From the category archives:

Business Owner Interviews

GoDiva Studio Interview

by kcurly on June 17, 2011

in Business Owner Interviews,Featured Ladies,Fitness

It was an honor to interview the founders of GoDiva Dance Studio. I love seeing black owned businesses, but especially a black owned business that focuses on health and wellness. Not only that, but they are all three relaxer free.

If you’re looking for alternative to your daily workout, with a little something extra that might benefit your SO, exotic fitness might be for you!

Now, Kcurly would need a lot of encouragement to do these classes but I am sure it would be fun! Check them out if you’re in the Bloomfield, NJ area!

GoDiva Studio was founded and opened on April 20, 2010 by Ty Smith, Nikki Philip and Sonya Miller, with a mission to empower women to their own sensuality using exotic dance as a form of fitness and has quickly become New Jersey’s premier exotic dance studio. GoDiva Studio is located in Bloomfield, NJ and caters to clientele located in Essex County and beyond. With 5,000 square ft, this space is outfitted with three studios dimly lit with candles and chandeliers, creating a relaxing environment as one embarks on the new adventure of exotic dancing.

 

How did ya’ll get started participating in these types of classes?

Ty: I got started taking exotic dance classes for fitness in 2007 when I moved to Atlanta. I had never been into traditional gym workouts but I recognized I needed to do something to stay in shape.

Nikki: Ty started taking the classes in Atlanta and she would tell Sonya and myself about them.

Sonya: I work out 6 times a week and Ty would share with me her experience taking exotic dance. I looked for classes near me but the closest were in NYC.

 

What are both some mental and physical advantages to the types of classes you offer versus more traditional workouts (such as walking)?

Ty: The advantages of taking these types of classes are that they are more than just a work out. These classes help build confidence, increase flexibility & strength, improve poise, they are fun and most importantly the routines learned can be used to spice up your love life outside of the fitness studio.

Nikki: Mentally the classes help the ladies come out of their shell and combat their shyness by building confidence.  Physically, our customers are getting fit but they are also building strength.   There are people out there who appear muscular and toned but they are not strong.  You can see how strong our customers are getting, especially in the pole classes because they can do things today that they couldn’t do 3, 6 months ago.

Sonya: GoDiva Studio is a place where woman can develop or rekindle their sensuality and self esteem. Many women come to us as a release from everyday stresses. Physically, they reap the reward of 2 or more hours of cardio. Our classes are fun, which attracts our ladies to take all the classes offered in a day. In some cases, they end up taking 3 hours of exotic dance in 5 ¾ stilettos.

 

Could you share with us your most popular classes?

Ty: Our most popular classes are GoBooty Pop, GoPole Tease & GoStrip Tease

Nikki: I agree with Ty.

Sonya: Yeah, GoBooty Pop, GoPole Tease and GoStrip Tease.

 

What advice do you have for the ladies out there who would like to do these classes but  might feel too shy or self conscious to get out there and try it?

Ty: My advice to them would be that over 90% of the women that visit our establishment for the first time felt the same exact way and those women are now the most comfortable and outgoing in the studio. Remember that we are all here to have fun and get fit. This is one of the few places you can go where you will not be judged so get out of your own way and come join the party.

Nikki: If you are close enough to come, go GoDiva Studio :) . If not, try to find a studio that keeps the class size small or do a private session alone or with a few friends.

Sonya: Don’t be afraid, our studio’s ambiance is sexy and inviting. Add exotic dance to your bucket list and stop on by!

 

Tell us more about the “GoParty” service. That sounds very interesting. What types of parties are usually involved?

Ty: The types of parties we usually have are bachelorette, birthday, just because, get over him and many other types of parties.

Nikki: (Ty answered)

Sonya: Same as Ty and we offer party add-ons, such as studio rental. Studio rental in 30 mins or 60 mins sessions allows the ladies to enjoy refreshments or just hang out for girl talk after the instruction. It’s a great addition to any party.

 

We are all aware of the disproportionate rate of obesity in the African American community. As women of color, what do you feel can be done to increase the percentage of African American who make physical activity a part of their lives?

Ty: One of the main reasons for the disproportionate rate of obesity is that many of us do not enjoy working out. We sometimes consider traditional workouts boring and monotonous. We have to continue giving women more attractive fitness options. One of the main reasons why GoDiva Studio was formed was to give women an affordable alternative approach to fitness that they can enjoy.

Nikki: I think the key is finding an activity that you enjoy and adding variety so you don’t get bored. I tend to get bored very quickly so I am always switching things up and that helps tremendously.  I also think we have to encourage one another to become more active. You are more likely to get out and do some sort of physical activity if you are doing it with a friend.

