Butterfly Cosmetics Pampering Party

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Small towns breed big successes! Don't believe me? Welcome to my hometown of Buena Vista, Ga! Never heard of it? After this, you will get to know my city a little better. Buena Vista is a small Southern town in Georgia nestled between Columbus and Albany. Its a city that most people pass through en route to another location. Some of my hometown heroes include:  Roosevelt Jackson and Joshua Gibson who were Negro League Baseball Players and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Luther H. Story! Now Buena Vista can call our very own April Holt Smith a legend in the making!

April is making her presence known in the multi-million dollar beauty industry with her cosmetic line Butterfly Cosmetics!  April had one simple concept for her makeup line. She simply wanted a makeup line for all races, ages and skin types. Butterfly Cosmetics products consist of mineral cosmetics, along with a signature line of foundations, lipsticks, eye shadows, lip glosses, and much more. Her line also includes a Pro Brush line for makeup application. 

On June 23rd, April hosted Butterfly Cosmetics Pampering Party in Buena Vista to provide attendees with an evening of pampering. The event had vendors, food, makeup application demonstrations, and attendees were treated to professional massages. One vendor I had a chance to meet was Nicole Clark, CEO/Designer of Wole’ Designs! She is very talented. I purchased a skirt that I will do a post on once I wear it.

April shared some exciting news with us!  Butterfly Cosmetics is the official makeup sponsor for Bikini USA in Costa Rica next month and MAP Bikini Contest in Cancun, Mexico in November! April and Butterfly Cosmetics are names that you should get familiar with! I cannot wait to try her products!

For any business opportunites, media, or future endorsements with Butterfly Cosmetics contact:
Email: butterflycsmakeup@gmail.com
MarketPros,LLC
404-858-4431Website: www.ButterflyCosmetic.com
Facebook: ButterflyCosmetics
Twitter: @ButterflyCosmet

For inquiries on Nicole Clark's Wole' Designs, visit her at:

Website: www.woledesigns.com

Facebook: WOLE LLC

Twitter: @WOLEDESIGNS

office: 404.913.9653

mobile: 404.518.5918

NK

Signature Look: Three Strand Twist Out

We all want to be known for something... for creating our own footprints instead of walking in the shadows of others! I am a strong believer that self expression and being true to oneself go hand in hand with establishing  individuality. Since I've become a Natural, I have tried to stand out from the crowd of other Naturals on YouTube! Don't be mistaken by that sentence, I adore a lot of the gurus and those before and after me. I don't claim to be all knowing or even gifted when it comes to this. What I do know is that I have successfully created a look that works for me. Ninety percent of the time when I am seen at events I am rocking my signature look. When prepping for different events I am often stuck thinking this is the look I have to wear because I will be asked.  I have compiled a few pictures of this signature style for your enjoyment.

Also, if you're still confused on how you too can create this look, check out this quick tutorial on YouTube!

Much Love,

NK

KinkyCurlyCoil's 2nd Magic City Natural Hair Meetup

June 16, 2012 BJCC Birmingham, AL 

KinkyCurlyCoil and myself

Traveled to Birmingham, AL for KinkyCurlyCoil's 2nd Magic City Natural Hair Meetup this past saturday. KinkyCurlyCoil is a YouTube naturalista who decided to have quality events in Birmingham and share her experiences. This event was the perfect opportunity for vendors, stylist, and anyone with natural or relaxed hair to meetup. KCC had two featured guest: BeautifulBrwnBabyDol and Alicia James, both whom are also on YouTube. Dr. Nina Ellis-Hervey, also known as BeautifulBrwnBabyDol, is a doctorate level psychologist, professor, vlogger, blogger, and motivational speaker. She aspires to motivate, educate, and teach self acceptance through her motivational speeches and videos. BeautifulBrwnBabyDol has lost 100 pounds over five years ago and has maintained a healty mindset. She has been natural since 2007. 

