Embrace Your Roots: Houston Community College SE

em·brace (m-brs):  2. to take or receive gladly or eagerly; accept willingly.

You never know why people are placed into your life.  No matter how brief or how long the interaction is between someone you meet, there is often a larger plan in the making.  This is certainly the case for me when I met my fellow braiding school classmate Tawanda Alexander.  We met during a 3 day intensive hair braiding course to get our Texas state braiding license.  She and I as well as 4 other women bonded, as if we'd known one another for years.  I hadn't spoken to Tawanda since a few weeks after our class last August.  A few weeks ago she reached out and invited me to come share my knowledge of natural hair care and speak as a panelist at Houston Community College's Embrace Your Roots event in honor of Black History Month.  I was stoked and jumped at the opportunity.  There was no way I could ever have passed up the chance to do what I love doing anyway which is talking about natural hair.  My focus was to speak on product knowledge and hair styling options.

I was one of 2 panelists for the events, the other panelist being Michelle Lewis, Producer of her documentary called New Growth: The Natural Progression which was released in 2006.   The film was shot in Dallas, Austin and Houston. The film was picked up by BETJ/ Black Stories Series which ran on the cable station for one year. 

I wore my hair in large twists I'd done the night before on dry hair.  Since I wasn't sure if there would be any models for me to demonstrate basic styling on I figured I demo my own hair.  I used Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie.

The Venue

 After Michelle gave shared her "hairstory" with us, it was my turn.  I was nervous at first but once I got to talking and watched how attentive the audience was I was quickly at ease.  The energy in the room as very warm and welcoming.

I briefly shared with the guests my "hairstory" as well sharing the events that lead me to embrace my kinky curls.  Everyone in the audience was so attentive which helped to put me at ease.  I felt they were really interested in learning more about what I had to share. It felt great.

I brought several products along with me.  I wanted to appeal to those who had just began their healthy hair journey as well as the more seasoned Naturalistas in attendance.  I touched on oils, butters, which are best and why, the benefits of using oils and how to custom an oil blend to address each individuals hair needs. I spoke on proper hair handling techniques, detangling from ends to roots on wet hair only using a large toothed comb which I also brought with me.  I stressed the importance of using water and water based moisturizers and then sealing in the moisture using oil or butter.  Michelle also spoke on her hair care regimen and the abundance of styling options shes had since going natural 13 years ago.  She added that apple cider vinegar rinses are a big part of her hair care regimen to end dry scalp and itching.

The crowd grew...

I also touched briefly on the benefits of Ayurveda for hair.  I brought along a box of amla powder and a bag of Henna. After discussing Ayurveda, Michelle and I opened the forum to questions...and boy were there plenty! I loved how the attendees were so involved.

One young lady asked Michelle to take her Sister locks down so the audience could see them...

Her hair was absolutely beautiful, thick, and long.

Next it was my turn...

 Once my twist were unravelled, it was time to do a demonstration on one of the facilitators named Yolanda who had recently cut her hair short.  All she did was wash it and allow her hair to dry without any product in it.  I was glad that way I was able to demonstrate on the positive effect water has on kinky curly hair.

Since Yolanda opts for the wash n' go look, I used DevaCurl on her pencil sized curls.  Her hair was gorgeous...I wished my son had gotten a close up shot on those curls.

We took more questions from the audience which lasted a good 45 minutes and even continued on after the closing.

...and the crowd grew some more...Even the men in attendance had questions and input on how they felt about women embracing their natural hair.

At closing Michelle and I were given Certificate of Recognition plaques for presenting by Tawanda.  I was surprised and so thankful she'd given them to us to participating.

Lunch was then served, catered by Jason's Deli.  Tawanda took into consideration I am vegetarian and hooked me up with a huge veggie filled salad.

While everyone ate, Michelle and I continued answering questions from guests who attended.  I gave out my business cards, blog address and, Facebook page while answering questions from both men and women of all ethnic backgrounds. I was honored to have so many women mention they would actually be coming to Arlington to see me for an appointment.  I look forward to it too.

I met some beautiful Sisters...I was honored to be there.

Michelle asked me to style her Sister locks back into a neat bun

...it came out so cute and she said she loved it.  Unfortunately I my son didn't get a picture of the final look...but it was really cute.

Before leaving those still there who wanted to be included came up to take a group photo with Michelle and I.

Special thanks to my son James for helping with the photography.  He was a huge support and even got several compliments on how beautiful his hair was too. I really enjoyed meeting new people and talking about healthy hair care. 

HHG!

Full Moons and the Farmers Almanac: Best Days to Cut Hair in 2012

Old wives tales have played a large part of African-American hair care.  These tales have been handed down from generations and are still followed today with the same faith to their truths as when our ancestors first spoke of them.  One that I  heard over the years and recently spoke with a friend who actually follows it, is cutting/trimming hair only on a full moon and according to the Farmers Almanac there are specific days of the month that retard growth and other days that are supposed to increase growth.  I figured one like this could easily be done since I have to trim my hair anyhow, no harm, no foul.  I also heard from a fellow FB friend, actress T'keyah Crystal Kemah advises cutting hair on the new moon is best for growth. Although I'd never heard of it, I figured I'd add it to the list of dates.

The next upcoming date according to the Farmers Almanac to cut hair to increase growth will be December 30th and 31st, 2011, and January 3rd and 4th, 2012.  My goal is to start the new year off with a healthy head of fresh ends and bouncy curls. The second half of this year I didn't care for my hair as well as I did the first year and focused mainly on styling.  2012 I vow to make my hair care a priority each week like I did during the first 7 months of this year.  I can definitely tell the difference. 

