Friends, am I the only one who gets lost in the blogosphere? Nowadays, so many talented writers offer valuable information on a myriad of topics, which can be satisfying (okay, sometimes overwhelming, lol) for someone with 1,001 interests like me. And I am still discovering new gems every day! I want to help you navigate the world of natural beauty, nutrition and wholistic health out there in the virtual world, by sharing a few of my favorites.

Crunchy Betty

I love love love this blog! (Can you tell my enthusiasm? ) The tagline to the blog is: You Have Food on Your Face. I must admit, that is what initially draw my attention to the site. Crunchy Betty shares tons of natural beauty recipes made from basic ingredients you can find in your kitchen. Strawberry-Kiwi Face Polish anyone? This blog offers wealth of information to purify your hair, skin, home…and soul. A must read!

Melomeals: Vegan for $3.33 a Day

I really enjoy experimenting with tantalizing recipes, and if I can sample new dishes on a shoestring budget….even better! That’s why this site was such a pleasant discovery. Vegetarian chef and photographer Melody shares her simple, creative recipes, using whole, fresh ingredients, like this delightful Pesto Pasta Salad. Oh, and did I mention Melody shows you how to assemble these meals on a budget of around $3.00 daily? Phenomenal! This blog proves you don’t have to break the bank to put together a healthy, delicious meal.

Holistic Locs

I have been meaning to share with you all this blog for the longest. This blog first caught my attention for its breathtaking photos of natural hair, but I later become captivated by the blogger’s musings on spirituality, wholistic health and life in general. Visiting her blog is akin to going to a mini-sanctuary: enlightening quotes, meditative music and inspiring affirmations, like this one, “I Deserve”. I hope this blog encourages and rejuvenates you.

Have you read any of these blogs? Which ones are your favorites?

Hello friends!

I couldn’t wait to share this “hometown”  (Memphis by way of Miami) treasure with you: Liz and Gil of Mi-Me Handmade Body Products.  I first had the opportunity to meet the duo behind this unique product line at Beale Street Chic and All Day Natural’s “Beauty, Blogging, and Beyond” celebration this past spring.  There was a noticeable buzz about these handmade goodies at the event, so I just had to find out more about Mi-Me and its creators….

1. You two seem to form a dynamic, balanced partnership. How did you decide to collaborate and bring Mi-Me to fruition?

Our partnership works because we are friends first, so we can be critical of each other and laugh about it.

We’ve collaborated on other businesses in the past and with Mi-Me we wanted to create a product that we were passionate about and not lose creative control of.  We are able to put our creativity into every aspect of the company, be it the colorful labels or the scents that spark memories of our youth.

2. I applaud your commitment to use natural ingredients in your product line. Why was this important to you, and how does this impact your creations?

We decided to keep it simple and not fool around with any chemicals that could potentially have adverse reactions.  Using natural ingredients was personally important to us because we hated purchasing products and not knowing or understanding what 90% of the ingredients were or what they did.

We think that natural ingredients make our products better, because our customers aren’t getting fillers that don’t benefit them in any shape or form.  Every ingredient used in Mi-Me products was chosen with a specific beneficial purpose in mind.

3. The readers are stranded on a deserted island with (insert fantasy person here) and only one Mi-Me product. What must-have item would you recommend?

No doubt, the Fascin8ing Hair Elixir!  Every ingredient in it is healing, cleansing, or nourishing.  The Butters, shea, mango, avocado and coconut oil will create a barrier against the elements. While the bergamot, rosemary, and lavender are three of the most healing essential oils, period. And don’t get me started on the honey!  That means, you can use the Elixir to keep your hair looking capital-A, Amazing or to heal any scrapes you get from building a hut, and provide relief for mosquito bites.

4. Summer has arrived, which means it’s swimsuit and sundress season! What tips do you have for readers who want to achieve and showcase natural, beautiful skin? (Or “sheen-y” skin as you describe on your site…)

Sheen-y (adj)

1. the way light bounces off of skin that is healthy and moisturized.