Sonya: From my own experience, it was simply knowledge. In my late 20s I started working out regularly. Before that I didn’t know which types of work outs would produce the best results in my body. Through the years I found the right regiments for me and that kept me entertained. Then just this year I wanted to shed 15 extra pounds and I didn’t know how. My diet was the problem. Through a special eating program I learned how to track my caloric intake and how to eat properly. Now, I am in the best shape I’ve been in my life. I feel if more women were equipped with options of combining the correct cardio and diet they would use it. It’s about getting you out the way and trying a new way of life. GoDiva Studio offers knowledge through our classes we are teaching women that cardio can be fun and sexy!

 

Do ya’ll find having natural hair as an advantage to leading an active lifestyle?

Ty: Though I am natural I wear my hair blown out and it has been a bit of a disadvantage to leading an active lifestyle. However, it has led me to be a bit more creative with the way I wear my hair when I am working out. Now when I workout I wear my hair up in a ponytail and I wear a sweatband so that I don’t completely sweat my roots out.

Nikki: Yes for me having natural hair is definitely an advantage when you’re active, especially when you are wearing wash & go’s.  Now that I wear my hair natural I tend to work out a lot more in the morning because I can just wash my hair afterwards. Working out in the morning helps me quite a bit.  I get up and get it over with as opposed to waiting all day and then finding excuses not to.

Sonya: Yes, I am natural but I choose to wear a full sewed in weave. My weave definitely makes it easier for me to stay active.

 

What is your favorite natural hair style?

Ty: My favorite natural hairstyle is the braid out.  It is my favorite because it is sexy and very flexible.

Nikki: I love twistouts and wash and go’s during the warmer months.  When my hair grows out a little more I will try some other styles.

Sonya: I currently wear my natural hair braided in a sewed in weave. This fall I plan to wear my hair out. Nikki has inspired me to rock the wash and go. I can’t wait to give it a try.

 

{ 0 comments }

Business Owner Interviews: Pooka Pure and Simple

by kcurly on May 7, 2011

in Business Owner Interviews,Featured Ladies

I was honored to interview Dawn Fitch, owner of  Pooka Pure and Simple, a natural handmade product line. Dawn, who runs the company with her three best friends,  has been featured on The Today Show, CBS evening News,Essence Magazine, Black Enterprise Magazine, and Michael Baisden Radio (and now the BIG TIME: Newlynatural.com ;) ).  She is also the author of a book called “Moving Through Opened Doors” about her journey of starting a business. To find out more, visit their website, twitter, YouTube, or Facebook.

Kcurly: What sort of products can we find at Pooka?

Pooka is a line of natural bath and body products!  We have great products for the body and hair. We like to mix good for you ingredients with great delicious scents. We refer to our products as “something good for your skin to eat!”

Kcurly: What separates Pooka products from other skin and body product lines out there?

We feel that Pooka is not just a product but a lifestyle! We believe that we all need to be a little healthier and we try to spread that message through our videos, newsletter, blog and Fanpage. When you buy our products and follow our brand we hope that you’re investing in a healthier way of living.

Kcurly: Do you have any product geared towards those who have allergies or skin reactions?

Allergies are hard because people are sensitive to different things.  Just because things are natural don’t mean that people won’t be allergic to them.  We try to use ingredients that we know are overall safe and good for you.

Kcurly: What is your best selling product?

I’d have to say our Hair Butter!  A great simple butter, thats petroleum free and infused with wonderful essential oils to stimulate growth and soothe the scalp. The added bonus is that you can also use it on your body.

Kcurly: What prompted you to start your own business?

I had gotten sick and with so many doctors telling me that I was fine, I decided to adopt a more holistic lifestyle to make myself feel better.  I became a big label reader for anything that I ate and I started to do the same with my body products.  I was amazed at the chemicals that were in the body products, so I decided to start making my own.  Eventually I started sharing them with people and they liked them.  So after some prompting from my friends, I took the products to a festival and we sold out. Thats when we knew we had a business.

Kcurly: I was interested to see that you have a book about becoming an entrepreneur. A lot more African American women are venturing out to become business owners. What advice do you have for someone who’s thinking of getting started but doesn’t know where to start?

Start with something that you’re passionate about or that you enjoy doing because you are going to spend A LOT of time doing it, LOL!  Don’t get overwhelmed by the process, take it step by step.  Check out your local college or university they usually have a business development center and they can help you to get started. I live by the 3 P’s. If you have the passion and you’re willing to persevere, your purpose will be revealed! You can make it!

Kcurly:  Is there anything else you’d like Newly Natural reads to know about your product line?

