Beautiful Textures at the World Natural Hair Show

ATLANTA (MAY 2012) - Thousands of women traveled across the globe to the city of  Atlanta for the 2012 Taliah Waajid World Natural Hair Show at the Georgia International Convention Center.  One of the top featured brands included Beautiful Textures - a new hair care line designed for mixed textured hair to include, curly, kinky, wavy and frizzy introduced the Beautiful Textures #MyHeadMyHairMyChoice Hair Lounge. The Beautiful Textures Suite offered complimentary makeovers by Lamik Beauty, photos with OMG Booth, live hair tutorials and "Battle of the Curl" by Tress Talk and intense Q & A with natural hair "whisperer", Felicia Leatherwood. Guests had a chance to receive one-on-one hair consultations and complimentary Beautiful Textures hair care product throughout the weekend.

Special Guests Included:

Felicia Leatherwood, (Loving Your Natural Hair)

Jaime Foster Brown, (Sister 2 Sister)

Mae Tapp, (Natural Chica)

[VIDEO] Beautiful Textures #MyHeadMyHairMyChoice Lounge

http://youtu.be/PJZzHZekTKA

Join the Conversation:

T: @lovinmytextures

F: www.facebook.com/beautiufltextures 

** Courtesy of The Garner Circle PR**

FAITH

 All it takes is faith the size of a mustard seed right? Removing those obstacles from our lives can sometimes be overwhelming. Our identity is sometimes crafted by our thoughts, desires, and pure emotions on how we think our lives should be. If you've ever had a sleepless night, paced the floor in the wee hours of the morning, cried yourself to sleep due to frustration, or sat and wondered whatever happened to those dreams you had as a child then your faith has been tested. Why did they not come to fruition? Did you not plan your life according to the outcome you wanted? Did you become unfocused?

 We blame ourselves and throw pity parties when we've "failed"! What is failure though? Failure refers to the state or condition of not meeting a desirable or intended objective, and may be viewed as the opposite of success. Success on the other hand, can be defined a few ways: something which happens as a consequence, the outcome/result, the achievement of one's aim or goal, etc. What I have discovered is according to both terms, it's an outcome of an objective. 

The older we get, the more we become specific to our set goals. We make plans on how we will achieve them, the necessary steps we must take, and what our next goal will be. Recall when you had to write a paper on where you would be in a year, five, or even ten years. For me, it was an abstract way of thinking. I've never really planned my life out. No more than most little girls. I can remember playing with my barbies and thinking about how I wanted to go to college, meet my future husband, get married, have the huge house on a hill with a white picket fence, and be an entrepreneur. That didn't seem too hard to achieve. The older I got, the more I realized I would actually have to put forth effort to achieve them.   

The effort you set forth can either get you where you want to be or extremely distant from your desired outcome. I know what you are saying, "But Tekela, what if I have planned everything out? What if I have done all that I can and I'm still not where I want to be in life?" I got you. I understand. As much as I'm writing this to encourage you on your journey through life, I'm asking myself the same questions.

 I've always lived by the mantra that "life happens". Regardless of how well you're doing or if you've hit rock bottom, life continues. As long as you have breath in your body you have another second to create your destiny. In my heart I believe that's true. However, frustration can rear its ugly little head and cause doubt. It can tell you that you can't be what you want to be, that no one loves  you, or that you're not good enough. In the Bible, having faith the size of a mustard seed is mentioned a few times:
Matthew 17:20 If he have faith the size of a mustard seed, ye shall say unto the mountain, remove hence to yonder place; and it shall move.
Mark 4:31 It is  like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground.
Luke 13:19 It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air perched in its branches.

 I encourage you to continue pressing your way through whatever your situation is. To remember that patience is a virtue. It's okay to take a few steps back, as longs as you continue moving forward. Live your life for you and not for the satisfaction or entertainment of others. Make your thoughts a garden and plant the necessary and appropriate seeds for growth: mentally, physically, and spiritually. 

 As I always say, do something nice for yourself and someone else. Be Blessed and Be a Blessing!

 Kela

World Natural Hair Festivities April 27-28, 2012

This past friday and saturday were super busy for me! I spent those two days in Atlanta for The World Natural Hair Show festivities. Friday night I decided to venture out to party with my fellow Naturals. The first party I decided to go to was the Natural Girls Rock event held at the chic Tongue and Groove in Buckhead. Natural Girls Rock is a group of Naturals in the Atlanta area who have a love for natural hair, who hold events, and participate in expos. This was my first event of theirs. I had a chance to meet some fellow Youtubers, Bloggers, and some of my Twitter friends. The event was hosted by the lovely Dr. Nina Ellis-Hervey, better known as BeautifulBrwnBabyDol. I must say that I am subscribed to her Youtube channel and never miss one of her videos in my subscription. It was a pleasure chatting briefly with her in between her hosting duties.

