The First of Many

It felt amazing to have my first professional photoshoot with well-published and talented Keif Savage, and faces graced by the MUA extraordinaire Sheila Sex-Zy Haire' N Faces. I entered this year with expectancy of momentum not letting anything or anyone deter me from my vision. I was swamped with clients and meetings the week of and had no idea how I was going to pull it all together. My models are extremely busy individuals and I did not want to waste their time. I continued to pray that God would keep me calm and align everything as it should be. I asked my models to meet with me the morning of and had 3 hours to do their hair. I decided to stick to protective hair styles and go with my normal BSMAfro. I would like to say that I am very pleased with the turnout. I expected to be stressed out and in a panic trying to make everything perfect, but it wasn't like that at all. Seeing images of my work makes my heart smile. My models are gorgeous and the styles fit them well. Look out for the 3 of us! Praying to be published and get Braidologysm in rotation! 

Jonnae saying something funny always, making Keif laugh.

Sentiyhu, my regal diva... there isn't a pose she can't strike. 

This Year Will Be Different

I told myself this year would be different. My journey consisted of inconsistency so I prayed sincerely that God would order my steps. It's more than a blessing that He brought me this far as an entrepreneur. At the age of 12 I knew there were needs to be met within my household. Little did I know I had a gift that would be able to provide not only for myself, but also my family. Here I am 16 years later ready to make a big leap. I made yet another list of goals I wanted to accomplish. I evaluated where I was and where I want to be. Business has it's ups and downs, but I will be honest and tell you that when you take your needs to the throne, God will hear your prayers. I assume you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior. If not it isn't too late, but DON'T forget TOMORROW IS NOT PROMISED! However as I was saying, when you put God in every aspect of your life He will meet your needs. It may sound corny, but it's real, and what trumps that is how God is greater than any need or trouble you may have. I say all this to give Him his credit. Don't leave Him out. When you include Him in all you do He WILL and I PROMISE He will show out on your behalf.  This message is to encourage you. I find safety and security in knowing God's got it all. My businesses have flourished and I know it's because of my faith and His favor. Braidology will make moves this year. So stay tuned and remember He is only a prayer away. May you and all you do be blessed. - Shellanee

Protective Hair Style: Silky Twists

Tadaaaaaa! She chose jumbo silky twists, also referred to as Havana twists, however still on the smaller size compared to the traditional look. My Sister/Client is in transition (refer to previous post). Together we decide which protective hairstyle is ideal for what she needs at the moment. As her stylist I will not compromise the integrity of her hair, nor any client of mine for that matter.

When considering a style like silky twists there are a few things to keep in mind...
- This style requires atleast 8-9 packs of hair (Rasta Afri)
-There will be a weight to carry (can be heavy)
-Silky and Marley twists are different
-Twists tend to last 6-8 weeks 
-They make really cute updos ;)

These factors can change depending on your stylist. Make sure to see their work before you put your edges on the line.

What to do...

You know the spot where your hair is no longer in the convenient shape and length that you've learned to style and maintain. It's the length where you may have to switch up your regime to get the curls where you want them sit and your edges to lay where they may. Protective hair styling has been not only a style for convenience but also to promote healthy hair growth. When it comes to protective hair styling it is important to remember your goal. There are stylists that will give you a hair style because it looks good. My outlook is that it should fulfill the purpose. For example someone may want to keep heat away from their hair, gain healthy hair growth or just get a style that is ideal for working out, and  there are ways to meet these goals. Pictured to the right is my Sister/Client who is growing her hair out. She was looking for a style that she could wear just so she wouldn't have to spend time doing it. Check my next post to see what she did :)

Au Natural

Wake up, shake it and go or whatever your routine may be. This is honestly the routine I prefer. I was in a trance of thinking every section must be precise and every hair laid just right. Oh how grateful I am to be in a new frame of mind. I have learned that there is a lot of pressure in trying to portray a "look." A mane without frizz or flaw... but who really cares? I see where that expectation would be valid, however I'd rather invest my time and effort in what's real to me. What's real is the fact that my hair doesn't hold a shape once it greets steam. What's real is that my hair loves to swell.  What's real is it has a mind of it's own and I'm ok with that.

The au natural tells me what is wants to do, and I allow it. Of course if I want to put my foot down I can install a protective style that will define and maintain structure, but more often than not I don't.  I love that there are so many options with natural hair. Different looks according to the use of products and techniques.  I plan on experimenting very soon!


I'd like to know how you wear your hair. Are you natural? What are your favorite products? What is your favorite protective hairstyle? Inbox me on Facebook: Braidology SheMarie and tell me about your routine.

* Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog :)

Identify

It's always interesting to see how people will respond to hair. Even more of a spectacle if you've got a unique "situation." Talking with women quite frequently about their experience "coming into their own" has been an eye opener. To acknowledge that for so long women have been trying to fit an image of what is acceptable and identifiable is a deflating blow. Years and emotions invested into the idea someone created that to be beautiful your hair must be silky straight, to be professional perhaps a sleek bun. What about women who are above average intellectuals who can run a company, her life, and household without a flinch. The woman who dares to wear her hair loud with an afro so demanding you can't help your curiosity? Yet she knows the foundation to success. I challenge women to discover themselves.  I want little girls and young ladies to have women to admire that are like them. Women they can aspire to be. 

As a child I wanted to be different. I was probably the only bright skin at my elementary school with cornrows and beads. When it came to my hair I wanted to be out of the box. I could care less if no one understood why. This is the confidence I am building with my daughter. I tell her she's beautiful even if her hair is smashed to one side. I tell her she's beautiful even if nothing she's wearing matches. My prayer is that as she continues to deal with negative commentators she can fend for herself without feeling broken in the process. I am proud to say she has begun to defend herself and put others in their own lane.

Now, although we shouldn't live for others, just know there is always a grander scheme to things. Deciding to camouflage your true identity with expectations required of you with something as minute as your hair may do more harm than good in the long run.  If you're rocking the boat about what to do... really think about the look you are going for. The image you want to portray. Consider your position. In everything you do, you matter. Your opinions are valuable. Your contributions to the generations to come should be of truth and loyalty. Be real with yourself. Embrace all that you are, every kink, knot and curl. 

SheMarie



If you are in California looking for a natural hair stylist contact Braidology SheMarie on Facebook.

Natural Chitter Chatter

 It's been a hot topic for quite some time now... natural hair, the big chop, transitioning and protective hair styling. The acceptance has shown great progress over the last few years, and I must say I am soooooo glad about it. No matter where I turn it seems to be a topic. Either over a commercial, scanning the "ethnic section" in Target, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and I dare not forget to mention YouTube, natural hair is a pretty big deal!

I remember about 5 years ago when I noticed more and more black women with natural hair as key roles in commercials. Although there always seems to be something to criticize with the role this movement made me proud. The point is the appreciation for natural hair is booming!

When the term "natural hair' is used most people would automatically think about an afro. When I use the term I visualize options, versatility, volume and raw beauty. This includes, curls, waves, twists, braids, updos and styles of confidence and elegance.

My definition of natural hair is when hair is without chemical treatment that changes the original structure of virgin natural hair.  i.e relaxers or chemical straighteners (Don't get me wrong continuous heat can break the bonds in the hair structure which cause the hair to straighten and have a limp look.) Integrity of hair is definitely something to consider when deciding on the big chop or transitioning.

If you are interested in the big chop or transitioning consult with your stylist and make sure to mention your hair goals, and any conditions or concerns you may have with your hair journey.

Below are some natural beauties...

                                                                                                

                                                                                                                                  

If you are looking for a stylist contact Braidology SheMarie on Facebook.