We’re thankful for all of the support we get from everyone. That’s why we’re still here!  You can try Pooka by ordering from our website  www.pookapureandsimple.com or Whole Foods Markets.  We also have a great fanpage, so please drop by and experience Pooka!

{ 1 comment }

A Natural Story- Vanessa

by kcurly on March 10, 2011

in A Natural Story,Business Owner Interviews,Featured Ladies

I asked Vanessa to grant me an interview when I saw her artwork and hair. There’s nothing better than seeing a talented woman who also sports a beautiful head of natural hair!  Check out her interview, especially if you’d like to participate in her artistic endeavors! If you’d like to see more of Vanessa’s work at her blog, her Facebook, and her Twitter.

Who Am I?

My name is Vanessa. I’m an artsy island girl from Bermuda.

When did you go natural and what inspired you to do so?

While in University, I was experiencing a lot of difficulty regarding breakage and maintenance of my permed hair. At the time my hair was just below my ears and had never really been longer than shoulder length. I had struggled for years with thinning along my hairline and general breakage from continuous roller setting at heat styling.

I’d always tweak my permed hair styles to show more volume and texture until one day the idea of “going natural” came to me. I thought about it for almost half a year, during which time I searched online for natural hairstyles and advice regarding care. I did meet quite a bit of resistance amongst people who knew little to nothing of natural hair and those that viewed it as something inferior or ugly. I found nappturality.com along with fotki and together they became a wonderful way in which to connect with other nappturals across the globe and learn more. My decision was easily made, I transitioned over the course of two months and did my first BC in 2003 followed by another in 2005.

It took me a long time to learn how to care for my natural hair. During the early part of my journey, the only resources I had were online websites and random suggestions from friends (who weren’t natural). I had to learn many things the hard way, regarding what products to stay away from, how important moisture is, the benefits of protective styling, which dyes can damage hair, why deep conditioning treatments are important etc. the list goes on. But today, I can happily say I’ve got it down.

What is your current regimen to keep your tresses healthy?

My hair is best classified as 4a/4b, zig-zag to tightly coiled. It is of medium thickness with fine, coarse strands. It took me quite a few years to find a regime that really works:
  • I shampoo using a sulphate free shampoo such as Qhemet Biologics Egyptian Wheatgrass Cleansing Tea.
  • I condition after every wash using Organics Hair Mayonnaise along with Suave Coconut Conditioner.
  • While my hair is full of conditioner, I detangle using a wide-tooth comb. This is the only time during my routine that I detangle my hair. I do not do so throughout the week or any other point because my hair breaks easily, especially around my hairline.
  • After rinsing out the conditioner I apply Qhemet Biologics Amla Oil Nourishing Pomade to my scalp. Following this I apply a water based moisturiser to my hair, Qhemet Biologics Burdock Butter Root Cream and then seal in the moisture with an oil based moisturiser such as Qhemet Biologics Amla and Olive Heavy Cream
  • When wearing my hair loose for long periods of time, I moisturise it daily and section it into large twists or braids at night to reduce tangles.
  • If I am wearing a protective style (typically twists) I tend to moisturise once or twice through the week. I find that the best thing to revive twists after a good nights sleep, is steam from the shower.

What do you love most about your hair?

I love the versatility of natural hair above anything else. There is an endless array of styles to choose from and even after being natural for this long I still have not tried them all. In addition, I believe that my natural state is the best reflection of who I am personally, like an extension of my personality. One minute it can be wild and funky, and the next, chic and very classic.

What’s your favourite style to wear?

I tend to wear two strand twists quite often in pinned up styles and I often wear the resulting twist-out for 3-4 days. And if laziness takes over I just let my hair do whatever it pleases until the next wash.

What advice do you have for newly natural ladies?

Wow, there’s so much to say. I have learned so much through the years so I’d happily share these tips with all newbies:

  • Do not compare yourself to others. It is self defeating and unreasonable
  • Focusing less on hair length and more on health is the key
  • Everyone’s view of “their journey” is different
  • It’s important to enjoy and have fun with your hair, we only live once!
  • Water based moisturisers hydrate/moisturise hair
  • Oil based moisturisers seal in moisturiser as oppose to providing it. Thus, they work best when applied to damp hair or on top of a water based moisturiser
  • Detangling often is not necessary
  • Trimming only when necessary is sufficient
  • Wearing your hair in the same style too frequently can be damaging
  • Harsh shampoos with sulphates strip hair of moisture and should be avoided. Natural shampoos/rinses exists and can even be made at home
  • Products should not be applied so heavily that they create build up on the scalp. Most times, less is more
  • There’s nothing wrong with learning from experience.
  • Remember it’s YOUR journey, you have nothing to prove to anyone unless it’s yourself.

