Sunday Spotlight || Houston's Radio Show Host & Producer Kena Shaw of Chocolateisnatural

Hello Hunny Bunnies.  I am chocolateisnatural Radio Show Host and Producer of chocolateisnatural radio.  My radio show is live on Saturdays from 9-10am CST.  We discuss issues that affect the natural hair community such as love, fibroids, healthy eating, fitness, porosity, traction alopecia and so much more!!!  Visit chocolateisnatural.com to hear archived radio shows.  I live in Houston, TX and I am in graduate school pursuing my Master's in Business Administration from the University of Houston-Victoria.

Q: What inspired you to go natural? 

I was forced to go natural because a lady did a horrible job on my sew in 6 years ago.  Glad she damaged my relaxed hair because this is the longest that my hair has ever been!!

Q: Did you transition, if so for how long?  

Nope, I big chopped.  My hair was far too damaged to attempt to salvage.  

Q: What is the good in your natural journey?  

Knowing that I am loving my scalp and hair the healthy way because I have eradicated relaxers from my hair journey.  

Q: What has been your biggest learning experience in your natural journey? 

Now I understand that finger detangling is best for my 4c natural hair.  I don't use combs, brushes, or heat to style my hair.  Except when I am deep conditioning or using flexi rods.  

Q: What is the meaning behind chocolateisnatural?  

I absolutely LOVE chocolate, I am dark skinned, and I am natural.   How did you come up with such creative brand name?  I needed a catchy name for my YouTube channel.  My brand name has a double meaning.  The real chocolate that you eat is natural and so am I!!!  My brand name is all one word all lower case.

Q: For the newbies transitioning to natural or for those how just the Big Chop, what are your top five tips to maintain natural hair at home?  

1.  Finger detangle your strands.  It takes longer but it is better for your hair.

2.  Sleep with a satin pillowcase or sating scarf.  Go to Sally's to get one.  

3.  Use a good protein treatment once a month like Green Beauty's Real Protein Treatment.

4.  Stop pulling out single strand knots.  Get your shears and cut those bad boys out!!

5.  Find a SIMPLE hair regime that is suitable for your hair and lifestyle.  Deep condition weekly and PLEASE be gentle with your hair.

Q: What is your daily hair care regimen? 

Mine is quite simple.  I wear low manipulative hair styles or protective styles.  Some days I don't do anything with my hair.  

Q: What can we look forward from chocolateisnatural? 

 My t-shirt line will be adding children t-shirts in the next several months!  I am stoked about this addition!!!  T-shirts are available on my website.   

Q: How can we stay connect with chocolateisnatural? 

Visit my website www.chocolateisnatural.com.  I have new blog posts on natural hair, smoothies, infused water, and more!  Be sure to follow me on Instagram chocolateisnatural on Instagram.  I will be having another contest for my Instagram followers real soon!!!

I included Tierra Nicole and I in my latest video that has us at Target for Karen Body Beautiful's Target Tour : Low Manipulative Styles on 4C Natural Hair.  

Thanks so much Tierra Nicole!!

Thank you so much Kena of Chocolateisnatural for sharing your natural hair journey with us!

 Best Wishes with your Chocolateisnatural T-shirts and Radio Show!

Natural Beauties don't forget to get to purchase a Chocolateisnatural t-shirt & visit 

www.chocolateisnatural.com

 Natural Beauties, if you have a story to share with the group please feel free to email me at tierra@tierranicole.com

-I am here to inspire other EMBRACE their Natural Beauty!

Do What Come Naturally!

You can find me at www.tierrnicole.com or 

"LIKE" my facebook fan page Tierra Nicole

www.facebook.com/itsTierraNicole

Follow me on Twitter/Instagram @itsTierraNicole

For inquires tierra@tierranicole.com

Your beauty comes from within. You are & You are Natural<3

~Tierra Nicole

Let's Get Know Monique of ItsMeItsMo The Founder of "New Orleans Natural Hair Expo!"

Hey Natural Beauties,

It's Monique of ItsMeItsMo, and the founder of the "New Orleans Natural Hair Expo!"  My natural hair journey began over 6 years ago, and honestly I have stopped counting the years.  During that time, I have relapse once, and started all over with a TWA.  My staple style is the braid out, and after 6 years, I can admit that it's the only style I have mastered.  Throughout the natural hair community I have been know as Moniero, and now ItsMeItsMo.  In the beginning stages of my journey you could find me on Fotki, Nappturality, and YouTube.

Q&A:

1. What inspired you to go natural? 

Curiosity- I was curious to see what my natural hair looked and felt like.

2. Did you transition, if so for how long?

 I did not transition.  I was already rocking a Halle Berry cut, so it was easy for me to chop it all off!

