Random Spotlight: Simple Living Soaps

Hey guys

It has been a while since I did a Random Spotlight so I'm really happy to be bring you this one. I met Mrs. Marcy in my product swap group on Facebook. Through out our whole conversation she was extremely polite and very attentive. Her soaps are beautifully crafted and serve alternative purposes. Simple Living Soaps has also been featured in a few subscription boxes if your subscription junkie you might have already tried a sample. 

I had the opportunity to ask Mrs. Marcy a few questions and here's how it went:

1. When and where was your company established?

Simple Living Soaps was established in Las Vegas NV of 2010. 

2.What was the reason and/or inspiration to start this line?

I started this journey with making  laundry detergent. I stopped a cashier in the store and asked her was the price of tide good for the oz amount and she said she wasn't sure she made her own. I asked her what she used. Light bulbs bells and whistles went off I can do this myself too.  I kept coming across natural soap, deodorant and other skin care product on my quest for a recipe to make detergent.

3.Why body care?

I chose skin care because I loved knowing that I can change my way of life and it would show immediately through my skin. At the time I was learning how to make laundry detergent my grandson was born and my daughter could not put anything on his skin that would not cause him to welt. And I had to have surgery on my armpit from a cyst. I began to study how to make natural soaps through lots of failed batches I finally found success. 

4. Are you natural?  If so why, how long, and please tell me about your journey?

I have been natural through transition for one year. At the half way point I had to rethink the journey and realized it was best for me my hair and health. This is new to me and I am loving the new head of hair that I am still getting to know. I always say I have been a relaxed American from 8 years old now I'm natural and loving it.

5. What advice can you given to our readers beginning the hair journey?

When starting a new hair journey I just say to be patient you and your hair are just getting to know each other. Be open to try new products to find the perfect one for you. Lastly don't be afraid to try to mix a little yourself.

6. When starting your business whats was you biggest obstacle?

My biggest obstacle is taking a leap on faith and still is also not taking it personal when my product is not for someone. What is not good for some is great for others. 

7. What is your target goal?         

My target goal is to open a Shop and to supply wholesale. 

8. Is there anything else you would like the readers to know?

I must really thank my family and friend for letting me give them product and trusting that I wouldn't burn their skin or make their hair fall out. But mostly Victoria Vick of Cream & Coco tho I've never met her nor have heard her voice after finding her on Instagram without knowing her magnitude she took the time out to challenge me to sell at my local Farmers Market within 2 weeks I did and it has turned into the most amazing journey.

I really enjoyed this interview with Mrs. Marcy! I hope that you guys will take the time to visit her site and check out your soaps for yourself. Don't forget to like her facebook page for more updates.

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Random Spotlight: Evolvee

Hey Ladies

For this featured Spotlight I had the chanced to interview a fellow blogger that I admire. She has now took her talents to new levels by creating her own Naturals tees. Now I have seen some tee's while entering the natural hair world but not any that made me want to buy until now. This was another interview that I was overjoyed to do. Ms. Shannon is such a uplifting personality that I know you will enjoy reading!

1. When and where was your company established?
My line was launched on Monday July 1, 2013. Done so from New Jersey.

2. What was the reason and/or inspiration to start this line?
Being an avid t shirt collector and lover. Coupled with being a natural hair enthusiast and lover of women empowerment.Further,  feeling  t shirts are personal forms of expression & individuality. I was compelled to start a line of my own. I felt it to be of importance to celebrate women, and natural hair. Especially since both are on the rise Women running and owning their own businesses and companies, and many are embracing natural hair. I want to also be as creative as my mind allows, in which all of these things mentioned here inspired me.

3. Why did you choose t-shirts and not something else?
The reason behind choosing a T shirt brand oppose to a hair brand is because as I am anaturalista, with a passion for natural hair. I am also a person who is an artist one who has a form of art deeply embedded in my soul. Being a former hairstylist is a form of art. I went into that directly from high school at age 19. With designing , and coming up with cool ideas for my T shirts. I feel right at home , right back to my creativity is which I love, and enjoy so very much. I really enjoy be able to get as creative as I possibly can with creating. With bold messages, and the likes. I've found that's were my roots are. In creating, and it being a form of art in designing my t shirts.