2. effect of using Mi-Me scrubs to exfoliate and natural butters to moisturize.

The best way to achieve beautiful skin is to first protect the skin you have.  A great first step is using a sunscreen with SPF 60 or above, that has UVA/UVB protection.  That being said exfoliating with a Mi-Me Sugar or Salt Scrub is a surefire way to be sheen-y.   When the sun begins dipping I’d tell the readers to use a light moisturizer like Avocado butter which contains SPF properties to continue to protect, moisturize, and help repair damaged skin cells.  Lastly, drink tons and tons of water!

You can find out more about Mi-Me Handmade on their Etsy site and Facebook page. They can also be contacted at ilovemime@gmail.com or (901)-213-MiMe (6463).

Have you used Mi-Me Handmade Body Products before? What are your favorite ones?

Gather round and pay attention, friends.  For those who don’t already know, I just HAD to share with you the perfect elixir for all of your natural beauty needs.  No, it’s not some expensive cream or rare potion from the rainforest. You can find this at your local grocery store: grapeseed oil!

Where do I begin? I use grapeseed oil as my go-to gem for my skin and hair. Like other natural oils I have featured before, it has a multitude of uses.

• Beat the Heat. Grapeseed oil is absolutely ideal as a heat protectant for those of you who blow-dry or flat iron your hair. It moisturizes well, without being too greasy and helps to protect the ends from heat damage. Daphne from the informative natural hair blog, Une Autre Naturelle, shared the impressive results of using grapeseed oil on her daughter’s gorgeous hair.

• Maximum Moisture. As I have shared before, my hair tends to be dryyyyy. Incorporating grapeseed oil into my hair treatments always makes my hair oh-so-soft! Before washing my hair, I sometimes apply a small amount of grapeseed oil and massage it into my tresses. I then rinse and deep condition. My hair is instantly detangled.

• Let It Shine. For my everyday styling, I like to add a little bit of grapeseed oil to my hair butters and creams. It creates a softer consistency, making it easier to apply and absorb into my hair. Best of all, it creates a remarkable shine. Kiss your dull strands goodbye! The dynamic maven behind the blog AGrlCanMac is also a dedicated advocate of grapeseed oil. She always has a plethora of creative mixes.

• Take It Off. This is my favorite use for grapeseed oil…as a makeup remover!  I actually discovered it by accident. No longer do you have to use the expensive (sometimes toxic) cleansers and removers. Just dab a bit of grapeseed oil on a tissue and swipe. It works wonders for eyeshadow and eyeliner. Of course, be careful not to get any oil in your eye!

• Skin Soother. Like olive oil, you can use grapeseed oil as a great year-round moisturizer on your skin. It’s heavy enough for cold weather days, but light enough for the sweltering heat. Best of all, it’s not greasy either. Just like with the hair mixes, you can add grapeseed oil to your lotions and creams for maximum potential. It also helps to alleviate skin irritation after shaving.

• Pucker Up. You can even use grapeseed oil on your lips! Curly Nikki has an excellent, very simple recipe for dry lips. The blog Healthy Hair and Body also has a recipe for a lip balm using grapeseed oil.

Hope you enjoy experimenting with this optimal elixir!

Have you used grapeseed oil before? How do you incorporate it into your beauty routine?

The time is rapidly approaching for this event, and  I am SO excited! The 2011 Tennessee Natural Hair Care and Wellness Expo, to be held in Memphis, Tennessee on Saturday, July 16, 2011. The event will be at the Memphis Airport Hotel & Conference Center, 2240 Democrat Road from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. This Expo is co-sponsored by All Day Natural and Malaika Cooper, founder of the renowned Baltimore Natural Hair Care Expo. She has also hosted previous expos in New Orleans and North Carolina. (They were a blast!)

