Ms. Phipps is an extra-ordinary talent that I was able to discover after seeing her show back in November, Fishin in Brooklyn. As much as I want to, I can’t keep her remarkable and beautiful talent. Thankfully, she agreed to speak with me and be showcased as our first Vixen of the Week.

Check out the interview below:

OBV: How would you describe your style?

Phipps: I would say I’m “Afro-Artsy-Sheek” some days I’ll have my Angela Davis moment and wear a pair of skinny black jeans with a graffic tee and a picked out messy fro. And other days I’ll feel a bit more feminine and sport a soft cotton cow-neck sweater dress w/ some “get em” boots and pinned up fro.

OBV: What makes you unique?

I think it’s my life experiences, I had a very rough upbringing loosing my mother at the age of 10 to ovarian cancer. It was definitely a push for me to not only grow up quick but to be very progressive in my goals and decision making because, at the time, I was all I had.

OBV: Give me some background on your amazing show Fishing in Brooklyn

Fishing in Brooklyn Opens Tomorrow at 8pm

Phipps: “One woman’s solo-de-tour towards forgiveness and rebirth as told through through the eyes of her younger self. With a live djembe drummer and sans props, this multi-talented actress transforms into multiple characters telling this autobiographical story as she revisits memories of her late mother . She quickly discovers this journey was not in vain, when she reconnects with her African and Latin roots and ultimately her true self. A 16 character piece that blends humor, slam poetry, dance, music, drama, full of possibility and hope.”

OBV: What inspired you to create this production?

Phipps: My yearning to be self-identified in this world. I was tired of not knowing my history and questioning “Who Am I.” Also is was time to heal and forgive.

OBV: What will the people that see Fishing for Brooklyn learn/understand/take away from this performance?

Aside from being completely entertained hehe… I believe this show brings loads of healing on many different subjects that including the still unanswered cultural disaspora for Blacks and Latin Americans, the motherless child who sought a means of surviving and overcoming rather than succumbing to the ills of the world, the healing and forgiveness for those we’ve lost and the reminder of that small child inside dying to get out and speak, sing, or be heard.

OBV: What keeps you motivated?

Phipps: My faith and relationship w/ God. Also my Dad… he is my biggest fan.

How do you or your show display love and beauty in the world?  I believe there is nothing like the connection a mother has with her child… that is the ultimate love that only God can explain. I also believe feeling connected to something ie… culture or history, like you are connected to your “Mother,” is also very important for anyone’s upbringing. This show glories this type of love in a universal way. You will definitely leave wanting to pick up the phone and give mama a call and say Thank You.

Check out Ms. Phipps show this weekend at WOW Cafe Theatre in New York City. For more information click here.

Love and Beauty,

OBV

How many of you are seriously working towards living a greener and healthier lifestyle? Every day presents a new challenge for me but I realize that simply recycling, using green cleaning products and buying organic is only the tip of the iceberg in what it really means to transform our lives. 

I tend to walk down the aisles of my local drug health food store regularly to see what new eco-friendly options are available. Recently, I’ve begun to notice a trend in organic and eco-friendly feminine care products. I haven’t purchased any of these brands screaming chlorine-free or organic cotton as of yet, simply because I like to find out the actual benefit just in case companies are simply “green-washing” just to get me to spend a few extra dollars on tampons.

After doing a little digging here is what I discovered:

1. The chemical “Dioxin” a by-product of the chlorine bleaching process created after the manufacturing of the rayon and cotton process used to create tampons have been known to cause cancer in animals and probably in people according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
2. Feminine hygiene products that are not eco-friendly pose a huge environmental problem. Nearly 13 billion sanitary pads and 7 billion tampons get dumped in landfills each year. With non-biodegradable constituents like plastic and dioxin, the materials severely pollute the environment. Emagazine reports that according to the Center for Marine Conservation, over 170,000 tampon applicators were collected along U.S. coastal areas between 1998 and 1999.

Alternatives

Remember that this entire green revolution is about reducing your exposure to harmful toxins and protecting your health. Even natural and organic products still have their fair share of chemicals but a reduced amount compared to the traditional products we use.

Check out some of the brands that I found and let me know what you think. Clearly, these will be a little more expensive than your typical StayFree, Playtex and Kotex Brands. I’ll bite the bullet and buy a box too so you won’t be alone!

