Thursday, February 28, 2013

Consignment Shops & Boutiques: Don't Sleep on Fabulous Fashion

Consignment Shops & Boutiques:  Don't Sleep on Fabulous Fashion

By:  Lauren Francis-Jackson
 
 
As a fashionista, I always love a great deal!!  Whether a cute clutch, a nice pair of slacks, or fabulous shoes, great deals on fashions are always a good buy.  When looking for steals on fashion, I used to stick to stores that I know like NY & Co., Lane Bryant, and TJ Maxx.  Whether full priced or racking up on clearance items, I shopped this way for years.  Then, I found a new found love for consignment and boutiques!
 
So why shop consignment and boutiques??  Great question!  With smaller boutiques and non-chain store shopping, it allows me to pick up unique finds that I won't see on someone else who likes to shop at X store.  I love finding a great piece of fashion that expresses my fashion sense.  Last year, I brought a pair of hot pink peep-toe wedges that were by a great brand, Bandolino, for a cheaper price at $23.  I have never seen these shoes on anyone's feet in the DMV, and they make a fun fashion statement with any outfit I have worn them with. 
 
 In addition, I love the cheaper prices that you find at boutiques and consignments shops!  I have gotten Lane Bryant Sweaters and tops at Boomerang Consignment Shop in Gaithersburg, MD for $12 and less.  Often you will find major designer or store brands for a lot cheaper than you can buy it in store.  You can also find good deals on hair accessories, children's toys, purses, and shoes.  I like the embellished headbands that I find at Boomerang's for less than $6! 
 
In addition to better everyday pricing, they tend to do more customer appreciation sales more frequently.  Some shops may offer a discount regularly on a particular day of the week, may offer slaes every few weeks, or offer a discount just because you are a regular shopper!  If you check in frequently or subscribe to their email listing, you can be in the know of when the sales are coming. 
 
So if you are looking for something kind of different and want to save a few bucks on price, check out consignment shops and boutiques!  When buying clothes from these stores, throw it in the washer to make your "new to you" fashions fabulous! 
 
 
~The Sisterlocked Diva

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Sisterlocks and Your Baby Girl: From a Young Girl's Perspective

Sisterlocks and Your Baby Girl:  From a Young Child Perspective

By:  Lauren Francis-Jackson
 
 
As adults, we make our own hair choices and rock our hair however we like!  Whether that be natural, relaxed, or somewhere in between, we exercise the option of CHOICE.  However, children do not have that same luxury because we are making choices for them.  There are many natural options for parents to consider for their child's hair including  braids, cornrows, twists, afro puffs, locs, sisterlocks, and more!  And parents hold an important role in deciding what to do in the best interest of their child. All hairstyles have their positives and negatives in terms of look, style, cost, functionality, and maintenance. 
 
In the world of sisterlocks, there are some more specific factors to consider outside the permanent nature of the style.  Here are some questions to consider prior to beginning the sisterlock process for your child: 
 
 
As the parent, are you able to afford the initial installation and maintenance cost?
Will your child be able to sit for the installation and/or maintenance sessions? 
Do you plan on taking the retightening class or consultant course to learn how to maintain you child's locks?
Will your child like sisterlocks as they get older?
Will you be willing to "take down" the sisterlocks if your child is no longer happy with them?
How will you teach and educate your child about her hair and maintenance when they get older?
 
 One challenge I can see with a young child (under the age of 6) is that they may have challenges in tolerating the long locking session and maintenance sessions.  Developmentally, I would expect them to have challenges for sitting for a really long time as needed.  For play, a young child could have an attention span of 10-15 minutes to attend to one activity.  Not much hair can be retightened in 10 to 15 minutes!  However, for the child who may have difficulty sitting, the trained parent who can retighten hair can be a lifesaver.  One benefit to the parent being skilled to retighten sisterlocks is that this can be accomplished in shorter sessions to meet the child's attention span. 
 
Secondly,  because a young child is just coming into their own and establishing an identity for who they are, the child may mature as they get older and decide they are no longer interested in wearing locks.  Children are easily influenced by their peers, and what may seem like "what everyone else is doing".  They are fickle and may change their mind quite frequently.  Because of the greater permanency of the sisterlocks hairstyle, a parent may want to delay the decision for sisterlocks until a child is more mature and knows the beat of her own drum.  That comes with time as well as getting older. 
 
Thirdly, hair maintenance can be a challenge with young girls.   They tend to fall asleep at a moment's notice, and hair care is not really a priority for a young child. As parents, help your child by talking to her about simple ways she can take a role in her hair care.  Parents should talk to their child in terms that are easy to understand.  For example, you may explain to your child about sleeping with the "shiny" pillowcase as a way to talk about satin pillowcases. 
 