What do you look to for inspiration when creating your art?

Art is a very important aspect of my life and has been a big part of me since childhood. I would say that people inspire me. People mean a lot to me, they are often the source of happiness, laughter, sadness and confusion. I have always been intrigued by the series of personal transformations that people undergo in life to ultimately find a brief state of balance before the next series of transformations.
Specifically as women, we are continuously transforming in marriage, careers, motherhood, friendships etc. Everyone is always on a journey consisting of transformations and balance. I am a granddaughter, a daughter, a mother, a wife, an aunt, a friend… as such this concept is very real to me.  At this point in my life I find this fascinating and most certainly worth depicting.

So it is my hope and aim to create art that addresses this concept. It is part of my artist statement, which I am steadily working to express.

As far as your art is concerned, what are your future plans?

I would like to steadily develop my art goals and address more “women’s issues” through my work.

I’m also looking to do some work on women who wear their hair in it’s natural state. So, I would REALLY love it if any natural women, who are interested in being painted, would contact me via one of the [aforementioned] links. I’m hoping to do a series by summer and am looking for reference material.

In regards to long term goals, I just want to continue doing what I love and what I have passion for. It’s been very fulfilling and I want to make more time for it and take it as far as I can.

 

{ 3 comments }

Post image for Business Interview- Au Naturel Diva Apparel

Business Interview- Au Naturel Diva Apparel

by kcurly on January 29, 2011

in Business Owner Interviews,Featured Ladies,Hair Accessories

Still on the lookout for the perfect natural hair tee? What about natural hair tote with just the right amount of sophistication? You may find what you’re looking for at the Etsy store Au Naturel Diva.

Shawntal, the owner and a lovely natural, has kindly agreed to share her natural hair journey with us as well as a little about her  ”bidness”.

The Lady

Big Chop

Kcurly: How long have you been natural?

I have been natural since April 5, 2010. I did my big chop much earlier than I planned at 11 months, 3 days.  I thought I was going to be a 2 year transitioner, but I began to see my curls & waves forming, developed serious hand-in-hair disease, and thought that this would be the PERFECT opportunity to try rocking short hair for once (chopped down to 4 inches), since I’ve been SL-MBL most of my life.  My hubby is a long hair lover, so I thought cutting would be disasterous.  But as my curls started forming, especially in the back, where it was almost all natural at the end of 11 months, I began to hate trying to manage the 2 textures. I set my curlies free almost 10 months ago and it was the best decision I ever made!! I have thoroughly enjoyed every stage of my journey to natural from TWA to presently APL so far!  I’m natural for life!  In just 9 months, I’m already back at APL. My hair is really taking off!

First puff

Kcurly:  What styles did you use to transition?

I cowashed almost daily during my transition and wet-bunned my hair A LOT.  I wet-bunned so much that my boss was amazed that I had long hair one day when I straightened and wore it out.  Another girl at my job assumed I had weave when I first started working at my firm b/c my hair was long then and later always pulled back or short.  I also wore my hair flat ironed occasionally and in braidouts and twistouts occasionally. I couldn’t achieve even 2nd day hair when transitioning, so I bunned a lot because the braidouts and twistouts took a long time to just rock them for 1 day.

Recent puff

Kcurly: What is your current hair care regimen?

Currently, I wear my hair curly about 99% of the time. I only straighten every 4 months for my trim day and keep it straight by wrapping at night for 2-3 days after my trim so my hubby can get his long, straight hair fix.  I just love to cowash and my hair seems to thrive off cowashing!  I love feeling the water on my scalp everyday. I love how soft my hair feels and how healthy it is after cowashing.  I also seem to be growing fast and retaining length.

I cowash daily in the shower with Herbal Essence Conditioners (I use 2 at a time: Long Term Relationship, None of Your Frizziness &/or Totally Twisted).  I detangle with a wide tooth comb with conditioner in.  I wash and go or some variance of a coil out, puff or twist up daily.  Occasionally, to achieve 2nd day hair, I will rock a puff the 2nd day.  I use EZ combs A LOT!  My fave leave-ins are Victoria’s Secret So Sexy Nourish Conditioner, Mixed Chicks Leave-in and Shea Moisture Curl Smoothie.

Eight months post BC

I deep condition 1-2x per week with Mixed Chicks Deep Conditioner or Redken Smooth Down Butter Treat and EVOO or Argan Oil and honey.  I either overnight DC or sit under the dryer.  I do a protein treatment (Affirm 5-in-1) once a month or every other month.  I only shampoo once every 2-3 weeks, once through with Mixed Silk Shampoo (Sally Beauty).  Very simple regimen, but I’m a product junkie and rotate products often depending on how I want my curls to look.