Tampons – You can find organic tampons at natural food stores or supermarkets like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. Many online retailers, including amazon.com and drugstore.com, carry them as well. Trusted brands include Natracare and Seventh Generation. Just like conventional tampons, they are offered in several absorbencies and with or without an applicator.

Pads - Reusable, washable, cloth pads work just like regular disposable pads, but instead of throwing them away after use, you rinse them out, wash them, and use them again. Check out LunaPads. Reusable pads usually come in two parts: a liner and a liner holder. The liner goes inside the holder, which has wings that snap around the crotch of your underwear to keep it in place. They come in different sizes and absorbencies and are usually less irritating because they are made of cotton, not plastic. Cloth pads are more expensive than disposables (when you first buy them) but they will save you money over time because they last for years. Machine-wash them instead of throwing them away.

If you aren’t excited about the idea of reusing pads, try some disposable organic options like non-chlorine and hydrogen peroxide bleached pads from NatraCare.

Cups – The DivaCup is made of a medical-grade silicone, which makes it an alternative for women with latex allergies. The DivaCup sits a few inches below the cervix, can be worn for up to 12 hours, including overnight. It is emptied and cleaned the same way.

It’s time we start thinking about the end result of those disposable fem products we use in a “cradle to cradle” and not “cradle to grave” mentality. Let’s work towards protecting our health and our environment at the same time. Girl Power!

Have you tried any organic or eco-friendly feminine hygiene products? Please share your story with me!

Love and Beauty,

Sherrell

Times are tough. I understand that, and unfortunately in our society, healthy means expensive. So most of us make the decision to chose between paying the rent and buying organic groceries. I’ve been guilty of it as well and in no way do I judge anyone.

But the honest truth is, buying organic may come with a more expensive price tag,  but what are the positive effects on your health when you eat fresh meat and produce without chemicals like pesticides and antibiotics?

According to the Mayo Clinic organic farming practices are designed to encourage soil and water conservation and reduce pollution. Farmers who grow organic produce and meat don’t use conventional methods to fertilize, control weeds or prevent livestock disease. For example, rather than using chemical weedkillers, organic farmers may conduct sophisticated crop rotations and spread mulch or manure to keep weeds at bay.

You can decipher the information for yourself. I’ve decided to be a little more proactive in protecting my health and reducing my toxic exposure by eating more organic foods.

What also pushes me to eat organic relates to the fact that everything that I do and eat and put on my skin could be passed on to my future children. I came a cross an article about a three year-old girl who was treated for breast cancer and had a full mastectomy. SMH.

What does organic mean any way?

All organic foods are grown and processed according to strict national standards set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

To meet these standards, organic crops must be produced without conventional pesticides (including herbicides), synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, bioengineering, or ionizing radiation. Organically raised animals must be given organic feed and kept free of growth hormones and antibiotics. Organic farm animals must have access to the outdoors, including pastureland for grazing.

If a food has a “USDA organic” label, it contains at least 95 percent organic ingredients, and a government-approved expert has inspected the farm where it was produced to make sure the farmer follows USDA requirements.

How can I buy organic without breaking the bank?

You can keep your budget in control and still buy healthy, organic food by shopping at great stores like Trader Joe’s, your local farmer’s market and even Fresh Direct. You can also reduce your consumption of meat by having meat-less meals during the week.

Truth be told, my shopping expenses have decreased by fifteen dollars per month simply because I keep a list and eat more rounded foods that keep me satiated.

My energy feels better, my skin is clearer and I feel confident that I am protecting my health.

Why do you choose to buy organic? Please share your thoughts with me!

Love and Beauty,

OBV

I must admit, I’ve been a little shady with the fellas. To be honest, I wasn’t even aware that they were reading my blog! But after many requests and a few nudges from my male friends also wanting great advice on natural grooming solutions, I’ve decided to release my biases and cut the guys some slack.

For many of you, self preservation is a new thing. You don’t have to be extremely savvy to maintain great hair, you just need a great routine. And don’t get it twisted even if you rock a fade, it’s still important to keep your scalp shiny and hydrated.  Here’s a quick guide to a basic hair routine that will help you keep your sexy.