Ultimately, as a parent the choice is up to you whether or not you lock the hair.  In my opinion because of the committment of sisterlocks-- this should be considered when your child can have a "say" in their own hair care and tolerate the lengthy maintenance and hair care needs for sisterlocks.  If you do decide to embark on the journey of sisterlocks with your daughter, enjoy the beauty of the journey!
 
~The Sisterlocked Diva
 
 


Sunday, February 24, 2013

Sunday Spotlight with LaTreya Manning

Sunday Spotlight with Tres Chic Makeup Artistry

By:  Lauren Francis-Jackson
 
 Sunday Spotlight features business owners, bloggers, natural divas, beauty companies, and more as they share their story with The Sisterlocked Diva family!  Recently, I had the opportunity to interview LaTreya Mannings, independent makeup artist, of Tres Chic Makeup Artistry.  Check out my interview with her as we talk spring colors, how to accessorize with makeup as a naturalista, and more! 
 
The Sisterlocked Diva:  Thanks for sitting down to chat with me about makeup!  Let's start with your hair journey!  Tell me about your natural journey.
Tres Chic Makeup Artistry:  It has been 17 years in the making!  I have worn a multitude of hairstyles including wearing wigs, weaves, braids, etc.  I transitioned with braids, and  I walked into the barber shop and asked them to cut it off.  I have had many natural styles as well such as coils, fro, braids, 2 strand twists etc.    In cosmetology school, I learned about all kinds of hair styles.  I just couldn’t commit to a hair style or hair color!
The Sisterlocked Diva:  Wow you have done it all to your hair!  What inspired you to loc your hair?
Tres Chic Makeup Artistry:  I first thought about locs when I saw Lauryn Hill with locs with the release of her CD 'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill'.  I got tired of the weaves and braids and when the economy tanked, my budget couldn’t afford it.  I decided to big chop again—and start from the beginning.  I started my own locs, which were started with two strand twists.  I still do my own locs.  For special events, I go to my best friend, Jackie of TGQ Cutz, for retightening and styles.  My whole household is natural! 
The Sisterlocked Diva:  I loved Lauryn Hill's locs too!  It's great how you have a natural family!  When did you become interested in makeup (to wear)?
Tres Chic Makeup Artistry:  I first was interested in makeup at age 12.  I remember that my sister and I used to do each other's makeup on Friday nights.  My mom would ask "Where are y'all going?"  We weren't going anywhere-- just looking good in the house!  With my first paycheck ever, I brought a lip gloss, wet n wild eyeliner, an issue of Hype Hair, and lipstick.  As I got older as a young adult, I was in the navy, which did not allow me to accessorize as I would like.  You couldn’t do certain colors of nail polish, or certain hairstyles.  In 1995, my friend and I would love to go to the MAC counter.  We would stay and chat with the makeup artists about what are the products and how would you use it. 
 
The Sisterlocked Diva: How did you decide to turn your love of makeup into becoming a licensed makeup artist?
Tres Chic Makeup Artistry:  About 4 years ago, I decided that I wanted to become a licensed makeup artist.  I came up with excuses like my kids are young so I'll do it when they get older.   Because I had a passion for makeup, I wanted to enroll in a certification course that would help me learn the basics.  I went to Vonlee in Pikesville, MD it is a 5 week course that met two days a week.  There is a final exam in which you make over live model.  I graduated in April 2012. 
The Sisterlocked Diva:  Congradulations on your recent graduation!  What types of new skills did you gain from being trained as a makeup artist?
Before & After Lash Application by Treya Manning (Tres Chic Makeup Artistry)
 
Tres Chic Makeup Artistry:  The number one thing I learned was how to use strip and individual lashes.  My friends call me the "lash lady".  I learned how to highlight and contour and why is this important in makeup application.  I learned how lighter eye shadows in the corner bring the eyes closer together, and lighter eye shadows in the outer edge bring the eyes farther apart. I also learned how to use my brushes properly, how to mix colors to make new colors, and how to pick warm and cool colors.  It’s ok to make mistakes—it is a learning process.  Not every shade is going to work for everybody.  It is about trial and error.  It's funny how people think I would go to work with the makeup done up.  At work I have the work face with tinted moisturizer, flesh tones.  I go for a truly basic face.   
The Sisterlocked Diva:  I love makeup, and most of my spplication skills I picked up from having my face done at the MAC counter!  What are some of your favorite makeup lines and brands?
 
