Fabulous Fro Friday: Karima Lawton

Today we meet, lovely Karima. She says, she is done resisting the 'real her' and has embraced her natural hair for good. 

AT: Tell us a little about yourself? What passion fills up your day to day life?

KL: I am a 33 year old single mother with a very active seven year old named Gracie who keeps me on my toes.  I have a deep passion for the freedom of self expression, art and advocacy.  I currently work in the fields of marketing, advertising, and community advocacy.

AT: How would you describe natural beauty?

KL: Good Question! Well, for me Natural Beauty consists of a combination of confidence, self motivation and an awareness of “who you are.”

AT: How has that definition of natural beauty true in your life?

KL: Now, I am truly empowered to fully express myself through my style and the way I communicate who I am to others.

AT: What inspires your overall style?

KL:  When I was younger I was trendy. Currently, I keep it simple.  My style is based on natural fabrics, flowing scarves, and cultural accessories.

AT: What do people say they love about you?

KL: My energy, smile, and joyful heart J

AT: If you were a superhero, what would be your superpower? And how would you change the world with it?

KL:  I would be a miracle healer.  I see so many people hurting from emotions such as anger or guilt and people with sickness and disease.  Sometimes, I imagine what it would be like to take away the hurt and the pain instantly.  That would leave people with more time to love one another and share the joy in each other’s lives.

AT: When and Why did you go natural with your hair?

KL:  I have been natural three times in my life:  when I was a child until age 12, for a four year period in my life from age 26 to 30 and I went back natural for good in March of 2009.  Natural just works.  Why resist, “The Real You?”

AT: What are your favorite hair products?

KL: Except for Sisterlock brand shampoo, I don’t use any products in my hair on a daily basis. 

AT: What is your favorite hairstyle?

KL:  Sisterlocks, right now.  However, I do favor afros too.  My daughter calls them “Halos.”

AT: What movie is guaranteed to make you laugh?

KL: Ooh, I have too many.  I love to laugh.  The one that sticks out is a classic, “Coming to America.”

AT: What do you love about wearing your hair natural? Greatest challenge?

KL: I love that it is versatile.  My greatest challenge is keeping my hands out of it because it feels so soft.

AT: How does the media influence your self-image?

KL:  They don’t really.  I have learned to ignore the negative stuff.  However I have found some positive outlets like your site and the official Sisterlock site.

AT: What is your victory statement or positive self-talk? What allows you to rise above inundation of negativity? What keeps your beauty pure on the inside?

KL:  I have two favorite quotes right now:  “The best way to predict your future is to create it” by Dr. Forrest Shaklee and “Be the change you want to see in the world” by Ghandi.  Everyday these two statements remind me that my life is whatever I create it to be. 

AT: Is there anything else you would like to add?

KL:  I sincerely thank you for the interview.  My little one love’s your site. Also, I am currently working on my own website which will be up and running by next month at TheRealYou.me.  It will feature some of my art, writing, and services.  

Sesame Street: I love my hair

A white father's wish for his adopted ethiopian daughter....  

Full Article

I hope that Mr. Mazzarino follows through with developing this character. 

It is natural for young people to look around at their environment and ask the question, Where do I fit? Am I acceptable? And while a puppet on sesame street doesn't change the world, it certainly is a step toward acknowledging that all looks and cultures need to be celebrated and affirmed.

" I DECLARE. I LOVE MY HAIR... "

Baby Girl Do Rag

My oldest girl just turned two years old last week. And over the summer her hair has taken off in growth and thickness. I have concluded that as long as I comb through it morning and night we avoid most of the blood, sweat and tears associated with her heralded curls.

Pictured to the right is my mom. She is a supermom and now is a supergrandmom.
Her braiding skills have always been useful and whenever she gets a moment she braids savanna’s hair and it lasts a few days. --- That means two to three days go by and all I do is a light mist of water and a few ringlets with my finger.... bliss

So this particular day she put 4 cornrows in Savanna's hair and she was GANGSTALICIOUS. The following day she had a party to attend and I was determined to keep the look overnight. 

So I did what any overly caring mom would do.

I put a satin pillow case on her pillows and wrapped her hair in a do rag.

That's right, my sweet girl and this guy now have something in common.





                
        

Happy Birthday Savvy girl*

Fabulous Fro Friday: Liz and Jaya

I am so happy to showcase Jaya and her equally beautiful Mom, Liz. This mother and daughter love each other and definitely have a grasp on what matters most*

AT: Hi Elizabeth and Jaya. Tell us a little about your family? And Jaya tell us what has been fun about your summer?

Liz: We are a crazy bunch! We love flea markets and thrift stores. We like to take things and make other things out of them. We would eat sushi everyday if we could. We love a good book and a good movie. We like any excuse to wear a costume. Holidays (all of them!) are our favorite! We really love naps...oh, wait, thats just me...

Jaya: Swimming and going to camp!

AT: Elizabeth, how would you describe natural beauty? And how do you

communicate that to Jaya?

Liz: It sounds cliche, but I think natural beauty shines in someone who is content and comfortable with themselves. I also thinks it really beautiful when someone expresses themselves outwardly in way that is different and unique.

I think as mother's it is important to remember that our children (especially our daughters) are watching and listening. I can tell Jaya she is beautiful all day long but if she hears me complain about my weight, my nose, my hair, my hips, my eyes, my lips...I think she would be much more likely to be discontent with those same things in herself.

AT: Jaya, what or who is beautiful to you? And why?

Jaya: My mom because she has pretty hair too (Liz: I swear I didn't pay  her to say that.) and flowers because they can be lots of different colors.

AT: Liz, what inspired you to let Jaya’s hair be full and natural?

Liz: Obviously, I am kind of bias, but its amazing hair! It totally suites her. It is completely apart of her personal style and if personality could be defined by hair hers go hand in hand. Plus, if that was my hair thats how I would wear it. I am totally living vicariously through her.

AT: Jaya if you could be a Disney princess who would you be? Tell us what you love

about her.

Jaya: Princess Tiana, from he Princess and the Frog. She spends a lot of time in nature and I love her green dress!

AT: What are your favorite products to use on her hair?

Liz: Kinky Curly Curling Custard! Its amazing!!!! I can totally see a difference in her hair when we run out and use something else. Its very mousturizing! It hold her curls like nothing else! She can sleep on it and wake up and it still looks amazing! It also doesn't weigh it down at all...we totally live by "the bigger the better" when it comes to hair!

AT: I know with my daughter, combing through her hair can bring on some tears.

How do you comb through Jaya’s hair?

Liz: Well, we only comb it when its wet. I do small sections at time, working from the ends up to the roots. We deep condition it every other day and don't shampoo it. Also, I don't rinse the conditioner out all the way. As long as we comb through it every other day we don't have any problems. But if we miss a day crying can occur!

AT: Jaya, what is your favorite hairstyle?

Jaya: When I wear my hair down with a flower in it!

AT: What movie is guaranteed to make you laugh?

Jaya: Ramona and Beezus

AT: What do you love about wearing your hair natural? Greatest challenge?

Jaya: Its fun, bouncy, and its different!

Liz: I really don't think we have any challenges! She loves it. I guess my challenge is making sure it stays that way!