New Decade, New Year, New Hair

Here is to a New Year full of hair risks, happiness, and love! Have a safe NYE everyone's! 

20 Lessons From Your 20s

My birthday cake from my 30th bday party by TiffsPrettySweet

So I recently celebrated a milestone birthday this month....the BIG 3-0. Ever since I can remember, 30 symbolized a magical number of self-awareness, confidence, financial stability and maturity. It is also a time of reflection. I myself have been through so much in my 20s, and I am proud to say I survived it all feeling more blessed than ever. While my 20s were a time of fun-filled nights, setbacks and self discovery, I have to be frank when I say it was over it at 21, so I am ECSTATIC to be in my third decade of life. I feel life continually shift and illuminate around me, and I am loving it.

I stumbled upon this article that I thought was so perfect to sum the lessons you should learn in your 20s and take with you in your 30s, and I had to share from Thought Catalog.


1. Inject yourself and everyone you meet with love.
2. Step out of your box.
3. Take some time for yourself every once in a while.
4. Take the road less traveled and keep looking for more.
5. STOP complaining.
6. Appreciate your family.
7. Meet new people.
8. Stay out late and go to work the next day.
9. You can’t just get by.
10. Know your worth.
11. Realize that not everyone will like you… and that’s okay.
12. Don’t plan too far ahead.
13. Travel.
14. Thank your parents.
15. Go ahead and eat what you want.
16. Never close your ears.
17. If you hear someone needs help, HELP them.
18. Find your niche.
19. Make mistakes and learn how to handle criticism well.
20. Surround yourself with the right people.
*Go with the flow and don't sweat the small things that won't matter later any way.

Had to add a bonus lesson myself. What life lessons did you learn in your 20s? 

My Top Manicures From 2013

What is a year in review with a good mani??? My top tips of the year:

I think for me this year it was all about long nails and different takes on the French tip. I started short but then somewhere in the year I started getting gel manicures, and I have been obsessed ever since. Don't see the obsession ending any time soon.

Solange Knowles' Partnership With Puma

Picture via The Fader 

Everyone's favorite fashionista, Solange Knowles is putting her stylish dexterity to good use as Art Director and Creative Consultant at Puma shoes, the singer/songwriter/artist announced on her Instagram page. 

Source

As the head of the line called the Girls of Blaze Disc collection, Solange excitedly writes on IG:

"After years of art directing my own projects and visuals (music videos, photo shoots, album artwork, web content ect).....I am SO EXTREMELY EXCITED to finally announce that I am now able to apply my passion for all things design into my new position as an Art Director and Creative Consultant for the iconic @PUMA!!! It is in my new role that I am able to express my love for not only design but the conception of creative ideas, and the execution of them by curating amazingly talented teams. Ive had so much fun producing special content, ad campaigns, events, and working alongside the awesome Puma team with some of my favorite emerging artist, photographers, graphic designers ect. to create activations that really celebrates both mine and Pumas approach and philosophies. Over the summer, I paired 4 incredible designers @gerlanjeans @williamokpo @softcircle (Hisham Bharoocha) to interpret the classic (and one of my personal fave) Puma Disc each in their own distinctive aesthetic's to present "GIRLS OF BLAZE" inspired by the sights and sounds of Brazil. I couldn't be more excited about the result. The shit is wild, and come February I hope you will be just as in love as I am. The This has been a dream job, and the ride has just begun!"

          The sneaker line is due out in February 2014. Go 'head Solange!

Daring Diva Diaries With Entrepreneur and Lash Guru Dena Williams

Dena Williams is a woman of many creative talents. The Chicago-based graphic designer, make-up artist, eyelash stylist and now makeup line owner, is living out a vision many beauty enthusiasts dream about. 

Williams' story started as a receptionist at a make-up studio in 2005, where she fell in love with the beauty industry.  She soon began honing her skills while making a name for herself as "The Eyelash Girl" before starting Luvalash Make-up and Eyelash Styling company in 2010 while finishing her studies at Columbia College Chicago with the mission to help women build their self-esteem. 

Released this year, her line Lure cosmetics is already being positioned as a high-end, luxurious brand to watch with the same intention: to empower women everywhere.

Read more on how she started her business, her T's on great skin care, and her secret to applying eyelashes perfectly...every time. 

What inspired you to get in the beauty business? 

I came across numerous of girls and women with low self-esteem. Every woman wants to feel and look beautiful yet lack the appropriate finishing touch to enhance her natural beauty. Teaching my make-up techniques and using my products will help enhance and highlight your natural features. 

