex toys that he preferred to be used on him. After witnessing some of her experiences Asante began to really weigh in on what she had signed up for in being R Kelly's woman. " I remember him texting me and telling me he didn't think that I was strong enough to be in his world because his world came with so many rules. And it wasn't until my time in the black room that I relaized what he meant"
What Inspired You To Write Your Book
abusive men and women before entering into a relationship is very imporant in preventing them. From Asante's experience she shared 3 for sure signs that we all should look out for in. 1. Make sure he loves his mother. Watch how he treats his mom. If he does not respect his mom he will not respect you. 2. Controlling Behavior. If he/she wants to know your every where about and move. If they overacts because you didn't text them back things like that
"When the Buzzfeed article came out in July of 2017 it brought so much backlash towards me. I had people telling me I was lying, and that I was mad because he didn't want me anymore. They said I was too old to have fell for his tricks. I felt like I needed the world to understand my position and how I ended up falling for this man.
3. Family isolation. When they want to keep you away from your family. For example if you have a family trip or outing planned and your mate will purposely plan something special for you two at the same time. This a huge red flag.
"People think that when I say I was with this man for 2 years that I was pysically living with him for a whole 2 years. No, that was not the case, when you are traveling with him and touring with him you are with R Kelly I did not meet Robert until he moved me into his house. When I moved into the house within 3 weeks I was plotting my escape because I know that was not the life for me.
What do you want to happen next?
I just wanted people to understand my side. I have so many people that support me and encourage me to share my story so it can help other women from entering into abusive relationships and help them get out of one.
Knowing the Signs of Abuse Just like Asante many women and men have found themselves in relationships with abusive partners who use thier power, sex appeal, charm, and manipulation tatics to control their lives. Knowing the signs of 40
I want the girls that are at the house with him now to be reunited with their family. Even if they still want to be with Robert get in touch with your family. I want them to know their worth I want to speak out to all women for them to know the "tell tell" signs and red flags of abuse because everything that glitters ain't gold. R Kelly spoiled me and showed me the world, but that was just to get me into his dark side as Robert. I want Robert to seek professional help and not just a preacher, he needs to check himself into a professional institution. He needs inpatient treatmentand then he needs to continue with outpaitent help. This is a sickness that he refuses to recognize. He thinks the world is against him, but he has alot of fan and those fans love R Kelly, He needs to identify Robert and get him the help he needs andstop hiding behind R Kelly.
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Johannesburg Natural Hair Expo
TOP 10 NATURAL HAIR C ARE EXPOS GUIDE
When it comes to finding natural handmade products for natural beauty and hair products. Finding a Natural Hair Expo should be the first place you look. Natural Hair Expo’s are becoming increasingly popular as the Natural Hair Care Movement expands. These events can be year round several times a year. They service our community in many ways from getting hands-on information from experts and professionals to creating a store front to many business and brand owners. While there are several new expo’s on the come up Natural Woman went out to list some of the most popular Natural Hair Expo’s that you should definitely make it a point to attend.
Virginia Natural Beauty Hair & Health Mega Expo
Baltimore Natural Hair Care Expo
For 10 years in the city of Richmond, Virgina this expo has brought Hair, Beauty, Fashion Lifestyle Workshops, Vendors, Live Performances, Fitness, Special Guests, Product Samples and many more great things. Reaching over 40,000 people in attendance.
This expo is the pioneer expos to come out of Baltimore.The BNHCE is a 2 day event that draws over 5, 000 spectators each day. The expo features vendors, food, hair demos, hair shows, fashion shows, special guest speakers, and live performances.
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ew Orleans Natural Hair Expo (NONHE)
The goal of the NONHE is to provided a fun, sophisticated, and social environment that celebrates and promotes the natural hair community and culture. Featuring vendors, speakers, networking and an exclusive brunch all in the heart of New Orleans. The NONHE draws over 1900 people and is no in its 7th year.. consumers, small business owners, corporate partners and southern naturalistas can call their own. Attracting thousands of attendees from Alabama from over 25 surrounding cities, the Natural Hair and Health Expo offers a unique, southern perspective on the latest in beauty and wellness trends, proudly boasting at the largest natural hair event in Alabama, and one of the largest in the Southeast region.
The Charleston Natural Hair Expo This expo celebrates those who embrace the various textures of their natural hair and promotes healthy living and wellness through preventative care, providing resources and health screenings. The event features educational workshops, panel discussions, fun events for kids and a social mixer designed to empower it’s attendees in all areas of their life.
The Denver Natural Hair Care Expo The Denver Natural Hair Care Expo is n extenstion of the Natural Hair Care Expo tour and Colorado Urban Naturals. This is the only natural hair expo servicing the city of Denver Colorado. The is a 1-day event full of interactive activities and resources supporting the care of natural hair.
Twin Cities Natural Hair & Beauty Expo The 2nd Annual Twin Cities Natural Hair & Beauty Expo features nationally renowned educators, vendors and brands. Their platform was designed to support, share information, techniques, inspiration and products to help individuals in their natural hair journey.
Natural Hair Industry Convention This is an Atlanta based natural event geared towards bringing professional in the natural hair industry go to take their business & careers to the next level. Event attendees get hands-on experience in learning new styles and insight into properly marketing and running their
The Visions Beauty Natural Hair and Health Expo This unique event experience is an event 42
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Live Hair Demonstartion the Natural Hair Convention in Atlanta Georgia
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business.
Hair Expo is the ulitmate natural hair experience that every naturalista must attend. Thousands of women, families, and consumers attend this event to network, support, shop and enjoy a weekend full of activities. Attendees will be able to attend interactive workshops that include starting and maintaining a business, finance management, fitness, hair, health, relationships, and information on the latest products and services for healthy living. The WNHHLE has over 300 exhibitors and over 30,000 attendees. The show’s message is the love of self and total body through healthy living.
Curl Fest Curl Fest is the hottest natural beauty festival of the summer. The festival has everything from celebrity stylist and influencers, to live demonstrations and amazing games. This is a family-friendly event where attendees are able to enjoy, curly chats, live entertainment, games, shopping, and more! 21ST ANNUAL TALIAH WAAJID PRESENTS WORLD NATURAL HAIR HEALTHY LIFESTYLE EVENT Named one of the longest running Natural Hair Expos. the Taliah Waajid World Natural
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