Guess Who's a Briogeo Brand Ambassador?!

On Friday, I received some wonderful news from Nancy T., the founder of Briogeo, about an opportunity to partner with the brand to become an ambassador.

I'm extremely excited about this opportunity and I just wanted to share this news with you all.  I will have a link on my blog where you will be directed to the Briogeo site to learn about the brand and make purchases. ;)

Briogeo products are some of my favorites because of the natural ingredients and the results!  Not to mention, they smell wonderful. :)

You can check out my review of Briogeo products here.

Let me know if you have any questions about the brand. I'd be happy to help if I can!

Xo,

Ashley.

Do you have any questions for me about Briogeo?  Comment below!

Check Out My #HairStory on the IAM MY Hair Blog!

I'm so excited to have been featured on the IAM MY HAIR Blog to share my #HairStory!  The creator, Janae, is a sweetheart, and I was lucky enough to have met her at #Curlfest. :)

Anywho, make sure you swing by the IAM MY HAIR Blog, and check out my feature. :)

Until next time,

Ashley, xo.

Make sure you swing by the IAM MY HAIR Blog to check out my feature as well as some other naturalistas, tips, and advice.  Do you have any questions for me about my feature?  Comment below!

Curlfest: The Ultimate Summer Picnic

Curlfest, Prospect Park, BK 2014

On Sunday, June 22nd, a couple of friends and I packed a blanket and some snacks en route to Prospect Park, Brooklyn for Curlfest.  Curlfest is described by the Curly Girl Collective as "the ultimate summer picnic" where you go to enjoy music, games, vendors, and the company of your friends and fellow curly girls.

Spotlight Monday: Andria

Tell us about yourself.

> My name is Andria; I'm from Chicago, but I hope to move to New York in the near future.  I want to become an editor for Vogue or Teen Vogue.  I'm a very shy person and become really reserved in huge crowds.

How long have you been natural?  What is your hair type?  Describe your curls!

> I have been natural for a year and a half.  It will be two years in July!  I don't hair type because I can never find my hair on those darn charts, but I would fall in the 3 range.  Part of my hair is wavy with spirals at the end and other parts are just spirals.  My edges don't really curl at all; they (for the most part) stay semi-private, which is why it's so easy to lay my edges down.  The front of my hair doesn't have deep waves like the rest of my hair. 

Did you transition or big chop?  Why did you take that route?

> I transitioned but wanted to big chop so bad, but my mother wouldn't allow it.  Had I been who I am now, I wouldn't have listened and just went for it lol.  Hair played a big part of who I was; I was always that dark skinned girl with "good hair".  So when I told my mother I wanted to cut my hair off, she had a fit and gave me an either or situation.  So, I waited until my hair was to my ear and cut it.

On big chopping-- how did you feel?

> I was so excited when I saw my curls.  I wasn't a child getting relaxers when I was younger, but I always got my hair pressed, which damaged my curls.  I remember growing my hair out and posting it on hair blogs asking my type, and I would always get that it wasn't my real curl pattern, and that I was black so my hair would be much nappier than that 4 inches of growth I had.  Funny thing-- that was really my hair texture.  Either way, I was willing to accept whatever grew from my head.

What was it like when you experienced your natural hair for the first time?

> When I cut my hair I felt so happy because I did it for me.  I didn't care about how long my hair was; I didn't even do it for the health of my hair.  I just wanted my hair to be curly.  When I wore my first wash n go I was so excited; I didn't care that it stopped at my ears!  I loved my curls.

What are some of your favorite products? (top 3)

> Cantu Shea Butter leave-in repair cream, Shea moisture curl enhancing smoothie, Eco Styler Gel

What are your go-to hairstyles?

> My go-to styles would have to be braids, buns, and wash n gos.

What is a haircare lesson that you'd share with someone who wants to go natural?

> One hair care lesson I've learned is to NOT FOLLOW HAIR TRENDS!  I can't stress this enough.  I do not believe in only buying products geared towards African Americans, nor do I believe in not clarifying your hair with a shampoo.