Congrats on your new make up line LURE Cosmetics! How long did it take to develop and what are some of the signature products from the line?   

Thank you! With research and production about two years. Some of the signature products are the Brow Kit (brow brush, brow powder and my favorite seashell highlighter pencil). The Luxury lipgloss and lipstick are long lasting and moisturizes your lips. Lure eyeshadows are radiant and stays on forever.

Where do you envision your makeup line being in the next five years?                                                                                                 

I envision Lure to be in stores like Sephora, Macy’s, Ulta…

Most make-up pros say great skin is the basis for great make-up application. What are some of your favorite products you use on your skin?

Great skin is key! Some of my favorite products are Aveeno daily cleansing pads and Clinique moisturizing lotion. 

What are some of the challenges you’ve experienced building your own business? 

Some of the challenges are staying relevant, coming up with different strategies to stay relevant, assembling a business team and finding the right business location.  

How has growing up in Chicago shaped you as an entrepreneur? 

Chicago has shaped me to work...hard. Chicago can be hard on people! You have to be humble and confident in your craft and be on the grind 24/7. 

Now I know you are a master with the lash applications, which can be very tricky for a lot of folks. Share some tips on applying lashes.

Smile  Lash application can be a little tricky. First you have to have a steady hand balance. Applying them in a way that your hand is comfortable. I use the short slant tweezers. It helps me to grip the lash ball easier. I am most comfortable applying lashes going under in between the lashes. I start on the outer part of the lashes and finishing towards your tear ducks with flares (lashes). Applying the lashes in on a slightly slant so they can flow and not look like they are sticking straight forward. 

What’s one product that must be in your makeup bag at all times? 

The products that must be in your makeup bag at all times are mascara, eyeliner, red lipstick (never know you might have a after work set or date ;) ), nude or any neutral lipgloss for daytime, a pressed powder and/or a good bronzer.  

Lastly, who/what inspires you to be a daring and beautiful woman? 

Strong successful women like my late grandmother Elsie, Oprah Winfrey, Queen Latifah, DJ Beverly Bond-to name a few.

Get your hands on Lure cosmetics or get your face beautified in time for the holidays when you visit: www.luvalash.com!   

Come On And Braid My Hair

Cold temps mean two things to me: fur coats and protective styles. In terms of the latter, I am currently rocking box braids, and I love them.

With any protective style, it is easy to get stuck in the ponytail rut and I REFUSE. I do have to say my go-to for my braids is an undo.....annnd I am a little over it.

That is where you come in. I need some new styles for my braids and I'd love to see your suggestions! Tag me on Instagram @LenoraTheScribe with your favorite braid styles and I will try my best to recreate and tag ya so we can compare. 

Sharing is caring!
Looking forward to seeing your recommendations! 

xo   

Would You Buy Makeup in the Subway?

Photo credit

I can't tell you how many mornings I have spent fumbling around in my handbag looking for my "face" aka my makeup bag while running to catch my train. So when I heard that beauty company L’Oréal launched a vending machine installation this month at the 42nd Street-Bryant Park subway station in NYC, I was both intrigued and delighted. Mostly intrigued. I mean this is the New York transit system we are talking about here. Nevertheless, I think it is an ingenious concept.

The pop up machines called the "Intelligence Color Experience," can  scan and detect the colors the customer is wearing and recommend products to match your outfit. 

According to a spokesman for the beauty brand, the installation, which will run through December 30, will offer "an amazing high-tech experience" for patrons. The MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) said they will be watching program very closely to see if this can be duplicated in the future with other products-all of which could translate to lower subway fares. I think I speak for other urban dwellers everywhere when I say "Yes Gawd!" to that. 
I must take a field trip on the B train just to check it out. But what do you think? Would you buy makeup in a subway stations?

Dove Helps Girls Become Unstoppable

Did you know that 6 in 10 girls say they stop doing what they love because they feel insecure about their looks?

The staggering-and rather disturbing-statistic comes from findings released from Dove (Unilever), who were then inspired to reach girls with quality content that counteracts negative media messaging. Dove wants to reinforce young girls' self-esteem and celebrate girls who never stop doing what they love. The "Dove Self-Esteem Project" launched a major new campaign this weekend on top of the Empire State Building to reach millions more girls with self-esteem programming, with support from some of my favorites, journalist Lisa Ling and actress KeKe Palmer.  The goal of the program is to reach 15 million young lives by the end of 2015 with self-esteem programming according to the company's press release. 