Hair Care Basics for the Organic Fella

Cleansing – Cleansing the hair and scalp of dandruff, buildup and other impurities is the first step in maintaining healthy hair. If you have extremely oily hair, washing your hair thoroughly once a day may be necessary, otherwise you can typically wash your hair one or two times per week depending on how active you are. Men tend to have thicker scalps then women so it’s important to use a clarifying shampoo designed specifically for you. I love Pure-Formance Shampoo and Exfoliating Shampoo from Aveda that cleanses, conditions, and moisturizes the hair. Simply massage a small amount of shampoo into wet hair and scalp and rinse thoroughly.

Moisturizing – After cleansing your hair, it is important to add back the moisture by conditioning and hydrating the hair. I love Aubrey Organics Men’s Stock Ginseng Biotin Hair Repair that conditions and restores fullness to the hair with biotin, energizes the scalp with he shou wu herbs and amino acids. Apply a small amount and let it seep into the scalp for 10 – 20 minutes for a deep condition then rinse out thoroughly.

Styling – For those with hair to hook up, you can still work it naturally with a natural styling product. I love Mann Hair Styling Gel by Logona Natural Body Care free of synthetic preservatives, colors and petrochemicals. Style your hair as usual with this light weight hold that lasts without drying.

Your hair care routine will continue to develop as you learn your hair and ultimately learn yourself. Do your best to stick to natural and organic products and keep a safe grooming routine.

Hey fellas! What are your healthy hair questions? Let me know!

Love and Beauty,

Sherrell

I’m only weeks away from competing against four other women in the World’s Next Top Natural Hair Model competition in Atlanta. In all of my planning, working out, eating right and making sure my hair is in tip-top shape, the one thing that I am most stressed over is finding the right makeup artist. Like any big event in life, you want to look your absolute best. Whether it’s for your wedding, prom, awards show, whatever, you need to find a professional that will make you look absolutely haute. 

When I began my search looking for the “right” makeup artist I first reached out to my family and friends. Most of them gave me great resources and contacts. But I hesitated to make that call to book them. Why? Because I don’t want to hire the wrong person! I’m very picky, a little OCD and cautious when it comes to letting people touch my skin. For those of you in the process of trying to find the right makeup artist, here are few things to consider and ask your artists that will make your selection a little easier.

Portfolio

Can your artist really do what they say they can? Ask for their portfolio to view some of their work. You know what fits your style so make sure that all is a go before you finalize the arrangement.

It also helps when speaking with them to identify a few looks you would like to achieve for your big day. I ripped out tons of magazines and saved images on my computer of makeup looks that I like to try them with my artist.

References

Be sure to get a list of references from your artist. Do your due diligence to find out if their clients were satisfied. Ask about sanitation and whether or not the artist achieved what you wanted. It’s always great to get the opinion of someone else before you invest your time and your money.

Sanitation

Makeup artistry is not a licensed profession. Anyone with a brush and some blush can start a business working on faces. It’s a talent that takes practice and skill. But beware! Many makeup artists are not very sanitary and have not been trained on how to properly clean their tools and makeup.

• To be on the safe side, look for a makeup artist that is also a licensed cosmetologist or esthetician. These professionals go through training to understand the skin and makeup application and have also been thoroughly trained on basic sanitation principles. In fact, they are tested on them.
• Your makeup artist should never apply makeup up directly from the tube, case, or palette unless they are using your own personal makeup. Instead, they should scrap out powders, shadows, lip colors with a spatula from the original container and place them into a sanitized tray. This helps to avoid infection and the spread of bacteria.
• The artist should also carry disposable sponges, mascara wands and hand sanitizer. The cleaner the better. If you are a worry wart like me, bring your own mascara and brushes to decrease your risk of infection.
• If your makeup artist is working with an entire team of people like a wedding party, make sure that each person brings their own set of brushes. The artist should NEVER use the same brushes on everyone unless they have been thoroughly clean with a disinfectant. Often times, during the hype of an event, this isn’t always possible. Stay safe and bring your own set. I love my brush set from ECO TOOLS which cost less than $20 for an entire kit.