Tres Chic Makeup Artistry:  My favorite line before becoming a amakeup artist was MAC.  As a makeup artist, I learned that MAC does not have the best makeup and that cheaper makeup can get the job done too!  Some products that I like are: 
 
  • Obsessive and Compulsive Cosmetics- lip tar with peppermint oil which is not going to dry out your lips.
  • Black Opal foundation stick—cheaper $10 at Walmart
  • Nik cosmetics— I order it online, but ULTA carries the lip glosses, pencils, etc. Also I like the extreme lip cream—looks like a lipstick in a lip gloss tube for $5 to 7.  Pigments for $3.
  • BH Cosmetics- Palettes good for makeup junkies and makeup artists just starting out—blushes, concealers, 50+ shadows
  • Urban Decay- eyeshadows, pigments, and the eyeshadow primer
  • Makeup forever-  HD foundation, translucent powder
 One of the big shows for makeup is usually held in New York. I went to this past year, and  it allowed me to try new lines that I have not tried yet. 
The Sisterlocked Diva:  I am going to try that moisture tip first before lip tars to see if I like them better.  I love my eyes! How can I enhance my eyes using makeup?
Tres Chic Makeup Artistry:  Eyebrows can make or break your eyes!  You have a natural arch to your eyebrow—they need to be shaped nicely.  This is the biggest factor in pretty eyes when applying makeup.  For daytime, you can use flesh color eyeshadow and mascara.  For nighttime, pinks/purples and blacks and greys are my favorite colors.  Work the smoky eye look, and add some fab lashes.  I also like how browns and navy blue can work well for a smoky eye too!
The Sisterlocked Diva:  I love pinks and purples for eyeshadow!  What are some of your favorite eye shadows and lip colors for spring?
Tres Chic Makeup Artistry:  I was researching trends for spring—plums and reds  for lip color are still ideal for spring. Bright red, plums, and coral reds are hot on our complexion.  For eyeshadow, greens and blues are great.  Forest greens, bright green, turquoise, and aqua blue are some of my favorites.   I don’t follow all of the trends however I am loving the bright colors, which follows trends of fashion as well!
The Sisterlocked Diva:  Love bright colors for fashion and makeup!  You said earlier that you do work full time.   How do you balance your full time job and makeup artistry?
Tres Chic Makeup Artistry:  I work as a property manager for an office building.  When I can find time, I fit it in my life.  I do update my website or post pics on Instagram or Facebook.  I am all about my business from 530pm to end of the day during the week.  On my weekends, I am all about my business. 
 
The Sisterlocked Diva:  I am the same way!  I fit it in when I can during the workday, but all about the business after work and on the weekend.  Tell me about your new beauty boutique in Laurel.

Tres Chic Makeup Artistry:  This came about because many people may feel weary about  letting a stranger in their home.  I don’t blame them with how today's society is.  I wanted to have a place to go and be creative.  I also wanted my customers to feel comfortable about coming to me.  This also works best for me.  I also work as the makeup artist for the Ivie Rose Boutique.  They suggested that I look at Finders’ Keepers as a business space after they opened their store there.  The grand opening will be in March! I am still getting it up and running.  My boutique is located at 389 Main Street, Laurel, MD inside of Finders Keepers. 
The Sisterlocked Diva:  That makes sense to open your own space where people can come to you!  What are your specialties and services that you provide?
Tres Chic Makeup Artistry:  I specialize in lashes, natural looking makeup, makeup application, facial threading (chin, lip, full face, eyebrow), and lip and lash parties.  I also do lip foils which is like a lip tattoo for lip color!  It lasts 8 hrs, and you can only drink using a straw.  I have been certified in facial threading since March 2012.
 
The Sisterlocked Diva:  Love how lashes can upgrade your makeup look!  What new projects are you working on for 2013?
Tres Chic Makeup Artistry:  I would LOVE to collaborate with you as The Sisterlocked Diva on a few projects! I will have the grand opening of my boutique in March!  In addition I would love to do a Breast Cancer awareness event.  One of my first best friends from San Diego while in the navy died of breast cancer.  The concept is Pretty in Pink Ball to raise funds for Susan Komen.  I would like to incorporate other types of cancer benefits since my father died of colon cancer in 2009.  Lastly, I would like to partner/donate a makeover to a deserving girl for prom. 
The Sisterlocked Diva:  We can definitely collaborate in the future!  Many women talk about not feeling feminine enough after the BC. What are 3 easy tips that one could use after the BC to enhance her feminity?
Tres Chic Makeup Artistry:  I would recommend accessories as a natural gal's best friend!!  Invest in big earrings, and a statement necklace.  The big chop is also a fun time to experiment with makeup!  Play up your best features using blushes, and eyeshadow colors.  Lastly, love yourself more! Show off that confidence, and strut your stuff!!  Get to know you!  See what styles work for you!!
The Sisterlocked Diva:  Would you be willing to provide any specials to my followers in the DMV? If so, what could you offer?
 
Tres Chic Makeup Artistry:  I can offer 20% off services $25 or more.   
 