Source

         

Journalist and TV anchor Katie Couric along with girls from Girls Inc., Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Girl Scouts of the USA join Dove at the top of the Empire State Building to kick off the Self-Esteem Weekend. (PR Newswire)

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2013/10/03/5790374/dove-takes-unstoppable-girls-to.html#storylink=cpy

You can do your part when you visit Dove's Social Mission page on their website. The initiative has an awesome interactive component on the website which allows you to leave a message on the company's website.  My message:

"Girls are unstoppable....when you they accomplish their dreams despite the challenges they face." - @LenoraTheScribe

                 

Leave your message and join the conversation using #girlsunstoppable.

She Bad: Daring Diva Diaries With Kenya Patterson

From the moment you meet Kenya, probably the first thing you will notice is her big, bountiful, beautiful hair. The second you might notice is her infectious, free-spirited, positive attitude. As the curator of the Curls & Cocktails event series, this Nashville-based curly-haired maven brings women from all over the country together in the spirit of empowerment and education in the natural hair world.

Read on to learn more about Kenya Patterson’s self love journey, hair tips and her quest to change the natural hair game, one event at a time.

What’s the inspiration behind your Instagram name @Halfietruths?

It’s just my way of saying mixed, biracial, and multi-ethnic. My dad is black and my mom is white; that makes me a halfie :).

You openly talk about being biracial on your blog. Did being biracial ever affect your standard of beauty in terms of how you viewed yourself  growing up?

Yes, it most certainly did impact my standard of beauty and more-so physical acceptance. I think a lot of biracial children who grow up in a predominately white community question the desire level of their physical appearance. I used to wish that I was white, with straight hair and “normal” skin. I get teary-eyed to admit that, but its true and I have swirly, mini-luvvs who have wished on that same star. For a very long time, knowing that I will have children who may wish for fairer skin or “normal” hair, impacted how I loved or who I loved rather. I wanted my children to see themselves in their parents, so they never had doubt or these saddening wishes, so I wasn’t open to dating outside of black men. It wasn’t until recently, that I realized no matter who I make my children with, they will see themselves in us...duh!! It will be my job, like it was my mother’s, and all mothers’, to make sure they know they’re beautiful, strong and worthy of all this world has to offer.

Now you started the Curls&Cocktails event series in ATL this year. What is the objective of these events?

I want women to come to a C&C event and see a little of themselves in each other, feel beautiful, strong, inspiring, and make new friends, thus making this curlworld a little smaller! Anything that happens outside of this-learning about a new product, discovering hair tips or networking-is just a side-effect of being in a room full of beautiful, smart and 
cultured women.

"My biggest hope is that women feel good

about being themselves and they pay this 

feeling forward so natural hair transforms 

from being a movement to being the norm." 

These events are needed because my big hair still gets crazy looks. I still get asked how I make it like this, and everyday people want to touch it because it’s still foreign. Events like C&C provide support and raise awareness that being natural is not a trend-it’s a lifestyle and until this lifestyle is no longer seen as foreign, these event are necessary. We have a ways to go!

Speaking of which-The natural hair movement has evolved over the years. What are your thoughts on the natural hair care community today?

It’s beautiful and, more importantly, it’s powerful! I like to think of the natural hair community as a huge tree with a network of so many branches that touch every aspect of life. If you look at a popular natural Instagram account, it will lead you to another account that focuses on health and another that focuses on fitness and others that are focused on entrepreneurship, or motivational and inspirational guidance, writers, poets, teachers, artists, dancers, mentors, athletes, chefs, mothers, sisters, and daughters. The branches are endless. It’s so very cool that social media has given us a tool to witness this growing tree/community.

You have a mane of gorgeous hair. What are some of your staple products that you can’t live without?

Thanks girl! I wash once a week with TRESemme. I use the conditioner as a leave-in as well. I don’t DC (deep condition) as much as I should, but when I do, I make my own (recipe below). I’m not a product junkie at all. I stick with what works. I go back and forth between 3 stylers: Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding or Curls Unleashed Defining Cream, which both give me definition and hold. Shea Moisture’s Curly Smoothie gives me lots of volume with soft curls that don’t last very long. 

How long have you be rocking your natural locks?