Makeup Quality: Go for the Green

Many of you may be indifferent, but I love a makeup artist that uses natural, organic or vegan makeup. These artists are concerned about chemicals in makeup and their affect on their client’s health. With these types of informed and caring artists, I find that sanitation and overall professionalism isn’t an issue. They stay ahead of the curve and have a great appreciation for the art as well as the planet. Although green makeup artists are slowly becoming a trend and a little difficult to find, you can still locate a few by searching on twitter or facebook.

If you come across a great makeup artist that isn’t green, bring your own makeup and let them know you prefer to work with natural and organic products. It may be a great way to introduce them to some eco-friendly makeup. My favorite line is Christopher Drummond Beauty which works well on brown tones.

Wish me luck in finding my artist or let me know if you have any suggestions for artists in the Atlanta area!

Did you have a great artist for your big day? Send me your pictures or share with me your experience.

Love and Beauty,

OBV

I try to keep positive thoughts close to me. I like to see beauty where others don’t . But please forgive me if this post ignites some sort of rage. I stumbled on a few marketing studies on the ethnic-specific beauty market. The talk of the industry is that it is experiencing a growth surge in the market. Essentially the article I read went on to advise brand owners to market to the specific needs of the underserved ethnic (Black and Hispanic) population. 

According to GCI magazine, by the end of 2010, the US population was 30% ethnic. With numbers like this we as ethnic consumers will have a combined spending power of $4.2 trillion, $284 million of which will be spent on beauty products by 2014!

Now that brands like Carol’s Daughter, Jane Carter and Pooka and an entire host of black-owned or ethnic-owned brands are servicing the needs, now the larger brands (Loreal, Revlon, Cover Girl, Crème of Nature, etc) are recognizing women of color.  I will not be moved.

I have declined to not jump up and down for joy. Now they pay attention to us and our needs? It’s 2011 and they are just realizing and appreciating the “ethnic” beauty market? They now understand the needs of women who have been ignored, neglected and made to feel like their beauty isn’t the right beauty? Thanks beauty industry once again for calling us ugly and then apologizing. I don’t want your sorry. I will not be moved.

Kudos to the Carol’s Daughters, Pookas, Jane Carters, Karen’s Body Beautifuls, Ouidads, AloeForMochas  and other brown-owned brands that are taking care of us and have been for years. My dollar goes with you. I will not be moved.

For decades as our mothers and grandmothers,  and even now as women of color, have had to walk the isles of drug stores and cosmetics counters only to be disappointed and discouraged from products made for Caucasian women’s skin, hair and body needs. It was as though brands were saying, “We are going to show only white women in our ads, and on our products, but you can use it too if you want.” I will not be moved.

Now brands are advocating Black beauty. But is it out of genuine love and concern for the people they once neglected? Or is it really just a campaign to take us for our money and patronize us and our needs? I will not be moved.

I love to find the beauty in everything, but for some reason, these new initiatives don’t seem very genuine to me. They recognize the $284 million dollar market. They can no longer sell anymore anti-aging cream to white women than they already have. Their market is over saturated and now that ours is growing and being served by “us”, now they decide to add brown models to their campaigns and give us a shelf or two at the local drug store. I will not be moved.

They also recognize that we, over any other ethnic group, believe in using some of those old-grandmother beauty remedies passed down from our ancestors like cocoa butter, olive oil, etc. We believe in natural beauty. So what happens? Brands like organic root stimulator and all of those other toxin-laden companies play on our senses with product packaging highlighting those natural ingredients. Yet, when you turn the bottle around, they are full of toxic ingredients.  I will not be moved.

What do you think? Am I being slightly ridiculous and emotional or do you actually believe that maybe, just maybe, it all comes down to money and no real concern for our own personal definition of beauty as women of color? I think it’s the latter. I will not be moved.

In honor of my mothers, my grandmothers, and the Organic Beauty Vixens before me, I pledge to only spend my money with brands that have always had my best interest, and beauty at heart from the very beginning.  I WILL NOT BE MOVED.

What do you think about this new industry initiative? What will your choice be in buying “ethnic” brands?

Love and Beauty,

OBV

We’ve all grown up with cocoa butter. In my house, my mom not only had cocoa butter lotion, but we also had a cocoa butter stick. I mean this thing was fantastic! We used it on scraps, dry knees and elbows, and even dry patches on our face during the winter.