Now, it’s Tennessee (and the South’s) turn to represent in the natural hair world! We are excited about having vendors, presenters, and attendees from all over the region. Whatever your interests, this Expo will have something to appeal to you. Vendors will offer natural hair and skin care products, clothing, accessories, and items related to wholistic health. What I eagerly anticipate the most are the classes and workshops! We want you to come to the Expo to be enriched physically, spiritually, and mentally.

For my natural hair mavens (or those who are considering making the journey), some of the classes include:

• Natural Hair Styling Options
• Making the Transition to Natural Hair
• Caring for Your Natural Hair/Herbal Hair Care
• The Politics/Philosophy of Natural Hair

In the area of wellness, our talented experts have a lot of valuable information to offer, with classes on:

• Vegetarianism/Vegan Living
• Introduction to Yoga
• Natural Beauty/Skincare
• Becoming Fibroid-Free

Spread the word, and tell your friends! You can’t miss this event! For more information, check out the Tennessee Natural Hair Care Expo’s website, and be sure to friend us on Facebook! (We will have special giveaways on the blog and the Facebook page in the countdown to the Expo!) For our out-of-town guests, special discounts are available at the event hotel (details on the website).

I cannot wait to see you there! This will be an event to remember!!

Will you be attending the Tennessee Natural Hair & Wellness Expo? What natural hair events are happening in your area this summer?

Photo Credit: newleaf01

Memorial Day Weekend is here, which signals the official start of the entertaining season. If you are trying to find healthy (tasty!) alternatives to pork ribs and beer at your backyard barbecue, no longer are you relegated to the soggy salads and diet sodas. There are so many scrumptious options to please everyone on your guest list this summer.

Mouthwatering Burgers

Omnivores and vegetarians alike should enjoy this astonishingly simple veggie burger.

Photo Credit: Moria

3 Ingredient Veggie Burger (Yes, it’s that easy!)  from Melomeals: Vegan for $3.33 a Day

(Side note: Veggie burgers have really come a long way since their frozen patty days. I like them a lot more than I ever liked their beef counterparts.) Be creative: add cucumbers, guacamole, ranch, or salsa to give your burgers extra pizazz!

A Side of Potatoes

Potato salad seems to be a requisite at every summer soiree, but think outside the box. Who wants gooey, eggey (is that a word?) mayonnaise in their dish, when you can have ripe, tasty avocados instead?

Creamy Avocado Potato Salad from Post Punk Kitchen (I’m going to try these this weekend!)

You can also try Sweet Potato Fries to spice up your menu. If you can peel, you can make this basic dish.

Scrub, wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Slice them in thin, horizontal pieces (similar to a potato chip) or you can cut them crosswise like traditional french fries. You can fry the potatoes on the stovetop in a thin layer of olive oil, or alternatively, brush them with olive oil and bake them in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Season according to taste. I like to add crushed black pepper.

Quench Your Thirst

As much as we love the summer staple lemonade (especially in the sweltering South), we can add some variety by surprising your guests with this refreshing beverage. This is perfect for those extra hot days (and cheap too!)

Cherry Limeade from Dianasaur Dishes (use Turbinado or Stevia instead of white sugar).

The Grand Finale

Finally, on to my always favorite part of the meal….dessert! I will share this with you, but do not tell your guests just how easy this dish is. They probably wouldn’t believe you anyway.

Banana Frozen Yogurt from the Savvy Vegan

Here’s to a fabulous summer of hearty eating and good fun! Cheers!

Have you tried any of these recipes before? What is on your summer entertaining menu?

photo credit: Caroline Culler

The temperature has officially hit 80 degrees, which means I can drift outside again. (Friends, you know I hibernate in the cold, lol.) Where is my first stop? To my local farmer’s market! Oh, how I miss these delightful treasures during the long winter months. I am so proud of my city, which has gone from zero markets to one in every part of town, in just a few years. Recently, the popularity of these markets have grown exponentially all across the country, and for good reason.