I started to transition in 2009,  and it was a nightmare! If you want to go natural, big chop. Just do it! You’re hair will be healthy, so it will grow faster and you will save yourself the headache of dealing with two different textures of hair. I finally BC’d in June or July of 2010 so it’s been 3 years!

What is one piece of advice you would have told yourself about your hair journey 20 years ago?

“Just do it, don’t be such a punk!!!” I was addicted to length, even unhealthy length.  I didn’t want to do the work. I was scared. I think lots of women are though! It’s gonna be fine!!! Better than fine- fabulous! Trust me.

What is the biggest hair mistake you have made?

Color. I have the strongest urge to be a red-head. I was born to be a ginger! I tried to go red three times in one year. It never took and it released my curls a lot. I’d have to BC again to get the perfect coils I once had. 

Who would you say is your hair crush?

Hands down @Charmsie. Her color and curls are perfection. Perfection. The very cool thing is that she is equally beautiful on the inside & worthy of allll the adoration she gets! 

Describe your hair in a word.

Unruly.

Lastly, who or what inspires you to be daring and beautiful?  

I don’t have daughters, but I have four, very special, mini curlgirls (my niece Maddy, and my unofficial goddaughters: Zoe, Mikayla & Malia) who look up to me and it’s my job to be daring & beautiful so they know nothing else! 

Pamper your locks with Kenya's special, all-natural deep conditioning recipe that will help your hair get healthy.

Kenya's Deep Conditioning Hair Recipe:

2 parts coconut oil

1 part extra virgin olive oil

1 ½ an avocado

1tbs honey. 

Mix contents in a bowl. Section hair and apply mix. Cover hair with plastic shower cap and leave DC in overnight. In the AM, wash conditioner out with your regular shampoo, conditioner & leave-in  conditioner routine.

Stay up-to-date on Kenya's world, including her next event near you when you follow her on Instagram @Halfietruths.

Doing It In The Park

So one of the many things I love about living in a place like New York City is you can do anything-anytime, anywhere. Even your nails.

The other day, I had a nail date with my friend, photographer, videographer, painter, and just all around creative being Lori  in Madison Square Park using her special technique that she does on her Whimsical Lori sneakers.  It was so much random fun, I had to document.

The work station: An assortment of nail polish, many paint utensils, and some Mike’s Lemonade (not pictured here).     The before: Setting up shop on a table by the Flatiron Building before we got kicked out by the park police lol (Yes, these are my real nails).

The during: My fingers were taped at the cuticle to avoid bleeding and to protect my fingers. Lori used her own technique with plastic straws to splatter the nail polish all over my nails. Trust me, it was not as messy as it looks. 

Borrowed light from the subway for pics right after :). 

The after: So in love with my nail art. I cleaned up the sides with acetone and a cotton swab and put a layer of clear polish on top to seal everything. And that's it! It reminds me of a Jackson Pollack painting. The picture doesn't do the design justice.

 So summer NY.  Love it. If you are interested in getting your nails done with your own design, contact Lori at: loriwhimsical@gmail.com. Tell her I said "Hi!"

My Current INSTA-INSPIRATIONS

So here is my weekly dose of what I am currently obsessing over courtesy of Instagram:

From top R-L:
1. Shaved sides -@curlygirlcollective
3. Gladiator sandals -@ishateria
4. Black and white everything -@rafael_linares 
5. Oprah's epic afro on the cover of the Sept. O Magazine -@Oprah
6. African-prints -@kikisfashion

What are your current inspirations on IG? Tag me in yours @LenoraTheScribe!

"Imagine A Future" Documentary Airs July 5

Happy holiday all! Before I go off and enjoy time with family, friends, and turkey burgers, I wanted to come and remind you to watch "Imagine A Future" tomorrow. According to the Huffington Post:

"Imagine A Future" is a much needed and honest look at what black girls face in order to find comfort in their own skin. The 30-minute documentary also includes interviews with Olympic gold-medalist Gabby Douglas (who sadly found herself engulfed in a very public debate over her hair last summer), MSNBC host Melissa Harris-Perry (a staunch "black is beautiful" advocate), as well as writer and image activist Michaela Angela Davis (she doesn't mess around when it comes to supporting and preserving self-worth in the black community)."

I know I will be tuning in and watching. “Imagine a Future" is set to air on BET on July 5 and will also be posted on YouTube.

Help Emma Stone and Revlon Fight Cancer

Actress and Revlon Brand Ambassador encourages women everywhere to be change agents effecting the world around them, including you. Share your story, and Revlon will make a donation to charity. For more details or to join the Change Agents movement, visit https://www.facebook.com/revlon.

