Natural Hair Update

Day 2 twist-out, retwisted at night with Olive Oil Hair Lotion

Ok guys I am finally back with another small update about my #naturalhair regimen. Not to much has changed, my staple/go-to products are still the Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In conditioner, and my Tresemme Naturals shampoo and conditioner. But I have added the Shea Moisture Rich Smoothie styling creme. I love it because it really helps define my twist-outs and does not cause any frizz.

I have even mastered the process of making my twist-out last for 7 days! From watching some #naturalhair gurus on YouTube I have learned different things I can do at night to help maintain my twist to make it last longer. I have learned to listen to my "hair" and know what my hair needs in order to thrive. In the pictures above and below you will be seeing Day 1, Day 2 and Day 6 hair.

Day 1 Hair Twist-Out Side Puff

Decided to do a side puff b/c my hair was not fully dry and I had a major frizz. LOL





Day 6 Twist out- front Curly puff in the back

Lip Paint Part 1

Loving my new lip paint by Wet N' Wild  Purty Persimmon! Its a lovely orangish-red color, perfect for this Fall or any  time of year. My new Fav! And it afforable..I am about good deals and you can get the Wet N' Wild matte lipsticks at Walmart or any store for under $7.

Nail Paint Part 3

Now here is a darker color for you guys #VioletVixen!!

Follow me on Instagram: m_marie314

Twiter: @m_marie314

Nail Paint Part 2

I know I have been slacking but here are a few more polishes I have purchased and LOVE!! LOL
I am going to really try to start updating my blog every week, but my schedule can be so hectic at times!
I know its Fall and I should be rocking those darker colors but I'm in love with colors especially bright ones so I will be rocking them all year round!

Pure Ice # WildThing

Pure Ice #HomeRun


Follow me on Instagram: m_marie314
Twitter: @m_marie314

Trying New Things

So for the most part during my natural hair journey I have been rocking nothing but flexi-rod twist out styles, but as I have been learning my hair and the products that work best for me I have started branching out with new styles and techniques. I a lot of them I have learned just from watching many naturalistas on YouTube! For anybody considering going natural I would definitely suggest you going on there and checking out different videos of women  who have went thru or still going thru the process.....they will certainly give you motivation. I am realizing more each day that natural hair is very versatile, we can do so much with our hair, below are a few pics I have taken while trying new things such as a blow out and etc:

Old Twist Out/Scarf- Head wrap

old twist out to flexi rod on dry hair

Twist out/side puff

Blow out/twist out 

puff

flexi rod/twist out on dry hair

3+ Week Review Genesis Virgin Hair

I know I am super late on my final review for this hair but everything has been so crazy lately....too much to get into to detail with but here goes my final review on the hair.

Here are are the specs:

1 bundle of 18"
1 bundle of 22"
1 bundle of 24"

Brazilian Wavy Virgin Hair.

When it comes to shedding I would rate this hair a 7 out of 10. I did not cut my wefts nor did I seal them but I would get a few strands every time I combed my hair and sometimes just randomly when I would look down there would be one or two strands. When it comes to the tangling I would rate this hair an 8 out of 10. the tangling was not unbearable nor did the hair ever get matted in the back, but due to the shedding this caused the hair to tangle a lot more.

I have included a few pics of the hair while it was still installed in my hair....I like to switch up my hair a lot especially being natural so I did not keep my sew in as long as I could have. But I will certainly reuse this hair in the future. And I would recommend this hair to anyone looking for a nice grade of hair and not spending a pretty penny for it.
Check out the website: genesisvirginhair.com

waves created by flexi-rods

Nail Polish Fetish: Part 1

Ok guys I have been really on this nail polish kick....mainly because I am getting sick of coming out of pocket at the nail shop to get my nails done and they dont last past a week!! So I decided to get my own polish and do my own nails, and now I have been buying new  nail polishes every time I go to the store..LOL. Below are just two new ones I purchased and tried out. And I will featuring a new polish or two every week.

L'oreal has a great colors for the summer time. Just vibrant and rich and they do not chip easily, so ladies check them out!

Jet Set to Paris

Pink Me Up

Genesis Virgin Hair Initial Review

Check out the video posted below. This was initial review for the Genesis Virgin Hair: Brazilian Wavy
Here are the specs:
3 bundles 18" 22" and 24"
Hair comes in a natural brown color
Prices are very decent.
website: www.genesisvirginhair.com
Also below is a pic of the hair in its natural wavy state. I used flexi-rods to achieve the look in the video.

This hair so far has minimal shedding and tangling but I will posting and updated review within 3-4 weeks.

