Beautiful Brown Girls September 2014

All Things Hair!

CONTENTS

How to Rock Protective Styles In The

6Corporate World!

Jasmine Lawrence Takes Natural Hair

10Care to the Next Level

DIY Hair Care:

14Banana Conditioner

Sweet Blessings with the Art of Hair
Braiding

17

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Editor's Note

We made it! Another issue complete and I couldn’t be
more excited. This issue we focus all on HAIR! At each
Beautiful Brown Girls brunch it never fails that one of the
ladies will complement another on their hair, or is looking
for a good hairdresser because they are new to the area.
Once the hair conversation starts we literally can go for
hours LOL. Our hair is our crowns of glory and we treat it
as such. Not only do those types of conversations with
our girlfriends bring us together, it starts that
unbreakable bond with our sistas.

When we decided to do an issue focused on all things hair
the first person that popped into my mind that I knew had
to be included was none other than powerhouse business
woman Jasmine Lawrence. Watching her hair care
product EDEN BodyWorks grow into such an integral part
of the natural hair care industry has been awesome. Many
of us have big dreams of pursuing our passions and
Jasmine’s story is so inspiring to show that it’s possible.
I’m hoping that each of you walk away knowing that the
road to success may be a bit of a winding road but the end
goal is SO worth it.
I also had a ball putting this issue together because I personally am a BIG fan of trying new things
with my hair, and new styles. I’m well known for changing my style at least every other month. As a
natural hair sista I still like to dabble in finding new protective styles that make my everyday life
easier as a mommy on the go. I also like to keep my hair healthy and clean. The awesome DIY hair
recipe in this issue will keep you and your hair happy!

When we look good, we feel good, and we can then clear our minds to focus on our priorities and being
able to put together actionable plans for our lives. Keep pushing!

With gratitude,

Christina Duren

Christina Duren
Editor-In-Chief/Beautiful Brown Girls Brunch Club™ Founder

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HOW TO ROCK PROT
ECTIVE STYLES IN
THE CORPORATE
WORLD

BY:DONNETBRUCE

Nothing against relaxed tresses but I have been rocking Kinky curly, and wavy
extensions for some time. I’m a Digital Marketing Manager in the corporate world as

“I can't tell well as serial entrepreneur. My authentic style plays essential role of who I am in and
you the last out the office. When I first went natural 5 years ago, I mulled over so many “what if”
time I wore questions about wearing my natural big curly hair or extensions in the office. What
my natural if…my corporate office doesn’t perceive it well? What if…they think it is unkempt.

What if…I’m perceived too bold, militant, and aggressive rather than passive &

hair relaxed like my former relaxed hairstyles. What if I added on clips to achieve a big
straightened”Kinkier look, or switched to wavy textures.

The questions went on and on until one day - I realize I wasn’t created to blend in any way. I was being genuinely myself -
which is a queen that loves to accessorize and compliment her look with bold hairstyles. I am unapologetic, fashionable,
unique, goal digging, and an inspiring woman that loves to rock different curly-wavy hair textures. After all the interoffice
questions, curiosity and experiences, I decided to embrace it all! It was opportunity to show how hairstyles can be a
fashionable in corporate world since its images is conforming. It's exciting to be able to wear my curly hair in a variety of
styles.

My love for hair and its versatility led me open a hair company. Nubian Hair Oasis was inspired by my Curlistas and my own

personal hair experiences. As a curlista, my hair is a major accessory and the thoughts being accepted in corporate world

crosses my mind daily. As young professional, I look to fashionably bold, fun,

& fearless women like Tracee Ellis Ross, Tanika Ray,

Kerry Washington and Solange Knowles for inspired

fashionably corporate looks. My typical corporate

look can also transition to after-work social

gatherings. Here is one of my usual inspired looks.

Hair : Rocking kinky curly, or wavy styles is one of my

top accessories. It’s an opportunity to have a feminine
and playful look. I‘ve previously added Egyptian Wave
hair extensions for length and volume while growing
my natural hair out.

Face: Natural make up is the way to go in the office.

You can enhance your beauty with minimal
applications. Less is more. Try to keep your makeup
light and settled. I use Tarte BB Cream, Cover FX
Concealer, Tarte Powder, They’re Real Benefit
Mascara, and neutrals tone lipsticks.

Clothes: From a little girl, I’ve appreciated vintage

style with a pop of fierceness. Bright colors, prints,
geometric shapes and color blocking are my usual go-
to’s.