India.Arie Defends Her Skintone to Oprah

On heels of airing the much-buzzed about documentary "Dark Girls" on OWN network this past Sunday, Oprah talks to Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter India.Arie (whose music sets me free) about the battle wounds and life lessons she has gathered along her personal journey about life, career, and self-worth on the network's Super Soul Sunday series.

During the interview, the singer talks to Oprah about colorism in the Black community and the backlash she received following the release of her single art for her forthcoming song "Cocoa Butter." After admittedly being hurt her by the criticism of her cover choice, the soul-singer goes on to say:

"This is my prayer...that I find the perfect words or the perfect song to sing or to say to people that will heal a big part of this conversations in Black community." 



Can you imagine how powerful that song would be? Deeply profound, gifted, beautiful woman indeed. "Super Soul Sunday" airs on Sundays at 11 a.m. ET on OWN.

Bald-Ease

Source

"I am not my hair. I am not this skin. I am not your expectations, no."- India.Arie 

With this being Memorial Day, I think (if the weather cooperates) we can declare this the official beginning of summer. I have seen so many stylish women in the city rocking beautiful low-fades or completely shaved heads for the past few months now, and I been so inspired and in awe of this stunning look-so much so that I have wondered how I would look without hair. 

Are you thinking about cutting it all off? Here is a quick checklist that will help you pull off this look with effortless ease:

1. A Dope T-Shirt:

TWA LOVE | F**K YO 'FRO by Et Cetera Boutique

       2. Fierce Lashes      3. Enviable Ear Candy    4. Standout-Pout     5. Vibrant Neckwear 

6. Extra Glam Shades

ASOS / Rosantica coral jewelry / Dolce & Gabbana aviator sunglasses / L'Oréal Paris lip makeup / eylure

What is on your summer must-wear list? 

Career-The Love Story

I like to think of my professional journey as a love story, one that could be beautifully told in a Taylor Swift song perhaps.

For as long as I could recall, I always had an infatuation for media- print to be exact. I remember vividly having fond daydreams of one day working at a print publication, my first love.

Soon after, I had the opportunity to begin my career in publishing, where I became a writer and editor for a national magazine Urban Influence.

Then one day, it happened. I fell for another, and they called it social media. I was introduced to this new attraction by way of Twitter. From that moment on, I was completely enthralled, and it wasn’t long before I fell in love with all things digital media.

Leveraging my background in journalism, I specialize in creating content that connects brands with their core audience and helping brands evolve online. Over the years I’ve worked as a content and social media strategist for a variety of industries including beauty, fashion, medical, travel, culinary arts and sports in consumer, business to business, and non-profit companies.

Today, I am a well-rounded media professional with almost a decade of experience in both print and digital media behind me.

In my spare time, I still moonlight with my first love as a freelance writer for several publications and blogs (both in the U.S. and abroad) including Black Enterprise and Radio One.

Want to learn more about me? Check out this radio interview I did here (interview at 31:40).
Feel free to email me at daremebeautiful1@gmail.com as well.

ALLOW ME TO RE-INTRODUCE MYSELF...

"All my ladies get it up. I see you, I do the same. Take it to another level, no passengers on my plane." - Beyonce

My new life mantra

One thing I love about life is the ability to change directions at any given moment. The one thing I love about being creative is discovering new inspirations as you evolve. Thanks to my career switch and just my general passion for empowering other females, I have decided to take my blog in a different creative direction.

My blog will still be a place that encourages beauty and self-love, but with a bit of a twist-all geared to professionally inform other women as I continue on my own personal journey.

So stay tuned and let's get it...TOGETHER!

My Article on GLAAD.org!!!

Let me start off by screaming: HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
I pray that you push yourself even harder than before this year and make all your dreams come true.  I know that is what I am going to do.

What a wonderful way to begin the new year with an email from GLAAD (The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) that they ran my article that I pitched and wrote on hip hop and homosexuality from Radio One's publication The Frequency.

This article was particularly challenging for me to write, for several reasons, so I have been so grateful for the people who have reached out and said they appreciated the article. Inspired by Frank Ocean outing himself, I ultimately hoped the article will help artists who are struggling with their sexuality in the entertainment world. I have wanted to write on the topic for awhile and I definitely plan on writing more on it in the future.

For now you can read the entire article here.

Tell me what you think of it on Twitter @LenoraTheScribe.