CurlyandLovely and myself

MahoganyBella  of MahoganyKnots and myself

After staying at the Natural Girls Rock event for an hour or so, I left to attend Taliah Waajid's World Natural Hair Party Affar which was held at Primal Nightclub. This party was hosted by Chrisette Michelle. I was able to snap a quick picture of her entering the nightclub before she was swept into VIP. Kimberly Elise was also in attendance. There were giveaways happening every fifteen minutes. Guess who won a basket full of Jamaican Mango & Lime goodies??? Meeeeee! Super excited and cannot wait to try the Transition Natural line. I can definitely see a giveaway coming soon for my transitioning followers.

Chrisette Michelle

Taliah Waajid basket I won

You can't see my hair color well in the other pictures

World Natural Hair Queen 2012

 Saturday morning I decided that I would make it a point to get to the Hair Show in a decent enough time to beat the crowds.Car packed and camera in tow, I checked out of my hotel around 10:40am. I was beyond shocked that once I left my hotel (which was the Springhill Suites facing the Gateway Convention Center where the Hair Show was held) that I was met with a traffic jam of vehicles trying to get into the parking lots. Upon parking and walking briefly to the entrance of the Convention Center, I was once again overwhelmed by the crowd. Lets just make it clear that I'm no rookie when attending this event, but this was by far the largest and LONGEST line I had ever stood in. I was literally in line for an hour. I've learned over the years that its always a good idea to attend with a buddy or two. While waiting in line I was already on my smartphone texting my friends Alexis (CurlyGirlLexi) and Yolanda (CurlyandLovely) and tweeting.

TrendySocialite and myself

Myself and the lovely BeingJustBe

BeautifulBrwnBabyDol and myself

Alexis (CurlyGirlLexi of CurlsCoilsandKinks.com), Felicia Leatherwood (LovingYourHair), and myself

Alexis and Felicia chatting hair

Beautiful Textures

Alexis, me, and Alexandra Butler (themuaalex)

Koils by Nature founder Pamela Jenkins, SarenzoBeads, Lexi

TrendySocialite

Loved her hair and color

Big Chop in progress

Yolanda (CurlyandLovely) with the DJ

Go Dj...

CurlyandLovely, CoilyHeadChick, Me, and Dawnyele

Lashawnb and CurlyandLovely

DRamZ84 and myself

My friends from high school 

standing in front of Design Essentials

Alexis and I

CHICandKINKY

Her fro was nice

CurlyandLovely, CoilyHeadChick, and myself

 I always recommend that if you attend the World Natural Hair Show that you also check out the FREE classes that are offered. I attended a Pure Natural class from Design Essentials. The Pure Natural class gave tips on smooth transitioning , advanced styling techniques, the latest trends on how to style your hair with Design Essentials Natural Hair Care System.

Too Groovy Salon Midtown

Thursday, April  12^th I celebrated my birthday!  I decided to treat myself to a visit at a hair salon. If you have watched any of my Youtube videos, you are already aware that I never have the best experiences when visiting salons. I always leave disappointed and ready to alter my look once I’m home.  Fortunately enough for me, I decided to visit Too Groovy Salon Midtown in Atlanta Ga! Too Groovy is recognized as one of Atlanta’s top salons and is dedicated to continuing to push boundaries, and dictate hair trends in the hair industry.  I had asked many friends who live in Atlanta about natural hair salons and Too Groovy kept  coming up in all of our discussions. I had met Robin Groover (owner) months before at a Natural Hair Event hosted by Natural Chica. I was super excited once I arrived to the salon. I had visited the salon a few weeks before for a consultation with Robin so my nerves were at ease.

Robin advised me that she has been a licensed cosmetologist since 1988. She truly believes in having healthy natural hair. She wears her hair in its natural state as well. We all know that having someone do our hair who knows exactly what’s going on with your own is a major accomplishment when choosing a stylist. After my visit with her, she is now known to me as “The Hair Whisperer”! Too Groovy is a natural hair care salon rather than just a typical natural hair salon.