Footwear: Classic pumps are always a way to go,

however statement heels complete with a chic and
trendy twist.

Hair: Nubian Hair in Egyptian Wave Wand Curled & Tousled Dress: Duro Olowu Clutch: Torquise Clutch from Jai Simone |6
Boutique Earrings: Vintage hoop Shoes: Nine West Ankle Strap Pumps

Accessories: Keep it super There is nothing like going out allowing that to radiate from

light but chic. You can never into the world with bold hair, the inside. These two things

go wrong with a pair of knobs your favorite lipstick, alonewillmakeyoustandout.

or classic hoop earrings. I personalized outfit, and a bad Don't leave home without it!

love hoops because they can pair of statement shoes.

transition into a nighttime When tousle my haired style Be bold. Be royal. Be beautiful.

look easily. Either one will it- it tops the entire look off! Follow @nubianhairoasis

work; just in case you have to on Instagram, Twitter, and

go to a Happy Hour! No matter what how you Facebook

decide to wear your hair while

Its more than just hair to me. growing it out, don't forget to

Rocking curly or wavy styles wearitwithconfidence.It'sall

is one of my top accessories. about loving yourself, and

Hair: Nubian Hair in Egyptian Wave Wand Curled & Tousled Dress: Ice Tweed Earrings: Pearl Knob Bracelet: BCBG LOVE
Shoes: Nine West Booties



Jasmine Lawrence

Takes Natural

Hair Care To The Next Level

By: Nicole Roberts relaxer and could not find anything. After my
experience I did not want to use anything with a lot
Jasmine Lawrence is no ordinary girl. Behind her of chemicals. I couldn’t find anything in the stores
bright smile and warm personality sits a young that worked or was safe for my hair so I began to
mogul to watch. At the tender age of 13 she started create my own product. EDEN BodyWorks was a
her own natural hair care line EDEN BodyWorks that spur of the moment creation out of necessity. I have
is now sold in stores worldwide. Media queen always been a really crafty person. As a kid I was
Oprah Winfrey called Jasmine a “small wonder” really into building and creating things. So
when she appeared on her show with other whipping up something for my hair was second
unbelievable teens. Now in her early twenties nature.
Jasmine continues to flourish. She currently works
at Microsoft and is set to start grad school this BBG: What inspired you to name your hair care line
September. Jasmine is not only one to watch, she’s EDEN BodyWorks?
also one to glean from as well. Her business
knowledge and womanly wisdom flowed so Jasmine: The Garden of Eden. My products are
effortlessly, that I am absolutely certain a talk show is pure and natural, made from the earth. When you
in her future. Beautiful Brown Girls was able to speak think of the purest land you think of the Garden of
with the young entrepreneur about her journey Eden, and that’s what inspired the name of my hair
from everyday kid to mini mogul. care line EDEN BodyWorks. remained affordable.
.
BBG:What made you decided to start EDEN
BodyWorks at such a young age?

Jasmine: I was born in Baltimore but I was an army
kid so I moved around a lot. My hair experienced a
ton of climates. At age 11 I lost my hair due to a
relaxer and after that incident I tried to find a safer

BBG: EDEN BodyWorks products are reasonably I would spend hours learning and playing with hair,

priced, was that intentional? and soon Eden Body Works was birthed.

Jasmine: I was someone who became extremely BBG: What was your business approach with

frustrated with my hair. When I was able to find a EDENBodyWorks?

serum that worked I just had to share. I made this
product for myself so affordability was always a Jasmine: I attended the two week long NFTE

factor. When I decided to share the products with BizCamp at NYU. I was really empowered and

others I wanted to make sure that the product thought my product could be a fun way to make

remained affordable. money. I had no idea the impact it would have, or

that there was such a great need for Eden Body

BBG: Many women in the natural hair community Works. I started this business as an opportunity to

become frustrated with their natural hair. How do fill a need, and I soon discovered that the need was

you deal with natural hair woes? greater than I had imagined.

Jasmine: My hair was not something I dealt with or BBG: What was your family’s impact on your

worried about. All I did with my hair was wrap a scarf business?

on my head at night. When my hair fell out I decide
that I needed to learn about what’s going on up Jasmine: My parents were really supportive of me

there. I started to learn about my hair and I became from the beginning. Driving me to camp and being

really excited about what my hair could do. Instead my employees. They helped me pack orders and

of approaching my hair struggles with frustrations, prep for interviews. My business is a family affair. As

I turned my hair woes into a ME day. the business grew they were able to go back to their

own lives, and they were thrilled.