3. What is the best in your natural hair journey? 

The best thing in my natural hair journey is the versatility, and the ability to individualize myself.  I love being able to go from sleek and straight to my textured fro.  My hair is unique to me, and I absolutely love that. 

4. What has been your biggest learning experience in your natural hair journey?

The biggest learning experience for me was accepting that my journey was MY journey.  Meaning, that what works for one natural beauty may not work for me....my braidout may not look like her braidout. 

5.What is the meaning behind ItsMeItsMo? How did you come up with such creative name?

 It was the easiest thing I have ever came up with in my life.  My real name is Monique, and my family and friends call me Mo.  So, I played off of that , and ItsMeItsMo was born. 

6.For the newbies transitioning to natural or for those who just did the Big Chop, what are your top 5 tips to maintain natural hair at home? 

Tip # 1:  Try and variety of products, and stick with what works.  Tip # 2:  Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize.  Tip # 3:  Learn your hair, and learn from others.  Tip # 4:  Trim, Trim, Trim.  Tip # 5:  Learn and embrace patience.  It's growing, even when it doesn't look like it.

7. What is your daily hair care regimen? 

I wash monthly, co-wash weekly, and style using the LOC method.  The braid out is my signature style, and to maintain it at night I rebraid or pineapple.

8.  What can we look forward to from ItsMeItsMo? 

We are counting down the days to the "1st Annual New Orleans Natural Hair Expo,"  July 5, 2014 at the Contemporary Arts Center of New Orleans.  It's going to be an AWESOME event with great sponsors, vendors, and special guests!  For more information, you can visit www.neworleansnaturalhairexpo.com.  We hope to see you in New Orleans!

9. What are your social media handles?  

You can find me @ItsMeItsmo, and @neworleansnaturalhairexpo. 

Thank you so much Monique of ItsMeItMo for sharing your natural hair journey with us and giving us the 411 about ItsMeItsMo! Best Wishes on your upcoming event! 

Natural Beauties don't forget to get more information about the 1st Annual New Orleans Natural Hair Expo, you can visit www.neworleansnaturalhairexpo.com 

 Natural Beauties, if you have a story to share with the group please feel free to email me at tierra@tierranicole.com

-I am here to inspire other EMBRACE their Natural Beauty!

Do What Come Naturally!

You can find me at www.tierrnicole.com or 

"LIKE" my facebook fan page Tierra Nicole

www.facebook.com/itsTierraNicole

Follow me on Twitter/Instagram @itsTierraNicole

For inquires tierra@tierranicole.com

Your beauty comes from within. You are & You are Natural<3

~Tierra Nicole

Tierra Nicole || Baptism Experience

On Wednesday March 26th at 7:00 p.m, I would love to have all of my family and friends to come be a part of my Baptism Experience at TheLuke Humble.

 2380 S.Houston Ave, Humble TX 77396

I am so EXCITED and full of JOY to get Baptized by Pastor Timothy Sloan. I want everyone who loves me and my family to a part of this great moment. I have been a member of The Luke Humble since January of this year and I feel right at home.

The Luke's motto is "Building Bridges For Future Generations" & they truly live by their motto, by teaching the word of God. We all have to work together to make our future better.

“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today." 

-Malcolm X

Be Inspired By Marie Worthie | Natural Hair Tees

Naturallie Beautiful. Naturallie Worthie

For He Worth is Far Beyond Rubies 

www.marieworthie.com

I Am Undeniable Worthie! Yes, You are too! -Marie Worthie!

Marie Worthie is every black woman, from child to matriarch! Proverbs 31:10 says For her worth is far beyond rubies. Ladies, some rubies are priceless and my darlings, so are we! Too often we forget our worth. Even more often, we allow others to define it for us. The BIBLE has already solidified our "WORTH"! Not only are we naturally beautiful, we are naturally WORTHIE!

1. What inspired you to create Natural Hair T-Shirts?

I have a passion for fashion and love clothes that make a statement about who I am and what I stand for. Someone asked me if thought "natural hair" was just a fad or trend. My answer to that is absolutely NOT! I believe for me and a lot of women who made the choice to "go natural" are also committed to "staying natural". Being natural is actually a way of life or has become a way of life for African American women. Society made us feel that straight hair was beautiful and curly, coily hair was "nappy". When in reality it is the versatility of our hair in its natural state that makes us stand out. People who know me know I love my hair and love to switch it up. You absolutely never know what I'm going to do next. Clothes that make a statement, tend to inspire the audience it's speaking to. I want to inspire naturals, not only are we beautiful, we are "Worthie".

