But first... Shampagne

Hey everybody!! How are y'all feeling? Today I want to talk about champagne.... Now not the champagne you drink… and unfortunately not Champagne Papi, but Shampagne | The Web Series!!!!!

If you've been following the hashtag #OscarSoWhite you've come to understand the difficulties black actors have in creating a place for themselves in Hollywood. This web-series definitely highlights the struggle one rising actress faces as she tries to break into the business.

Shampagne | A Web Series was created and produced by Melissa Mickens. It was inspired after she recalls going to three casting auditions and being asked if she could rap… Now I get it… you're probably thinking what I thought at first… She's auditioning for an actress role, not trying to be the next Jay-Z….

"Why does the industry want me to be hashtag urban so bad?" is the question she asks herself that lays the foundation for this new web series Shampagne.

In the first episode we meet M, a 20-something actress trying to make it in New York City. Only problem is, everybody assumes she can be something that she's not. Will M be able to play the game by the industry's rules, or will she change the game completely?

Check out episode one below to find out!

M could've easily dismissed the requests to become so hashtag urban… In fact, many would argue that black actresses should stop limiting themselves to roles that are too rough (Taraji P. Henson as Cookie in Empire) or too submissive (Viola Davis as Aibileen Clark in "The Help")... M, on the other hand, decides to embrace the roles she is offered.  On her YouTube Channel she so eloquently highlights how rap was created from the black community… and instead of dismissing the roots of black culture that is rap… she embraces it and becomes PagneCham.  Subscribe to her channel to meet her friends and family as she makes some BIG CHANGES! Hurry up and subscribe as episode 4 will be released today!!!!!

And ladies… I didn't forget about those of you who are wondering what I wore this week.  This look is inspired by PagneCham herself… So don't forget to subscribe to her channel and check her out… But first, Champagne…. 

Shirt from Charlotte Russe; Jeans from Target; Shoes by Jessica Simpson

Curvy. Courageous. Curly. Couture. Cutie of the Month: Annisa LiMara

Last September I received a text from one of my line sisters.  I expected the usual, "Hey, just checking in... How have you been?" text that I receive once a week from at least one of my line sisters... But this one was different.  It was a text that asked me if I watched youtube videos and if so, what did I like about them? Of course I started listing: hair and makeup tutorials, vlogs, etc.  She then replied, well I'm starting a YouTube channel soon and would like to know if I have your support.  "OF COURSE!" I replied.

Fast forward to today, Annisa's youtube channel, AnnisaLiMara, is reaching almost 5000 subscribers with a little over 25 videos!  Check out her most watched video below reaching over 20000 views!!!!  

Not only have I had the opportunity to have this young lady as a sister, but I have also had the opportunity to work under her in the launching of her first Swim/Resort Wear Line. She is not only a sweet and wonderful person, but she is also very passionate about everything she touches.  Everything she touches turns to gold... just like her golden hair!  If you haven't already definitely subscribe to her YouTube channel , like her Facebook Page and follow her on Instagram. I imagine great things coming from this girl in the future!  

Want more information about Annisa's hair, future plans, and what inspires her?  Keep scrolling to read what she had to say during our interview.  

Annisa LiMara

1.    How long have you been natural?  Who/What pushed you to give up the creamy crack?

I have been natural since 2005 and gave up “creamy crack” because of major hair breakage and thinning from too many relaxers and permanent hair color from my senior year in high school. Looking back I had no idea it was “going natural”, I just considered myself going cold turkey because my hair had gone from being thick and medium/long length to thin and unhealthy. Almost a decade later, I’ve now transitioned AND big chopped so going back to my natural hair texture was a long process but well worth it.

2.    How do you keep your hair looking so fabulous? What’s your regimen?

Deep condition and moisturize! I wash and deep condition my hair every week (or every other week) and by deep conditioning for the past 6 months intensively, I’ve been able to retain moisture which really helps the upkeep of any hairstyle. I now can go two or three days without doing much to my hair and other days I just add water or leave conditioner and use my Peppermint Hair Butter for extra moisture.  My hair is also a mixture between curly and kinky so I can play up each part which makes styling my hair fun and versatile.

3.    What inspired you to start a YouTube channel?  What would you say to somebody who wants to start a channel of her own?

I initially began my channel because I wanted to share my experiences and thought it would be really a fun and challenging project. Watching Taren Guy, Andrea’s Choice and a ton of other channels really inspired me to be fearless in going after my goals. I also have a really big following on Instagram so I wanted to answer all of their questions through my channel and to connect with other natural hair and fashion lovers.

4.    What was the hardest part of starting your channel and how did you overcome that?

The hardest part was the technical issues such as editing, uploading, etc….not as easy as one may think. I’m a perfectionist so I used a plethora of resources for advice (other YouTube channels, videographers, friends) and did hours of research until I understood the process. Even though it is still challenging, I’m learning so much and have come up with a formula to create quality videos for my subscribers for which there is still room to grow.