What’s not to love about farmers’ markets? First, as I have shared before, when watching your budget, they can be a cost-effective way to purchase quality food. I save so much money on fruits and vegetables from the market, with the added bonus of knowing exactly where my food comes from. I am constantly in awe at the prices offered by the local farmers, as compared to the (outrageous!) prices at my neighborhood grocery store.  The generous vendors I regularly patronize at the market also occasionally throw in additional goodies for me for free (like an extra bag of blueberries….mmmmm).

photo credit: Rita Willaert

More than just produce, many markets now have local artisans and crafters–and these are not products you would find on the shelves on your local Wal-Mart. One of my favorite local markets has booths with handcrafted jewelry and amazing folk art. Many of the vendors at these markets also will create made-to-order products…simply divine!

Even if you’re not in the mood to shop, most markets have other fun diversions. The one I frequent hosts local musicians which play an array of musical genres that appeal to everyone. Many offer cooking and gardening demonstrations, as well as exciting kids’ activities.  Farmers’ markets are the optimal one stop shop to satisfy your interests, and best of all, it’s free!

Check out the website Local Harvest to find your local farmer’s market.

Do you have a farmer’s market in your area? What do you love about farmers’ markets?

To say that this intriguing young lady is talented is an understatement. Leah Patterson, Founder of Etniq Minerals Cosmetics epitomizes the definition of a Renaissance Woman. With a intense passion and extensive knowledge of natural beauty, skin care, and salsa (!), she is definitely a naturalista you want to get to know. Below, Leah provides her insight on beauty, as well as shares details on her all-natural cosmetics brand, Etniq Minerals.

1. You are a woman of many amazing talents: Esthetician, Salsa Dancer and Makeup Arist. How have you been able to successfully merge these passions?

Thank you, Alycia!  Great question!  It has not always been easy and in the beginning, I really wasn’t sure how to bring it all together because each has so much to focus on.  Luckily though, they really all can go hand in hand.  I’ve found that the dancing world is in need of good skin care!  Often times, dancers wear harsh, heavy makeup that really takes a toll on their skin.  They may not be the best educated about how to make sure their skin doesn’t suffer from this or even what alternatives are out there so that their skin doesn’t have to be subject to it at all.  This is where my esthetics training fits perfectly.  I’m often educating my fellow dancers on what they need to do to make sure their skin stays clear and healthy.  Once I move to Austin, most of my clientele will be dancers because I know their needs intimately because they are my own needs .  The makeup artistry falls right in line with this because it’s all about skin.  I love the creative outlet that makeup artistry gives me and with Etniq, I’m able to show my customers that they can have all the benefits of lines like MAC without the negative effects of clogged pores and constant breakouts.  Mineral makeup is so good for the skin, lets the skin breathe, and can even calm down breakouts and redness.  Etniq’s colors are super highly pigmented and have wonderful staying power as well.  It’s a win-win for everyone.

2. I appreciate your holistic approach to healthy skin care and beauty. Can you elaborate more on this philosophy and how you incorporate it into your makeup line?

My philosophy on holistic skin care and beauty is really simple.  I am a true believer that your internal ‘environment’ is reflected through your external environment.  This is broad ranging, and of course easily applies to life too.  Within skin care though, what I mean is that your state of healthfulness will be reflected in your skin’s external condition.  There’s just not a way for this not to happen.  Eventually, however your insides are feeling will start to show up on your outsides. .  Because of this truth, I approach everything holistically.  I don’t want my clients to use quick fixes and produce temporary results.  I want them to learn how to guide their bodies back towards optimal healthfulness so that state starts to show up in their skin.  I want them to realize that what they eat, what they use, how they think – all these things affect the state of their skin – not just whether they’ve had a chemical peel this year.  I want them to realize that all their choices make a difference and that learning to choose better across the board is the key to reducing the toxins and issues they find themselves subject to.  Even a choice like using a mineral makeup line such as Etniq is a major choice towards one’s overall healthfulness.  This is my goal for all my clients and customers.