I managed to catch the end of Nina's speech. She posed this question to the audience:
"Why are you worried about my standards for hair?" She stated that being natural isn't just about being natural because it leads to other things! She urged us to resist the urge in quickly changing our minds, to accept that we are going to make mistakes, and to learn enough about ourselves! One powerful statement she made was to learn ourselves enough to change and be happy with those changes.  Make sure you love yourself and push forward. Nina gave us a breakdown of what BeautifulBrwnBabyDol means: Triple B, 3 Dimensional, and  represents a person who has been through so much. At the end of her speech she let us in on a little news. She was leaving to fly out to LA for something that she would announce at a later date. What do you think the announcement will be? I'm thinking something in tv, reality show focused around her weight loss or maybe something about natural hair. I shall definitely stay tuned to her channel for an update!

Alicia James and myself

I must admit that one of the main reasons I attended the event is so that I could meet Alicia James! I am a huge fan of her music. I love the authenticity in her voice and her personality that seeps through her videos. Alicia James is a singer/songwriter, natural hair vlogger, mother, and wife. I purchased her freshman cd, "Seven" and literally listened to it on repeat on my drive home. Her voice has a hint of jazz, a smidgen of soul, and a whole lot of love, lust, and heartache! Besides her soulful voice, she has beautiful hair! She has been natural three years and has maintained healthy hair through her low maintenance techniques. One thing that sets her apart from other Vloggers is that she often features her husband in her videos. Once you listen to her music, you can sense where she gets her inspiration. Check out the clip below for her live vocal performance of Ceelo Green's "Crazy"!

Cherie Huff, owner of Nappy Rutz, www.nappyrutz.com

My purchase from Nappy Rutz

"Rocking All Natural" tee I purchased. N.H. Designs by
Nykki Houston, www.Nykkidesigns.com

Neciyboo Ashley, Earring Designer

"LOVE" by Neciyboo Ashley

Designs by Neciyboo Ashley

Perfectly Pretty, MUA The Makeup Suite ATL

thekissmykinks (kissmykinks.tumblr.com) and myself

Melly Belle and myself

Find them:

KinkyCurlyCoil:: Twitter: @kinkycurlycoil 

                             Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/kinkycurlycoil

                             Website: http://kinkycurlycoil.blogspot.com

                         

BeautifulBrwnBabyDol:: Twitter: @ButfulBrwnBbyDol 

                                         Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/BeautifulBrwnBabyDol

                                         Website: www.beautifulbrwnbabydol.com

Alicia James:: Twitter: @IAmAliciaJames 

                        Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/aliciajamesmusic

                        Website: www.msaliciajames.com www.naturalchickepi.com

NK

Style Bloggers of Color Conference 2012

Saturday June 9, 2012 Atlanta, GA

  I was afforded the opportunity to attend Panel discussions during Mattieologie's Style Bloggers of Color Conference. I sat and listened to the Build & Brand: What Brands Want & How To Build Your Own panel discussion. The panel consisted of Nicole Garner of The Garner Circle PR, Shalawn Willis of Lamik Beauty, Myleik Teele of Curlbox, and Alexis Felder of CurlsCoilsAndKinks.com. Some of the continued pieces of advice that were shared by the panelist were making a connection with brands and showing that you're influential.

  Alexis asked the panelist about developing your own personal brand! I honestly sat upright in my chair when this question was asked. Building my personal brand is something I've been working on lately so I was eager to hear the ladies responses.

Myleik: Be about results. Respond back to emails and inquiries. Be committed and consistent. Nobody can be you but you!

Shalawn: Respect others in the same field. Be nice to everyone. You never know who you are sitting beside.

Alexis: Be friendly and respectful.

Nicole: Know what your brand is and try to get it across!

Alexis: Are all Bloggers Event Planners?

Nicole: Event planning is completely different than posting to your blog! 

Myleik: If you want to try throwing an event, do it! You'll learn what you did right and what you need to improve in. Focus on your relationships. Have good relationships with people in your same position. You'll rise together. The CEO of a company cannot do much for you. Stop trying to be so competitive!

Alexis: What makes you reach out to certain bloggers?

Nicole: Analytics. How many followers do you have on your blog, Youtube, Twitter, etc.  What's the age median of your followers? What's your market online versus offline. How engaging are you? What's your personality? Be engaging. 

