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Zara On Why She Loves Protective Styling

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Zara Simon-Olgan
Hey Ladies, 

Listen up as popular hair vlogger Zara speaks about why she loves protective styling, amidst the sea of naturals condemning it, and why it may not be working for you. Let us know what you think!
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Weekend Feels

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Last week was stressful af.

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But it’s Friday evening so you’ve finally given yourself permission to feel go(o)d. To relax. To be yourSELF. What I want you to notice is that this feeling of relief and peace was also present last Monday when you had to drag your ass into the office... it was also present Tuesday and even yesterday morning when you woke up and sadly came to the realization that it wasn’t Friday, yet. Feeling go(o)d is your natural state, it’s your baseline, it’s your home vibe, it just gets covered up by thoughts and circumstances and thoughts about the circumstances. You only allow it in sometimes— on payday, on vacay and when your favorite artist finds that pocket 🎶

Now, smile. Bigger. BIGGER 😆 Keep smiling while you finish reading this.

Take a mental snapshot of how you feel right now. Memorize these feels. This is YOU. The real YOU. Choose to be aware of this inherent happiness in every moment by taking your power back from your inner critic, from that annoying coworker, from moody Bae or the dreaded Monday morning. You can allow these go(o)d feels no matter what appears to be going on in your life situation. Choose HER now and before you know it, you’ll be loving and living your best life. #BeHerNow

Black Africans in Slave Auctions in 2017 – How Technology Has Changed the Course of Events

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by Elena Karimi of elenanjeru.com

Today is the 2nd of December, 2017.  Just a few days ago, men, women and children were sold as slaves in Libya. It was an auction where bidders announced what they were willing to pay for the specimen on display. Like an art auction.

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“We have a man here! A strong farm hand! Look at him!” The black man was made to turn around so the buyers could see how strong he was. He had marks on his skin. On his shoulders, on his legs, on his arms. He had been beaten.

“For this strong man, we are starting the bidding at $200. You won't find better!” The buyers shouted their prices. The winner announced that he could pay $800. Bidding closed. That man is surely home now, somewhere in the world, in some farm, working for his keep.

Women and children were on sale too. As home helps, as sex slaves, as punching bags, as trophies. You name it, you can become it when you are bought and paid for.

There are not enough tears that can be shed for this, so shed no tears. No anger is strong enough, so save your anger for reckoning day. No silence loud enough than the silence you can hear when you see strong black African men, women and children in cages, in the darkness, waiting for a coward to buy them. We need to remember history in all clarity and justice in order to act effectively.

Some facts that we cannot ignore: In 1526, the first transatlantic slave voyage to Brazil was completed successfully. After that, the trade ports were open. But don't be fooled by the dates. The stealing, blackmailing, buying or hoodwinking of Africans into slavery had been ongoing for many generations, long before 1526. As far back as 1440, the Portuguese were capturing Africans into slavery. Africans, because of either their strength or their beauty were prey, like a cheetah's skin, or an elephant's tusk. Statistics, have shown that slave traders over the Mediterranean, The Gulf of Aden and The Red Sea into the Middle East, preferred female slaves. With a ratio of two women for a man, sex slaves and concubines for the harems were secured, used, abused, misused and disposed of. The numbers are staggering. Most of the men slaves traded over the Mediterranean, The Gulf of Aden and The Red Sea were castrated to make sure they couldn't reproduce, hence the black eunuchs in the middle east. While the male children born to the black women slaves were killed soon after birth, the girls were kept for the harems. So as not to spread the unclean offspring of black Africans and slaves.

So, you see, when slaves suddenly pop up on internet feeds being auctioned in Libya, we collectively wonder: Who is buying slaves? Is it the Libyans? Thanks to technology and the Internet, we will never be able to deny that we knew. It could be my brother leaving Kenya, on his way to me, through the forbidden, well guarded back doors. What luck and privilege that it isn't. We have been humiliated by images of Africans in cages before. In the 21st century, we are haunted by the shattered or silenced voices of our kindred sold long ago. It is enough. We cannot start all over again. I don't know how many ways we can say that Black Bodies Are Not Slaves. Our souls are dying in the basements designed by lazy cowards who can't do their own chores. Our sexuality is being tarnished by perverts who see us as less, except when they can describe us as exotic, present us either as sex objects they can use and misuse or as emotionless anger machines that can be shot without remorse.

