Wanna Be An Hairtrepreneur? Must See Tips from CurlboxTV.

It seems as though everyone wants to get into the business of Hair–Blogging about Hair, Selling Hair Stuff, Being a Hair Expert. Before you venture off into the wide world of hair take a few minutes to get into these wise words from Ken Burkeen, the successful founder of Heutiful Salon.

Business Basics 101:

List of Things We Love From Ken:

Be Unique and Provide Value to the Market
Don’t get into the game for the glitz and glamour because it isn’t always pretty! Its really hard work.
Know what your customers want and deliver.
Your brand is not your logo. Work on the brand and not the logo.
Do a few things and do them uncommonly well.
Focus on factors that drive your business and don’t get stuck on the business plan.
Have a driver for your business.

http://www.heutifulsalon.com

http://www.curlbox.com

November 2, 2014 0

Next Read: “Impolite Conversations” by Cora Daniels and John L. Jackson, Jr.

There are certain topics that we all gravitate towards. Topics that are soul stirring. They may make you angry, sad, and you may even find humor in some if it. The book, “Impolite Conversations” by Cora Daniels and John Jackson, Jr has the words “Race, Politics, Sex, Money, and Religion” in conversation bubbles smack dab in the middle of it’s front cover. I am here for all of those topics. I love hearing/reading intelligent tidbits on all of those topics because we all know first hand about one of these topics as they relate to yourselves or our community. I really expect great commentary from Daniels and Jackson and I’m hoping to walk away from this book with a new piece of knowledge or insight about all or one of the topics mentioned.

The chapters in “Impolite Conversations” are divided by pieces of writing by either Jackson or Daniels. A chapter by Jackson that makes me giggle a bit is titled, “Obama makes Whites Whiter” and Daniel’s chapter that makes me go “mmm” is titled, “Are Black people still overchurched?”

Check out Cora Daniels bio at www.coradaniels.com

Twitter: @iamcoradaniels

John Jackson, Jr. can be searched and found at The University of Pennsylvania

Pick up your own copy and read along with me. Let’s share out when through.

November 2, 2014 0

Dope London Style : Shirley B. Eniang @ShirleyBEniang

The ladies in London are consistently serving style on Instagram and Twitter. One of my favorite is Shirley B. Eniang. Her style is stripped down and simple yet classic and chic. Her trademark red lips will make you want to invest in a lifetime supply of Ruby Woo. She mixes high end and affordable brands like Zara (one of her favorites). She keeps no style secrets and keeps us in the mix in order to achieve some of her favorite looks.

Shirley B. Eniang’s Latest Youtube Video:

Hair, Beauty and Style Secrets

Check out Shirley on IG and Twitter. Do you love her style?

Twitter: @Shirleybeniang

IG: @Shirleybeniang

October 27, 2014 2

Bevy Smith Wants You To Live A Life With Vision.

I’m was never a big “self-help” book or tv person but there comes a time in your life (for me it’s my mid thirties) where you start to evaluate and reevaluate how and why you do things, work where you work and ask yourself the eternally frustrating question, “Am I happy?” I am blessed to have a great career, a great family yet still I have a feeling that I want more. Am I being greedy? No, never. We all deserve all that the universe has to offer. I believe that there is absolute abundance out there for us all. However, you must work to get it. Yup, thats the hard part. I’m going to be honest and divulge that at times I am tired of doing the damn work! I work so hard but the truth is I need work harder. I need to take myself out of my comfort zone and do things that are challenging.

Today, Bevy Smith held a luncheon where she spoke to a roomful of about 60 talented and beautiful people (majority Black women) about living a life with vision. What brought me there? Bevy herself. I don’t know her personally but when she tweets her desires and “isms” I feel very connected. She has a persona called, “Malibu Bevy” and I swear that is my kindred spirit. I too would love to own a great little home near the water with my beau and live a life of leisure. Fabulous darling! Needless to say that is not my reality but I’m working on making my way there.

Some things I loved from Luncheon With Bevy:

The event was held in a room at The Palm West. The setting was very pretty. Loved the Bevy illustration along with the place/name cards. Bevy placed participants together strategically and she prides herself on being good at linking people together.

“Dining With Bevy” is a brand Bevy created in order to improve her finances in a time when she had no 9 to 5. It’s brilliant and she played into her strengths (being a social connector) in order to make it successful.

The meat of this meet up for me were the tenets or doctrines that Bevy shared that she lives by. I'm not going to share them all but the one that resonates with me right now is being honest with my "truest desires". I desire very little things but they are all very major. She closed with these brilliant Bevyisms. — The meat of this meet up for me were the tenets or doctrines that Bevy shared that she lives by. I’m not going to share them all but the one that resonates with me right now is being honest with my “truest desires”. I desire very little things but they are all very major. She closed with these brilliant Bevyisms.