Myleik: Do people aspire to be you or do they relate to you. Make a connection. Be authentic.

Nicole: Have a level of transparency. Have integrity.

Myleik: All money ain't good money. Be your brand.

Nicole: NETWORK! Its not personal, its business. Register on an analytical site to show brands you are serious. QuantCast, Google Analytics . 

Alexis: How do you transition from personal blogging to business blogging?

Myleik:  It stops becoming a hobby when you're ready to commit and take it seriously. It's not going to be easy. There's goodness on the other side when you stop being afraid. Need nothing but attract everything. Don't be afraid.

Alexis: I started taking my blog seriously when I was making brands thousands of dollars!

Alexis: Should a blogger have a publicist?

Myleik: Be your own publicist on Youtube, Twitter, Facebook, etc. You can get the word out about your brand until you get to the point where you can't. Publicist spread the word about how hot you are, they don't make you hot. Be hot.

Alexis: Make valuable connections.

Nicole: Transparency is key when managing the integrity of your brand.

Myleik: Get your idea all the way together before you talk about it publicly to anyone. 

Questions were open to the crowd and a young lady asked how do we as bloggers/vloggers pitch ourselves to companies.

Nicole: Build your brands so people don't want to do any of your pitched ideas without you. Be ambitious.

Myleik: Be hot. This is a business. You have not because you ask not. Say what you want and you just might get it. Determine how much you want to share. Look in your closet and bathroom. Those are the brands you're representing. Those are who you should reach out to. Reach out when you get hot. Tell companies you love their stuff. Be selective. Lay out your plan.

Crowd Networking

Tia Lou of ifiwereabritgirl.blogspot.com and Lexi

Crowd Networking

Crowd Networking

Tiffini Gaitlin of www.tastemakermag.com

Jasmine Bacon, Social Media Professional

Jessica Burden, urbeninventory.bigcartel.com

So I decided since it was a Style Bloggers of Color Conference that I would steer clear of my all black and venture into some color. My look seemed to be a hit and I received many compliments. I wore a blazer and leggings from Sears and shoes from Charlotte Russe. Check me out: 

About the Panelist:

Nicole Garner is the Founder/CEO of The Garner Circle PR. The Garner Circle PR is a lifestyle marketing and event execution agency headquartered in  Atlanta, GA with offices in New York and Los Angeles. The Garner Circle PR prides itself in serving a vital niche, rich, and unconventional territories. The Garner Circle PR is very selective in working with clients in which they see their vision and believe in their mission. Some of their clients include: Celebrities Chrisette Michelle and Young Jeezy, Luxury Brands such as Porsche and Nike, Fashion such as Sole Fetish and the BET Awards Style Suite, and many other Non Profits, Beauty, and Cinema. Connect with her: @thegarnercircle, www.thegarnercirclepr.com.

-Alexis Felder is the creator of CurlsCoilsAndKinks.com, has a Youtube channel LexiWithTheCurls, and is a Digital Marketer for a major Gossip Blog. Her blog is for the natural, transitioning, and those relaxed/texlaxed ladies thinking about going natural. The blog addresses different issues with being natural, product reviews, tutorials, and much more. Connect with her: @CurlyGirlLexi, www.CurlsCoilsAndKinks.com.

-Myleik Teele is the Founder/CEO of Curlbox. Myleik has had a decade of successful project management and public relations agency experience. She has successfully executed media relations for music, lifestyle brands, consumer products, and special events.Curlbox is a monthly subscription in which subscribers receive 5-7 quality hair products samples for a monthly fee of $20. Subcribers can look forward to extraordinary products from established brands as well as some really great and up and coming brands. It eliminates the hassle of overspending on products your may or may not like.  Connect with her: @myleik, www.curlbox.com

-Shalawn Willis, also known as Queen Shalawn, is the manager for Lamik Beauty and is an instructor at the Georgia Institute of Cosmetology and Esthetics. Lamik Beauty is the first eco-chic make-up brand, including facial care and eyelashes. Lamik believes simply Beauty is revealed... not applied! Connect with her: @beautyarchitect, www.lamik-beauty.com.