-Before- 3 Day Wash & Go

Side view of my 3 Day Wash & Go

Upon arrival, I was greeted by the staff very warmly. My wait time was very minimal compared to most salons. Once I sat in Robin’s chair we discussed the look I was wanting.  At that point I really had no set look in mind. What I did know was that I wanted more color. I wanted something different from my regular look. A little over a month ago I got color that I was not pleased with.  I wanted to leave happy and beautiful, especially since it was my birthday. Robin advised me that she does transformations and transform she did! We decided to go with color blends that would warm my complexion and not look harsh against my skin.

Too Groovy Products

Design Essentials Products

Some of her designs

Robin began her coloring process slightly different than what I’m use to having done. She did her coloring technique on wet hair. All salons I have ever visited have always done their coloring processes on  dry hair. As inquisitive as I am, I had to ask why she was doing it her way instead. She advised me that her process allowed the color to penetrate better and not stress or cause possible damage and breakage that other techniques can cause. If you think about it, when curly girls get their hair colored most stylist comb through the dry hair or even add blow dryers to “stretch” the hair so that the color goes on evenly. That could be some serious damage. Her process made so much sense to me. Her openness and willingness to educate me the clientele on how to have healthy hair at home was tremendously appreciated. She was even enthusiastic of my excitement and love for hair. Again, I have never experienced someone who focused on natural hair.

I also had the opportunity to receive a professional steam treatment. After discussing what style I should have, we decided on straightening it. Me leaving a salon with straight hair is almost impossible. I tend to be highly critical of professionals straightening my hair because I’ve always done it better than them.  The silky, satin, oh so flowing hair that was present in the salon sat my mind at ease. The tips she gave me on how I can silken my hair even better at home were tips of the trade. I definitely recommend Too Groovy Salon Midtown for transitioners, newly naturals, and seasoned naturals. Visit their website for styling options and pricing! Don’t forget to tell her I sent you!

Me and Robin Groover

 Thanks Too Groovy for the wonderful experience. I will definitely return!

Here are a few pictures of my transformation...

Too Groovy Salon

265 Ponce de Leon Ave Suite E

Altanta, GA 30308

Phone: 404.873.5300

Fax: 404.873.0353

Ready...Set...Kela Answers

Hello Everyone! I asked my subscribers to feel free to ask me whatever questions they have been wanting to know about me! Here are the answers to those questions! Do you have any questions for me? Part 2 coming soon...



-NK

Design Essentials Blogger Beauty Day Makeovers

Tuesday, December 6, 2011 I had the pleasure of participating in a Blogger Holiday Makeover hosted by Design Essentials at McBride Research Laboratories! I was invited by Lenora Bowler of Brainchild Associates. Upon my entrance I was embraced by my stylist of the day, Francesa Adams who is a Design Essentials Educator.  As a DIYer, I was somewhat nervous about letting someone do my hair other than myself. She explained to me that she has been a Cosmetologist for twelve years! We decided to style my hair in Finger Coils! If you are one of my Youtube subscribers, then you are aware that I have attempted this style (fingerstyling) but didn't have the results that I imagined. I was eager to begin my transformation!

The picture above is the my Before picture. My hair was in a old wash & go that was pulled up into a messy bun. Hair was taken down so we could capture my hair in its natural state. Fran first began by shampooing my hair with Organic Cleanse Deep Cleansing Shampoo to deeply cleanse the hair of buildup. I hadn't washed my hair in a few days so I definitely had buildup. My scalp felt so light once the shampoo was complete. Next she used Natural Curl Cleanser Sulfate Free Shampoo. 

My hair was then conditioned with Express Instant Moisturizing Conditioner and Design Essentials Natural Moisturizing Conditioner. Fran combed HCO Leave-In Conditoner and Blow Drying Lotion onto my hair which is excellent as a leave-in but it also helps prevent damage. It quickly penetrates deep within the hair shaft to replenish proteins. Next up was prepping my hair for styling. Fran applied Design Essentials Natural Daily Moisturizing Lotion to my hair. 

I wanted gorgeous curls!  So Fran and I decided on Finger Coils since my very curly curl pattern is ideal for that style choice. Finger Coils are a beautiful natural style that can be found in the Design Essentials Natural Step by Step Styling Guide http://www.designessentials.com/natural-system/style-guide. My hair is multi-textured. I have looser curls around the perimeter of my head and tighter curls at the top of my head.  Fran applied Design Essentials Natural Defining Crème Gel in the back sections of my hair to add more definition to my curls.  She applied Curl Stretching Cream in the front to elongate my curls. Fran started the coils at the back of my head then progressed up, ear to ear. Since my hair is multi-textured, Fran used Flexi Rods around the frame of my face where my curl pattern is looser so that she could achieve consistency throughout the style.

