Candidly Speaking

Greetings Lovelies! 

I'm so pleased to share this Candidly Speaking with you all.

After playing email tag for almost a year with this lovely lady, I finally got ahold of the woman behind the popular blog 

Hi-ImCurrentlyObsessed - Nicole!

I'm pretty sure every lady (& a decent amount of gents) are familiar with this tumblr.

TONSSSSS of gorgeous pics of women with textured hair that provide inspiration, motivation and a bit of envy.

So get comfy and get to know Mizz Nicole

Enjoy =)

Continue for the good stuff!

Candidly Speaking

Hello Lovelies!

Back with another Candidly Speaking & this one is of Elizabeth Berry aka Elizzie954

've known Liz for a couple of years now & I just had to feature her!

She has a YouTube channel that is geared towards curly girls with some beauty vids mixed in.

Be sure to subscribe to her channel here!

   

Why and when did you start vlogging?

I started my channel, Elizzie954, back in 2008 when I was a senior in high school. I couldn't find many videos of girls with my hair type so I thought it would be fun to do my own product reviews. Soon I was getting questions from other curly girls and mothers on how to style my hair; therefore I started recording tutorials and just kept going from there.

How has your vlog affected you?

My vlog has helped me accept myself and my looks. I was pretty self conscious in school and never seemed to fit in. I tried to control my hair with way too much gel and mousse. Watching my videos from start till now, I see how much happier I am with myself. It's as if I had a lion caged up and finally set it free; it's unnatural to conform to others and the kindness from my viewers/friends helped me unleash myself in a way.

What do you hope to achieve with your vlog?

I want to be able to share my knowledge on curly hair and experiences. I don't want younger girls to have to go through all the tormenting I did for looking different and not fitting in because they don't belong to just one race. Besides sharing tips for hair, I want them to see that they should embrace being unique now so that they can live life for themselves and not others.

Regimen:

I wash my hair 3-4 times per week and I try to use natural shampoos and conditioners. I massage in shampoo only to my scalp then rinse. I then apply conditioner to my hair and detangle with a paddle brush. Then I rinse out the majority of the conditioner and wrap my hair in a microfiber turban to dry until it's damp. After it's dry I run a leave in conditioner through my strands until everything feels smooth and moist. Air dry and that's it.

 4 words to describe your hair:

Exotic

Flirty

Lion's Mane

Delicate

5 things that you're loving at the moment:

-Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner

-Lush Cynthia Sylvia Stout Shampoo

-Mark Lipclick in Coral Fixation

-Mark Hand It Over in Plum Berry

-Blue Bell Cookie Dough Ice cream

Candidly Speaking....

One of my favorite quotes is

"Beauty without intelligence is a masterpiece painted on a napkin."  -Anonymous

Check out this vid from her channel of her Summer Routine.

Remember check her out on YouTube for more videos!

Candidly Speaking

I had the pleasure of getting this lovely young lady of the blog African Creature to speak CANDIDly with me

I hope you alll Enjoy =)

Tell us a little about yourself.

Well my name is Susy "African Creature" Oludele. I'm Nigerian (Yoruba to be exact). I'm a 21year old hairstylist based in Harlem. I do everything but hairstyling is my first job. I own a vintage website called susyscloset.com and I just released an intro to my hair portfolio which is www.susyshairshow.com . I am a  down to earth person, funny and very nice.  

When & why did you decide to start blogging?

I decided to start blogging because i was actually bored lol! Then it started turning into a meaning. 

How has your blog affected you?

Wow well it all started with the name of my blog. I found my alter ego with my blog and I love it. African creature is a term used on how I grew up, rough child hood, people used to call my a lot of names and I used African Creature that was negative into something positive. People admire it and that inspires me to do more.

What do you hope to achieve with your blog?

I hope to change lives, inspire people to do more and so forth.

So let's talk about hair.. are you natural and if so why did you go natural?