2. When did you realize you wanted to become a fashion designer and how long have you worked as a designer?

In high school, I noticed how people would compliment my outfit, hair, or both.  My high school nurse always said I should go to cosmetology school because she could not believe I did my own hair. I was raised in poverty by a mom who was determined to do better and encouraged us to do the same. Her motto: Get your education! I've only had the pleasure of designing myself and family members! If that counts, at least 15 years or so. I had to make do with very little. The creativity in me actually comes from a "lack there of", of money to attend a salon regularly and get new clothes on a constant basis. My mom finished her bachelors degree with 5 children and watching her was nothing short of amazing.

3. How do you define your T-shirts?

 Worthie! Her name is MarieWorthie. Not only are we naturallie beautiful, we are naturallie worthie. I've got good hair, no lye is a statement. We are no longer confined to the beliefs of society, but we are embracing who we are, naturallie! Our culture and community are making strides in accepting our "natural" beauty. We still have a ways to go, but we are definitely making progress.

4. What are some of your fashion goals?

My fashion goals are to empower women to know ,own and wear their worth. Women are the prize! Once we know and own who we are, we are unstoppable! I remind myself daily that I am a child of the MOST HIGH GOD and I AM WORTHIE! This shirt is simply the beginning of a movement to enlighten some and remind other women just who they are. Life has a way of making you feel the exact opposite sometimes. We as women wear many hats that has the potential to become so overwhelming. We can't get stuck in rut from the pressures of day to day life. Notice I said stuck. If no one encourages us, we must learn to encourage ourselves, compliment ourselves and most importantly, LOVE ourselves and KNOW our worth! Tees, clothes, accessories and many more will come from MarieWorthie!

5. Where can readers purchase your shirts?

Tees can be purchased at www.marieworthie.com. Also follow me @mworthie on Twitter and MarieWorthie on Facebook and Instagram!

-- Roberta with “Marie Worthie” gave me 3 of her 

I've Got Good Hair NO “Lye” Tee Shirts to GIVEAWAY

Natural Beauties 3 of you have an opportunity to WIN 1 of her shirts. 

Giveaway details are on my Instagram @itsTierraNicole

**GIVEAWAY Valid until 11:59pm EST Saturday March 8th

Thank you so much Roberta with “Marie Worthie” for sharing information about your brand Marie Worthie and I’ve Got Good Hair NO “Lye” Tee Shirts and Sponsoring 3 of your shirts for the GIVEAWAY!!!

Natural Beauties take advantage of the Giveaway 

- I’ve Got Good Hair NO “Lye” Tee Shirt promotion on my Instagram page @irsTierraNicole.

Natural Beauties, if you have a story to share with the group please feel free to email me at tierra@tierranicole.com.

-Here to inspire others to embrace their natural beauty through hair, fitness/health, fashion, self-confidence, motivation and life. Do what comes naturally. You can find me at www.tierranicole.com or “Like” my page on Facebook Tierra Nicole http://www.facebook.com/itsTierraNicole .

 Follow me on Twitter/Instagram @itsTierraNicole For inquires tierra@tierranicole.com 

Your beauty comes from within. You are who You are & You are Natural♥

EXCLUSIVE BLOGGER EVENT @ Indique with Tierra Nicole

An Evening with Indique- Blogger's Edition Hosted by your truly Tierra Nicole. Indique is an internationally known hair extension brand with retail stores across the United States and distributors throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, Africa and Central America. Indique Hair recently opened a boutique here in our city. 

We would like to cordially invite everyone who is a part of the hair, beauty, and fashion industry to have an opportunity to learn about Indique and its culture. 

The event will be held this Saturday, February 22^nd 4-6pm at The Indique Hair Boutique located at 8715 Stella Link Rd, Houston, TX 77025(FREE EVENT). There will be mixing & mingling, giveaways, Q & A, and refreshments.  Also, learn tips & tricks from Indique Partner Stylists Joy Williams and Margaret Fahnbulleh. We hope to see you there! 

If you have any question please feel free to call the 

Boutique Manager, Tracelia Coats at  713-218-0885 or via email at tcoats@indiquehair.com.

EMBRACE Your Natural Beauty,

Tierra Nicole 

Luxurious Natural Hair Care | ADORE CURLS

Adore Curls is an all natural hair care line that caters to those who choose to wear their hair in its naturally curly state.  All Adore Curls products are mixed, blended, prepared and packaged by the creator of Adore Curls, Kendra James, in her home and with her own two hands.  There are no large manufacturing facilities; all products are created especially for each client.  Luxury ingredients places Adore Curls above the rest!

Q&A:

(1) What inspired you to create Adore Curls?