So what makes this natural ingredient so popular and effective that our grandmother’s grandmother decided to pass it down? 

It is one of the most stable, highly concentrated natural fats known and melts at body temperature which allows it to be easily absorbed into the skin. It’s highly recommended for the treatment of skin issues like eczema, psoriasis and other dermatitis.

Now, while all is said and good, we have to be careful simply because many cocoa butter brands on the market have watered down this timeless beauty (treat) in order to make more with less. Meaning, the cocoa butter you are buying off the shelf in your favorite drug store, could potentially be loaded with toxic no – nos. But don’t fret! I’m going to help you out and tell you what brands are the best …. And the worst to chose.

You are familiar with these brands as they have been around forever. But take a look at what is really inside of their container that can potentially be linked to certain diseases:

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Lotion

Active Ingredients:  Deionized water, cocoa extract, glceryyl stearate, petrolatum, propylene glycol, glycerin, coconut oil, mineral oil, stearalkonium chloride, cetyl alcohol, cocoa butter, palm oil, dimethicone, tocopheryl acetate (vitamine e), fragrance, hydroxyethylcellulose, peg-8 stearate, methylparaben, propylparaben, fd&c yellow 5, d&c orange 4.

Palmer’s has always been a go-to for cocoa butter but with Blaq Listed ingredients, we have to be leary of what’s really in our go-to lotion. The proof is in the pudding and their pudding is loaded with parabens, peg (phthalates linked to birth defects) and (gasp), propelyne glycol. Seems like very little cocoa butter is in this at all! This product rates moderately hazardous on the Cosmetics Database as a five which isn’t where we want any of our moisturizers to be.

Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Butter

Active Ingredients: Water, petrolatum, glycerin, stearic acid, isopropyl palmitate, glycol stearate, dimethicone, theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter, butyrospermum parkil (shea butter), helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil or glycine soja (soybean) oil, glycine soja (soybean) sterol, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin e acetate), retinyl palmitate), sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate, collagen amino acids, urea, glyceryl stearate, cetyl alcochol, magnesium aluminum silcate, carbomer, lecithin, mineral water,sodium pca,potassium lactate,lactic acid,fragrance, stearamide amp, triethanolamine, methylparaben, dmdm hydatoin, disodium edta, caramel, titanium dioxide.

This product rates as a six on the Cosmetics Database. Let’s see if we can find some other products with lower toxicity scores.

Try these products that rate one or below on the cosmetics database instead:

Caribbean Solutions Cocoa Shea

Organic Aloe Leaf (Aloe Barbadensis); Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkil Fruit); Cocoa Butter (Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter); Organic Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil); Emulsifying Wax NF (from the Ash Tree); Xanthum Gum; Cucumber (Cucumis Sativus Extract); Natural Vitamin E (tocopherol); Sorbate/Vegetable grade; essential oil.

Eczema Shea Butter Lotion

Aqua (Distilled Water), *Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Aloe Vera 200X), Citrus aurantium (Neroli) Hydrosol, *Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba), *Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, *^Butyrospermum parkii (Shea Butter), *Prunus armeniaca (Apricot Kernel), Vegetable Glycerin, Aleurites moluccana (Kukui Nut), Pongamia Glabra (Karanja), *Hippophae rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn Seed) Oil, Xanthum Gum, *Symphytum officinale (Comfrey) Extract, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), *Azadirachta Indica (Neem) Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, *Tocohpherol (Vitamin E), Ultra Maize (derived from corn), *Lavendula angustifolia (Lavender), Pogostemon cablin (Patchouli) & Citrus sinensis (Sweet Orange) Essential Oils, Gluconolactone.

If you really need moisture and want to keep it simple, head down to your local farmer’s market or natural store, (If you live in NYC you can find it on 125^th street in Harlem or practically anywhere in Brooklyn) and buy yourself a tub full of cocoa butter, shea butter or coconut oil to keep winter away and moisture in for the whole family.

Does your family live for the great benefits of cocoa butter? What brands are you currently using? Will you make the switch? I want to hear from you!

Love and Beauty,

Sherrell

One of my best friends and I joke that when I have kids, I’ll probably go insane. I’m such a free spirit and an eco-chic hippie that I’m sure my kids will have names like “Summer” and “Sky” and enjoy organic food from our garden while composting their breakfasts. 