4. Are you natural? If so why, how long, and please tell me about your journey?
Yes! I am a proud naturalista. Having  been natural for 4 years. To be honest my reasoning for going natural was not to have healthier hair or anything like that. My initial reason for going natural was because I thought it was beautiful, and I loved the  beauty of it.  Being a former hairstylist I worked with many hair textures but there was nothing compared to the beauty of natural hair. It wasn't until doing further research did I realize that was it not only beautiful, but and added benefit in the way of our health. By no longer relaxing, etc. As far as my natural hair journey, My journey has been a pleasant one. I keep it very simple. I wear my hair short, not much into length. with little hassle or worry. Always wore my hair in short cuts. Easy breezy is my motto.

5. What is your target goal?
My target goal for my hair is to maintain it's healthy state. My goal for my brand is to expand, expand, expand. To continue a brand that's relatable, edgy, bold,  and  with a touch of street. Hoping to have my own company. One ,that I can leave for my children. 

6.Is there anything else you would like the readers to know?
For those whose desire, dream or goal is to have your own business . I say never , ever stop dreaming, and never, ever give up. continue on with your dream. Find YOUR niche   your niche may not be like your neighbors. Find your passion. Passion is important. Its what makes and ordinary person apart from an extraordinary person. Surround yourself with like minded people, have a plan, and activate. 

Evolvee natural hair and t shirt line can be found at
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My blog : www.AuNaturale007.blogspot.com

Random spotlight: Jmaire Natural Beauty

Hey guys

I know It has been awhile since I did a Random Spotlight. So I am on the look out for more people to featured.

Now this feature was inspired by a contest I won on a blog. I have been using these butters for well over a 2 months now have have loved the results every time. I really want to get these items out there cause not only do I believe that every small business needs a chance to shine, but these are some top quality all natural butters that are what they promise. But more will be in the review. So a  review on these butters will be up next week. But for more information don't forget to click the links at the bottom!

I contacted Ms.Jacqueline asking her if she would like to be featured in my spotlight. I was thrilled when she agreed to. I really enjoyed reading her answers and felt like I was with her on her journey. After a few emails here is how the interview went.

1. When and where was your company established?

 J. Marie Natural Beauty was started in 2011 in Chicago, IL.

2. What was the reason and/or inspiration to start this line?
Going natural has altered my journey in life. I never expected a change in how I wore my hair to change my life. I didn’t have a lot of support when I first eliminated perms from my hair care routine. I didn’t know what I was doing (I wasn’t familiar with YouTube or the wonderful natural hair websites at the time), and I didn’t have support from family and friends, but I knew I was doing the right thing. Being able to stand up for myself and my choice in how I wore my hair gave me a major confidence boost and from then on, I’ve just been pressing forward doing what my internal sense of righteousness tells me to do. I’d been shuffling my feet on starting a natural hair/body business until my son was born in December of 2010. After he arrived in the world, once again, everything changed. I took one look at his perfect being, swelled with pride and became extremely conscious of the fact that I was responsible for how well he turned out as a person. That was the moment that I decided to start my business. I wanted to be able to not only tell him, but to show him that he could achieve anything he wanted from this world. I wanted to be able to tell him to go for his dreams just like Mommy did. 

