Jane Carter in Target Stores!

Congratulations goes out to the lovely Jane Carter of Jane Carter Solutions!   The Jane Carter Solution is proud to announce that on March 28th, their products are now available at 233 Target stores around the United States. Target will be featuring Moisture Nourishing Shampoo, Nutrient Replenishing Conditioner, Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner, Scalp Nourishing Serum, Wrap & Roll, plus their #1 best selling product, Nourish and Shine.

Jane Carter, founder of The Jane Carter Solution, is clearly delighted at the prospect of offering her products in neighborhood Target stores, saying “being sold in Target is a great opportunity allowing us to make our wonderful products available to a larger demographic.” Created from an array of simple, natural ingredients and organic essential oils that work on every hair type and texture regardless of ethnicity, these products have garnered wide popular appeal and a strong multi-cultural following.

Jane Carter, a stylist and salon owner, began developing Jane Carter Solution over 10 years ago in response to an allergic reaction caused by the chemicals in traditional hair care products. Frustrated with the lack of non-chemical choices, Jane decided to formulate her own hair care line using only natural ingredients. A well-recognized authority on hair care, and a frequent guest at industry, charitable and entertainment events, Jane is an enthusiastic supporter of grassroots initiatives and is committed to the protection, growth, and development of global communities in need.

About The Jane Carter Solution
Jane Carter, a stylist and salon owner, founded the Jane Carter Solution over 10 years ago in response to an allergic reaction caused by the chemicals in traditional hair care products. Frustrated with the lack of non-chemical choices, Jane decided to formulate her own hair care line specifically compounded for dry hair and using only natural ingredients. Jane Carter Solution products are widely distributed in salons and are available at Whole Foods, Vitamin Shoppe, Earth Fare and Ricky’s NYC. A well-recognized authority on hair care, and a frequent guest at industry, charitable and entertainment events, Jane is an enthusiastic supporter of grassroots initiatives and is committed to the protection, growth, and development of global communities in need.

 Congrats Jane! God Bless you and your company!



Stay Blessed & Happy Locing!

Spring is Here?

 Are your locs ready for Spring? It was cold (probably still is), and therefore we had to mist our locs everyday to lock in that moisture. Now Spring is upon us, which means there will be some rainy days; which means you don't necessarily have to mist your locs everyday. Its okay to mist 3 times out of the week. Trust me you don't want over wet locs, or mildew.  Remember to keep your locs oiled lightly, now would be a great time to use organic aromatherapy oils to make them look and smell wonderuful. You can skip the perfume all together if you do choose to use the scented oils!  Can't wait for the Spring!



Stay Blessed & Happy Locing!

Loc'd Beauty of the Week

 The beautiful singing sensation Paulette McWilliams

This well accomplished singer has sang along with the greats such as, Chaka Khan, Rufus, Luther Vandross, and Donnie Hathaway. She has also recorded with Mary J. Blige as well as recorded and appeared with Aretha Franklin, Lauryn Hill, Celine Dion, Anastacia, Whitney Houston, Patty LaBelle, Deborah Cox, Michael Jackson, David Bowie and many others. The list goes from A-Z. You don't realize it, bu you have heard her voice many times. She is the voice behind the TV commercials you hear daily such as Folgers, McDonalds, Diet Pepsi with Britney Spears, Cadillac, Cover Girl, American Express, Celebrex and the "Love Jones" by Mercedes. 

She is a gifted songwriter and is co-writing her new CD with Anne Schelle Herring.which is to be released in Japan in February 2007, She is currently joined by her good friends and partners Vincent Herring on saxophone, Nat Adderley Jr. on piano,(also producer on the CD!) Richie Goods on bass, and E.J. Strickland and Greg Hutchinson on drums. In addition to being a vocalist/songwriter/actress (Paulette studied at Stella Adler in New York and Lee Strasberg in Los Angeles and has appeared in a few movies) she is working to educate younger artists about the music industry and how to keep themselves productive and in control of their destiny.