I Am Addicted to SHOES!

I absolutely look shoes, they are my true weakness. I think a lot of females have the same weakness...next to clothes and handbags!. Check out these I just purchased! I LOVE them! Spikes on back to give it a slight edgy feel.

7 day twist-out

After watching some vids on Youtube I have learned how to maintain a twist-out for at least 7 days and I am so excited about that!! Here are some pics of me rocking my twist-out:

First Attempt at Twist Out on Natural Hair

This was my results from my first even Twist Out on my natural hair. I think it came out okay. But I will make sure to do somethings different.

Final Review: Bohyme Egyptian Wave

Check out my final thoughts on the Bohyme Egyptian Wave!!

So Plush Modeling Company

On the Rise model Austreah Mitchell took time out of her busy schedule to speak with me about her modeling career and So Plush Modeling Company.

BIO

     My name is Austreah Mitchell, I am 24 years old, married, and I have one son named David C.A., born and raised in Detroit. I have a Associate degree in Television/Radio Production and one in Medical Billing Administration. Modeling became apart of my life in the Spring of 2007 when I went to my first casting call for a plus size agency called Yummy Modeling. I signed with them for a year and then went on to freelance modeling, working with the best photographers in Detroit.

     

So Plush Modeling Company was established in March 2011. I created this company to help aspiring plus size models jump start their careers.  We want to showcase curvy models and their many talents. We have numerous of networks to help them become successful in modeling industry. So Plush helps find casting calls for different modeling gigs, help build portfolios, comp cards, model coaching, etc.

     

Project So Plush was created to help women with their self esteem, help motivate, and aspire. We want to help them by showing them the path to sucess. Contining education or finishing school, start careers, helping single mothers, etc. is what we want to do for the community. Project So Plush have many events coming up, such as, "Make Me Over", "Girls Nite Out", and "Project So Plush Chat". These events are geared to help women in different areas. Being able to do public speaking, socialize, help self esteem, and  more.

    

I want to be successful in this industry as well as help someone else achieve their goals and dreams. You can contact So Plush Modeling Company by emailing us at soplushmodeling@gmail.com and Project So Plushprojectsoplush@gmail.com. Also, visit our website at www.soplushmodeling.webs.com and on Facebookwww.facebook.com/soplushmodeling.  

Me: What motivated you to start the So Plush Modeling movement?

Austreah:  I want to show the world that curvier women are beautiful and talented. I feel as though we don't get enough credit or equality when it comes to fashion and entertaniment. Also, I want to inspire women and for them to love themselves and their curves!

Me: Why do you think it is so important to have a program that works on giving women self-esteem, and other skills that will help them in their professional career path?

Austreah: Its important because not a lot women get told that they are beautiful and they can do and be what they want. To have confidence is a big part of anyone's life, this makes you a strong person and be able to take on the world head on. So Plush Modeling shows women how to conduct themselves in the business world by showing how to book gigs, public speaking, market themselves, just to name a few. We also show how to apply makeup, beauty and health tips as well. These are very important skills needed. I believe in teaching and educating on life lessons as well.

Me: Since you have a "passion for fashion" do you have a favorite designer?

Austreah: Yes! I have a few. I love Verg Wang, very simple, elegant, classic. Kimora Lee Simmons, bold, loud, and "I'm here!".

Me:Have you ever been discriminated against because of your size when it came to modeling? If so how did you overcome that obstacle?

Austreah: No, not yet, and I hope that I don't.

Me: Where do you see So Plush Modeling and Project So Plush in the next 5-10 yrs?

Austreah: In the next 5 years I can see So Plush Modeling with 10-15 working models and they are traveling all over the country, working with designers and compaines. Project So Plush in the next 5 years helping women overcome struggles in their lives and helping them build self esteem and confidence in themselves. So Plush Modeling and Project So Plush in the next 10 years, having offices in each major city and having more models and still helping and saving women.

Me:. And what else can we expect to see from you? Do you plan on doing some more modeling or just helping other women achieve their greatness?

Austreah: Oh yes! Please expect more from me and my models! I also plan on having boutiques that cater to curvy women. I want to also have a curvy woman magazine. Maybe a cosmetic line! I'm always going to help women achieve their  goals and dreams, I know thats my calling from God!.

LaBellla Modeling Agency

LaBella Modeling Agency

The La Bella Modeling Agency is an Atlanta based business that was founded in
August 2011. LBMA is an up and coming agency that represents only the best. The
company is based off of a simple slogan, "Beautiful Women of Stature and
Respect".