The Sisterlocked Diva's First Meetup: Natural Hair Meets Black History

The Sisterlocked Diva's First Meetup: Natural Hair Meets Black History

By:  Lauren Francis-Jackson
 
 
 
On Friday February 22nd, The Sisterlocked Diva held her first meetup at the Ledo's Pizza on Georgia Ave. in Washington DC!!  I was super excited to hold my firat sponsored meetup, and enjoyed planning for the event.  In preparation for the event, I wanted to share with the group who I am as a blogger, discuss hair journeys and routines, and add in a few black natural hair history questions as well!  To thank attendees for coming out to support the meetup, I created swag bags that conveyed thank you for coming, and gave some special beauty surprises.  Since I had attendees who had RSVP'd with a variety of hairstyles (e.g., locs, sisterlocks, and loose natural hair), I wanted to stay away of hair product samples because they had different styling needs.  After shopping at a variety of stores, I included e.l.f. oil blotting sheets for oily skin, a mini manicure set (nail file and nail clipper), pink nail polish, a facial mask with 80% natural ingredients, and a Mary Kay lip gloss sample.  A few days before the event a *man* decided to come, and I was super excited because it could bring a whole different dynamic to the conversation. In having a male attending, the evnt it also meant catering a swag bag for the man.   I created a whole new bag for him-- razor bump fighter, olive oil, and satin do-rag to tie his hair down. 
 
On the day of the event, I was so excited to bring my meetup to life!  For my hair plans, I went with an updo on my sisterlocks.  I sectioned my hair and leaving a large chunky bang in the front.  I flat twisted the sides in medium sized sections.  I set the chunky bang on large perm rods (hot pink rollers) long enough to give my locks a smooth swoop bang look.  The outfit was denim blue and white polka dot blazer, with a peach top, green jeggings, and a brown cowboy ankle boots.  I was bring the funky style like I like!  The pic earrings that I rocked were from Pretty Little Wire that I brought from her at Nappy Oke-- they are also part of my logo! 
 
On that night, there were a few weather advisories outside of the DC metro area, but it could have caused some of the potential attendees to stay home.    The first to arrive was Travis who was the brother who aspires to grow a big afro like Dr. Cornell West (his words :-).  He was quite knowledgeable about products which was a surprise to me.  He knew about co-washing, and the importance of moisture.  He also had an established routine that he based off of advice from his lady friends.  I was impressed by his desire to take care of his hair, and wanting to seek advice of how to grow a healthy afro!  Sometimes, being in a meetup for natural hair, which are usually geared towards women-- men might be intimidated to come and share.  Glad that Travis was an active participant and fully into the conversation.  Next, Bjae came to the meetup.  She was a nice lady who was interested in caring for her hair as she is trying to wear her natural hair "out" more and using less cornrow styles with added hair.  She was using a simple regimen, and is having trouble with moisture.  We talked alot about winter hair care needs, moisture tips, and our experiences in our inidividual natural journeys.  Bjae was interested in learning more about sisterlocks after I shared my hair journey.  She asked typical questions like "where do you get your hair done?", "how much did it cost?", and "how is it different from traditional locks?".  After getting to know each other a bit, we mixed in black natural hair history questions.  Bjae was on it with correctly answering the most questions so she won the Shea Moisture Bath Set including a bubble bath, moisturizing oil, and after-shower bosy spritz.  At the end of the night of fun, pizza, and games, everyone received their swag bag.  I shared the two upcoming events in March including a trip to the Baltimore Natural Hair Show, and the Cupcakes & Cocktails event hosted by the Magestic Divas and sponsored by Curls where I will be a featured blogger on the panel.
 
 

If interested in getting in on the fun, join The Sisterlocked Diva on meetup.com at http://www.meetup.com/The-Sisterlocked-Divas-Natural-Loving-It-In-The-DMV.  Next meetup is scheduled for Saturday, March 16th-- Cupcakes & Cocktails A Diva's Soiree in Forestville, MD at SPX Hall (formerly the Knights of Columbus).  Check me out on the panel discussion about natural hair!
 
~The Sisterlocked Diva

Thursday, February 21, 2013

"Get Rooted in Your Natural" Rooted N Nature Giveaway

"Get Rooted in Your Natural" Rooted -N- Nature Giveaway

By:  Lauren Francis-Jackson
 
You know I love giveaways so let's get the next one started!!  Clarice Manning is the owner of a natural hair and body product company called Rooted-N-Nature and she is sponsoring this giveaway!  So back when I was beginning my blog, I went to the Nappy Oke, a natural hair and beauty event mixed in with karaoke, in DC this fall.  I met Clarice and she was amazingly resourceful and knowledgeable about hair products!  Once I reached out to her for this giveaway, she was super excited!  So what's up for grabs??  This product is for loose naturals only (sorry loc'd divas) since it is a moisturizing tea with detangling benefits.  It is a hair tea spray that is full of quality ingredients like Vitamin E oil and Coconut Oil! 
Here's how to enter:
 
1.  LIKE Rooted -N_ Nature on Facebook
2.  LIKE The Sisterlocked Diva on Facebook
 
** Please enter on the Rafflecopter tab on The Sisterlocked Diva's Facebook page to enter this giveaway**
 
Giveaway starts tomorrow at midnight ET!  Good Luck!!