Beauty, to me, isn’t just about products and preserving our selves. It’s about preserving our environment and this beautiful earth that gives us everything we need to “Live Beautiful”.

With all the mushy stuff said, I think that it’s important for us as brown women, who are or one day will be mothers, to really set an authentic example of beauty for our children. Beauty is as beauty does. There is nothing beautiful about pollution, environmental toxins and the fact that all of these things are contributing to health-related illnesses and diseases. Cancer, ADD, and even autism are on the rise and are beginning to be linked to environmental toxins and other man-made catastrophes. Unfortunately, brown people are more at risk for being exposed to environmental toxins.

Check out this study on toxic chemicals found in the cord blood of minority babies. The findings constitute hard evidence that each child was exposed to a host of dangerous substances while still in its mother’s womb.

An old co-worker recently sent me a picture of his 3 year old daughter with a patch over her eye. Sadly, baby girl no longer has her right eye. She lost it after receiving 2 years of chemotherapy for eye cancer. A little angel that has barely been in this world has this man-made disease she didn’t create. We did it to her. We have to do a better job as a people, brown people, to protect our earth so that it will protect our children.

Here are a few tips for moms and moms-to-be on creating a safe and eco-friendly environment for their little OBV’s…

1.  Buy organic baby food or make your own! It can be as easy as making an apple puree.

2. Buy eco-friendly, chlorine-free and biodegradable diapers – Diapers can take up to 500 years to decompose back into the earth and are filled with toxic chemicals that not only can harm your baby but the earth as well. You have options. I love Nature Baby Care ECO baby products. They have biodegradable diapers and even baby wipes, rash creams, and nursing pads that are free from harsh chemicals.

3. Use only natural and safe baby products when washing and moisturizing your babies’ skin

Check out my list of favorite brands for mom and baby:

Carols Daughter

California Baby

Belli

Burts Bees

Earth Mama Angel Baby

4. Breastfeed if you can – Studies show babies who are exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life contract significantly fewer infections than babies fed from bottles, and get less sick even when they do get infected, according to a study published in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood.
5. Use eco-safe baby laundry detergent to keep hormone disruptors out of your babies’ clothing, blankets and bibs.

My favorite brands include..

Seventh Generation

ECOS

BabyGanics

Lastly, TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! Now is the time to take care of yourself, especially if you are looking to have children, are already pregnant or have just had a baby.

Use safer products (see my Blaq List of ingredients to stay away from), eat organic and local when you can, cut down on relaxers and color. It is absolutely imperative to change your lifestyle in order to create the best environment for your child. Protect them now when you can do things to spark prevention. I can’t imagine the pain and financial strain my co-worker goes through having to take his child to the oncologist for treatment.

Hey OBV Readers! Are you concerned about the environment and its impact on our health? Do you have a favorite product for moms and babies that you would like to mention? Please comment!

Love and beauty,

OBV

The new year is around the corner. Can you believe it? I’m still amazed as I reflect on all of the beauty in my life. The toxic people and habits I’ve managed to eliminate, and the positive opportunities and relationships that have added an abundance of hope, love and new energy into my life.

I’m so blessed to end this year with exciting news! I was recently chosen as one of the 15 finalists to compete for a chance to win the title of World’s Next Top Natural Hair Model! What a beautiful blessing to represent such an image of natural beauty. Please do me the honor of casting your vote by clicking here.

While I do believe that I have a great chance at winning, I’m also aware that this contest is only the beginning in my quest to help people identify, find and bring at the beauty within them.

As I was writing out my list of what I wanted to accomplish in 2011, I remembered a quote that I read in a book I’m currently enjoying, Food For Life: A Guide to Extraordinary Living, that said, “Improve the relationship that you have with life.”

How many of us are stuck in the mundane? We’re not living our purpose, we aren’t working to be our best selves and we aren’t taking the risks necessary to change our situations.

My goal in 2011 is to improve my relationship with life. As I learn, grow and change, I plan to create additional resources to help you, my OBV’s, to improve your relationships as well.

So how do we begin to implement this new concept of living for 2011? Let’s be open and receptive to new concepts and insight and change for this new year by using the following new thoughts:

Food – Start shopping more at health food stores like Trader Joe’s which offer value and healthy options. We have to change the way we eat by making small choices like elminating fast food. Find 5 unhealthy habits that you can eliminate.