3. Why haircare?
 I actually make natural and organic hair and body products at affordable prices. You shouldn’t have to pay an arm and a leg for natural products. Please check out my online shop at: Etsy

4. Are you natural?

If so why, how long, and please tell me about your journey? Natural and loving it! I've been natural for 4.5 years and it was very difficult in the beginning, but it's been such a pleasure discovering not only my natural hair, but myself as well. I transitioned for one year. I didn’t really know what I was doing. I just decided that I wasn’t going to perm my hair anymore and I wore sew-ins until I figured out what to do with my hair. At that time, I didn’t know about all of the wonderful blogs and websites dedicated to natural hair. Once I became hip to those (one year later), I cut off the remaining permed hair. I had to learn not to let people’s ignorant comments get to me in the beginning of my journey. It’s one thing to ignore a stranger’s comments, but it’s another thing when the negativity is coming from your family and friends – it hurts. I experienced that during my transition and my first year, but it’s been smooth sailing ever since then. They see my growth (physically and mentally) and they admire and respect my decision now.

5. What is your target goal?
I never had a specific target goal with regard to length, but I'm always amazed and astounded (i.e. I hit my Dougie and the Stanky Leg) whenever I reach a major milestone. The last time I checked, I was at bra strap length and you couldn't tell me nothing! I didn't come down off that high for about a week. I've simply come to the conclusion that if I take care of my hair, it will grow and be healthy and that's exactly what happens.

6. Is there anything else you would like the readers to know?
You only have one life – live it the way you want to live it! Believe in yourself and your ability.Know that you are capable and smart enough.Act - now is the time! You never get time back, make the most of what you have left. 

7. Do you have any tips for our readers?  
Make sure you start and maintain your natural hair journey for you! Although it's totally worth it, It can be tedious and time consuming learning how to care for natural hair, so make sure it's something that you really want to do. Once you're on your journey, I suggest the following regimen that you can tweak as you learn specifically what your hair likes.

1. Co-wash weekly

2. Deep condition bi-weekly

3. Do protective styles as much as possible

4. Use minimum heat

5. Use natural products as much as possible

6. Have fun with your hair!

You can reach me at:
Instagram: @jmarienatural
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Random Spotlight: Hairitage Hydration

For this Random Spotlight I have always admire these products from when I first seen them on Just Grow Already's blog. She spoke so highly of her hair care products. Being a mother and small business owner she is a inspiration to others that when you have a idea go for it or you will never know the out come. So I had the opportunity of asking Ms. Sheena a few questions and this is how it went.

 1. What was the reason for establishing your business?

The reason I established my business is because I really didnt have a choice. I was looking for work and I couldnt find any. I had to make my own job. So I started this Hairitage Hydration. Its been a labor of love. I Love working for myself. I love creating and learning and growing everyday. I love interacting with my fans on my Facebook page. So this is becoming much more then a business to me... its my life now.

 2. Do you have a goal for your business?

  My goals for my business is to inspire other businesses, single mothers or anyone and tell them that you can do what you set your mind to. Nothing is hard nor impossible. Its rather easy. I work a lot with other people that are in the start up process and if I can inspire one person to let go of  fear and dont think, do try, just do it, that will make me happy.

 3. Are you natural? If so could you tell me about your journey?

I am natural. I had locs before natural was popping. I had them for about 6 years. I just combed them out about 3 months ago. So Im learning. I have not had much luck with doing my regualar hair, so I have been wearing my hair in Havanah Twist and Patra Braids.

 4. Do you have any tips for our follow readers on their journey?

No, I need some tips from them on styling...lol.  I guess my tip would be dont fall in and out of fads. If you have been doing an ACV rinse for years and it works for you, dont stop doing it because some person suddenly says its bad for your hair. Know your hair. Do what works for it. 

  5. What influence you to do what you do?

I influence me to do what I do. I wanted to be the person I looked up to... If I can look up to me, my daughter can look up to me and grow into someone she can look up to. 

6. Is there anything else you would like your readers to know?

I would like the readers to know Create something everyday, let life be imperfect, be kind, use your imagination, have a grateful heart, be yourself, dream big.

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Random Spotlight: Purgasm Shop & Review #11 of Wild Cherry Poo Bar

 

In this Random Spotlight, I rave about the poo bar in my wash day post. So when I asked Ms. Nicole to be featured and she said yes I was more then ecstatic!!! Upon doing some research on Nicole website I learned that she is a Mix tress wonder & a all natural DIYer that has always been one for mixing things together!