~The Sisterlocked Diva
 
 


Monday, February 18, 2013

The Sisterlocked Diva Photo Shoot: Fabulous for 2013!

The Sisterlocked Diva Photo Shoot: Fabulous for 2013!

By:  Lauren Francis-Jackson
 
 
As I am gaining popularity in the natural hair community, I thought I should do a photo shoot to promote my blog and myself as a natural hair and beauty blogger!  So I contacted El-Shamesh Photography for several reasons.  I had seen many examples of his work on Instagram, which included shots on fabulous natural hair!  All photographers may have skills with shooting pictures, however I learned with a previous photo shoot experience that not all "good" photographers know how to focus in on hair and beauty.  I wanted the pictures to translate that I love fashion, beauty,a nd my natural hair in sisterlocks!  I also liked that he has experience shooting events and had worked with celebrities in the DC area and other regions of the country.  As I am considering adding events to The Sisterlocked Diva repertoire, I will need a trusted photographer to hold that down! 
 
As I was planning for the photo shoot, I knew hair and makeup had to be fresh to death!  I decided to do my own hair in a Bantu Knot Out ultimately-- the original plan was a rod set, but it was not coming together as I wanted it to (and that's natural hair for you!)!  So I used Taliah Waajid's Crinkles & Curls and water to set the Bantu Knots and let it air dry while I was getting my makeup done.  As far as makeup, I was going to try the makeup skills of one of my new makeup artist friends, Treya Manning!  However, she had an event that day so I went with my backup-- the MAC counter.  I ended up choosing a random makeup artist as a walk in to the Macy's at The Mall at Prince George's.  Sherita BEAT my face into oblivion, and I was too cute for my shoot!  She was a friendly and bubbly makeup artist who is pursuing her doctorate degree at my Alma Mater, University of Maryland at College Park!  She chose the makeup colors, and went to work!  She chose this amazing blush that was kind of pinkish purple in color, and it looked beautiful on my skin!  With hair and makeup ready, I was ready to step into my fly outfit of choice.  I went with a cream jumper with gold specks that I purchased at Ashley Stewart a few months ago before the holidays.  Paired with a white heel, that jumper was absolutely stunning against the beautiful folliage scenery!  So enjoy a few photos from the shoot-- the entire photo selection is available for viewing on my Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/The.Sisterlocked.Diva)!
 
 


Sunday, February 17, 2013

Sunday Spotlight with Ivie Rose Boutique

Sunday Spotlight with Ivie Rose

By:  Lauren Francis-Jackson
 
 Sunday Spotlight features business owners, bloggers, natural divas, beauty companies, and more asthey share their story with The Sisterlocked Diva family!  Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Tiffany Brown, who is co-owner of the Ivie Rose Boutique.  Ivie Rose Boutique was started in August 2012 as an online boutique by two sisters, Sherra and Tiffany Brown.  Recently, they acquired a physical store in Laurel, Maryland to cater to their customers in the DC area.  Read below about my interview with Tiffany about fashion and the uprising of Ivie Rose Boutique:
 