Toxic Exposure - Reduce your toxic exposure by purchasing natural and organic personal care products and cleaning products. Use my list to find some great brands.

Exercise – It’s such an ugly word but yes we have to get active! Taking care of our bodies, increasing our health and energy, and reducing stress is the greatest beauty fix! Join a gym, get a buddy and walk in the park, or simply join a dance class to take control of your health.

Spiritual Growth and Meditation - Spend time in prayer and meditation at least once per day. I try to wake up and use the first 30 minutes of my day praying, meditating, thanking and asking God for what I want, need and desire. Calm your spirit and soul by starting your day off with gratitude.

All of these things I plan to bring into the new year. Add them to your list as you finish cooking those traditional black-eyed-peas and see how much changes in 2011.

How will you let your life show beauty to the world in 2011? Please share with me!

Love and Beauty,

OBV

When Willow Smith debuted her latest hit “whip my hair” and the mash-up of the Sesame Street “I love my Hair” song hit the YouTube world, I was so excited to be celebrated. I don’t know what it is about being a black woman in America but even as a young girl I knew that kinky, curly wasn’t in. My mother always told me how beautiful I was and how beautiful my hair was but she still succumbed to applying the Just for Me kit in the kitchen to my kinky hair that was becoming unruly and hard to manage.

Just like most black women on earth my hair has its own story to tell. From braids to relaxers, flat irons, to fall outs, my hair has been on a journey of self-expression, insecurity and finally, resting in a place of love.

About 2 ½ years ago I decided to loc my hair. After years of twisting it was time to make the commitment to be free from the rigors of combing, straightening and washing my heap of kinks. While locs can sometimes get a bad rep, I’m lucky to live in New York City where OBV’s walk around with their heads held high, their locs whipped into cute, trendy styles, flossing with lots of color and creativity.

I absolutely adore my hair. It’s natural, sexy, beautiful and all mine. Don’t get me wrong, a sistah with a weave is on my team as well, but there is something so sacred about walking down the street and seeing another woman of color with natural hair. For us it’s a revolution to take back our beauty. So often we haven’t been celebrated and primarily our hair, our crown, has been looked down upon whether it be in the work place, from our family, from our men, from society. I’m proud to join the revolution of kinky-fly women that are rocking their fros, curls, locs, twists, coils, knots, etc with style, class, sophistication and determination to change the stigma that has made us hate our hair and ultimately ourselves.

Sitting in a natural hair care workshop over the summer with celebrity stylist Felicia Leatherwood who teaches about the relationship between ourselves and our hair, I noticed so many black women who finally embraced their natural hair, striving to make it better, learn how to take care of it. Leatherwood, who also happens to be the stylist to one of the greatest Afro-OBV’s, Jill Scott, gave a few instructions on loving our natural hair and why having it for a crown makes us unique and somewhat at an advantage compared to other races.

Lesson #1

Do not curse your hair! It is your’s! Learn to love it and live with it.

Lesson #2

Our hair teaches us patience and love.

(Had to plug this: I was able to speak one on one with Felicia and the workshops she hosts are phenomenal! Check her out at www.lovingyourhairworkshop.com.  Her workshops, held throughout the country, are not only educational but inspirational as well and her movement is pushing the natural hair revolution in a phenomenal direction.)

I’m so proud to see more women embracing their natural hair and encouraging the younger generation to as well.

Don’t fight it anymore. Let your hair tell you what it wants to do. If it’s falling out, thin, breaking, brittle or just simply stressed, give it a break from the torture, check out our Natural Salon directory and begin a journey to healing by starting with your crown.

I did it for my Grandmother who was told she couldn’t be more than a secretary. I did it for the executive woman who got turned down for a promotion because her “hair” didn’t fit the company image. I did it for my cousin who thought that by having a perm, she could “fit in” more. I did it for that boy in high school who didn’t want to date me because I looked too “ethnic”. And lastly, I did it for my future daughter who will know that her hair is part of her unique bloodline of ancestors that fought for freedom, equality, prosperity and progression.

I’m whipping my hair…. How about you?

Love and Beauty,

OBV