What are your hair goals?

> I just want my hair to remain healthy and to grow out.  I recently cut it just because, so now I just want to get back to the length it was before.  Anything longer would be a bonus.

How do you feel about your hair today?

> Since I cut it and it's growing out, I'm back in the "awkward stage".  But I have to say I'm enjoying it.  I didn't realize how much I missed my hair at this length.

Instagram: anicolec_

YouTube: andriachildress

Do you have any questions for Andria about her natural hair journey?  Comment below!

Curlfest: The Ultimate Summer Picnic

Curlfest is an event by the Curly Girl Collective where natural beauties are celebrated!  It takes place on Sunday, June 22nd from 1-6pm in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, NY.

Attendees are encouraged to bring snacks and blankets; there will be music, games, vendors, and giveaways!  Some of the sponsors include EDEN BodyWorks, Ouidad, and Curls.

I'm super excited to be attending, and I hope to see some of you there!  If you are going, please let me know.  I'd love to meet some of my fellow curly girls! :)

See you then!

Ashley, xo

Are you attending Curlfest?  Do you know about any other curly girl events taking place in NYC this summer?  Comment below!

Spotlight Monday: Michelle

Tell us about yourself.

> My name is Michelle, and I am a recent Syracuse University grad; I majored in both Information Management & Technology and Women & Gender Studies.  I live in Long Island, NY, and I believe 50 Cent is my soulmate!

My Thoughts on BeautyConNYC

Last week, I was chosen by @BrandingMuse on Instagram to attend BeautyConNYC.  BeautyCon is a "fashion and beauty summit for the internet's most influential and everyone who's obsessed with them!" (http://www.beautycon.com/about/).  This year, it was held at at Pier 36, which is way downtown.  It seemed like fun at first, but I wasn't impressed.

Spotlight Monday: Nisha

Tell us about yourself.

> My name is Nisha and I am a third-year graduate student, currently studying Criminology and Justice Specialization. I am 23 years old and I love all natural everything!

Check Me Out On NaturallyFromMe.WordPress.Com!

Hey lovelies!

This is a quick post to tell you all about my feature on naturallyfromme.wordpress.com.  I was lucky enough to get in touch with Sarie, the creator of Naturally From Me, through twitter for a chance to feature on her blog.  It's was a nice change to be in the spotlight. :)

You can check out my feature here, but also check out the other stories and information that Naturally From Me has to offer.

You can also check Sarie out on Twitter.

Until next time,
Ashley, xo.

Head to naturallyfromme.wordpress.com to get in touch with Sarie.  If you have any questions for me about the post, feel free to comment below OR send me an email at curlsfothegirls@gmail.com!

In the Style Seat with #StyledByReece

Before & After, #StyledByReece, May 2014

I'm quite sure you all have seen photos reposted on the #curlsfothegirls Instagram of work done by my friend, Reecie; she is a student at the Carsten Institute of Cosmetology.

Spotlight Monday: Isabel

Tell us about yourself.
> I’m a New York City native, and a recent Syracuse University graduate.  I studied Television-Radio-Film, and I will be pursuing a career in film production.

Spotlight Monday: Callie

Tell us about yourself.

> Hey, I'm Callie-- a Brooklyn girl with a random, carefree spirit.  I am a junior at Syracuse University, majoring in Child & Family Studies as well as African American Studies.  If I'm not eating, I'm probably watching movies (or both lol).  I LOVE music, books, new places and new things.

Birchbloggers x Miss Jessie's Event

In early April, I was invited to attend a private Birchbloggers x Miss Jessie's event at the Miss Jessie's salon in Soho, NY.  After participating in a quick 'contest' on Twitter-- telling #Birchbloggers and Miss Jessie's what our favorite product was, or one that we were interested in trying-- several winners were selected to attend the event.  Luckily, I was one of them.

Check Me Out on FashionRoyaltyBlog.WordPress.Com!

Hey beautiful people!  This is a quick post to tell you about my feature on FashionRoyaltyBlog.wordpress.com.  My friend, Jair, is the creator, and asked me to share some easy products to use during spring/summer since no one wants to spend so much time doing hair during warmer temps; I definitely have to agree with this.