The Sisterlocked Diva:  Hello Tiffany!  Thanks for chatting with me about your business! Tell me about how Ivie Rose Boutique got started.
Tiffany Brown, Ivie Rose Boutique:  We began with the concept of the boutique in July 2012.  My sister, co owner Sherra Brown, and I have always been into fashion.  She always wanted to open up her own boutique.  We opened as an online boutique since August 2012.  In October 2012, we opened a physical store in Laurel, MD inside of Finder's Keepers (389 Main Street, Laurel, MD) due to demand from our customer base in the DC area.  The name Ivie Rose has significance to our family and to my sister personally.  Ivie was our maternal grandmother, and Rose is our paternal aunt.  Ivie Rose is a name that Sherra wants to name her first child in the future. 
The Sisterlocked Diva:  That's a great way that you are paying tribute to your family in naming the boutique.  Did you have interest in fashion as a young child or teenager? What inspired you about fashion?
Tiffany Brown, Ivie Rose Boutique:  Yes, especially Sherra!  I love fashion, however Sherra’s passion for fashion is bigger.  I loved fashions that I would see in the fashion magazines.  Our mom has 8 sisters, and they all are fashionable women.  They do not walk out the house looking nothing but fashionable.  I like to dress edgy yet classy at the same time.  It is family affair!  Sherra can easily put outfits together; she has a knack for it. 
The Sisterlocked Diva:  Being in your business with your sister must be fun! How do you balance the personal sisterhood and being business partners?
Tiffany Brown, Ivie Rose Boutique: I am always around my sister—we sometimes butt heads.  We are like any other two sisters-- we have our ups and downs, but overall we work well together! We do have disagreements, but we just work through it.  We truly are best friends—we try not to push each other buttons.
The Sisterlocked Diva:  That is great that you can work side by side in business, and can seperate that from your sisterhood.  What items do you sell at Ivie Rose Boutique?
Tiffany Brown, Ivie Rose Boutique:  We sell a variety of items including dress, shorts, t-shirts, tops, skirts, accessories (e.g., sunglasses, purses, jewelry), blazers, and leggings.  We carry more casual items that are bold fashion pieces for the trendy young diva! 
The Sisterlocked Diva:  I like that your bold patterns!  Why did you make the move from an online boutique to an actual store front? Was it always the end goal? 
 
Tiffany Brown, Ivie Rose Boutique:  We had to build our clientele to build the online presence to have demand for a store.  Once we built the clientele, we kept getting the question—do you have a physical store?  So that's when we knew it was time to open a physical store.  We are in a location that does not have a lot of "foot traffic" so we try to promote on social media and do mixers to bring clientele to our store. 
The Sisterlocked Diva: How do you feel about online shopping from smaller stores?
Tiffany Brown, Ivue Rose Boutique:  It can be a gamble—you don’t know if you could get scammed!  I have a friend who refuses to buy offline.  I think it depends on the reputation of the company, however I do feel more comfortable when it is a more reputable store. 
The Sisterlocked Diva:  Yeah, I think I have been lucky from most vendors that I have purchased from smaller shops. The shop is open mainly on the weekends. Do you plan to expand to week day hours?
Tiffany Brown, Ivie Rose Boutique:  Yes, we do in the future like in the summer time.  We both have full time jobs, and have 2 interns.  Right now, we have two interns however they are in college and attend class.  Most professionals do not want to go shopping after work. They want to go home and relax!  The professional woman wants to shop on the weekend whe she has more time. The weekend is the time to get the outfit.
 
The Sisterlocked Diva:  How do you balance working fulltime and being boutique owners?
Tiffany Brown, Ivie Rose Boutique:  Sherra works during the day, but her full time job is flexible.  We work the boutique whenever we can— we communicate daily to discuss planning and executing events, inventory, or whatever needs to be discussed relating to the business. 
The Sisterlocked Diva:  As a blogger, I can relate.  I post status updates, blog, and make videos when I have time!  What sets Ivie Rose apart from other boutiques?

Tiffany Brown, Ivie Rose Boutique:  Our clothes are bold, trendy, and very fashionable!  Since we love what we do, it shows!  When someone is in it for the money, you have no real passion for what you’re doing.  Passion is what is needed in order to suceed! 
The Sisterlocked Diva:  Nice!  I heard your boutique has been nominated for a few fashion awards. What awards have you been nominated for or won?
Tiffany Brown, Ivie Rose Boutique:  We have been nominated for the Maryland Fashion Awards—it is for emerging clothing boutiques.  The award will be awarded in Summer 2013.
The Sisterlocked Diva:  Hope you guys win the final award!  Most of the clothes I have seen have been more casual fashion trends. Do you forsee expanding your selection to professional or formal wear?
Tiffany Brown, Ivie Rose Boutique:  Yes, we will probably go in that direction in the future.  Our current focus is casual wear.
The Sisterlocked Diva:  What projects are Ivie Rose Boutique looking forward to in 2013?
Tiffany Brown, Ivie Rose Boutique:  We want to continue to branch out our business!  We have some new projects that we are pursuing including partnerships and our monthly mixers. 

The Sisterlocked Diva:  Yes!  I have seen the advertisement for the mixers!  What are the mixer concepts?
Tiffany Brown, Ivie Rose Boutique:  Every month, we will have bloggers and business people come out to speak on a variety of topics—love and relationships, hair, etc.  We are also working on sip and shops, personal shopping/image consulting, and hosting spa parties.
The Sisterlocked Diva:  Nice!  I am looking forward to coming out to speak about natural hair in April!  Are there any big name plus size stores you would like to partner with in the future?
Tiffany Brown, Ivie Rose Boutique:  There are a few stores that we would love to work with, and we are working toward partnering with these stores. 
The Sisterlocked Diva:  Who are some of your favorite style icons?
Tiffany Brown, Ivie Rose Boutique:  My favorite fashion icons are Dorthy Danridge, Diana Ross, Diane Carole, Rihanna, my family, Audrey Hepburn, and Solange. 
The Sisterlocked Diva:  I like the mix of new and old school fashions!  What are some of your favorite fashion trends for 2013?
Tiffany Brown, Ivie Rose BoutiqueI love black and white and print!  Black and white works anytime of the year.  I like retro pieces f rom the 50s and 60s and leopard print.  Big bold colors like orange and blue are in for Spring. 
 