5.    What are some of your favorite CURLY girl products?

This is a hard question because there are so many! I absolutely love Carol’s Daughter especially their Hair Milk and Tui Leave in Conditioner. I also love the Yes To line, specifically Yes To Carrots, Olive Oil Eco Styler Gel (a must!), and Wen Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner! Of course, I also love my Peppermint Hair Butter which is a mixture of all my favorite hair butters and oils, especially peppermint oil which stimulates the scalp and promotes growth.

6.    Did you ever expect to see yourself featured on hair blogs all over the world?   How does the natural hair fame make you feel?

Absolutely not! I never expected any of the recognition I’m getting and it feels so surreal because it is hair! Of course hair is important to us as women but I didn’t realize it could generate this much “natural hair fame”, however, I don’t consider myself famous at all but count myself as blessed and extremely humbled that I’m able to reach so many people and be a leader in this movement.

7.    What can you say that will inspire others to follow their dreams?

Designer Tracy Reese once said that designs can be inspired by “a piece of music, a painting, a book, a vacation spot or a particular city”….every persons’ dream is developed from inspiration and discovering what you love can ignite hope and conquer fear. As I get older, I am finding that the common factor that hinders anyone from achieving their goals is fear. Fear of rejection, fear of failure, fear of succeeding and the responsibility that comes with success…fear of self. I am now striving to step out of all of my fears and becoming brave. My prayer is that everyone can see past their own fear into the bravery and courage that God has given us through Him. I am still learning and growing, therefore, I say this prayer every day to gain the faith to be brave and let that light shine to encourage others.

8.    So now that you have shared your hair with the world, when will you share your fashion?

I’ve actually already launched my first Swim/Resort wear collection March 2012 which introduced everyone to the A’LiMara (a-lai-mar-rah) brand. I took a hiatus after that to complete my Masters and to also refocus on what I want to accomplish with my brand. Therefore, I decided to do an exclusive collection of ‘Natural’ wear this year at my Natural Hair Forum & Fashion show titled Curls, Kinks & Fashion which included crop tops, fitted v-necks and high-low dresses. My goal now is to incorporate more of my style and fashion knowledge into my brand and hopefully produce another Swim/Resort wear collection in the near future.

9.    How can people follow you? Facebook? IG? YouTube? Purchase your homemade hair butter?

You can follow me on IG, Twitter & Tumblr as well as like my Facebook page at ilovealimara. My hair butter plus my exclusive collection of ‘Natural’ wear t shirts and dresses at www.ilovealimara.net

10. So what’s the next step for A’LiMara?

Growing and improving my YouTube channel, launching my next swim/resort wear collection (hopefully next summer), fulfilling my new position as fashion editor for Natural Hair Mag, and just expanding the A’LiMara brand…there are no limits!

Tam's Top 13 Products of 2013

Okay... I get it... 2013 is over, but I just couldn't let a new year come without talking about all the products that helped me make it through 2013.


1. Detangling Tools

February 2013 I decided to SAY NO to the Creamy Crack.  At first this journey was so easy.  Having had a relaxer since I was 5, I knew how to manage my mostly relaxed hair.  Now being 10 months posts relaxer the two different textures have been giving me a lot of trouble when styling and washing.  I had to stop that fast! I found the following detangling tools and they have made my transition journey a heck of a lot better.

Beautiful Textures Taming Leave in Conditioner is a miracle worker.  It simply dissolves all my twists and tangles and lets me glide through my hair no matter what style I have planned for that day.
Tangle Teezer  If you're familiar with the natural hair community (NHC), I'm sure you've heard of the tangle teezer (TT), a brush that just melts all the knots away.  After watching countless YouTube (YT) videos reviews I just had to get it!  I knew it had to be the real deal, because I went to three different stores before I found it. Luckily I was able to get to Ulta just in time to get the last one.  My $5 coupon also made it a good purchase because I only spent $4 on this $10 brush! It was definitely worth the hype.... Until I discovered the Wet Brush.  (I now reserve the TT for dry detangling)
The Wet Brush  I discovered this tool shortly after picking up my TT.  It was including in a set I had purchased from Sally's.  I really hadn't planned on using it.  Having little hope for this brush because I was so amazed with my TT, I just decided to at least try it out since I had purchased.  OMG it was a life changer.  Amazingly, I know use it more than my TT.

2.  Make Up Forever HD Foundation

This is another product that all the YT gurus swear by...and... because I believe everything they say (lol), I had to get it for myself.  Luckily, this product is worth every penny.  It's a liquid foundation that dries to matte.  I highly suggest trying this in 2014 if you haven't already.