It needs to stop now, and forever.


Do you want to help put a stop to this nonsense? Thanks to technology and the internet, we can now
meet on the internet and make ourselves heard, loud and clear, before it is too late. Below are a few dos and don'ts:

1. Do not ignore this. Some things, you cannot turn a blind eye or deaf year to. If they can sell the African today, they will sell any black skinned person they can lay their hands on in fives years tops.

2. Do not stay silent. Wherever you are, speak about this. Tell this to someone. What the heck?! Tell this to everyone in your reach. The echo of our voices may stop this.

3. If you are African, still in Africa or if you know Africans in Africa, remind them of the old forgotten wisdoms of trust, allies, age old friendships, and honour.
(*Africans, if you do not have a safe address and a trusted name, don't leave home. It is
better to die poor, on your feet, than die in a marble kitchen, a slave!*)

4. Please go to http://www.africanlivesmatter.org/ and add your voice to our whisper. Spread
the planned demonstrations in your handles if you can.

5. Doctors Without Borders are doing great work in helping run aways, cast aways, and new mothers. Donate to Doctors without borders and ear mark your donation for Libyan Slave Trade Victims.

6. African Women In Europe have organized a fundraiser to raise funds for a full plane to West African countries. This with the intention to send home those who have nowhere to go. Go to https://www.gofundme.com/sponsorflightticketoutoflibya

7. Amnesty International is, and has been on the front lines of the STOP IT NOW campaign. Go add your voice and donation to our hoarse whispers. https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2017/11/eu-africa-summit-footage-of-slave- auction-shows-human-cost-of-inexcusable-migration-deals/


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About Elena: I am an immigrant to Sweden, originally from Kenya. I came to Stockholm to study and stayed after finding work and love. Having siblings and friends in Kenya and East Africa, keeps my eyes almost always turned towards Africa. Being a black woman, belonging to the minority in Europe, keeps my spirit, survival instincts and prayers focused on the dark skinned population of the world. 

SMONDAY

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Gia just came in the kitchen asking me if it was Saturday and when I said ‘no’, she looked hella disappointed and asked, ‘but how did that happen?!’ She’s only 7 and already knows the uneasy feels of ‘smonday’.

Today when you become aware of those all-too-familiar resistant thoughts or feels about ‘tomorrow’, do two things-

1. Stop. Breathe. Smile. Look around at where you are. You’re only feeling anxious or worried because your mind has jumped ahead to ‘tomorrow’, ‘somewhere’, while you are ‘NOW’, ‘HERE’. You’re at home (or church, or Momma’s house) and you’re comfortable, safe and warm. You’re blessed. Allow that realization to hit you. In this moment , before the thoughts/inner voice, there’s nothing wrong. There’s just those hands holding this phone and the reading of these words. All is well. Stay here. Smile. Smile bigger as you finish reading...

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2. Allow and choose your REAL energy- the go(o)d feels. You pretty much do, think and feel the exact same way most of the time (which is why you appear to live the same day over and over with minor variations). I’m sure today and this evening you’ll go through your usual rituals, which no doubt includes dreading or resenting some aspect of your upcoming week. You probably don’t feel terrible, but the energy you’re serving is just ‘aiight’... ‘cool’ and that’s how next week will be too. Above, I reminded you that you can’t be anywhere but NOW and HERE. You’re always here and now. Even when ‘tomorrow’ arrives, it’s now... here. ‘Tomorrow’ is just your awareness of another ‘now’. What you are, in essence, is consciousness (‘now’) with a particular energy or vibration. So instead of giving into and repeating the same feels of ‘smondays’ past, turn within and find the inherent go(o)d feels buried beneath the worry thoughts. When you allow and become conscious of your natural vibe, your REAL energy of peace and joy, you not only feel better, but your subsequent ‘nows’ will be doper as they can only reflect what you’re feeling. #BeHerNow

What feels are you serving up right now? 

Stop Waiting.

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Don’t wait for shit to shake or you’ll be waiting forever. Feel how you’d feel if shit was shaking now. Feel how you’d feel if shit shook yesterday.