Yes I'm natural. I've been natural my whole life until i went to high school and people started making fun of it and I begged my mom for a perm and she did it. I will never forget that burn and that creme crack box lol 2 months later I really wanted my hair back. So I did my big chop, 4 years later I have my pretty fro . 

4 words to describe your mane.

I think you mean name? Lol well my name is really cute. So I can say cute,  pretty, outgoing and very sweet. I dont know those things come to mind when seeing my name. My mom named me after my doctor but we could talk about that later lol. 

(I meant mane but it was all good) lol

Give us a lil bit about your hair regimen.

4 hours of exhaustion lol. I shampoo my hair with Kinky Curly products. I then use a cheap conditioner while its wet to detangle my hair (i use my hands) then i use a wide tooth comb to detangle it. I detangle by sections, then after i detangle each section then i wash out the cheap conditioner which is like 89 cents (v02). Then i apply the conditioner that i really want to use which is a queen Nefertiti brand that can found in harlem,ny. Wash it out , use the towel to drain the excess water. I  then put my moisturizer i want which is ( vitamin e oil, coconut oil, tea tree oil, olive oil and Kinky Curly Knot Today conditioner and a little water) . My hair is wet during this whole process. I start bantu knoting everything to finalize and bam!!

How has your natural hair been received in your line of work? 

Some look at me weird and others love it. Its something not everyone likes but i get a lot of love though.

5 things you're loving at the moment.

God, My Church, My Career, My boyfriend & My NW40 concealer by M.A.C

One of Susy's work (fake dreads)

Candidly speaking.. 

Live your life like its the last, don't let anyone tell you what to become in life. I always say "don't ever let anyone destine your own destiny". Do what makes you happy and make sure your ambition is as strong as your work. Hard work really pays off, I put God first and everything falls into place for me :) 

Candidly Speaking

Had the pleasure of interviewing mastermind behind the visually stimulating That GOOD GOOD Blog

Enjoy =)

Tell us a little about yourself.

Hello world! My name is Dami Oyelola. I am a 20 year old girl from Nigeria, currently residing in peaceful Pennsylvania. I attend Penn State University where I am a third year student studying Food Science. I love Christ, people, hip-hop, vintage clothes, poetry, and apple pie.

When & why did you decide to start blogging?

I started blogging a little over a year ago (July 14, 2010). The reason I started this blog is because I had been seriously longing for a creative outlet at that point in my life. I've always loved writing and I have a strong affinity for fashion, music, and art. I realized that a blog would be a great way to combine all of these interests. Being completely new to blogging, I didn't have any major plans or goals for the blog; it was purely just going to be something for me to do during the summer in my free time. Now, as I think about how far the blog has come between then and now, I am beyond speechless.  I never, ever, ever, EVER thought that so many people would be interested in the things I have to say! I find it terrifying, to be honest. But when that fear settles, all that is left is excitement and hope. I'm excited because I can't wait to see where this blog is going to take me & I'm hopeful because I know that there is a good reason I have been given this unique opportunity to share my interests and the people/things that inspire me with other people.

How has your blog affected you?

It's amazing because I have been asking myself this question a lot lately. I find that the periods in which I am not able to blog, I get a little sad. I didn't realize how big of stress reliever blogging is for me, it truly is therapeutic. Especially when my schoolwork is becoming too much, it's so nice to have something to take my mind off of organic chemistry and agribusiness management every once in a while. Also, my blog has really giving me a renewed sense of conviction in my opinions. I've always been a bit quirky and into things that not too many other people were into (specifically music) and I would get some flack from my sisters and some of my friends about it. However, knowing now that there are over a thousand people around the world who share the same interests as me is liberating. Also, being able to put hundreds of people onto things they didn't know about is awesome as well.

What do you hope to achieve with your blog?

The main thing I wish to achieve with my blog is to inspire other people to chase their dreams, whatever those dreams may be. Like I always say, our generation is full of really determined individuals who refuse to wait to chase their dreams. So many people my age already have established businesses and are indulging themselves in their crafts. It's so inspiring and I want my blog to serve as a resource for such.