Aside from beauty, my friend Jair has a keen eye for fashion, styling, and trends, and offers great advice and insight on the industry.  She is able to put together some fab pieces and I definitely encourage you all to swing by and take a look!

If you have any questions, you can reach Jair via email (jneverson1004@gmail.com) or twitter @FPR_Royalty!

Until next time,
Ashley, xo.

Do you have any questions for myself or Jair?  If so, comment below, OR shoot us an email!

Spotlight Monday: Dhaakira

Tell us about yourself.
> Hey Guys!!!  My name is Dhaakira.  I am an alumna of St. Bonaventure University where I studied Journalism/Mass Communications.  I grew up and currently reside in NYC.  I am a young woman trying to make something of myself and enjoy life as it comes.

How long have you been natural? What is your hair type?  Describe your curls!
> I’ve been natural most of my life!  Growing up, I did put a texturizer in my hair once because I figured it would help my hair last longer, but that was an EPIC fail.  It didn’t do much for my hair and it was a waste of money LOL.  I would say my hair type is between a 3B and 3C.  I’m honestly still trying to figure that out, but for right now that’s what I think.  My curls are very soft and loose.  Some sections of my hair have defined curls and others are a mix of waves and curl.  My hair does get frizzy at times, but I prefer the frizz.

Did you transition or big chop?  Why did you take that route?

> During my junior year of college, I decided to bleach my hair because I was OBSESSED with blue hair!  I just had to have it.  It definitely was not my brightest idea, smh.  I had my friend bleach my hair then dye it and it came out ALL wrong.  My hair had broken off from the bleach and the blue, unfortunately, did not come out as planned.  I was left with multiple gross colors in my hair and it looked crazy.  I panicked and dyed my hair jet black the next day-- BAD IDEA.  That whole process destroyed my hair.  My hair became brittle and extra thin to the point where you could literally see through my hair strands.  After that whole process, I decided to transition and just cut my hair from time to time.  Looking back, I should have just big chopped, but I was too afraid.  I’ve always had long hair and I wasn’t sure how I would look or feel about it.  The transitioning process was taking forever and my hair wasn’t looking too hot, so I finally manned up and BC'd!

If you big chopped-- how did you feel?

> I big chopped after I graduated, and I can honestly say that it was the best decision I’ve ever made for my hair.  I cut it into a short style-- short layers in back and sides and leaving the front with some length.  I instantly loved the cut!  I felt that it made me look a little older and it was something different for me.  Anyone that knows me knows I love different!

What was it like when you experienced your natural hair for the first time?

> After my big chop, the experience was very new.  While growing up, natural was just not putting relaxers in my hair.  This time around, I actually had to do research about different hair products and figure out what was or was not good for my hair.  The biggest challenge was finding hairstyles that would be easy for me to do.  With my hair being shorter, it was a little easier because I did a lot of wash and gos.  However, once my hair started growing out, it became harder for me.  I might be the first to say that I am a little hair challenged, so I was always asking my friends for help and watching tons of hair tutorials, LOL.

What are some of your favorite products? (Top 3) > Qhemet Biologics Burdock Root Butter Cream: I liveee by this stuff.  I searched high and low to find a moisturizer that worked for me, and when I tried this product, it was love at first sight.  I have fine hair and this butter cream brings my hair back to life.  It softens my curls, while keeping them moisturized for days.  Whenever I feel my hair getting a little dry, I use my moisturizer and it bounces right back.  This is definitely a must-have for me!  EVOO/Coconut oil: These are my favorite oils that I use to seal my hair.  Sealing definitely helps me retain moisture and keep my hair from getting too dry.  SheaMoisture Yucca & Baobab Anti-Breakage Masque: I recently discovered this product, thanks to Curls Fo’The Girls, and I absolutely love it!  It is perfect for my fine hair and it smells AMAZING!  It keeps my hair moisturized, which is key for me, and it leaves my hair so silky soft.