Take inspired action, do the things, and give yourself permission to feel how you’d feel if absolutely amazing life-altering news (aka something shaking!) was already here, right now, sitting in your inbox. Allow yourSELF to experience that inherent joy NOW and NOW and NOW and joy-inducing situations will start showing up in gorgeous ways for you.

You are blessed and you know it. Smile. Smile bigger.😊😃😆

You were on channel 1 when you started reading this. That lightness, joy and passion you’re feeling now... that gentle excitement bubbling up in your chest and that smile spreading across your face, that’s channel 2. Stay here, on this channel, in these empowering, go(o)d feels today, no matter what. Stay here like it’s all that matters, ‘cause it’s all that matters. It’s all that MATTERS. That energy state will become matter in your world.

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Don’t let your mind tell you that you can’t feel go(o)d all the time. It’s lying to you. Your other, memorized ‘aiight’ state of being is just what you’ve practiced up until now, so it feels like ‘you’, it feels normal. Practice this feeling until it feels normal and new ideas will come and you’ll take new actions and you’ll begin seeing a new world.

Who are you? Be her, now. Don’t wait.

#DontDip #BeHerNow #Channel2 

Everything New On Netflix In December- Right Here!

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Dave Chappelle
December is the perfect time to Netflix and Chill, and with this complete guide to everything new on the service you'll know exactly what to do with some of that holiday free time! Did you even know that Dave had a new standup show coming out? 


And The Winners Of The Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Hair Care Bundles Are...

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Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Hair Care Bundle

Happy Monday Chicas!

Last week, we asked you to subscribe to the CurlyNikki newsletter and to give us a shout out in the comment section, and you delivered! Now we're going to deliver 3 winners of the Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Hair Care Bundle!

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Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Hair Care Bundle
And the winners are!
Betty
tee 
Megan M. 

Please email nikki@curlynikki.com with your full name and address using Mielle Ogranics Winner in the subject line. Enjoy the products, and Ladies, please, stay tuned for the next giveaway which will be announced tomorrow!

Shea Moisture Founder Rich Dennis On Their Recent Merger & Giving Black Women 100 Million To Create Businesses

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Sundial Founder Richelieu Dennis 
By Erickka Sy Savané

It was a festive evening at Ginny’s Supper Club, the intimate downstairs lounge at Red Rooster in Harlem last week. I was there tagging along with my girl Sid, who gets invited everywhere, and honestly, anytime I can get away from an evening of doing homework with the kids is cause to get lit! Everyone else, however, was there to celebrate the merger between Sundial, the parent company that owns Shea Moisture, Nubian Heritage, Madame C.J. Walker and nyako, with Unilever, a multinational company that generated over 50 billion in sales last year. Although the amount of the merger was not made public, one can guess from the fact that Sundial is expected to turn over an estimated $240 million this year, that it ain’t too shabby. Sundial founder Richelieu Dennis will continue as CEO and executive chairman for the company that he started in 1991 with his mom and longtime friend, Nyema Tubman, all Liberians unable to return to the country once Civil War broke. Here are some highlights from the evening, along with the deets on the 100 million that Sundial plans to give black women!

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After a few drinks and some mixing and mingling with familiar and unfamiliar faces, Michaela Angela Davis, image activist and longtime consultant to the company, gets on the mic to introduce the man of honor, simply known as Rich. For anyone who remembers Rich from his days of selling soap out of his car in Harlem, or when he owned Nubian Heritage bookstore on 125th street and 5th Ave, a source of pride in the community long before gentrification, you know he’s come a long way. Michaela compares Rich’s success to hip hop.

“You started off on the street selling ounces of Shea, and now you’re in business!" she joked, saying that he was selling ounces of Shea when others were selling "other" things.