So let's talk about hair.. are you natural and if so why did you go natural?

YES! I have been natural since I was in the 7th grade (13 years old). In all honesty. I went natural because my hair was badly broken from perms. However, I have remained natural for so long because I am truly in love with my curls, kinks, and coils.

4 words to describe your mane.

thick, unpredictable, beautiful, & mine :)

5 things you're loving at the moment.

1. film photography

2. vinyl records

3. cherry red Dr. Martens

4. really, really, really big knit scarves

5. cocoa butter chapstick (my favorite thing in the world)

Candidly speaking.. (anything else you would like to add.. quote, mantra you live by etc)

"Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you." -Marianne Williamson, "Our Deepest Fear"

Candidly Speaking..

This edition of Candidly Speaking is with Heidi of  Methodical Madness.
Do enjoy =)

When & why did you decide to start blogging?

I started my Blogspot account back in 2009. I'm not entirely sure why. At the time, I felt like my 'status updates' via other social networks didn't really allow me to elaborate on thoughts that I had, so my blog entries became extended statuses. I started my Tumblr last year; which is when I started to drift away from Blogspot and exchanged the land of words, for pictures. I enjoy my Tumblr a lot; it keeps me on my creative toes when I go through uninspired droughts.

How has your blog affected you?

Sometimes it's felt like another task to keep up with, like hw. I began writing about controversial issues; politics, relationships--things that need a different type of articulation, in comparison to when I just wrote about miscellaneous thoughts and feelings. So in that sense, my blog has helped me improve my thought process; I'm more aware of how to construct an opinionated argument without sounding one-sided.

What do you hope to achieve with your blog?

This might sound strange, but nothing. When I write, it's for me. Things get trapped in my mind, I get stuck in my thoughts, and I have to let the words out. My Blogspot just plays the role as the place where I can dump all the mental madness. I've occasionally went through entries from months/years ago; but it's so awkward sometimes to re-read it. I get personal when I write, and I'm not always aware of how deep I get, so it almost feels a little embarrassing to see that I write it, and left there for the world to see. I'm proud of it, but reserved as well.

So how did you come about photography?

Around my freshman year of college, I just started talking pictures. My first and second year of college were the most anti-social years of my life; and I enjoyed them very much. I spent a lot of time getting to know myself, and a part of that involved photographing myself. Eventually, I wanted to photograph everything. Photography has become a significant piece of my life, now. I'm nowhere near my peak of potential, but I know I'm in the right direction, now. I starting shooting with Film this year, and I'll never look at digital the same. 

What inspires you?  

 Honestly, I inspire me now. I went through emotional phases of dependency on outside sources to inspire me to create, and during those periods, I was constantly overflowing with ideas. People close to me; family, friends, men. It worked, but the repercussions of depending on someone or having a muse meant I couldn't create without them. My mind turned blank in their absence, and I hated that. So I distanced myself. I flipped the switch on my solitude, and dug deeper into myself to find what makes me tick--artistically. The answer; me. My mind is madhouse; it never stops, and I'm always here. Capitalizing on my eccentricity is the fuel for my inspiration, and it never runs out.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

 In 5 years, I see myself abroad. I have no interest in staying in the States. I'll either be in Western Europe or the Middle East. My only demands for my immediate future are that I have a camera in hand, a studio, and I'm employed for some type of non-profit organization; restructuring communities, helping women, and at-risk youth.

So let's talk about hair.. are you natural and if so why did you go natural?

As I mentioned before, around my first year of college, I got in touch with who I was, and the woman I'm becoming. I realized around then, that my identity consisted of both my personality and my inherited culture. I have a serious appreciation for my race. Being Black is one of my favorite aspects of life. There was something inexplicably beautiful to me  about how we look; including how different our hair is. I wanted to embrace that characteristic I was given. Big fluffy hair is what I have, and what I'll wear.