What are your go-to hairstyles?

> My go-to styles are currently wash and gos, Bantu knots, two strand twists, and I’ve recently been able to put my hair into a puff.  I'm super excited about that! LOL  I'm still trying out new styles, but those are the ones I know best.

What is a haircare lesson that you've learned that you'd be willing to share with someone who wants to go natural?

> A haircare lesson I would share is to STOP using heat on natural hair, or at least in the beginning stages.  As much as I love my straight hair, I had to stop straightening it because I was beginning to see signs of damage.  I would also tell them to definitely keep their hair hydrated and moisturize often!

What are your hair goals?

> My hair goals are to grow my hair to bra strap-mid back length and keep it healthy and strong.

How do you feel about your hair today?

> I love, love, LOVE my hair!  I honestly can not say that enough.  When I was younger, I never wore my hair curly unless it was in a ponytail.  I always straightened it as much I could, which caused major heat damage, but NOW I can’t get enough!  I feel more secure with my hair, and I love this journey I am embarking on.  My hair has never been this healthy and I’m just having fun with it.  I'm still learning as it grows!

Until next time,

Ashley, xo.

Do you have any questions for Dhaakira about her natural hair?  Comment below!

A Transitioner's Point of View: Niaya

Tell us about yourself.
> Hi Guys :), My name is Niaya.  I was born and raised in NYC.  I am a currently a first year graduate student, and I love, live, and breathe all things fashion.

Spotlight Monday: Stephanie

Tell us about yourself.

> My name is Stephanie, but everyone calls me Steph.  I'm 20 years old from NYC!  I am the youngest out of 6 girls and I'm always getting picked on lol.

How long have you been natural? What is your hair type?  Describe your curls!

> June 2nd will make 2 years of me being natural.  The top of my hair is 3c and I would say the back and sides are 4a-4b.  I love my hair, but I'm still trying to figure out what to do because the top of my hair has looser curls than the rest.

Did you transition or big chop?  Why did you take that route?

> I transitioned for a little while during my first year of college.  One day, I decided to just cut it all off.  I could have transitioned longer, but I was far too anxious to feel my hair texture and not have to worry about my natural hair and the permed hair, too.

On big chopping-- how did you feel?

> When I big chopped on June 2,2012, I was terrified!  My mom made it even harder.  I thought she would be so supportive of my decision, but she wasn't.  She told me she didn't like it and that I looked like a little boy.  Feelings hurt much?  Yes!

What was it like when you experienced your natural hair for the first time?

> Above all of that, I was so in love with my little afro lol.  I washed it every single day to keep my curls poppin'. 

What are some of your favorite products? (top 3)

> My favorite products now would have to be anything from the Shea Moisture line, as well as Curls Unleashed.

What are your go-to hairstyles?

> I don't think I have any go-to hairstyles, but I do like putting my hair up in a puff, or a twist across the front and my puff in the back.

What is a haircare lesson that you've learned that you'd be willing to share with someone who wants to go natural?

> I think a really important lesson is don't go natural in hopes of having hair like someone else.  You will come into the natural hair world hating yourself.  Your hair is YOUR HAIR and only your hair.  Your hair is unique and you should love it regardless whether it's kinky, coily, curly, or very loosely curled.  It'll be hard at first, but I think it gets easier with time.

What are your hair goals?

> My hair goal would probably be to get BSL (bra strap length) but above all else I just want to maintain healthy, natural hair.  Keep in mind that Black hair does grow!

How do you feel about your hair today?

> Being almost 2 years natural, it's the best decision I've ever made, I lovvvvvveeeee my hair, and I love everything about this little natural hair movement that keeps growing.

Until next time,
Ashley, xo.

Do you have any questions for Stephanie about her natural hair journey?  Comment below!

Spotlight Monday: Kenvi

Tell us about yourself.

> My name Kenvi (IG: naturallykenvi) & I am from Houston, TX.  I am a girly girl that loves shopping, natural hair & everything beauty!  I am currently preparing to apply to Physical Therapy school with hopes of graduating & owning my own physical therapy clinic.