Here's how the interview went?

1. When was your company established? 

 Purgasm Shop was established June 2012. ( My first product line was established January 2011)

2. What was the reason and/or inspiration to start this line?

 I wanted to create a product line that was all natural (I also use many organic ingredients), deliciously scented, and use nonconventional ingredients to show others how versatile and wonderful natural herbs and botanicals can be.  I also wanted the line to be known for how well it worked and to create an experience where people could truly feel in love with my products and rest assured that the products are not full of parabens, mineral oil, phthalates and other toxic chemicals!

3. Why haircare?

 Although my product line focuses on more than hair care, I felt that it was important to create a full beauty experience. Many naturals are looking for new and more diverse products, and I know how frustrating it was for me during my transition to find products that actually worked well and had ingredients that I felt comfortable using. So, it seemed natural to expand the Purgasm Shop line to include hair care.

4. Are you natural?

  If so why and please tell me about your journey? Yes, I have been natural for about 3 ½ years. I began transitioning in November 2009 and big chopped in May 2010. I initially wore a TWA for about a month and then decided to shave my hair (similar to Amber Rose) and I wore it shaved on and off for about 2 years. Each time I would try to let it grow, I would get frustrated because I didn’t know how to care for it-and so I’d shave it off again. I finally made a conscious decision to embrace my hair, get to know my texture, and how to manage it and I sat in the barber’s chair for the last time on 06/28/2012. I’ve been growing it out ever since and it’s healthy and I’m happy.

5. What is your target goal?

 My target goal is to make the Purgasm Shop brand a household name. I intend for my brand to be known as the pinnacle of bath and beauty for the discriminant shopper who only wants the best in quality, value, and ingredients. I also intend to have items sold in retail locations around the world. 

6. Since you big chop and transitioned could you give the readers any tips and tricks that you learned?  The biggest tip that I have is to be patient. Know that it will get frustrating-but if you stick with it, it will be well worth it. Also-Moisture, Moisture, Moisture! Most curly/kinky hair types (mine included) crave moisture. Find the products that help your hair maintain a healthy moisture balance (if you're adventurous-experiment and find your own)! 

 7. Is there anything else you would like the readers to know?

 I’m mother to an amazing 4 year old, I’m a vegetarian, a wine and music lover, and I’ve been creating things for as long as I can remember. I lovingly conceptualize and hand make each item in my product line and I am very proud of what I’ve created thus far. Purgasm Shop products are purposely created to give you results each time you use them and I’m very happy with all of the positive feedback that I receive when someone is introduced to my product line. For others with goals of starting a natural hair and/ or bath & body business, my biggest advice is to be authentic! Don’t try to copy what everyone else is doing. Follow your passion and create from your heart!

Wild Cherry Poo Bar-7.19$

 Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Palm Oil, Safflower Oil, Glycerine (kosher, of vegetable origin), Shea Butter (refined naturally crushed), Purified Water, Sodium Hydroxide (saponifying agent), Sorbitol (moisturizer), Sorbitan oleate (emulsifer), Honey, Soy bean protein (conditioner), Titanium Dioxide (mineral colorant), Argan Oil,  Yucca, Marshmallow Root, Wild Cherry Bark, Silk Aminos, Essential Oil/Phthalate Free Fragrance Blend, Love!. *Lather Bars may also contain natural herbs for additional colorant properties).

 My Review: This is the very first poo bar that I've used and I absolutely loved it. The smell was light and refreshing! It lathered up will without much effort. I got excellent slip. I mean slip so good shed hair was running out underneath the running water. So when it was time to detangle it was minimal shed hairs. My hair was soft and you can tell it pack alot of nutrients because my hair was moist afterwards!! Love love love it!
 Will I be re purchasing it? Yes for 7.19 dollars it is inexpensive and a little goes a long way!!!!