4 words to describe your mane.

 Rude. Soft. Loud, and REAL.

Give us a lil bit about your hair regimen.

 I comb it every other day; about as often as I do twist-outs. And as of lately, since cold weather is approaching, I'll blow dry it into a fro. I'm slacking product-wise, but I don't feel too guilty because I trim it regularly.

5 things you're loving at the moment.

Agh... More so things that I'm loving always, than at the moment would be: my camera, Arabic, harem pants, sleepless nights & the black keys.

Candidly speaking.. (anything else you would like to add.. quote, mantra you live by etc)

I can't think of any additional commentary on the spot...but I'm always sure to have something to say via Twitter, lol. @Rosa_Sparks

All photography by Heidi.

Candidly Speaking

I had the pleasure of interviewing one of my favorite bloggers Ev'Yan.

Enjoy =)

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Ev`Yan & I blog over at sexloveliberation.com. I live with my husband & dog-child in Portland, Oregon.

When & why did you decide to start blogging?

I started my first blog in 2002, before blogging was a household name. Then in 2008, I started Apricot Tea, my personal, public diary where I wrote about my life as a newly wed & the outfits I wore daily. I did that for three years until I started my newest endeavor, Sex, Love, Liberation, which is a website that I created to speak openly about sex & self-exploration.

With every blog, I wanted to share little pieces of myself with the world. SLL has taken that desire to another level, one that enables me to share & guide others in the process.

How has your blog affected you?

It's challenged me to become a stronger person & to maintain a sense of awareness that often gets lost in the mundaneness of life. I am teaching others lessons of love & sex, but I'm also learning those same lessons. This is the best thing about SLL.

What do you hope to achieve with your blog?

I hope to help liberate others & give them a safe space to come to to speak about private matters. I also hope to ignite a fire within people to love themselves fully & recognize their greatness as beautiful, sensual beings.

So let's talk about hair.. are you natural and if so why did you go natural?

I've been natural for over a year now. After years & years of chemically straightening my hair, I realized just last year that I had never seen what my natural hair looked like (not since my baby pictures). The reality of this saddened me, & within a day or two I made the decision to buzz all of my hair off & start anew. 

It was the most liberating thing I've ever done.

4 words to describe your mane.

Soft. Bold. Delicate. Unapologetic.

Give us a lil bit about your hair regimen.

I just finally sealed a regimen that works for me, though I know it'll change once my hair gets longer. (Its length is currently at about 6 inches, though the shrinkage tells otherwise.)

I wash once a week with Dr Bronner's castile soap diluted with water; I co-wash with Trader Joe's Nourish Spa conditioner 2-3 times per week. I do my best to detangle my hair with my fingers in the shower while the conditioner is soaking. I find that my fingers are more forgiving than a wide-toothed comb.

After I rinse, I give my hair several shakes to get rid of access water (singing Shake it Up, by The Cars while I do) & apply my spritz mixture to my hair (aloe vera gel, jojoba oil, a tiny bit of vegetable glycerin, a dozen drops of lavender oil, & water).

Then I shake once more & apply a little of my homemade whipped shea butter mixture (by Naptural85) to seal.

I've recently discovered spray gel, which defines my curls & keeps the frizz tame. Right now, I'm using one by Tresemme, though I need to be careful not to use too much, as it dries my hair. That's the last thing I put on my hair before I walk out of the house.

Ev'Yan & her husband - Photo by Kylie Springman

5 things you're loving at the moment.

• The colors of the leaves as they turn from the season.
• A steaming cup of coffee with the perfect amount of creamer.
• Handmade things (my readers gave me a slew of gifts in exchange for my book).
• Portland; I was made to be in this city.
• How long my hair is getting! Sometimes I forget that it's actually growing.

Candidly speaking.. (anything else you would like to add.. quote, mantra you live by etc)

A quote worth remembering: "The more real you become, the more unreal you are to others."

Photo by Kylie Springman