Kcurly:  Do you ever face any opposition to your natural hair? If so, how do you handle it?

I face opposition to my hair at times, but mostly encouragement and admiration.  It doesn’t bother me much, because I am SO HAPPY with my hair and my decision and the versatility it has given me, I don’t care.  My husband is not a big fan of short hair, but even his lack of interest and lukewarm reception hasn’t bothered me as much as I thought it would.  If I weren’t as happy and confident, it might.

Half Afro with EZ comb

The biggest pet peeve I have is the “you have good hair, so you can go natural….I can’t” comment.  I also hate the “your hair was pretty relaxed…why’d you mess with it” comments.  You couldn’t get me to go back to a tight, scabby, flaky scalp, weekly drag-out hair appointments that took too much time and money,  chemical smells and burns, planning life around appointments and touch ups, and the boredom of my straight hair for anything.  Plus, I can achieve that look with a simple flat iron.  I try to channel my frustration with people’s ignorant perceptions of natural hair toward empowering and assisting other women and designing beautiful apparel that can help them flaunt their natural beauty!

Current length

Kcurly: What do you love most about your hair?

I love the thickness, shine, curls and coils and multiple textures, and now, the length I am gaining. I love that it is healthy and that I don’t have itchy, flakey, burned scalp and headaches anymore.  And I love that it is not chemically altered. I love when little black girls look at my hair and it looks like theirs. I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE being natural!!

Kcurly: Do you have any advice for the newly natural ladies out there?

Do your research, try different products, seek out people with like textures for mentoring and assistance, block out any negativity, and embrace the journey. Don’t focus on what you WISH your hair looked like or how long you WISH it was.  Enjoy the stage you’re in!  Chart your journey and feelings through pictures and journals!  Help others!  And have fun with it.  Confidence will show and others will love the new you!  Oh, and STAY NATURAL! :)  LOL…lastly, visit my online store at www.aunatureldiva.etsy.com and purchase some shirts and tote bags! ;)

The Bidness

Kcurly: What prompted you to start your own online store?

I love to patronize other sisters who are selling natural hair shirts and I have several shirts and totes. I felt that I had good original ideas to put out into the universe that could bring light and love, confidence and celebration to natural divas. I love a good, quality buy, so I wanted to put nice, higher quality apparel out there so my fellow natural divas could really let their natural lifestyle flow through. It’s a lifestyle for me!  I had some many people coming to me for assistance and advice, and I had great ideas for shirts that I wanted but couldn’t find anywhere, I decided to create my own.  I have always been passionate about our black culture, and this is my small contribution.  Black is SO beautiful!
Kcurly:  What or who inspires your creations?

Inspiration comes to me at odd times and in odd ways. I could be on a flight, or in a mall, or driving and have to pull over and write my idea down.  It’s really random. LOL!  Mostly, beautiful natural women I’ve seen and the images that I have of black beauty inspire me.  And I am inspired by the women who undertake this journey in that I want to provide them support. I feel that if they buy a shirt and it makes them feel good and it goes with their personal style, their beauty will radiate because they will feel beautiful!  I really got into this for the love of everything natural and black!  I am an attorney, so it was not a need for money, but rather a need to express my feelings about black female beauty.  And the men are responding and wanting designs too, which are in the works. Summer and fall apparel (tanks and hoodies) are coming.  And children’s shirts are in the works!  This is just the beginning. :)
Kcurly: Do you have a favorite design?

I love them all! I even plan to rock the “Rock Out with your Locs Out” shirt because I think the artwork is just so exquisite!  I love people with locs, even though I don’t have them. Puffs looks SO REGAL, like a natural crown, so I love that shirt.  I love Marcus Garvey’s quote about removing the kinks from your mind, not your hair and use it often to combat ignorance!  And I am a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (thus the DIVA reference), so the red and crimson designs are a little shout out to my natural sorors!  And of course, I’m a curly girl, so the Curls Gone Wild shirt is my absolute fave of them all!  Love the tote bags too!
Kcurly: What future plans do you have in store?

Tote bags are now available.  Tank tops and hoodies are coming.  A more unisex shirt (not as feminine as the babydoll style) is in the works, as well as a men’s shirt– both for locs.  I have children’s shirts being developed as well. I would like to do a line catering to greek sisters who are natural featuring sorority colors and references.  I plan to do some vending nationwide and have been approached about some other collaborations and partnerships.  I am just really blessed that everyone loves my designs as much as I do!
This year, I also plan to launch a natural hair blog and convert the current Etsy store to a stand alone online store.  I may eventually open a physical location in my city.  I’d also like to publish books about embracing your beauty for children and adults.  I have big dreams, and I am taking things step by step and trying to provide quality along the way!  Thanks so much for this opportunity to meet your followers and have them meet me and my designs!