 We salute this gifted, and timeless loc'd diva! She personifies what it means to be a Queen...

 *Info taken from artists' MySpace account, http://www.myspace.com/paulettemcwilliams*

Stay Blessed & Happy Locing!

RIP Tae'Rai

It is with a heavy heart and mind that I tell you all that

The handsome and sophisticated gentleman known as Tai'Rae "Phoenix," the master natural hair and
Loc stylist has passed away.

His talent was second to none, he founded The Phoenix Loctician Network was founded in 2005. It is an out-service network of stylist strategically placed all over the map, and is growing! Tai'Rae traveled all over metro New York, blessing the tresses of whomever has the pleasure of having him touch their hair. His passion for natural hair, began 10 years ago, in 1999. Disappointed and undoubtedly frustrated with his then stylists, he decided to learn the skills and acquired the needed license to begin to do natural hair on his own. But it wasn't until he became inspired by his then mentor, Thando Kafele did he find his true technique!

He had the ability to transform regular locs into crowns fit for a King and Queen.

His styles were regal, timeless, and undoubtedly lovely.

Tai'Rae you will be sorely missed in the natural hair community. There will be a void that will be noticeable. Thank you for gracing us with your work and charm. Now I know you probably doing some angels hair up there somewhere. Hey, angels need the hook up too ;)

Stay Blessed & Happy Locing!

Loc'd Beauty of the Week

The naturally beautiful Karen.

 

This loc'd diva runs the successful, visually stunning, and highly informative blog, Naturally Beautiful Hair.

When asked about her hair and what she does for a living this is what she says:

" I am an artist, business woman, wife and full time Mom. I have been a creative person all my life. I often joke that I am a creative soul, stuck in a corporate world. I have a website and blog called Naturally Beautiful Hair. The websites for me have been heaven sent and a huge creative outlook. Not only am I am able to be creative, but I can share in the joy of being naturally beautiful with others. I have been growing my locks for almost 7 years. I gave up the life I had before where long straight hair was an obsession. I saw how unhappy I was when I was untrue to myself. So I finally made the choice to just stop. After a while all the “extra” stuff seemed like nonsense. I did not need the perms, chemicals or fake hair to be beautiful. And that’s how my love for natural hair began. From that point on, I make it a priority to learn from others and to share my own love and joy of natural hair."

Well, I can sure appreciate all of that can you? I know how effective Karen's blog is, and you should visit to find out too. She is doing wonderful things for the natural hair community. She embodies the spirit, and true beauty of a Queen!

http://naturalhairbeauty.blogspot.com/

Stay Blessed & Happy Locing!

Reader Email Answered

---

Hi there, Writing Addict!

I really love your handle.  I love writing myself, and when I discovered you on YouTube today (I'm "ladycaruso"), I was so stoked to learn that you were a writer as well.  Your hair is absolutely beautiful, and it's such an inspiration that you started from only 2 inches!  I have braidlocs and I maintain them myself with a twisted paperclip.  I did my big chop about ten years ago, and when I started my locs last April, I had about five to six inches (my hair has SUPER tight coils - aka NAPPY to the MAX, and it stretches/contracts A LOT).

Anyway, I really do have a question for you.  :p  My locs are very small - some are the size of sisterlocks, and some are slightly bigger, with bases around 1 cm.  I notice that some people say if you have small locs, your roots will thin out.  I am wondering if you have any advice.  I know that over-handling is always a no-no, and I try to leave at least 1 cm of growth when I latch, instead of going all the way down to the root.  Do you think this is enough to keep my locs from thinning out at the root?