3. What makes Etniq Minerals distinctive from other cosmetic brands on the market?

The major distinction is that it’s created by me .  What I mean by this is that I have an extensive background in chemistry (I graduated with my bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering), herbal medicine (I completed a year-long apprenticeship with herbalist Robin Rose Bennett), Dance (I’ve been dancing professionally for over 8 years), and holistic health (I’ve been studying various subjects in holistic health for over 11 years).  Admittedly tooting my own horn a bit, not too many people have this combination of experience!  All these worlds are brought together in my makeup line.  I’ve formulated a line that performs phenomenally well on stage in that it is long wearing and doesn’t run or melt away.  It has that pop of color that is needed for performance as well.  Yet it is gentle, non-reactive and light as a feather. It performs just as well for the everyday woman and is even healing to the skin.  Its ingredients are good for the skin and promote its healthfulness. I’ve also made sure (and continue to work on this) that women like me (of color specifically) have a full range of options unlike so many other mineral makeup lines out there not formulated with us in mind. Also I customize and I love to do it!  If you can’t find your foundation match, let me know and I’ll create one especially for you.  If you have a costume or outfit that needs a particular eyeshadow to match, let me know and I’ll make that too.  This is one of the many fun parts of making makeup:).

4. Your products are remarkably creative from Pinky Roulette Eyeshadow to Caramel Mocha Lipgloss (mmm….). Where do you get the inspiration for your creations?

Inspiration comes from all around me!  Pinky Roulette was inspired by one of my younger sister’s stage name.  She is an upcoming lyricist and goes by Piinky (two Is) Roulette.  She’s a feisty young woman and that name describes her and that color to a tee.  Caramel Mocha is my favorite coffee drink.  The color of this gloss came out to be similar to that drink when I make it at home and so there came the inspiration.  One day soon, I might experiment with adding some flavor to this gloss to really make the name fit .

5. What advice would you give to readers who are considering transitioning to an all-natural skin care routine?

First off, I say go for it!  Your whole body will love you for it!

When you are just starting out, it may be daunting to ditch everything you have, so I say start replacing what you have with natural alternatives as it runs out.  I’m an advocate of simple.  If you are a tinkerer (like myself), try your hand at making your own simple cleansers and scrubs first.

For a cleanser, start with a base of unscented castile soap and add a few drops of lavender and tea tree essential oils.  For every 2 oz., add about 5 drops of the essential oils each.  For a scrub, start with a tablespoon or so of brown sugar.  Mix this up with enough olive oil to create a paste and use this to scrub your face.  If you have an airtight container, you can save this for a while as long as you don’t get any water in it.  Water will turn the scrub too hard to work with.  For a toner, witch hazel works really well – just be sure it is from a natural source.  Your local health food store is a good resource for finding everything you need.

Moisturizers take a little more effort to make but it is possible to use certain oils as excellent moisturizers.  Camelilia oil, for instance, is an excellent skin moisturizer.  Another one that is easier to find is almond oil.  Almond oil has a full range of nutrients your skin loves and isn’t too heavy either.  You can also enhance it with a few drops of essential oils to increase its therapeutic benefits.  The same mix of lavender and tea tree oil from above is a good starting point.

It’s important to follow a routine day and night.  Wash your face, scrub (only 1x a week if your skin is normal to dry or sensitive), tone, and then moisturize.

If you aren’t a tinkerer and want something already made for you, I’d suggest going to your local natural market and asking for advice within their body/skin care department.  There are so many brilliant brands these days that pretty much any recommendation they make would probably be a good starting place.  From this point, you can start experimenting with what works best for you.  Swap in new products/new formulations one at a time and give each one a month to see its effect.  New skin cells surface approximately every 28 days; hopefully your next 28 days will produce happier, healthier skin!