Rich walks up with his mama in tow, and Michaela explains that she is the real star of the company. It’s easy to see why. She’s a sweet-looking petite older lady, round, and soft spoken when she does speak. But don’t let the calm demeanor fool you. Introducing her as the most incredible human being he knows, Rich told a helluva story about how she wasn’t the type of mom to dish out praises growing up. In fact, if he received all A’s on his report card she said nothing. But if he came home with a B that was his a$s straight. He learned the level of excellence that was expected in her house and today he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Sundial Founders Rich Dennis, (mom) Mary Dennis and Nyema Tubman
“If it wasn’t for that, the levels of excellence that we strive to have would not be here. So as I’ve lived my life and built this company with my college roommate, and co-founder Nyema, it’s been about excellence, thinking differently, caring about the people we care about deeply, and more than anything else, giving back to where we came from. This partnership allows us to do that. It gives us the infrastructure to do what we want to do."
And what is that exactly? He plans to develop communities, with a focus on black female entrepreneurs.
“Women of color are the backbone of our communities and the most under-served. This partnership allows us to impact women like my grandmother, single mothers like my mother, women from around the world who have an idea, but no resources. She may find it hard to get a loan from the bank, or she’s got a product that no one believes in. We want to take some of those obstacles out of her way.”
It makes sense, coming from a man who is making a quarter of a billion dollars off of his grandmama’s recipes. It sounds even better coming from their website.


Sofi Tucker

Our Story
Sofi Tucker started selling Shea Nuts at the village market in Bonthe, Sierra Leone in 1912. By age 19, the widowed mother of four was selling Shea Butter, African Black Soap and her homemade hair and skin preparations all over the countryside. Sofi Tucker was our Grandmother and SheaMoisture is her legacy.

So he sat down with the people from Unilever and they figured out a way to help black women around the world to use their business model called 'community commerce' to invest in them and their ideas so they too can build billion dollar businesses. It started with Rich's own money, and with Unilever pitching in, reached 50 million. And while 50 was great, it didn't feel like enough, so they rose it to 100 million. One. Hundred. Million. Dollars. To. Help. Black. Women. Create. Businesses. Around. The. World.

Obviously, he had to address people who say he’s selling out. To that he says the products aren’t going to change and because of how his business model is set up, he prefers the term ‘investing in.’

Imagine all those black women with family recipes that have been there for generations. Everything from hair and body products, natural cures for aches and pains, food recipes...anybody perfect their Granny's mac & cheese? It's endless. And to think that black women are already the fasting growing group of entrepreneurs in this country! So the next question is how to apply, because we're definitely going to follow-up on this. We'll keep you posted with info. on our end, but also research it on your own to figure out how to get a piece of the pie!


Michaela Angela Davis and Founder & CEO of Sundial Brands, Richelieu Dennis chat with Incoming EVP & COO of Unilever North America Personal Care Esi Eggleston Bracey about this groundbreaking purpose-driven partnership.

Will you be taking advantage of Sundial's initiative to support black female entrepreneurs?

Erickka Sy Savané is managing editor of CurlyNikki.com, a wife, mom, and freelance writer based in Jersey, City, NJ. Her work has appeared in Essence.comEbony.com, Madamenoire.com, xoNecole.com, and more. When she’s not writing...wait, she’s always writing! Follow her on Twitter, Instagram or  ErickkaSySavane.com

First we feel Go(o)d, then we do the things. #Inspired

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Feel go(o)d FIRST, then get out of bed. Feel go(o)d and then give that talk. Feel go(o)d, then write. Feel go(o)d, then spend time with the kids. Feel go(o)d and then check your feed, or don’t.😂 When you’re feeling go(o)d, the things you do change. When you’re feeling go(o)d, the things you prioritize and invest in, change. Your thoughts change. Because that go(o)d starts flowing through you, working through you, appearing AS you. You finally start being the REAL YOU. You eat different, you stand different, you talk different, you walk different, effortlessly. Your desires change. Your squad vibrates higher. You become...you ‘be’ HER—the woman you always knew you had the potential to be. When you feel go(o)d, you know that all is really, really, truly well. ‘It’s all go(o)d!’ You knew this and you forgot. You went to sleep and started dreaming this dream of hardship, fear, separation, competition and lack. You forgot, but now you’re waking up. You’re beginning to remember and it feels right, you’re feeling go(o)d. Smile. 😊 Smile, bigger. 😆 Keep smiling while you finish reading—