For those who seen the earlier price of 5$ you can still get it I missed up on the original price which is 7.19. But if you go over to Purgasm Shop now and say Random Jamaican sent you, Ms. Nicole will give you the price I missed up on plus discounted shipping for today only!!!

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Random Spotlight: Zuri Handmade

Today's post will be another feature in my Random Spotlight Small Business Series. This duo, i had no clue was a duo, has a hair & body line featuring products for all of you natural needs. I enjoyed this interview and I hope you do to. I felt like I got a personal tour inside there business! !! If you want anymore information about Zuri click the links at the end of the interview!

(Lauren) answers are in black and Rachel's answers are in Red.

Rachel

Lauren

1.When was your company established? 

Zuri Handmade was officially founded in 10/2012. But the practice of creating our own hair and beauty products start well over 5 years ago. There are 2 owners to Zuri (Lauren and Rachel)

2. What was the reason and/or inspiration to start this line? I (Rachel) went natural 8 years ago. At that time it finding hair products free from parabens, chemicals and sulfates were extremely difficult in my region. So learning what oils, butter and herbs help my specific hair I just started experimenting with my mixer. Then friends and family became interested. Things just blossomed from there. I (Lauren) am natural also. I have been natural since 2005 so roughly 8 years as well. I am more into the body part of the line. As our line includes products for hair, body and home. I have very sensitive skin and I can’t tolerate bath and body works and brands like that. So, I have been creating my own concoctions for years. My inspiration were the many other people out in the world like me who want to smell great, but can't tolerate chemicals on their body.
   
3. Why haircare? I (Rachel) have always had a strong interest and passion for hair care. It is just in my blood. Rachel is our hair mixologist as well as a licensed cosmetologist so I leave the mixing to her, but for me I believe  haircare is important. For years we have just gone to the hair dresser sat down and got fried, dyed, and laid to the side. It is time for us to start taking our hair back and using products that not only make us look good, but are good for our hair as well.

4. Are you natural?  If so why and please tell me about your journey?
I went natural 8 years ago. No transition just clipper to my head. My journey was just that simple. No transition. Nothing. I wanted my hair to grow past my shoulders and not be limp lifeless after relaxers.My (Lauren) journey was simple. Relaxers were making my curly hair straight and my hair brittle. It had to go! I did transition. I didn't just BC... I don't even think they had that term for it back then, but I just grew out my hair until I eventually cut all of the relaxer off.

5. What is your target goal?
   HEALTHY HAIR. I do not have length goals. Even though I am a stylist I in no way shape or form enjoy doing my hair since I am constantly doing others hair. My hair grew very long after having my second child. I was happy and content that my hair does indeed grow.  But I have not worn it long ever since.  As long as my hair is healthy I am happy. 
My target for the business is to grow.  think big, dream big, and aim big. I want Zuri to be a a big brand, but with a small business feel. I want to connect with our customers and let them know that they are more than just an order. We take their input about our products seriously. We definitely want to do events where we can network with our customers and other business owners and really connect. Our plans are to have a storefront, but also teach classes for soap making, body products as well as other DIY classes. These are mostly geared towards children and teens, but you never know we may get it going for adults too.  Overall we want to show the generations coming up that they too can own and operate their own business.

6. Is there anything else you would like the readers to know?
 Zuri mean Beauty in Swahili. Our company represents both your inner and outer beauty. The owners are Lauren and Rachel. Lauren does all of the creations on the body and home side of the company while Rachel focuses on the hair side, but she does our candles too. We cater to the whole family. So, we have products for Men, women, and children. You can view and shop with us at www.zurihandmade.com there they will find the links to our Blog, Facebook, and Pinterest pages. Also, we are on Twitter and IG under Zurihandmade. In addition to hair and body products we sell soy candles, Eco-friendly laundry detergent, soap, Bulk butters, oils, botanicals and so much more for individuals and companies. We hope to see you and get to know many of you soon!