I was not paid by Design Essentials to do a makeover. I did however receive a gift for participating which was a mini clutch. The mini clutch is on sale at Design Essentials website for $15. Here is the link where you can make your purchase: http://www.designessentials.com/eCommerce/home/holiday-favor. This is the perfect gift for Natural Hair enthusiast. It can also be a great stocking stuffer! 
Included in the mini clutch are: Detail Extra Hold High Gloss Setting Lotion, Hydrate Leave-in Hydrating Conditioner, and Sleek Edge Control. Detail Extra Hold Setting Lotion is a ready-to-use setting lotion that delivers a medium to firm hold while leaving hair soft enough for effortless combing and styling. It creates smooth, shiny sets, molds, and is excellent for blow-drying too. Infused with Pantenol and Wheat Protein. Also great as a heat protectant. Sleek Edge Control is a moisturizing smoothing gel that smoothes edges and creates sleek styles. It tames flyaways and provides texture to short, spiky styles. It also gives hair a finished, polished look with intense sheen. Hydrate Leave-in Hydrating Conditioner is cream based leave-in conditioner that softens and moisturizes dry, thirsty hair. It is formulated with botantical extracts like Jojoba and Sweet Almond Oil. It leaves hair brilliantly shiny!

Curlyhead Cuties: Natural Hair Spotlight w/ Amy Fields

NK: Whats your name where are you from?

Amy: Amy Fields. I'm from New Orleans.

NK: Tell me something about you?

Amy: I'm 26. I'm mixed with black and white. Married with 2 kids.

NK: When did your natural hair journey begin and what influenced your decision to brave down that path?

Amy: My jounrney began 5 years ago. I decided to stop relaxing. Waited a year, then BC'd. No influence really. I just didn't agree with forcing my hair to permanently be something it's not.

NK: What is your regimen?

Amy: My regimen is very very simple. I do my hair once a week using conditioner only. (I don't use towels, I use t-shirts) I section into fours, detangle while soaking wet and with loads of conditioner. I diffuse on low heat  and low setting. Then I gently tug with my fingers if I want to add volume.

NK: What products and tools do you use?

Amy: Herbal Essences conditioner (the purple bottle because it smells awesome!). A modified Denman brush (I took a few rows of bristles out). Butterfly clips. Olive oil on my ends in the winter. A bit of IC Fantasia Gel only on the parts of my hair that's exposed to the elements (air, sofa, my hands, lol) to help control frizz.

NK: Do you feel there is enough information for naturals?

Amy: YES, now. When I first went natural I couldn't find much. However, now there's all kinds of helpful info with websites, blogsites, and the wonderful YouTube!

NK: What has helped you in your healthy hair journey? Websites, forums etc

Amy: tightlycurly.com and the curly girl method.

NK: How do you think your natural hair affects the way others view you?

Amy: I think if gives off a sense of awareness. It says that I don't have to look like YOU! I've been told that it exudes confidence.

NK: How has this journey impacted your perception of yourself?

Amy: I feel like this is the true me. About a month after I BC'd I remember being in a public restroom at a restaurant and having to do a double take in the mirror after I glanced. I didn't recognize myself! I walked closer to the mirror, grinned and said (out loud, but not too loud) "Hello Amy, welcome. It's nice to meet you." Weird I know, but I felt like I had been hiding myself all those years. Like I was trying to be someone I wasn't....but now anymore because this is me.

NK: What do you love the most about your curls?

Amy: I love everything about my curls. I love that they're unique....I love that they're MINE!

NK: Any advice for newly naturals just starting the journey?

Amy: YES!!! Being natural is not easy. Having a relaxer was a breeze compared to this. When you're first starting out it's really easy to get discouraged, stick with it though. YouTube is the best, but be sure to find someone who has hair similar to YOURS. Everything won't work for everybody. Mind your ends, tie your hair up EVERY NIGHT with something satin or silk. Love your hair and be gentle with it. Don't rip it apart just because you found a knot.

NK: Any natural hair idols and why did you choose them?

Amy: Teri from tightlycurly.com. She's so knowledgeable and her hair is sooooo long!

NK: Do you have a signature or go to style?

Amy: Of coarse. My signature/go to style is wearing  my bangs.  I love bangs on natural hair!

NK: Where can we find you (blogs, websites, twitter, etc)

Amy: On Twitter, @curlygurl85