{ 6 comments }

Interview with Danesha From GoNappturale

by kcurly on August 12, 2010

in Business Owner Interviews,Featured Ladies,Hair Tools/Other

A few days ago, I posted about this cool new phone app called GoNappturale. Well, one of the creators, Danesha, agreed to be interviewed for Newly Natural! Let’s find out more about the mind behind one of the few phone applications out there that cater to African American women!

The Lady

Kcurly: How long have you been natural?

Danesha: I have been natural for 6 months. I didn’t get a relaxer until I joined the military, which was around age 19. I am from California and I had always gotten my hair pressed..right into adulthood. When I was stationed in VA I went to get a press and the stylist pulled out a flat iron. I was like “What in the world are you going to do with that?” She told me they didn’t press hair in VA. She would flat iron it and try to get it as straight as she could.

Pressed hair in a chinese bob during high school graduation

I already knew that was not going to work and because I lived in barracks there was no way that I would be able to use the pressing comb that I had. So the following week after walking around with a huge mushroom, I let her relax it. I hated my hair after that. My hair had always been shiny, bouncy, and seemed like the relaxer had stripped all of that away and then to add insult to injury I started slowly watching my hair break off, which was devastating. This was hair I had grown for close to 20 years.

Kcurly: What is your regimen at this time?

Danesha: I co-wash only. Its funny, I have always Co-washed because shampoos were always to harsh on my hair. I clarify my hair with vinegar to remove residue. I use a coconut oil or minute amount of shea butter as a leave in.

"Accidental" asymmetrical bob due to breakage

Kcurly: Do you ever face any opposition to your natural hair? If so, how do you handle it?

Danesha: Hmmm not sure if I have faced anything blatant. I honestly don’t pay attention to what others feel when it comes to my appearance. As long as I am comfy thats all that matters. That is something that was ingrained as a child, succumbing to peer pressure was never an option. My mother has always told us, “Peer pressure is non-existent, you did it because you wanted to”. So I have always kept that in the back of my mind. I do it, because I want to.

Kcurly: What do you love most about your hair?

Danesha: The thing I love most about my hair is being free. No more sleeping with a crook in my neck to preserve a hairstyle.

Natural hair-micros "I have been wearing braids to protect my hair, and during the summer because me and my daughter love the pool"

Kcurly: What has been the hardest part of being natural?

Danesha: Its actually been really easy for me. One day, I was just over it. Went to my moms house and I let her take clippers to my head and just shaved it all off. I think my daughter was more in shock than anybody. LoL She cried because she thought that I looked like a boy. I explained to her that “mommy wants healthy long hair like you” and that made her feel batter. She immediately asked if we were going to be twins and I told her yes.

Kcurly: Do you have any advice for the newly natural ladies out there?

Danesha: Do it when you’re absolutely ready, that way it will not matter what anybody says to convince you otherwise. I feel like this, should you decide to go natural, hair is like that man that you are finally fed up with and you are just SO done and he can do all of the begging and pleading that he wants but nothing is going to change your mind…thats how it should be. When you are beyond the point of feeling bad about making a decision thats right for you, thats when you need to take that step. If you do it before, you will question your decision and might be convinced to back peddle. You have to be strong willed in order to go against the grain of societies idea of beauty.

The “Bidness”

Kcurly: So, you’re an African American female developer. I know that can be rare  in some places. How did you get started in this field?

Danesha: As I mentioned earlier I was in the military, the navy to be exact and about a year before getting out I enrolled in school in a C.I.S (Computer and Information Science) program and have been going ever since. Even at that time, I was the only African-american female in all of my classes. I loved technology and the endless opportunity. I have always loved math and science, so technology was a natural progression for me.

Kcurly: What, if any, other apps have you developed besides GoNappturale?

Danesha: We currently have 3 apps in the making. With another geared towards the ladies but also the gentlemen. We have an entertainment site coming out as well, that I think people will love. I cant give too much away because we have NDA’s floating around and we are still in development. All of these products will be out before the end of the year. I will keep everyone informed via twitter ((@matriarcmedia)) and my website www.matriarcmedia.com. As we update products we will add them to the site display. I will continue to create resources that compliment our lives and make our day to day, more convenient.

Kcurly: What prompted you to start developing apps for African American women?