Thank you Sherra & Tiffany for sharing with me about Ivie Rose Boutique!
 
 
~The Sisterlocked Diva

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

"Get Your Relationship Groove" GIVEAWAY

"Get Your Relationship Groove" Giveaway

By: Lauren Francis-Jackson
 
 
February is the month for love!  Women want flowers, candy, and kisses to get their hearts fluttering with teenage like joy!  Men do the dinner, flowers, and whole deal because they know we like it!  During my interview with relationship expert Stephan Labossiere he talked about his book How To Get A Woman To Have Sex With You If You're Her Husband.  The attention-grabbing titled book isn't just for married folks because it discusses differences in how men and women view sex, how to set the mood the right way, what women need from a man, why women may shut down the goodies, and much more.  It is a light hearted relationship book aimed at getting men and women on the same page to have more successful relationships!  So we are teaming up to do a giveaway, and here are the details:
 
  • Stephan will be giving away three copies of his book to three lucky followers (one autographed copy, and two ebook copies)
  • The Sisterlocked Diva will also send the three lucky winners a surprise hair or beauty product
To be eligible for the giveaway
 
- "LIKE"  The Sisterlocked Diva on Facebook at www.facebook.com/The.Sisterlocked.Diva
- "LIKE" Stephan Labossiere, life and relationship coach, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/StephanLabossiere03
- On this blog post, make a comment on ONE thing you want to work on in your current relationship or your next relationship

**REMEMBER to enter under the Raflecopter tab on The Sisterlocked Diva Facebook page-- this is where the winner will be chosen from.  Those are the rules!!**
 
The giveaway starts tonight at midnight and ends Monday, February 18 at 12 midnight ET!  Get your relationship groove on with this book!  Good luck Divas & Gents!
 
~The Sisterlocked Diva
     

Spring into Accessories: My Latest Target Haul

Spring Into Accessories:  My Latest Target Haul

By:  Lauren Francis-Jackson
 
 
Maybe by now you have figured this out: I cannot buy something for someone else and not get something for me!!  Where is the fun in that lol?!?  So when I brought my secret valentine at work a few things, I decided to peruse the accesssories aisle since I was there!  I went to the Rio Target in Gaithersburg, MD to find my lucky finds!  Here's what I found:
 
 
 


















Faux Pearl Necklace with Accent Flower                                           Yellow Rope Necklace




















         Yellow Drop Earrings                                                                    Yellow Link Bracelet





















               Leaf Earrings                                                                              Orange Drop Earrings





Black headband with Gold Bow
 
 
 
One thing I love about spring fashion and accessories is color!!  The lighter colors are making a comeback, like light blues, yellows, and oranges.  I like how these accessories can double for work or play!  The headband accessory is mild enough for the office even thought the bow is gold yet can add some fun styling to my sisterlocks!  So if you are waiting to bust out into a flurry of color, come join me as I spring into fun springtime fashion!!
 
~The Sisterlocked Diva






Sunday, February 10, 2013

Sunday Spotlight with Anu Prestonia

Sunday Spotlight with Anu Prestonia

By: Lauren Francis-Jackson
 
Sunday Spotlight features business owners, bloggers, natural divas, beauty companies, and more as they share their story with The Sisterlocked Diva family! Recently, I had the pleasure of talking to Anu Prestonia!  She is the owner of Khamit Kinks Natural Hair Salon in Brooklyn, New York and the creator of a natural body/hair products line called Anu Essentials.  Her line has begun to carry natural perfumes as well!  Check out my interview with her below: 
 