Thanks in advance!
Michelle
------------------------------------------------
Hi there Michelle! I am sorry it took me a bit to answer your question.  Now, I am a traditional locer so I am not as knowledgeable about sisterlocs. However, the most important thing to remember when sporting thin locs is to take care not to twist or latch all the way to the root. You need that cushion there, so you loc will not break off; so 1cm of new growth is enough cushion.  Remember to spray your locs and roots lightly with a leave in mix daily. This will keep your roots supple, and elastic; not dry and brittle where it will break off easily.  If you find any locs that seem as if they will break, just combine them okay? Please contact me with any additional questions.


Stay Blessed & Happy Locing!

Loc Updates

Hey Queens! Its mid year and I think now is good time as any for us to check in! You all know how I am doing, but I want to know how you are doing. That's right! Its time for a loc check in. Please email me a brief description on how you are doing in your loc journey complete with an updated pic. I want to see the royalty!

Stay Blessed & Happy Locing!

So Appreciative!

One of my favorite blogger of all time, Afrobella did a write up for Black Voices about natural hair inspiration/online Loc Goddesses; she included me and I am so flattered!  Go check it out, and tell me what you think! 

Stay Blessed & Happy Locing!

Stand-Up!

Queens, I am sure you have been noticing all of the media attention we black women have been getting lately. However, its been mostly negative. As we gain strides in the workplace, school, Hollywood, music, etc... the media is busy tearing us down painting a picture of us being: broke, destitute, lonely, desperate, unattractive, carriers of disease, etc.

Don't believe this Queens! This is one reason why I run On the Road to Queendom, I will refute any and all negative coverage they are doing on us! Now more than ever we need to come together and say, enough! We need to depict something other than what they are trying to show. We can be wealthy and independent, let us make good choices with our finances. Let us live within our means, and save no less than 10% of our earnings! If this means we have to walk by that pair of shoes staring at us from the shop window then walk by! Do not spend money you do not have! You can be beautiful and sexy while living on a budget! That is just it, make a budget and stick to it!

Spend within "our" community! Whenever possible buy black! Buy from black women who are in beauty, skin care, clothing, and the jewelry business. Hire your "own" to do things! Lets circulate this money within our own community! Stop going to the Kim Lee's beauty supply and nail salon! If we are to prosper we have to build one another up!

National Women & Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Hello Queens! Today is National Women & Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day! So you know I rock the red pump, and I had to post a pic of these bad azz Valentino Couture Bow d'Orsay pumps, with a hefty 2 month's worth of car notes with a price tag of $695.00!

Anyway here is a list of facts as it relates to Women and HIV/AIDS. The facts below demonstrate how HIV/AIDS is one of the biggest threats to women and communities today and shows the urgent need for more concerted focus and resources on women needs in the fight against this dreadful disease.

Ten Facts on Women and HIV/AIDS Every 35 minutes, a woman tests positive for HIV in the United States. In the USA, African American and Hispanic women account for 80 percent of AIDS cases, even though they represent less than one fourth of all women. AIDS is the leading cause of death for African-American women aged 25 to 34. Globally, HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death among women of reproductive age. In 2007 Sub-Saharan Africa had 12 million women living with HIV and AIDS, compared to about 8.3 million men. UNAIDS have estimated that around three quarters of all women with HIV live in Sub-Saharan Africa. The whole of the developing world accounts for 98 percent of HIV positive women. Biologically women are twice more likely to become infected with HIV through unprotected heterosexual intercourse than men. UNAIDS say that at the end of 2007 there were an estimated 2 million children (under 15 years) living with HIV, most of whom were infected by their mothers. In 2006, prevention of mother to child transmission [PMCT] drugs reached only 3 in 10 of HIV - infected pregnant women in Eastern and Southern Africa, and only 1 in 10 in West and Central Africa In 2008, around 430,000 children under 15 became infected with HIV, mainly through mother to child transmission. 90% of MTCT infections occur in Africa A comprehensive course of treatment can cut the risk of MTCT to below 2% Protect yourself make condoms a part of your sexual health, and get tested annually!

Stay Blessed and Know Your Status!