BBG: What was your reaction when you received
the call from the Oprah Show?

Jasmine: I was actually asleep when one of her
producers called. (Continued)

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Jasmine continued: She was really excited and Jasmine: My mantra: find your passion and to

proud of me. It didn’t actually hit me right away, your dream. It takes effort on your part to find out

even when the cameras came to our house. The who you are. There are so many different alleys or

Oprah show flew my family and I to Chicago. My roadways tom find your passion. Its what you were

parents were sitting in the studio audience, and made to do. Women are dreamers; we go for

then when I walked out to the stage and that’s something if it feels right. We need to back up

when it hit me….“I’m on the Oprah Show.” those emotions and be a bit more calculated.

Meeting other kids on the show was inspiring as You’re living your dream and that great, but in

well. I thought how do I even measure up to these actuality living is hard.

outstanding kids? Oprah asked me really great

questions and made me feel comfortable. Right When I started my business I was really living it, but

after the show I had an interview with Walmart. the dream was consuming and overwhelming,

when I shared the responsibilities I was able to live

BBG: Did you face any obstacles in business in a way that I had dreamed about. So finding your

concerning your race or gender? passion and living your dream is going to come

with a lot of struggles and maybe even a few

Jasmine: I’m in a natural hair space, my customers setbacks but don’t give up, press through it. You

relate to me but it is strange. Sometimes African need to realize that the struggle is also apart of

American women we feel like we have something finding your passion and living your dream.

to prove, but for me I try to look as good on paper

as I do in person. My credentials on paper justify BBG: What’s next?

me. I make sure that I look so good on paper that

there is no way that you can turn me away. I Jasmine: I’m staring Grad School in September,

inherited a strong self-confidence from my and I’m currently working at Microsoft. I have my

parents that I cannot control. I go to a lot of own business so Grad School is like picking up a

meeting where I am the only African American and new hobby. It’s a fun hobby that’s a lot of work so I

many times the only woman. It feels awkward, and I am definitely taking my time.

have to wonder what makes these people more

qualified then me concerning my hair. Jasmine’s EDEN BodyWorks products can

be found at your local Walmart, Walgreens,

BBG: Any words of wisdom or advice for our BBG CVS, Kroger, or Sally’s.

readers?

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live



BANANA COCONUT

HAIRC O C K T A I L
By: Barbara Jacques

N D I T I O N E RSummer is in full swing! This means hot summer days, cook-outs, weekend get-a-ways and cold cocktails.
Unfortunately, the hot summer climate and heat can wreak havoc on your hair. Did you know excess sun exposure
strips hair of protein? The result is dry, frizzy, brittle and ashy hair.

Here’saquick,easyandeffectivesolution toprotectandhelpmaintainhealthyhappyhairallsummerlongforanyhair

type.

About the Ingredients: You will need:

1 ripe banana

¼ cup of coconut milk

¼ cup of grapeseed oil

3-5 drops of Tea Tree oil

2 tablespoons of honey

¼ cup of conditioner

Banana - Banana is about 75% water, contains natural oils, Gloves
potassium, vitamin A, C & E. The simple little banana is a Plastic cap
powerhouse that helps to restore hairs elasticity, encourages Dryer
hair growth and restores moisture to damaged brittle hair.

Tea Tree Oil – This oil is naturally anti-fungal, antibacterial Bowl
and it’s also rich in antioxidants. The antioxidant properties Blender
help to repair free radical damage. Not to mention, it helps with
dandruff and stimulate hair growth.

Honey – a natural humectants, honey is hydrating, rich in
zinc, iron and sulfur. All of these vitamins and nutrients help
strengthen hair and promote hair growth. Honey will also
leave your tresses with a natural shine.

Coconut milk – enriched with protein and fatty acids to help
strength hair encourage hair growth restore shine and keratin
loss. This is our key ingredient.

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Grapeseed Oil – contains a high amount of fatty acids that Instructions:
protect, nourishes and restore moisture loss. It’s also rich in
vitamins, penetrates hair follicle and scalp to improve blood Melt Honey and grapeseed oil in a separate bowl. In a food
circulation and gentle enough to eliminate dandruff and processor/blender, add in chopped banana, coconut milk,
cradle cap. honey + grapeseed mixture and conditioner.