Danesha: Wow, it just seems like when it comes to the Tech industry we aren’t well represented. Just perusing the app stores and products in general it was weird to see how other demos are targeted with black women not being one of their main focuses. We spend money and a lot of it and they need to earn our dollar just as they work hard for anyone else’s.

Maybe they don’t know how to do it, but I think its more about not wanting to put the effort in. They want a guaranteed formula for how to capture the interest of the woman of color, well its not that easy, you have to pay attention and take notes. We are dynamic, changing everyday. I know this and I am a black woman, so I looked at the products that I wanted to see and I asked girlfriends and relatives. We want what everybody else wants: convenience, reliability and quality. I feel as women, regardless of ethnicity, there are things that we like and enjoy. As women of color, you can take it a step further. Culturally, there are things that we gravitate towards and beauty (more specifically our hair) is one of them. So it was a no brainer for me that GoNappturale would be the first app to drop.

Kcurly: What has been the response to GoNapptural?

Danesha: The response has been overwhelming, but thats a good thing. I think this is something that we need. We need products made for us, by us. I have even had non African-american websites review the app and I think that is great! The larger the response the better because it allows us to keep creating. When it comes to technology you can get with it or get left behind. Its constantly changing and improving and we need to stay ahead of the curve.

Kcurly: Are there any upgrades or changes you have planned for GoNappturale?

Danesha: Yes, yes and yes! One of the main components of putting out a product or service is that you will receive reviews and suggestions to make the product better. The one consensus was a rating system. Customer service is imperative to guarantee the success of a business and reviews bring in new business and help it flourish while allowing the customer to make an educated and informed decision on whether or not to spend their money there. It is extremely important to give women these tools. It will weed out those not providing quality service.

{ 3 comments }

Post image for Jessica’s Jewels-An Interview

Jessica’s Jewels-An Interview

by kcurly on March 18, 2010

in Business Owner Interviews,Featured Ladies

Thanks to Jessica of  Jessica’s Jewels for sharing her hair journey and beautiful creations with us!

The Lady

How long did you transition and what styles did you use to do so?

I transitioned twice. The first time, I had been wearing my hair in a curly style for about 10 years using what I thought of as a ‘texturizer’. I decided I wanted a change so I went to a new hairdresser for a blowout and trim so that I could wear my hair straight. While I was relating my history and current regime, she asked me, “Have you ever considered going natural, and just letting it grow out?” I can still remember the shock I felt, it was like, “I can do that?” In my family, you have to ‘do something’ to your hair (My mom still struggles with how I chose to wear my hair)!

My hair had never been very healthy and never got past my shoulders. In part because I didn’t know how to care for it and had just resigned myself to having “bad hair”.

So, with the encouragement of my new hairdresser (I still love Michelle at Body & Soul in Chicago), I stopped relaxing and began using heat to straighten my locks. I grew out my hair for about 8 months, but gave myself some serious heat damage. I didn’t know about wrapping my hair at night or any techniques on extending a blowout. So I started to get a lot of breakage. A LOT of breakage. So it broke off from just about shoulder length to ear length.

I thought at the time, my hair was so fried and lifeless, I had better return to what I was doing before because my hair was healthier then! So I relaxed again twice over a period of 4 months. But I wasn’t happy with my hair and missed the thick fullness I has experienced earlier.

So in August 2008, I decided, there has to be a better way and just decided to see how being natural would be in a curly state, instead of heat straightened (and damaged)!

What is your current regimen to keep your tresses healthy?

I experimented a lot with different products, but have finally found a routine that works for me. I wash with a few drops of Dr. Bronner’s unscented castile soap about once a week. Then I do a moisturizing deep condition or a strengthening deep condition. I do this every week. It’s like a little spa in my living room. :-)

For moisturizing, I use about half a 12oz can of coconut milk (just the solid part), olive oil and honey. For strengthening, I’ve used Cassia in the past, but now I love Lush’s Caca Brun Henna treatments. I used the leftover coconut milk to mix the Henna, which keeps it from being too drying. I’ll sit with either mixture for 4-6 hours, depending on how my day shapes up.

Then, I usually divide my hair in 2 halves. I put a small palm-full of aloe vera gel into each half. I separate my hair into rows for my flat twists, and detangle with a Denman knock-off. I use a LOT of shea butter then flat twist my hair into 4-6 braids on each side.

Every night I mist my hair with a blend of Rose Water and Glycerin and might re-twist, depending on how I’m feeling.

What do you love most about your hair?

The only word to describe my hair is lush. It’s still short, not quite shoulder length (stretched) but I’ve got volume! It feels strong and I have a hard time keeping my hands out of my hair.

What has been the hardest part of your natural hair journey?
Split ends! I’m still struggling with my hair splitting if I look at it wrong. It’s a struggle to keep my ends healthy, recent pics remind me that I need a trim.