Reader Email Answered

Hi!!! Happy Belated birthday first of all !!!!!!    I had a quick question.....My locs are coming along nicely, but I do find it hard to keep them from unraveling when I workout. I wanted to know if there is anything I can do to keep this from happening? Should I wrap them up before working out? I would really appreciate any advice you could give on this matter!

Thank you,
Lee

Click to read my answer

Loc'd Beauty of the Week

This redheaded beauty is simply known as Redlocs

I am loving the intense color of her fiery red mane of healthy, and luscious locs

She is also a natural hair stylist in Brooklyn, NY! Victoria J's Natural Hair Salon is dedicated to natural beauty; the website is www.victoriajnaturalhairsalon.com, and the number to the salon is 718-781-0076.

Check out her work here:

My Birthday!

 

Queens, I had a wonderful birthday! Started celebrating on Saturday but the real date was Sunday!

 

My Birthday Sweets

What a blessing to be able to live another year; Jah bless up!

Stay Blessed & Happy Locing!

St. Louis Natural Forum & Suppot Group

How can women not be natural with all the support out there in the Midwest, South, North, and East? Shew, I wish I had this kind of support out here in Las Vegas, Nevada! Ladies if you live in St. Louis you do not want to miss this event!

Stay Blessed & Happy Locing!

Loc'd Beauty of the Week

The beautiful natural hairstylist, Ima

 

Her locs are simply gorgeous! 

 

Freeformed not only in locing but in spirit!

She looks like a loc'd barbie here no? LOL

Get it Ima! She is beautiful inside and out!

High Potency Eye Lift with Eye Area Contour Review & Giveaway!

 
Congratulations Joy!

You are the winner of the random drawing for the Dr. Perricone High Potency Eye Lift serum!

Please send me your mailing address so I can send you, your new eye cream!

Stay Blessed & Happy Locing!

Spring Cleaning

Hello Queens,

My birthday is fast approaching, and a few of my good friends have asked me what I am going to do to celebrate. I honestly do not have any plans other than celebrating with my family.  I want to celebrate living low key, not in some club getting drunk, unable to savor the moment. Still, I have taken some time to reflect just what has happened to me within this past year.  So many subtle and some not so subtle changes have happened. First, I am going to be a published author as of April! This is still very surreal to me.  You see, I went through an awful "rough patch" if you will with publishing a few years back. I had a publishing contract, lost that, etc... So, I really had no plans on being published in the future, or even picking up a pencil to pen a new novel. Still God had other plans, which brings me to this post.

When we are faced with challenges as we often will, it is very important that we keep it together, stay thankful in spite of, and keep doing his work.  No matter who you believe in, as long as you believe in a higher power; then you know you will have to do work for the betterment of this world.

You see, out of my grieving for not being published, I had to get over my selfish wants and needs, to address the needs of those around me. Out of the need for writing and having a voice, I decided to start blogging, and On the Road to Queendom was born. I decided that women and girls still needed a shoulder so I became a mentor, and started Purple Wings Organization 501 (c)3.  So, I turned my negative into positives, and stopped focusing clearly on myself.

Take an inward look at your life and think about your needs and wants, not just the monetary, love life, etc.  Think about how you can help others who may have similar needs, who may need your assistance.  Then think about those vices you have that are keeping you down, we all have them.

For me, food became my vice. I ate out of frustration, anger, pain, depression, etc.  I just ate to be eating! So that svelte figure I had slowly disappeared.  So instead of allowing myself to be overcome by something like being overweight I dug deeper to figure out just why I was eating mindlessly. I decided to address those problems. What ensued is a woman who is now in control of her diet, and her life.

I am renewed in my faith in people, happy to be able to live out my dream, helping those who need me. I had to Spring Clean to get my life right.

Spring is on the cusp, have you gone through the rooms of your life to throw out the old and welcome the new? Are you ready to have a fresh start? Its never to late, think about it!

 
Stay Blessed & Happy Locing!