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Random Spotlight: Hair Flair

There are so many natural shops but no way of finding them. That is why I created Random Spotlight. To shine a light on small black own businesses that people have no clue are out there. This business sells hair bow for every curly girl texture. These bows give your texture hair that extra flair. They're funky and chic, giving you the right extra touch to your attire! So don't forget to check out the Facebook link at the bottom to see her work!!  

 I also had the opportunity of interviewing the lovely Ms. Hill and here's how it went:

When was your company established?
  My company launched in October 2012
 
What was the reason and/or inspiration to start this line? 

 I started my own line because the natural hair shops that I came across were too expensive for my personal budget.

Why haircare?

 I wanted to wear and help make available cute hair pieces that I felt would add a little flair to naturals' tresses.

Are you natural? If so why and please tell me about your journey?

 I am a proud natural of 3 years and 9 months old ;) I choose to return to my natural roots because I was not happy with relaxers. Ever since I was a child I had been wanting to get away from them but could not at that age. When I became an adult and in college I was encouraged to seek after knowledge for being natural after seeing others who wore and had very beautiful natural hair. I waited about a year before actually taking steps to return to being natural. I searched to see what others had done to get rid of relaxed hair and what options I would have. I then stopped relaxing for 6 months and then chopped my relaxed ends. I had a small fro. I was so relieved and yet a little anxious at the same time because I did not know everything that I would experience or what to do outside of being relaxed for so long. Over time and after continuously going to YouTube  I begin how to care for my hair. For my first year, I contemplated going back especially since everyone that I knew did not seem to think that I should stay natural. I refused to go back and hashed it out. I encourage anyone who wants to go natural to do it no matter if you have one person, 10 people, or no one to cheer you on. It's your hair! Love it naturally!

What is your target goal?

 My target goal is to provide beautiful hair pieces for everyone, natural or not, that anyone can purchase and enjoy.

Is there anything else you would like the readers to know?

 I am a proud mother of 3 beautiful children and the other whole to my sweetheart Justin Young of Real Natural Tees. I enjoy spending time with my family and making my bows as well as other crafts.

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Random Spotlight: Global Couture

Hey Ladies
This post is highlighting another small business that again I found on twitter. Let me tell you guys besides Facebook, Twitter is another wonderful place to meet interesting people. Anyway I seen a pic on twitter with these amazing hand crafted earrings and bows. I just had to know more about this company. I did some digging on her website and was wowed by all the beautiful pieces that she has featured on the site. So because I love supporting small businesses I asked to feature her on my blog and she agreed. This was another interview that I truly enjoyed. It is nice to meet strong goal focused females with businesses because you can tell that your going to get quality products. But I'll just let this interview speak for itself. (click on highlight link to go to website)

1. What made you decide to start your business?

I decided to begin Global Couture 2 years ago when I noticed I couldn’t find any accessories or natural hair apparel (mainly T shirts) I wanted to wear, that reflected my new consciousness.  I would like to think I have always been a creator, because I have always enjoyed crafting and creating beautiful things. During the day, I am a tenured college counselor and full time doctoral candidate completing my dissertation. So, my designs have also become a creative outlet from these very cerebral tasks.  

2. What is your main goal for your company?

Global Couture is an expression of my love for travel, self-exploration, cultural expression, and creativity. Global Couture designs hair accessories, jewelry, & apparel for the bold, chic, and culturally curious. Global Couture is trying to spread the word about embracing your natural hair and its reflection of our history. “Loving your hair represents loving yourself.” Love your curls, if they are wavy, curly, kinky or coily.