What is your go to style these days?

A flat twist out. I’ll put in 8-10 flat-twists at night and in the morning I’ll have beautiful, full coils that last 2-3 days.

Any favorite products/ingredients you just can’t live without?

Shea butter and Aloe Vera gel for my styling.
Coconut oil for my scalp
Coconut milk, honey and olive oil for deep treatments

What advice do you have for the newly natural ladies?

Have fun. The most amazing thing about our hair is that it can be different everyday. Sometimes it different will be totally whether we want it to be or not! Work with your accessories, wear some pretty jewelry and hold your head high.

The business


How long have you been making jewelry?

I started making jewelry with a small group of girlfriends in 2002. I had never worn much jewelry until I started making my own pieces that were customized to fit me and work with my outfits.

What prompted you to start your own business?

I had sold a couple of bracelets or necklaces here and there but nothing systematic. I was getting so many compliments on jewelry that I wore daily. Last year (2009) was very difficult for me, spiritually and emotionally. As the year ended, I learned that my employment contract wouldn’t be renewed and I immediately started celebrating in my head. With any transition like this you have to think very clearly and I spent a lot of time deciding the kind of work I was going to pursue, the kind of companies I’d be willing to work for and the career I wanted to build for myself.

Now, call me crazy, but I figured there was no better time to start a business. The market and economy can only go up and the quickest way to re-employment is self-employment! So, I’m invest my time and making my expensive jewelry habit a lucrative jewelry business!
You have a lot of unique designs. What inspires you in your creations?

Thank you! I wrote a post on this to remind myself! The one thing I love about jewelry making is you have something tangible at the end of your work. Sometimes it’s breathtakingly beautiful, sometimes it’s not, but it’s always a journey. And I love jewelry because it always fits, even if my diet has gotten out of control! It’s a fun way to polish your look and show your personality.

What plans do you have for your site in the future?

Good question! I just released my Spring/Summer collection and recently begun selling items on Etsy.

I plan to continue blogging, I’ve got a couple of interviews with other designers lined up. I’ll also release a wedding line in the near future. And I want to start doing trunk shows and craft events too!

Do you have any advice for the ladies out there who are thinking of starting their own online business?

I am far from an expert, but I’m constantly reminding myself that it is okay to try and okay to fail. More people want to see you succeed and are willing to help you than you believe. And haters only mean you are headed in the right direction!

{ 3 comments }

Curly Zebra

Thumbnail image for Curly Zebra January 11, 2010

CurlyZebra is an up and coming business that makes satin lined hats for cold weather. They were kind enough to do an interview with Newly Natural. To learn more about this company, please check out their website, facebook, or this recent NC.com article. What prompted you to start making these wonderful hats for children? We [...]

Read the full article →

Sarenzo Beads Interview

Thumbnail image for Sarenzo Beads Interview November 18, 2009

Sarah, the owner of Sarenzo’s Beads, granted me an interview about her business and her ideas about her hair. Thanks for letting us get to know you and Sarenzo’s Beads a little bit better. The Lady: When did you go natural and what inspired you to do so? I have always want to have a [...]

Read the full article →

Sunkissed–An interview

October 16, 2009

We all love those natural hair tees! Here is a lady with some big beautiful hair that also makes some beautiful tees…about big beautiful hair! Thanks so much, Chime, for letting us see your hair and your great designs. You can visit Chime’s online store here. Not only does she have natural hair shirts, but [...]

Read the full article →

“Nature’s Indulgence”–An Interview and a Discount!

September 14, 2009

Dionne, the owner of Nature’s Indulgence, granted me an interview about her hair and her line of natural hair care products and other goodies. I have tried her Knuckle Butter and will have a review up tomorrow. I’ve also placed an order to try more of her selections and  I can’t wait. Thanks for sharing [...]

Read the full article →

Swarthy Daisy

June 12, 2009

Here’s another online entrepreneur to provide you with some awesome natural hair inspired gear. Visit her Etsy Store to see more of her great merchandise! These designs are unique and oh-so-cute.  You can also visit her fotki and blog for more pictures and info! The Lady: Kcurly: When did you go natural and what inspired [...]

Read the full article →

A Natural Story-Candace…and some great accessories!

Thumbnail image for A Natural Story-Candace…and some great accessories! May 29, 2009

This is a bit of a combo post. Candace  has been kind enough to be featured and introduce us to her site, Goddess Zuri, a place full of wonderful accessories and natural hair t-shirts. Her accessories range from chic to funky and the t-shirts are to die for. Thanks for sharing with us Candace! The [...]

Read the full article →