The Sisterlocked Diva:Tell me about your natural journey.
Anu Prestonia: As a child, I got a relaxer at age 10, which was left in too long.  It caused the sores and pussing on my scalp. I had to get it all cut off at the barber-- I was devastated!  This was a pivotal life moment and probably changed my life forever.  I never received another relaxer after age 10, so I have been natural for the last 45 years.  My sister and I mainly wore our own hair with an occasional press 'n' curl for special events like Easter. 
As I got older, I learned how to braid hair and became quite skilled.  My grandmother was a beautician, and I was blessed with her natural skills with hair too! Back in the 70s, getting your hair done was expensive.  For my whole weekly salary, I could get my hair braided.  I was paying those prices but soon realized I couldn’t keep giving up my week’s salary.  I began doing my own hair, and this one guy asked who did my hair.  When I responded that I did,  he offered me a chance to interview in his salon.  So I started making more money in a day than I was making in a whole week at my part time job.  When it was time to enroll in classes that next semester at Howard University, I dropped out of school and began doing hair full time. 
The Sisterlocked Diva:  Unfortunately, some people begin their natural journey because of a traumatic experience with relaxers.  Seems like you truly embraced it! That is amazing how meeting the right people changed the course of your career! Did you have your doubts about jumping in the hair industry full time?
Anu Prestonia:  Yes!!  Because at that time, people did not have money to get their hair braided all the time.  So the money was inconsistent.  I have wondered over the years should I get a part time job or train for another career?  I never did—I just put all my energy to building my career in the hair industry.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
The Sisterlocked Diva:  Well your hard work paid off!  What training have you received in the hair industry?
 
Anu Prestonia:  I mainly taught myself.  I tried to emulate the styles from the West Coast. It is hard to find people to teach you techniques. I went to Senegal in 1984 to learn how to senagalese twists. I have  a cosmetology license from a beauty school in 1985.   
 
The Sisterlocked Diva:  Wow!  That's exciting to learn how to do senegalese twists in Senegal!  How did the product line, Anu Essentials, come about?
 
Anu Prtestonia:  I started making my own hair oils about 35 years old.  I was using natural oils and scenting them with natural bontanicals.  My medicinal oil was my first one.  It was overpowering with rose.  Golden Blossom became my top seller. It has Sweet Orange oils.  I wanted to be natural product line that was good for moisture.  On TV, you always hear about shine with hair products.  This typically shows on straighter hair textures.  Our hair, the kinkier textures, do not show shine necessarily.  
The Sisterlocked Diva:  Nice!!  Natural hair really needs moisture in order to thrive!  What products do you recommend for locs?
 
Anu Prestonia: Lots of loc'd divas love my product line because it is rich with moisture.  People with locs need to make sure that they are replenishing the moisture.  It is difficult to get smells out of locs, especially smells from not washing the locs frequently.  I like the dry shampoo on the Organix line because it is good for cleansing.  Also witchhazel is good for cleansing scalp.
The Sisterlocked Diva:  I have heard a lot of people talk about apple cider vinagar (ACV)rinses for locs-- what do you think about its cleansing properties?
Anu Prestonia:  It can dry your hair out.  This can be used once every two weeks at the maximum.  In terms of loose naturals, a clarifying shampoo can get the job done.  Because of co-washing, there is a lot of product build up of conditioner on their scalp.  For loose natural hair and locs, one really does need to cleanse with shampoo. 
The Sisterlocked Diva:  Right, co-washing really is not cleansing hair!  What recommendations do you have for those ladies or men with a loose curl patternwho are beginning traditional locks?
 
Anu Prestonia:  The locking process is going to take longer.  You are training the hair to be in this circular formation.  At the salon, we tease the hair a little bit while palmrolling, and can use yarn/thread wrapping where you are wrapping the individual loc from root to end. It will stay in that formation.  With starter locs, I think you can just washing the scalp with dry shampoo (unless you are going to the salon). 
The Sisterlocked Diva:  What are the Top 3 things you have learned during your hair journey?
It is simple.  Healthy hair is the best hair.  I do protect my hair and hairline always and have for years.   Secondly, everybody’s hair is different as their finger print.  It really it is unique.  When you work with it and touch it, it responds differently.  Lastly, love your own hair! Appreciate what it can and cannot do!
The Sisterlocked Diva: Yes,  healthy hair is always my hair goal!  In terms of traditional locs, I have heard that smaller locs tend to break off with the palm rolled method.  Is there any truth to this?
Anu Prestonia:  Yes your hair can break this way.  Depending how small the client wants them and their hair texture, I would suggest that they consider sisterlocks as an alternative!
 
The Sisterlocked Diva:  What are your upcoming projects in 2013?
 
Anu Prestonia:  Right now, my focus is on my natural perfume line!  I am currently getting the word out, and will be getting samples to different natural hair businesses and consumers.  It does not make sense to be using natural hair and body products, and use chemical ridden perfumes.  My perfumes are all natural!

The Sisterlocked Diva:  That's wonderful!!  Natural from head to toe is a great concept.  I thank you for your time!

Anu Prestonia:  Yes, thank you Lauren!  I enjoyed chatting with you!
You can find Anu Essentials on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!  For a fly hair style and you are in or near Brooklyn, NY, visit Khamit Kinks on Atlantic Avenue!  Their website is www.khamitkinks.com!
 
 
 
~The Sisterlocked Diva