3. Are you natural? If so tell me a little about yourself and your hair journey?

Yes, I am natural! I love natural hair! Much of my inspiration for Global Couture comes from the various natural hair communities (via blogs, natural hair meet-ups, and YouTube) which I so joyously joined nearly two years ago.  Global Couture is an expression of my love for travel, self-exploration, cultural expression, and creativity. “Going back to my roots” during this natural hair journey has been truly self-affirming. Through this journey, I fell in love with the freedom, self-expression, and renewed confidence fostered by a simple ‘hairdo’ change. I found quickly it was more than a hair style change, it became a lifestyle change. I began to take more risks outside of the expected and mainstream forms in beauty, hairstyles, clothing, and accessories. I believe this ‘mini’ transformation paired with my travels through South American, Asia, Europe and the Caribbean has added to my appreciation for various forms of beauty, personal expression and culture expression.

4. Is there anything else you would like the readers to know?

We are open for business at Global Couture!!  Global couture currently sells T-shirts, hair accessories, bow ties, earrings, phone cases, totes, and other novelty items such as coffee mugs.

My vision for Global Couture is to enhance the natural beauty in all of us from the inside-out.

Patricia, Global Couture Designer and Owner

Thank you for interviewing me!

Global Couture, LLC

Email:          globalcouture@aol.com

Facebook:  Global Couture 

Twitter:       @globalcouture1

Instagram:  @globalcouture

Random Spotlight: TuShea Butter Cream*

Hey guys

So I seen this lovely product on Facebook and just had to have it. Luckily I received a sample in the mail from the lovely Terran Damiper owner of TuShea Butter Creams. The product is like heaven in a cup. Not only did she bless me with the sample, but she honored me with a interview as well.

Here's how it went:

When was your company established? 

  

 My company actually started in 2008. That’s when the actual research and testing began for the product. What initially started as something I used for myself turned into gifts to friends and family and then a friend said you should sell this. So in January 2011 I launched TuShea Butter Cream Products.

What made you what to start your line?

 You know I initially started my business for a couple of reasons. First I suffer from eczema and dry skin and I was tired of dishing out large amounts of money to buy creams that leave you smelling like a pharmacy and then putting lotions on top of that, that’s suppose to smell good. So when I went natural I thought hey lets try something different. Working with shea butter was no easy task at first because I was just putting it on from it’s raw state which can be a hassle. So I researched and at first it was jacked up! I mean I was really going through experimenting with it but now I think I got it and then some!

Are you natural, if so tell me about your journey?

 I am natural and it’s funny but this is actually my second and LAST time going natural. The first time I was natural for about a year and I did the big chop! My stylist at the time was like I’m not cutting your hair so I just grabbed her shears cut it and said now fix it! It was really short and the texture was great. I loved short hair but then it started to grown and shortly after I got married in 2006 I relaxed it again due to just frustration. After about a year I cut my hair in to a bob and decided to transition from relaxed to natural. I  shampooed and blow dried my hair every week and flat ironed it. I wore a wrap for what seems like forever. Then on my parents 50^th birthday I went home shampooed and started cutting all the relaxed ends off myself and the rest is history! I feel like now that I’ve gone through both big chop and transition when people have questions about being natural or going natural I can identify with them and help them along the way.

What is your target goal? 

 You know if I can master shrinkage I will be satisfied! Lol But since I know I can’t my goal would just be achieve healthy hair using natural products. I’m really trying to break myself of parabens, alcohol and things like that. I want the products that I use to strengthen my hair and not make it dependent

Is there anything you else you would like to say?

 Yes! I want to give a shout out to Pookie and RayRay from East Saint!! LOL No I’m just kidding! I would just like to say that I love being natural and I love to see other natural women embracing their beauty. TuShea Butter Cream is a way for me and everyone who loves it to embrace their beauty the natural way. I would also want to encourage you all to support other small businesses like TuShea Butter. There are some amazing products out there made by some amazingly smart women that would love the support! Also if there is anyone out there that wants to start their own line, please research not only the business but the things you are putting into the products. I’m available if you have questions on the Contact Us portion of my site! And remember to deliver the best customer service you can! Because people are spending their money and you don't only represent yourself and your business but all the other small business out there, including TuShea!

Since you BC and Transition what would be your top tip in the process of it?