How long have you been natural? What is your hair type?  Describe your curls!
> I decided to go natural by accident.  As a college undergrad, I didn't have time to keep up with my hair so I stopped getting relaxers.  Once I stopped, I fell in love with my natural hair pattern.  After a year without chemicals, I cut my relaxed ends off & became fully natural.  That was January 2011 & I have been natural ever since.

Did you transition or big chop?  Why did you take that route?

> I transitioned with my hair because I was too afraid to do the big chop.  However, I had no fears about going natural.  I liked my hair, so that was all that mattered to me.  I get more compliments on my hair now than I ever did while getting relaxers.  

What are some of your favorite products? (top 3)

> My favorite hair products are virgin coconut oil, African Pride leave-in conditioner & Shea Moisture's kids shampoo & conditioner just to name a few. ;)

What are your go-to hairstyles?

> My go-to styles are twist outs, flat twist outs on a blow out & my all time favorite is a big, curly bun. 

What is a haircare lesson that you've learned that you'd be willing to share with someone who wants to go natural?

> One lesson I've learned is that you have to be a product junkie.  You have to try different products to see what does & doesn't work for your hair.  No two naturals have the exact same hair.  Find out what works for your hair & rock it! 

What are your hair goals?

> My natural hair goal is to always have healthy hair.  Of course, we all want long or "big" hair, but your hair must be healthy in order to reach those lengths.

How do you feel about your hair today?

> I love my hair.  My hair is constantly changing & I love the fact that I have so much versatility with my hair.

Until next time,
Ashley, xo.

Do you have any questions for Kenvi about her natural hair journey?  Comment below!

Spotlight Monday: J'Lisa

Tell us about yourself.
> My name is J’Lisa and I am from and currently reside on St. Croix, US Virgin Islands.  I have a BS in Health and Exercise Science from Syracuse University and I am currently pursuing my Physician Assistant Certification/Masters in Clinical Medical Science.

How long have you been natural? What is your hair type?  Describe your curls!

> I have been natural for 2 years and 3 months.  I think my hair type is 3c/4a-- somewhere in between there lol.  My hair type is sort of kinky-curly.  They (my curls) have a mind of their own depending on which part of my head they are on!

Did you transition or big chop?  Why did you take that route?
> I big chopped after about 2 months of no relaxer.  I am sort of impulsive and couldn’t wait to transition lol.  It was and still is one of the most liberating things I’ve ever done.

What was it like when you experienced your natural hair for the first time?
> I was natural until about 17yo and then relaxed my hair before I went to college.  I actually big chopped as I was finishing up my degree.  It was weird to see my natural hair again because while I was natural for a long time, I had heat damage because I would mainly blow dry my hair.  It was really eye opening to see my natural texture.

What are some of your favorite products? (Top 3)
> My top 3 products would have to be the Shea Moisture Curl Enhancer Smoothie, the Shea Moisture Reconstructive conditioner and any leave-in conditioner from Blue Magic.

What are your go-to hairstyles?
> My go to hairstyles would be twist outs or just wake up and go’s lol.

How do you feel about your hair today?

> As of today, I feel really proud of my hair length and strength.  I think back and can’t believe it’s already been 2 years!  Looking back at pictures it was a long road but I am more than happy with my decision and plan to keep it going!

Here are a few more pictures of J'Lisa and her glorious hair:

                            

Until next time,

Ashley, xo.

Do you have any questions for J'Lisa about her hair?  Comment below!

Spotlight Monday: Shanelle

Tell us about yourself.
> My name is Shanelle and I am a first-year graduate student at Syracuse University. I am currently pursuing my masters in Engineering Management!  One of my many hobbies is reconstructing denim shorts for young ladies.  I’ve managed to make a little business, Eat My Shorts Vintage, out of that which is pretty dope.  I was born and raised in Jamaica.  If I could find one word to describe my personality it would be cooky-- I’m just all over the place!