My dear readers, Leah has graciously offered a discount to friends of All Day Natural. For a first time order from Etniq Minerals, use ALLDAY as a google discount code for 20% off. Check out the website here. Thanks, Leah!

Have you ever tried Etniq Minerals? What are your favorite products?

Have you ever had one of those days in which your outfit was stunning, skin was glistening, your hair  just perfect, but oh no….where did those raccoon eyes come from?  Oh yes, as much as we adore the little critters of the wild kingdom, we don’t want to model our look after them. Exactly how do you banish those unwanted puffy eyes? Well, forget what Madison Avenue tells you, you don’t have to spend your mortgage payment on a “magic” cream. You have the tools to get rid of this dark circles on your own with these simple tips.

1. Rest, My Dear! I know, this seems amazingly simple, right? The truth is, however, many of us, caught in the the hectic routine of our lives, forget this basic principle. If you are not getting the adequate rest you need, the consequences will reflect in your appearance over time. Look at sleep as an investment. Not only is it vital to your physical and mental health, it has a dramatic impact on your aesthetics as well.

2. How About a Slice of Cucumber? The old wives’ tale is right. Cucumbers are ideal in restoring vitality to the eyes.  Make sure they are cold, as this amplifies the soothing effect. This coolness reduces the blood vessels around your eyes, decreasing the puffiness.  Cucumber juices have also shown to lighten the dark circles under the eyes in some cases.

3. Take a Cool Sip of Water.  The ultimate hydrator, water not only nourishes you internally, but also helps to replenish your skin. Often, under-eye circles are a sign of dehydration. Therefore, it doesn’t matter how many expensive topical creams you apply, if your body is parched, all of your efforts will be futile. So fill your glass and drink as much water as you can. I promise, you’ll see the results in your radiant skin. (Here are some tips on increasing your water intake.)

4. It’s Time for Tea. Are you an avid tea-drinker? Don’t throw the bag away! Make sure the tea bags have cooled (of course), and apply them to your eyes for a few minutes. The most effective tea bags for this remedy contain tannin, which constrict skin tissue (read: tighten up your baggy circles). Tannin is actually used in a number of health and beauty aids. Like the cucumbers, you will find this treatment very relaxing and effective.

Who knew that eliminating these pesky puffs was so easy? Try these techniques at home, and let me know how they work for you.

What are your tips for getting rid of puffy eyes and under-eye circles?

Friends, my inner mixtress has resurfaced. I am ready to get back into the lab (well, actually my kitchen, lol) and start creating some magic.  The best part is…I want to share this with you!

I am hosting a gathering in which we can get together to experiment, invent and assemble our very own products. These do-it-yourself treats make excellent gifts for your loved ones. Or, alternatively, keep them all for yourself. (Hey, you deserve it! ).

So mark your calendars and come join me and my friends for an evening of  enjoyment and creative energy.

DIY-Palooza!

Learn how to create and mix your own:

• Bath Salts and Body Scrubs

• Facial Mists and Masks

• Hair Care Products

• Aromatherapy Blends

When: Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 6:00 p.m.

Where: Memphis, TN (specific location TBA)

Cost: $7.00 (includes supplies and of course, your take-home goodies!)

If you are planning to attend, please RSVP at misslycia@alldaynatural.com.

Come prepared to play, be creative, and most importantly, have fun! Can’t wait to see you there!

What are your favorite DIY creations?

Friends, last year when I attended the North Carolina Natural Hair Care Expo, I met and introduced you to this adorable (did I mention gorgeous!) duo, Jameka and Sierra, known collectively as Pretty Natural Divas.  These lovely ladies, who began their journey representing for the natural hair college community, write and produce videos on all things natural hair. As part of their mission to inspire ladies to embrace their natural hair, they also have a Pretty Natural Divas product line. Aren’t they amazing? Learn more about Pretty Natural Divas from one of the co-founders, Jameka. (Sierra’s story coming soon!)