3.  Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is an essential oil with antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties.  Like, seriously, it is the best essential oil on the planet!! I use it for my itchy scalp and mild acne.  This is definitely a product you should have in 2014!

4.  Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel

This is nother product that all the naturals swear  by.  I'm sure if you're natural or transitioning you've already picked up your bottle of EcoStyler Gel.  It does amazing things for twist outs, braids outs, wash and gos and high ponytails without the leaving behind a gel like residue.

5.  Too Faced Cosmetics

In 2013 I really got fascinated with make up.  Being in pharmacy school stresses me out so much that I had to pick up a hobby that wouldn't take so much time away from studying.  IDK how I begin experimenting with makeup, but it's something I do on weekends to relieve some stress by pampering myself.  Before being introduced to Sephora, I'd usually get all of my eyeshadows from drugstores and beauty supply stores.  They worked for a while until I really started learning how to do make up.   All the pigments would sort of just fade on my chocolatey brown skin.  So one day I walked into Sephora and saw this beautifully packaged palette,  Pretty Rebel.  I swatched the colors on my hand and were amazed at how pigmented they showed on my skin--I'd become a fan.  I followed up by purchasing their holiday palette, A Few of My Favorite Things and can't wait to purchase the new Chocolate Bar Eyeshadow Palette.

6.  African Pride Olive Miracle Anti-Breakage Formula Braid Sheen Spray

2013 has been filled with protective styles.  I've believe for most of the year my hair was braided.  An itchy scalp follows any long-term protective style.  This braid spray is amazing at combating an itchy and dry scalp.  I mix mine with a few drops of peppermint and tea tree oil for an added scalp relief.

7.  Purple Lipstick

Purple! Purple! Purple! Purple is my favorite color and this fall I discovered purple lipstick.  Stay tuned for a separate blog dedicated to my purple lipstick collection!

8. Miss Jessie's

I'd admit that I was hesitant about buying MJ's products.  I'd heard a lot about them, but I couldn't bring myself to purchase the overpriced bottle of shampoo.  Luckily, MJ decided to give us all a break and discount her products 40% their original price.  I was still hesitant until a classmate told me that Target was also participating in the sale.  I rushed to my nearest target and purchased the Miss Jessie's Super Slip Sudsy Shampoo and Miss Jessie's Pillow Soft Curls™.  They both were a great purchase.  The shampoo is a sulfate shampoo with great detangling properties. The PSC are like fabric softener for your hair.  I used it before using curl formers and it left me with soft curls that smelled AMAZING!

9.  YouTube

I'm sure I'm not the only one who can say YT has changed their life.  It is like my go to social network.  I've learned so much about styling my hair, wearing makeup and I even use it as a study tool.  If you haven't checked out at least one video on YT in 2013, I'm sure you were hiding under a rock.  If you need any hair and/or make up inspirations, I high suggest subscribing to a few of my favorite channels.  I believe all the ladies listed below helped me look fabulous in 2013.

KISSseventyseven
Alex Amethea
Donedo
Tameka
AnnisaLiMara

10.  LA Girl Pro Concealer

As I stated earlier, I'm new to the world of make up.  How to use concealer is probably the most talked about on YT channels that I watch.  If you're just getting into makeup and don't want to spend a lot of money on MAC's prolongwear concealer, I'd highly suggest trying out this product.

11.  Apple Products 

I wish Apple had a rewards program.  I've spent all my money at Apple stores.  I have the iPad, iPod, MacBook, iPhone5 and just about every accessory that comes with each device.  I can't speak for any other product, because I've been #teamApple since the first generation iPhone.  I can say that I am very pleased with Apple Products.  Throughout undergrad and now pharmacy school I have consistently been able to rely on my Apple products.  If you're looking for a new product to try, I'd highly suggest making an investment in an Apple product.

12. Real Technique Brush Set Dupe

My new found love for make up began to get a little bit expensive.  I had to find cheaper alternatives to all the name brand products I would view, especially the brush sets.  I fell in love with the Real Techniques brush set but fell out of love after viewing the prices.  I researched dupes for the set and came across a company with good reviews on eBay.  I've never tried a RT brush, but this dupe set is amazing.  It literally took my make up game to the next level.

13.  Pinterest

Okay, I can forgive you for not having a YT account, but if you don't have a Pinterest account, what are you waiting on??!?!!? I browse all the boards on Pinterest for daily inspiration.  It is the perfect outlet for everybody.  Whether your'e interested in fast cars or diy projects, I'd highly suggest getting a Pinterest account and start pinning away! Make sure you follow My Pinterest Board.


All 13 products listed above helped me survive 2013.  If you haven't tried any of them, I highly suggest trying at least one for 2014.  I'm sure they will change you life just as much as they did mine!


XO,

Tamera Hughes