How long have you been natural? What is your hair type?  Describe your curls!
> I have been natural since my junior year of college, which would be about 3 years.  I actually don’t know what my hair type is.  I don’t like the hair typing system because it doesn’t really tell us anything about how our hair reacts to different products, or more importantly the physical make-up of our hair.  My hair has about 3 textures, which is why I can’t say I’m 3c, 4a, or 4b.  My crown is very loose (almost no curls at all-- so frustrating), while the rest is more of an “S” curl pattern (I love that portion of my hair).  My hair is very easy to manage for the most part.

Did you transition or big chop?  Why did you take that route?
> I actually big chopped while I was in China living it up for the semester in 2011.  I transitioned for 9 months prior to the chop so I don’t know how big of a chop it was.

On big chopping-- how did you feel?
> UGH!!!  OMG-- I was with my roommates Dominique and Jaleesa when I big chopped.  I had just taken out those long overdue braids I had in for about 2 months.  My hair was unruly; I couldn’t deal with the two textures for much longer and I didn’t have the right products.  There was only one thing to do... CUT IT ALL!  As I saw the straight, processed, unhealthy pieces fall to the floor, my body tensed up and anxiety kicked in.  When it was all over, my head felt so much lighter.  My hair felt soft; I liked the feel of it until I looked in the mirror.  I was bald!  Even though I had grown my hair out for nine months, I still felt like a little boy.  I didn’t really get that "I feel free" feeling.  I was very insecure; I didn’t feel beautiful anymore.

What was it like when you experienced your natural hair for the first time?
> When I first experienced my natural hair, I hated it!  I like big hair and I liked my hair long.  I’ve always had long hair and that short cut was so different for me.  I’m not going to lie and say it was a walk through the park, but it definitely took some getting used to.  My family would say, “Shanelle, you should perm your hair” and in my head I’m like, “Hell no, this was a journey!  I’m not putting that crap in my hair.”  I turned to weaves to escape that feeling I got when I big chopped.  Currently, I still wear weaves more than I wear my natural hair out, but not because I’m insecure.  I wear weaves as a protective style.  I find that my hair grows with weaves and it kind of passes the time by.

What are some of your favorite products? (top 3)
> Like any woman who experiences their natural hair for the first time, I wanted to know what products would work for my hair.  I’ve learned that if I have too many products in my hair, it will confuse my hair.  I like to think of my hair as cables or wires.  When you have too many cables, they get tangled and you have to take your time to detangle those wires.  So too many products tangles the crap out of my hair!  However, my favorite products are (I’ll probably say more than 3): WATER, coconut oil, Herbal Essences Hello Hydration shampoo and conditioner (I love the conditioner as a detangler), Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque (My deep conditioner), Kinky-Curly Knot Today as my leave-in, and the Kinky-Curly Curling Custard.

What are your go-to hairstyles?
> My go-to hairstyle is a simple wash and go!  I don’t like twist outs; I don’t like that they tend to look sooo perfect because I don’t like perfect (sorry if that makes absolutely no sense to you just now).  Whenever I do wash and go’s, I make sure my hair is drenched with water.  Then, I use my coconut oil, Kinky-Curly leave-in and gel combination and work it through my hair.  Once it dries, I stretch my curls with a blow dryer.  I should invest in a diffuser; I love big hair! :)

How do you feel about your hair today?
> I am obsessed with my hair honestly, and it's not based off physical appearance, but she is my baby.  This was a journey that I will not allow anyone to ruin.  There are people out there, especially men, who bad mouth women with natural hair (someone called me Michael Jackson one time, that was a funny joke).  I have two words for those types of people.  When I was younger, I wanted a perm so bad.  I guess because it was a trend at the time, but after a while I knew deep down inside that I was supposed to be a little naturalista.  Even when I had a perm I would do twist outs (that was a sign).  I was born to wear my curls; I was born this way.  On a final note, if you are reading this and considering becoming natural, you really and truly have to be committed to it.  There will be that one ignorant being who has everything and anything mean to say about your beautiful curls.  Stay Strong and don’t be discouraged!

Until next time,
Ashley, xo.

Do you have any questions for Shanelle about her natural hair journey? Comment below!