Since I BC'd and transitioned I got a few tips! Tip #1 and to me is one of the most important ones BE PATIENT! If u don't know how to be going natural will definitely teach you. There will be times that you get frustrated with your hair we all do hold on to your purpose for going natural and let that see you through! Tip #2 Embrace who you really are and not what's going on on top of your head! Once you fall in love with yourself your hair's true beauty will shine! Embrace YOUR curls because they are you r signature, your DNA and its so uniquely you!! Isn't that amazing!!! Finally Tip#3 Research and Experiment!  Its important for you to find out what works for your hair. I recommend signing up for a subscription like SwapSack, which TuShea has been a featured product for, or Curlkit. These subscriptions didn't exist when I went natural, I wish they would have, but they give you a box with about 5-6 products for a monthly fee. Also read labels when you pick up products. I learned that long before I went natural. In cosmetology school it was drilled in us to read those labels and research what we see. Now with Internet at your fingertips you can get it done in the store.

I truly truly enjoyed this interview and will continue to support TuShea. She was a very open and kind making me feel welcome.

TuShea Butter Cream- Jamaican Punch 11.00$

A delicious fruity blend of mango, papaya, lemon, and lime mixed into fluffy shea butter.

Ingredients: Butyrospermum parkii (shea Butter), Essential oil (for fragrance), Alpha Tocopherol ( vitamin e), Grapeseed oil, Almond oil, & Olive oil.

My Review: The package is plain, but I love to see whats in my product and what I have left. So that was a plus for me. The smell and texture is absolutely AMAZING. The product is hard at first but once you get it on your finger tips it truly melts like butter against your skin. Every time I put it on I want to drink myself.

I used this product after I got out the shower, before I went to bed. For my sons I washed them down, shampooed their hair, then applied the butter. My youngest sons hair is afro coily, so I dried it a little and just evenly distributed it through out his hair while still a little damp. The next morning his hair was soft, moisturize, and smelling ohh soo good!!! I haven't had the opportunity to use it yet on my hair because its still in the sew-in protective style. But I absolutely can not wait to use it as a sealant. Once I do I will give you guys the results on my hair!

Grade- A++

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Random Spotlight: Zèlè Adornments

Hey guys

  Random Spotlight will be about business owners, bloggers, naturalistas, and more of down to earth people that you may want to know.
In this post I will be featuring a up and coming small business that is relatively new.

This spotlight post is on a company named Zélé Adornments. I meet this lovely lady through twitter. But she also has a Facebook page that the showcases her jewelry. I had the opportunity to ask her some questions and here's how it went.

When did you start Zèlè Adornments?

I started Zélé Adornments in the summer of 2012.  

What made you decide to do jewelry?

I have always had a strong passion to create things that were more suited to my own individual style.  

Are you natural?

I am a natural sister, I like to think of myself as a self proclaimed nubian queen.  Natural styled, wooden jewelry always seemed to only be available at annual African festivals. I wanted to be able to have access to this style of jewelry all through the year instead of relying on what my local retailers had to offer. I started creating pieces and was only ever fully satisfied when there was either the common element of wood, a natural stone or both in my creation.

What influenced you to do what you do?

My biggest influence comes from the love of doing things for myself, this endevour has allowed me to do this while at the same time share my passion with my admirers.

Is there anything else you would like people to know about your company?

The word  Zélé is the French word for Zeal, which I believed is the one word that best describes my attitude towards this project.  Why French you ask? Learning French was the other life passion I picked up in 2012.  I thought it would be a great idea to marry my two loves into one, producing the name Zélé Adornments.

Overall her drive is to create handcrafted assortment of adornments (earrings, bracelets and statement necklaces). The majority of her creations have been handcrafted using wood and a natural stone called agate. Her target audience is primarily natural hair women because she strongly believe it compliments their style.

To purchase any of her crafts click the link below and also like her Facebook page for upcoming work she's done.

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Etsy

~ Zélé Adornments

Thanks for reading!!!