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!