Beautiful Textures: UK Introduction Event

 

Women from all across the UK converged for a night of celebrating hair individuality and the beauty of their textures as Beautiful Textures Haircare  presented a "Beauty Insider" mixer at the modern day Bar Soho in the heart of London. As Beautiful Textures Hair Care continues to increase their international presence, the brand partnered with UK multi-texture hair expert Lukwesa Barnes of Gidore.com. The mixer was co-hosted by Charlene Bastien, Strength of Nature's National Marketing Director and featured live hair tutorials and Q&A with the natural hair "whisperer" and celebrity stylist, Felicia Leatherwood.  Guests had a chance to receive one-on-one hair consultations and complimentary Beautiful Textures Hair care product throughout the weekend. For more information visit www.BeautifulTextures.com or join the conversation atFacebook.com/BeautifulTextures and on Twitter @LovinMyTextures #BeautifulTexturesUK

Join the Conversation:

T: @lovinmytextures  #BeautifulTexturesUK

F: www.facebook.com/beautiufltextures 

For More Photos:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/thegarnercircle/sets/72157630048098830/

Event: Hair & Hip Hop Atlanta

Imagine attending an event that has all of your loves mixed together for your enjoyment! I had the pleasure of attending an invite-only event hosted by Alexis of www.CurlsCoilsandKinks.com and Danielle of www.thestyleandbeautydoctor.com June 1st at Glambar Salon in Atlanta. This event had a mixture of music, reality tv, and lets not forget hair! The event, Hair & Hip Hop, was an opportunity to mix and mingle with many of Atlanta's bloggers over a discussion focused around Vh1's Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta. Gabrielle Corney (Gabi) is a celebrity hairstylist who has created luxury locks for many women of reality tv that I watch as well as other celebrities. Some celebrities you may know are Olivia of Love & Hip Hop, Tionna Smalls from What Chili Wants, Lisa Price of Carol's Daughter, and many more. One of Gabi's many clients, singer K Michelle, who is a cast member of the upcoming Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta, was also an attendee. 

Danielle, K Michelle, Gabi, Lexi
*courtsey of Diamonde Williams*

Gabi gave us many tips on how to have healthy hair whether you're natural, wear weaves, or use relaxers. One of her recommendations that I try to do regularly is deep conditioning weekly. Many of the other tips that Gabi advised were: chemical treatments should be done by professionals, when to do a protein treatment, color, healthy relaxed hair, different oils for the hair, and many other tips. One thing that I absolutely loved was that Gabi removed her clip on extensions from her hair to show us. Gabi uses clip on pieces by Indique Fishnets. They were easy to put in and take out. Gabi will be relocating to Atlanta soon and I cannot wait! She told me she loved my hair upon my arrival.

Gabi showing us her Indique Fishnet clip ons
*courtesy of Diamonde Williams*

Gabi showing us her Indique Fishnet clip ons

K Michelle gave us a brief synopsis of what we can look forward to with the show. She discussed her views on all of the cast members, told us what we may perceive of her and the women of the show. When asked what she thought of her cast members relationships, K Michelle stated "I don't read much into another woman's issues. I got my own issues" and that "People can see what you can't see about yourself". Truth. She also gave us a brief song after being requested from a blogger in the audience. She spoke honestly to us and I cannot wait to watch her on the show. I even saw her mouth that she loved my hair! Yay me!!


Enjoy some of the pictures taken at Hair & Hip Hop below:

Lexi and I

Gift Bags
*courtesy of Diamonde Williams*

Manicure before Hair & Hip Hop
*courtesy of Alexis*

Makeupbyrenren and I

Chatting with Alexandra Butler @themuaalex
*courtesy of Danielle*

Berry Weiss
*courtesy of Diamonde Williams*

hors d'ourves by Chef Jay Williams
*courtesy of Diamonde Williams*

Had to snap a picture of Dorothy Dandridge on GlamBar's  wall

Gorgeous Fashion