So you know that I and everyone else broke out the "Ruby Woo" today right? Smiles. — So you know that I and everyone else broke out the “Ruby Woo” today right? Smiles.

Everyone got a LeSportSac as a parting gift! I was so stoked to see this because I was not expecting to get a gift. Who doesn't love gifts? — Everyone got a LeSportSac as a parting gift! I was so stoked to see this because I was not expecting to get a gift. Who doesn’t love gifts?

Twitter: @Bevysmith

Twitter: @Lesportsac

October 19, 2014 0

Dinner at @Lea_Brooklyn #Brooklyn #CortelyouRoad

We visited “Lea”, a cozy yet chic spot on Cortelyou Road in Brooklyn recently. We originally stopped in for a couple of glasses of wine but I could not resist ordering from the delicious selection on the dinner menu. I have a slight weakness for fresh Italian food and the food at “Lea” does not dissapoint! There is a menu selection for meals served during the day, during dinner and for brunch. Take a small visual journey at our night at “Lea”:

Photos: John Ricard

http://www.johnricard.com

All Photos Taken on the Leica M

October 1, 2014 0

I Am Not My Hair…. Except For When I Have A Great Cut!

It is almost ceremonial for me to get a good haircut about once per year. So many women are afraid to cut their hair because they don’t want to lose their length. For me, I ask, What is length if your hair just drapes and drags? At times, long hair just lays flat and does nothing for the “oomph” factor. When your hair is layered and has dimension then you are almost close to kissing bad hair days goodbye. I went from about bra strap length hair to a shoulder length hair recently and loving every bit of my decision to do so.

Hair at bra strap length. I found that my hair tangled more frequently and I often opted for the bun instead of wearing my hair "out". — Hair at bra strap length. I found that my hair tangled more frequently and I often opted for the bun instead of wearing my hair “out”.

My infamous bun! I was able to twist and tuck my hair without using a hair band in order to create the bun. It was so easy to scoop up my hair and tuck it into a bun if it was an annoyance from wearing it "out". — My infamous bun! I was able to twist and tuck my hair without using a hair band in order to create the bun. It was so easy to scoop up my hair and tuck it into a bun if it was an annoyance from wearing it “out”.

The shoulder length!!! Got some great layers and can wear it parted in the middle or side.

Do you do a yearly chop for styling purposes or other?

September 28, 2014 0

Wine Tasting in Upstate New York at America’s Oldest Winery. #BrotherhoodWinery

We drove up to the Hudson Valley in New York State for a quick 2 day getaway for the Jewish New Year break. It is always a pleasant experience for me to drive the Palisades Parkway in the Fall because the foliage alone is worth the trip. Leaves turn the most vibrant yellow/gold, orange and burgundy colors that I believe artists try to copy in all types of forms but never truly succeed. The sunsets are the same majestic color as those leaves. It is hard to believe that you are only an hour away from New York City.

My first stop was Harriman at the Woodbury Commons Outlet. I haven’t visited in years and was surprised to see massive construction happening. This is a very well kept premium outlet shopping venue. They have just about every store you can possibly want. Stores range from the obtainable priced GAP Outlet to the more high end brands like Prada and Gucci. It was nice to have all of those luxe stores in one place and I was loving everything in Tom Ford.

There is a comfy Hampton Inn near Woodbury Commons that we stayed in. There was a pool so Angelique was extremely happy.

We got a great warm and sunny day for our visit to Brotherhood Winery. It is a 20 minute drive from Harriman and well worth the trip. The winery does not have a vineyard so if you are looking to walk through vineyards this won’t supply that. I can assure you though that this winery does not disappoint. It is a beautiful venue/grounds and you must take the $10 tour and wine tasting. On the tour, you are guided through underground tunnels where barrels of wines are stored. You can feel and smell the history of this place. After the tour you are brought to the tasting room for about 4 different types of wines, dry or sweet. You are given your Brotherhood wine glass after the tasting as well. After the tasting you can purchase some great New York State wines in the Brotherhood store. We lunched on some really fresh fare at the on site Vinum Cafe.

The view from my Hampton Inn Hotel room.

This black barn and gold signature is so luxe and gives you the feel that you are visiting a special place.

Small rows of vineyards are on the grounds to show a variety of grapes that are grown in New York.

The grounds are beautiful and worthy of many "selfie" moments. — The grounds are beautiful and worthy of many “selfie” moments.

While on the tour we met an amazing couple and Lou bonded with Angelique immediately. He shared some childhood memories of making wine with this dad when he was a boy many moons ago.

The selection of wines in store at Brotherhood.

Our tour guide, Howard, also conducted the tasting.