LBMA is dedicated to promoting talent to various companies seeking to use them in
print, tv, web, promotion, etc. While we can not guarantee results, we believe that
if the model is self-motivated and has the look we can assure them that we will do
everything in our power to place them in front of as many clients as possible. This is
a very competitive industry, so we sign only those that we feel will be successful.
We carefully select our models because we want to guarantee the best in the
industry.

LBMA is always available and willing to work hard to make every event that we are
apart of a success. With integrity, determination and self-respect on our side, the
La Bella Modeling Agency is sure to leave a mark of their own in the modeling
world.

Contact Information:
Labellamodelingagency@gmail.com

Karissa LaShae CEO/Owner

Fashion Photographer: Tracy Johnson

On the Rise fashion stylist and photographer Tracy Johnson took time out her busy schedule to speak with me about her "on the rise" career!!

TRACY JOHNSON

Photographer/Fashion Stylist

BIO

 She’s definably young at heart, fun and stylish with her vintage-mod wardrobe selections and her picturesque creativity.  Her artistry is a unique blend of the camera’s eye and the mind’s envision coupled with beautiful people who are the subjects of appeal.

Tracy fell in love with taking pictures and documenting life, but it wasn't until late December 2010 that she really got the motivation from her brother and sister to start her own photography business which she now calls, THE ART OF FRESH, INC. Now she’s hooked and on a steady rise to becoming one of the most wanted photographers in Atlanta.

A mother of two and a role model to many, she has never met a challenge that she could not beat or a dare that she did not meet. Tracy believes she has finally found her calling in Photography it fits her so perfectly. Time on the set with Tracy is so much more than just a ordinary photoshoot!  It’s a beauty session where Tracy is allowed to use all of her gifts at once, coupled with the talent, confidence & beauty of her subjects to form captivating photography.    

So when you hear that someone small is making BIG moves...have no doubt that that person is Tracy Johnson..."Yeah, you heard right"! 

 Me: When did you know that had a passion for photography?

Tracy: About a year ago, Me and my hair/makeup artist bff, MeMe,

partnered to style a shoot with two models here in Atlanta in an
effort to build our portfolios; mine as a fashion stylist and hers as
a Hair/Makeup Artist. We had a photographer on deck and were set to
go. It was 13mins before call time when we realized the photographer,
who had not answered any of my calls the morning of was going to be a
"no show". Rather than cancel, MeMe had a nikon that we used to do the
shoot ourselves and between the two of us, the shoot came out
fiercely. I got me my own camera and flirted around with the whole
concept of photography and I fell in love with it. I felt so in my
element as a creative mind. From there I knew I was meant to be a
photographer.

Me: What inspires you when taking pictures of people, places, or things?

Tracy: Of People, it's inner-beauty and endless possiblities that

inspire me. I love architecture, shapes and colors. I appreciate the
artistry of picture perfect spaces and just enjoy overall capturing
the beauty of all mankind and landscapes.

Me:  Do you prefer to fashion photo shoots or freelance work?

Tracy: I love the fashion shoots particularly because I am also a fashion

stylist. I put together all of the wardrobe pieces in my fashion
shoots but i enjoy freelance work as well.

Me: Where do you see yourself within the next 5-10 years? 

TRacy: In the next 5 to 10 years, I will have graduated from grad school,

running a non-profit for children in under-priviledged communities and
will have seen success in my business that leads me to becoming an
achieved national Photojournalist.

Me: So far have you had a favorite photoshoot that you are proud of?

Tracy: All of the shoots have been my favorite because they seem to get

better with each shoot but I must say the one that I was most proud of
was the one I did at the Troy Davis Demonstration that took place in
Jackson, GA, the day he was executed. I'm a sociology major at Spelman
College with a concentration in Visual Sociology. Being able to
capture the essence of what the "I Am Troy Davis" campaign meant for
me, my children, my classmates, friends and the entire world, was epic
for me. It gave me a chance to really develop my scholarship and my
research interests.

Me:  What makes you different from these others photographers? What really

 sets you apart?

Tracy: I think what really sets me apart from other photographers, particularly fashion photographers, is that I'm also a fashion stylist. This makes for simple, easy booking when a model is ready to update her portfolio. No placing ads on craigslist for stylists and makeup artists AFTER you book with a photographer. I do it all! My abilities allow me to be a 1-stop convenience for clients offering them high fashion, couture professional photoshoot for a very affordable price and if I sell a photo to a magazine, I gladly give a percentage to the model. Who does that?


Me: Nobody does that and I think that is great!!

 Contact Information:

Tracy Johnson

Twitter: @TheArtofFresh

tjohns72@scmail.spelman.edu