Apply to clean damp hair, conditioned hair. Apply mixture
from root to tip, cover with plastic cap and sit under heated
dryer for 30 minutes. (If you don’t have a heated dryer, leave
mixture on hair for 1 hour.)

Rinse hair with luke warm water; apply leave-in conditioner
and style.

Green Beauty Expert, Barbara Jacques, is the owner and creator of Jacq’s
Organics, an all-natural skincare line based in Miami, Florida. With over 10
years of knowledge in green beauty while working with beauty editors
nationally, Barbara has focuses her energy on teaching women about the
importance of health conscious beauty products, safe alternative beauty
rituals, and the significance of environmental toxins both in the body and on
the skin.

Jacq’s Organics (http://www.jacqsorganics.com) located in Miami,
Florida, creates hand-crafted all- natural skin, bath, and body products
using only the finest quality, ethically sourced, raw materials, which
results in an ultra luxurious skin care line.

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SWEET BLESSINGS
WITH THE ART OF
HAIR BRAIDING
By: Ayodele Vassall-Gore
Ancient hair braiding artifacts date back “Living Single” so they could give their
thousands of years to sculptures from hair a break from relaxers or grow out restrictions. “I decided to build my
Egypt and the Nok culture of Nigeria. damaged hair,” says Valencia. “Over business around the ancient art of
People throughout West Africa used time I began to notice the overall health braiding and create an uplifting spiritual
hand-carved wooden combs, palm oil, of hair in its natural state,” says Valencia. experience around natural hair,” says
beads and shells to create beautiful hair “My degree was African centered, so I Valencia.
styles. Mandisa Ngozi, which means was also paying attention to the
sweet blessings, was opened by sisters relationship between hair, culture and Valencia and Denise Jones
Valencia and Denise Jones to uphold self-esteem,” says Valencia. After
this ancient tradition. graduation, Valencia chose to pursue
hair instead of graduate school. “We
Inspiration made the strategic decision to operate
Valencia, a FAMU psychology major, as an art and braiding gallery instead of a
styled clients from home in the early traditional hair salon,” says Valencia.
1990’s. “People would request braids This move helped the sisters avoid
or yarn wraps like Erika Alexander from certain cosmetology licensing

Trust Your Vision
While a clean space, professional staff and time
management are important, the sisters insist that
personalization is key for client retention. “Everything
from the candles we burn to the hair oil we use can be
adjusted to your preference,” says Valencia. Hair oils are
blended according needs like dry scalp and desired
smells like coconut or peppermint. A few mixtures are
currently available on www.mandisa-ngozi.com.

During the first year of business, the sisters competed in
the 1996 Taliah Waajid Natural Hair Show in New York.
They won first place and their styles were featured in
national magazines. “This win raised our profile and
attracted celebrity clientele like Erykah Badu,” says
Valencia. Tyra Ferrel from “Boyz n the Hood” and many
other loyal clients return because they feel there is no
other experience like Mandisa Ngozi

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Passing the Torch
Valencia is passing her entrepreneurial spirit down to her daughter. “I feel blessed that she is interested in hair because she also
writes music, dances and does make up,” says Valencia. Chikodi, age 15, was recently featured in the June 2014 edition of
Sophisticate’s Black Hair. She has been building her clientele for the last five years while attending home school. Some of her
styles can be seen on Instagram @youngnaturalstylist and on the Mandisa Ngozi Facebook page.

With years of running a successful business under their belt, the sisters set their sights on an expo. Now in its 3rd year, the annual
Capital City Natural Hair & Health Expo was established to encourage the local community to meetup and share resources. On
September 13, 2014, attendees can expect to see helpful seminars, great vendors and entertainment. Tickets can be purchased
at www.ccnaturalhairexpo.com.

Valencia’s Hair Business Tips
Self-educate yourself about the business.
Charge what you are worth.
Have passion and a unique vision for your brand in the
marketplace.

About Mandisa Ngozi
Founded in 1996, Mandisa Ngozi is the first full-service
naturalhaircareandbraidinggalleryspecializinginchemical-
free styles and hair care products based in Tallahassee,
Florida.

About Author: Ayodele Vassall-Gore (@avglaw) is an
attorney and producer with experience negotiating a wide
range of entertainment agreements. She is an avid supporter
of independent film and music.



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