This Brotherhood Riesling is a favorite on the White House Menu. Former President, Bill Clinton insisted that American wines should be served in the White House. Before this there were no American wines on our White House menu.

One of the tunnels where the barrels of wines are kept.

Loved these Medieval type light fixtures that illuminated the tunnels.

What are some of your Fall travel plans? Please share.

Photos: John Ricard

http://www.johnricard.com

All shot on his Leica M.

September 28, 2014 0

Curlbox Brings SheaMoisture Nirvana. @Curlbox @SheaMoisture4U

So, I just mentioned that I needed to try the Jamaican Black Castor Oil line from SheaMoisture a few weeks ago and just like that my September Curlbox delivered my wish! Hey Curlbox, If I ask to hit the Powerball Lottery will that wish be granted too? Since you guys are making wishes come true and all I thought I would ask. LOL. All joking aside folks, this is a MEGA box with four full-sized products and 1 trial size tube of “Extra Moisture Detangler”. All of the products can be used separately or in conjunction with each other (with the exception of the Treatment Masque). I love when I can use the products in the box together. It gives the box a more cohesive feel. Lets get into this September Box!

List of SheaMoisture Items in this month’s Curlbox:

The products couldn't get any better or bigger. The Jamaican Black Castor Oil line smells divine. There is a light vanilla scent that is just right. — The products couldn’t get any better or bigger. The Jamaican Black Castor Oil line smells divine. There is a light vanilla scent that is just right.

The 12-oz, "Strengthen Grow & Restore Treatment Masque" has a pudding like consistency and smells out of this world. The "Strengthen Grow & Restore Edge Treatment" came just in time for my Winter routine. — The 12-oz, “Strengthen Grow & Restore Treatment Masque” has a pudding like consistency and smells out of this world. The “Strengthen Grow & Restore Edge Treatment” came just in time for my Winter routine.

The "Styling Lotion" will be a staple for my daughter's hair while I may run through this "Hair Serum" like it's water. — The “Styling Lotion” will be a staple for my daughter’s hair while I may run through this “Hair Serum” like it’s water.

A little bonus sample of "detangled" is always a good idea. Every wash comes with a detangle in curly world. I'm happy to see the St. Jude's reminder in the box as well. — A little bonus sample of “detangled” is always a good idea. Every wash comes with a detangle in curly world. I’m happy to see the St. Jude reminder in the box as well.

You can get SheaMoisture’s line at your local CVS or Target store.

September 20, 2014 2

I’m a Brooklyn Baby. #ConeyIslandfun

Yup, I just jacked a Lana Del Rey line. How can you not steal this line? It’s so neat! All Brooklyn Babies know and love Coney Island. As a kid, it is the one place that I yearned to go to all Summer long. It is more popular than McDonald’s without fail. As an adult, it has a different appeal. It’s all about people watching, grooving to cool music and grabbing delicious boardwalk food. Oh, and don’t forget the beach!

List of Some Cool Things to See at Coney Island:

All Photos: John Ricard

http://www.johnricard.com

If you are in Brooklyn, visit Coney Island and be a “Brooklyn Baby”.

http://www.coneyisland.com

Twitter: @ConeyIslandfun

September 15, 2014 0

The Little Denim Short That Could.

I’ve been wearing denim shorts during the Summer now for years. As a teen, it was always paired with tee shirts or tank tops. Now, It’s become a piece that I dress up for evenings out with a sequins or satin top and heels, lunch casual with a blazer and tee or coverup for my bathing suits when I go to the beach with my daughter.

I truly hope I never get tired of my Levis cutoffs or listen to a fashion guru if they say they are not on trend. I do believe I would be crushed if I ever hear my beloved shorts are not on trend but I would be the lone soul rocking them though! Let’s take a peek at some ways that I wore my denim shorts this Summer.

List of Ways I Wear My Denim Shorts:

The Paparazzi White Fence — I’m sure you recognize the Paparazzi White Fence. The Ivy is the perfect spot for star gazing. When we dined her for lunch the Rev Jesse Jackson was also lunching outdoors.

Did I mention that I had an amazing meal t The Ivy on Robertson Blvd? — Did I mention that I had an amazing meal at The Ivy on Robertson Blvd?

Amazing fried fish, shrimp, calamari and scallops. I couldn't ask for anything more... — Amazing fried fish, shrimp, calamari and scallops. I couldn’t ask for anything more…

Black Blazer and Tee — But we are talking about my Summer staple, the denim short, right? So on we go….Here it is paired with the black blazer and tee.

Beach Essential. — It was also a beach and pool essential.

Coverup for When Laying Poolside. — It is the best coverup when laying poolside.

A loose tank and a fedora for grocery shopping.

September 15, 2014 2