Big Chop 2012

I never will forget being on Twitter during the first week of this year reading and looking at tweet pics of Sister's who took the plunge.  It felt so liberating even though I hadn't cut my own.  Just seeing how far we have come...black women voluntarily cutting their hair and in some cases shaving was unheard of even just 3 or 4 years ago.  For those of you planning to bring in the New Year with  BC'ing I wanted to share the best days to cut your hair according to the Farmers Almanac and Moon Phases calender.  When you visit the website you will find it not only lists the best days to cut hair for growth, it also lists the best days to start a diet to gain or lose weight, quit smoking, host a party, entertain friends, get married, retard growth (I guess this would be beneficial for eyebrows, underarms, legs, etc.), picking specific fruit or veggies for those of you who have gardens, and traveling. 

Best days to cut your hair for GROWTH:

(1st Quarter dates for 2012)

December 30th and 31st

January 3rd and 4th

January 25th - 27th

January 30th and 31st

 February 1st

February 4th and 5th

February 23rd and 24th

February 27th

Full Moon Dates for 2012

January 9th

February 7th
March 8th
April 6th
May 5th
June 4th
July 3rd
August 31st
September 29th
October 29th
November 28th
December 28th

New Moon Dates for 2012
 January 23rd

February 21st

 March 22nd

April 21st

May 20th

June 19th

July 19th

August 31st

September 16th

October 29th

November 13th

December 28th

I was hoping the Farmer's Almanac and Moon Phase Calender dates would coincide but unfortunately they don't.  So more than likely I'll follow the almanac and choose one of those dates (probably the 31st) to give my hair a really good cut to start New Year 2012 off with a BANG!!!

HHG!

Happy 2B Nappy Expo, Killeen, TX

 Luvina Ann Norwood-Sabree (center) founder of Nappy Headers meet up group in Kileen, TX

Last week I took a short road trip to Kileen, TX to attend another natural/health hair expo in Texas.  One of the things I hoped was that I'd see vendors  I didn't at the previous expo I attended.  There were plenty.  I had such a great time.  Here's a recap of my trip to Kileen...

Struck by so much beautiful brown beauty as soon as I walked in...as well as the Shea Moisture booth right at the entrance.

Goodies by Shea Moisture...

I stopped by to speak with Photographer Larry J. Stephens CEO of EncoreHD Hair Magazine come to find we were already friends on FB. EncoreHD Hair Magazine will feature natural hair styles and will be visiting Dallas, early 2012...I'm already signed up to participate!



Here's a booth I was happy to see again....these are the lovely Ladies of Lock Couture.  As I browsed earrings at her booth the pretty Sis (I forgot her name) standing in the center of the photo below approached me and thanked me for mentioning and showing her work in the last expo post.  That was sweet...feels good to know she got a chance to see it.

I love it!!

Shea goodies...I regret not taking a pic of the name of this booth but it was packed full of shoppers...I had to get in where I fit in just to get his shot.  

I love incense!! I used to make them back in the day so I stopped and spoke with the owner for a bit.  I tested a few scents and with the help from the owner, some he liked, some I liked, we both settled on Touch by Burberry.  Been wearing it ever since...it's niiiice...

MaX Oil and Incense Kileen, TX

I just love this Sisters Artwork...I didnt get her info...big regret.

It was cute seeing all the little ones walking around with their faces painted :o)

I learned A LOT at this booth, My Divine Delivery.  This Sister, Myquel Bender blends teas customed made with herbal combinations from customers request or she can suggest blends based upon what your own personal needs are.  I stood around and listened as she enlighted other visitor on an herb used for female mood elevating...you could'a heard a pin drop.

You can find My Devine Delivery online [HERE]

Beautiful Melissa owner of The Urban Rose home accesories....



 I'm a sucker for pretty packaging...Thanks Melissa!

You can check out more from or place orders from Urban Rose.com [HERE]

I HAD to patonize this Sister.  It was love at first sight with her long pretty loc's and she sold the prettiest pure horn jewelry I'd seen in awhile.  The company is called Earthbalisms.  Offering product from fair trade, natural, a nd sustainable resources. Handmade soaps, bath bombs and more...for more info about Earthbalism products go [HERE]

...and of course I stood around this booth for a minute. I stood in awe at her speed, again, when grooming this Sisters loc's watching  Malaika Tamu-Cooper owner of Dreads N' Heads Salon in Baltimore, MD.  She also held a workshop during the expo.





Where there's henna...there's me...had to stop and get mine in... ;O)



Cute!

Riyike Jewels by Anike Faleti...so pretty.  You can check out more of her designs when you visit her webiste [HERE]

400 Years Without A Comb showed on the big screen...nice.

I didn't catch this Brotha's name but he was the MC announcing the preformers and had major jokes..I was rollin'. 

You can tell his hands were movin'!!..and lil' mama's too.

Black is so beautiful.

I didn't attend any of the workshops but I'm they were awesome and very informative.  I stood in the lobby and on looked at the Sista's waiting for the next class.

I just love long loc's....

...and so I decided since I was in a city I'd never visted before which happened to me just next to the largest Army base in the world, I decided to walk around a bit.

 Enjoying the Artwork posted in the lobby of the Convention Center....

I stopped and picked up a few brochures just in case I return and need to know whats poppin' in Kileen ;o)

 On to Fort Hood. Luckily I was rolling with a friend who is an Army Vet and I was able to go on base.  I was hoping I'd run into a few Naturalistas on base...and I did...passed out a few cards.

 Army Headquarters

 Expo Hair Do...super simple.

Courtesy of EncoreHD

HHG!