-- I decided to go natural in September of 2008 after receiving yet another scalp burn from a relaxer.  I transitioned for 9 months, then decided to BC.  After my BC I was a bonafide Product Junkie.  I tried every product under the sun, and soon realized that the key to healthy hair and great products is quality ingredients. Sure some products smelled fabulous, some products had big money marketing, etc. - but many of the "products" that worked for me were raw ingredients... and when mixing those raw ingredients together the results were even more amazing.  I started mixing my own products together and using them on my hair and skin - and after much request from friends and family I decided to launch the line to allow other Naturalistas the ability to pamper and indulge their curls!

(2) What makes Adore Curls different from the other hair care products?

-- With Adore Curls it is all about the ingredients and personal involvement.  Everything is made in my home with my own hands... no mass production, only fresh quality ingredients.  For instance, many products use coconut oil - but there are different types of coconut oil; and with most fresh ingredients storage is key.  Adore Curls uses Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil and ensures that all raw ingredients are properly stored to ensure freshness, odor, texture, etc. are as they are meant to be.  Many larger companies don't have that personal involvement - certainly not in each batch.  And many smaller companies skimp on the quality of ingredients because "organic", "unrefined", "pure", "fairtrade", etc. all equates to a higher cost - but they are all very important in the quality of the product and the outcome to your hair (and skin!).

(3) What are the main ingredients in Adore Curls products?

-- Shea Butter, Golden Jojoba Oil, Argan Oil, Pure Vitamin E... these are key ingredients for Adore Curls; but we use many other ingredients that work wonders.  For instance EVOO, Castor Oil, etc. are major ingredients in Liquid Luxe Oil which is a top seller for hair and body.

(4) Where can readers purchase Adore Curls?

-- Adore Curls products can be purchased exclusively online at our website: AdoreCurls.com Readers can also follow us on Instagram where we post coupon codes and host giveaways, @AdoreCurls

-- Coupon Code:

30% off your first order of 2 or more items

Tierra30

**Valid until 11:59pm EST Saturday January 18th

Thank you so much Adore Curls for sharing information about your products and the promotion code.

Natural Beauties take advantage of the products promotion. 
Adore Curls works wonderful with my hair!

Natural Beauties, if you have a story to share with the group please feel free to email me at tierra@tierranicole.com.

-Here to inspire others to embrace their natural beauty through hair, fitness/health, fashion, self-confidence, motivation and life. Do what comes naturally. You can find me at www.tierranicole.com or “Like” my page on Facebook Tierra Nicole http://www.facebook.com/tierranstith .
 Follow me on Twitter/Instagram @Tierranstith For inquires tierra@tierranicole.com  

Your beauty comes from within. You are who You are & You are Natural♥

 ~ Tierra Nicole

Kim Coles Book Singing at Natural Resources Salon | Gratitude Journal

Late Blog Post

On Saturday December 21st I had the opportunity to see the Lovely Comedian/Inspirationalist Kim Coles for the second time at Natural Resources Salon in Houston, TX

Ms. Kim Coles came back to Houston to promote her new book the Gratitude Journal. 

"Choose to Live Life Out Loud"

Actress and comedienne Kim Coles 

shares her personal journey of self-discovery while 

providing simple tools to shorten the distance

between surviving and thriving.

Kim invites you to take 30 days and focus on

being grateful, from loving yourself to celebrating 

your friends and family. This gratitude journal 

makes it easy to begin shifting your focus, so you 

can really celebrate what's important and rise to

your highest potential.

This gratitude journal is the first in the 

"Open the G.I.F.T.S" book series.

GRATITUDE

INTENTION

FORGIVENESS

TRIUMPHS

SELF-LOVE

I am going to start the new your off right by reading Ms. Kim Coles book. I am so grateful for all the blessings my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has done for me. He's brought me a mighty long way with personal, physical, mental, and spiritual growth. I know I have a lot more growing to do as I am only 20 years (turning 21 January 21st) and have my whole life to live. I am working everyday to become a better me.

Ms. Kim Coles truly believes the first step to being the best YOU is GRATITUDE.

Natural Beauties I truly believe you should pick this book up for yourself or for a special relative/friend. I purchased two books. One for my mom as a Christmas gift and one for myself. It's very important to be grateful and not to take life for granted. 

Have An ATTITUDE of Gratitude! -Kim Coles

 Natural Beauties Have a Happy New Year! 
If you have a story to share with the group please feel free to email me at tierra@tierranicole.com.

-Here to inspire others to EMBRACE their natural beauty 
through hair, fitness/health, fashion, self-confidence, motivation and life. 
Do what comes naturally!
You can find me at www.tierranicole.com or “Like” my page on Facebook Tierra Nicole www.facebook.com/itstierranicole . Follow me on Twitter/Instagram @itsTierraNicole For inquires tierra@tierranicole.com  

Your beauty comes from within. You are who You are & You are Natural♥

 ~ Tierra Nicole