1. I absolutely love the story of how you two met and formed a friendship. Can you share with our readers how “Pretty Natural Divas” came to fruition?

We have disagreements on how we actually came up with PND lol. It depends on who you ask. Sierra is my “natural hair big sister” and through that we became close friends. We stayed up chit chatting about natural hair often and other goofy things. One night we were up and talking about how it would be cool to have a off the wall/in your face tshirt about natural hair, and jokingly we talked about making a company and doing so. We stayed up for hours that night putting together ideas, and then over that winter break we made a FB page, blog, and store. Here we are 1 year later

2. The clothing designs in the “Pretty Natural Divas” store are distinctly creative, and the messages are so inspiring. What was your motivation for creating this product line?

Aww, thanks. We are both big goofballs and jokesters, and that’s pretty evident in our tees. We knew that there were very [few] t-shirt companies geared to making positive and celebratory remarks when it came to black women and their hair so we wanted to do so. We started with a focus on celebrating natural hair, and have since broadened to include some styles that just celebrate being an African-American female, in general. Our customers have expressed that they don’t always want a tee that makes them the spokesperson for natural hair. They suggested subtle tees that weren’t as “in your face” like some of our styles, thus we have shirts for both occasions.

3. In your “Spotlight Saturdays” series, readers showcase their dynamic natural hair styles. Can you tell me your favorite hairstyle and how you achieved it?

My favorite hairstyle varies based on the day of the week, the month, the season, etc. I used to be into doing my hair everyday and then life hit me lol. I’m student teaching on top of working daily, teaching children’s church twice a month, and other priorities. My hair has taken a back seat. I’m currently in love with braid outs. I was a devout “twist-outer” for awhile, until I met the BRAID OUT lol. I haven’t looked back since I started. I’ll actually be sharing this newfound revelation with our readers sooner (as soon as I get time to).

Just as I am now a devout “braid out-er”, I am a devout Shea Moisture fan. I just love their products and their company. We had the opportunity to interview their CEO for our blog, and they sent us some products for our 1 year anniversary celebration to giveaway, so I loveee them. They are the one company who’s products have been consistent no matter what I use. Plus everything is $9.99- can’t beat that!….The products I use to achieve my styles are by Shea Moisture. I use the Curl Enhancing Smoothie, Curl and Style Milk, and Hold & Shine Mist, along with their shampoos, conditioners, and masques. Yep, I own just about everything, lol.
4. What advice do you have for those are considering transitioning to natural hair, especially college students who may have limited funds and time?

You know, I would love to be able to tell all of the answers and say that it’s such an easy process, but I’d be lying. I’m 18 months into the game and I still learn something new every day. The best piece of advice is research! Going natural is not as easy as one thinks. It’s not merely about stopping a perm. People really don’t understand the psychological effects that come with relaxing your hair since childhood and going back to your naturally curly tresses. The online community is so helpful though. There are blogs, vlogs, radio shows, etc. all geared for serving as “support groups”, inspiration, information, etc.

5. What future plans/projects do you have for “Pretty Natural Divas”?

Who knows?! We celebrated our 1 year anniversary of our launch on January 14, 2011. We’re both at very hectic times in life with being in school and working, and balancing the rest of life. We no longer live in the same area, which makes it somewhat difficult too. At this point, blogging and vlogging consistently are focuses because we definitely want to make sure that we’re faithful to our readers/viewers. We launched a lot of new and revamped shirts earlier this year too. #Naturalhair meetups and hair expos may be on the list for the summer too. We went to the North Carolina Expo last year as vendors which was fun. We probably won’t be vendors at any expos this year, but still may travel for some of them. Like I said, who knows…

Keep up with Jameka and Sierra’s intriguing natural hair (and life!) adventures by checking them out on the web below:

Web: www.prettynaturaldivas.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/pndestore

Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/prettynaturaldivas

Facebook: www.facebook/prettynaturaldivas