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There’s no other way to make this life thing work. It won’t work unless you make feeling go(o)d, feeling like this (you feel that glow in your chest?), your first order of business, all the time. When you choose go(o)d in this moment & this moment & this moment, no matter what shenanigans your life situation is serving up, no matter what the thoughts are saying about the situations, ‘things’ just keep getting better and better for you. You realize you never had to ‘build’ your confidence, or get to the root of the fear that’s been ‘holding you back’, you only had to turn within and choose go(o)d. Cause when you’re feeling go(o)d you’re confident, when you’re feeling go(o)d you can’t be scared, you can’t be jealous, you can’t be selfish, you can’t be petty. It’s so natural & so easy & YOU set it up like this & then forgot! Fucking remember. Remember. Smile. Bigger. 😆 Stay here for the rest of the day, in these feels, no matter what happens, & something beautiful will happen to show you that this is the only way. I promise you that. I love you. ❤️✨

Watch These Little Naturals Handle Sunday Washday Like Champs!

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Railey aka 'Sweet'& Danica aka 'Squeeze' 
Hi Ladies,

We all know that Sunday Washday for many naturals can be a drag, but these little ladies handle it like champs, and remind us what it feels like to be a kid again! See how this mom uses Mielle Organics to help maintain, grow & revitalize Squeeze and Sweet's hair. Feel free to share, and subscribe to their Squeeze & Sweet's Learning Center youtube channel for more fun and educational videos!

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Tell Us Your Fav Websites & Why? For A Chance To Win This Taitu's Botanicals Hair & Body Bundle!

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Taitu's Botanicals Tea Tree & Lavender Hair & Body Bundle
Hola Mamacitas!

We've got another fab giveaway! This week, we're asking you to tell us your favorite websites and why for a chance to win 2 Taitu's Botanicals Tea Tree & Lavender Hair & Body Bundles!

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Taitu's Botanicals Tea Tree & Lavender Hair & Body Bundle
Taitu's Botanicals Tea Tree & Lavender Bundle includes body cream, body wash, sugar scrub and hair and body oil. These products have a calming lavendar scent, are all natural, organic and vegan. Perfect for an at home spa day!

Tell us your favorite websites and why in the comment section for a chance to win! 2 Winners will be announced next Monday, December 11th! Good Luck!!!

Crying In Public: Sign Of Weakness Or Strength?

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By: Maya Wright


I’m an emotional person, if that’s what you want to call it. It’s not something I apologize for (because, why should I?)—but I do feel sorry for it; that is, when I allow myself to be that kind of vulnerable with someone who simply wasn’t worth my trust.



I had a pretty rough week last week, and I let myself cry in front of a friend on three different occasions. After the first time, they assured me that I could confide in them and that I didn’t have to bear my burden alone. It was comforting and I felt honesty in their admission; so a couple of days later, I cried in front of them again and then once more the next day. I thought everything was cool and confidential until we were watching a movie with a group of friends (who I have never cried in front of) and the friend I had trusted suggested to everyone that I was emotional. Everyone got a good laugh out of it and I played it off, but I was pretty hurt. It caught me off guard that they would betray my trust like that and I vowed to never cry in front of them again.



But it caused me to really consider: Where did this notion originate, of not wanting to cry in front of other people?

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And it’s not really crying itself, but crying openly—publicly—just feels like a major no-no. In other words, it’s okay to cry as long as no one else sees it. And growing up, my mom never let me cry in public. While those tears were usually associated with something I’d done wrong, it ingrained in me a discomfort with public displays of vulnerability. My mom was a soldier and a single mother of 4; I didn’t see her cry until I was a teenager. She was hard on the exterior—hard to relate to, hard to understand, but I knew she loved me. And now, in my adulthood, I understand her plight. Being a woman in the army, she was forbidden the freedom of crying, so it was only natural that she instinctively taught us the same behavior.



So I learned how to keep my feelings to myself and that if a person was crying in public, they had failed to do exactly that. Even now that I know better, I would still say that sometimes seeing a stranger cry in public feels strangely invasive. It’s like I’m seeing a part of them that I shouldn’t, because vulnerability has a way of making you feel stripped, open.



Especially in black culture, crying just gets a bad rep. It is considered to be the very manifestation of weakness. Whereas strength conjures up images of physicality, determination, and often aggression, weakness presents itself as being emotional, crying, and showing physical incapability. But this attitude towards crying is nothing more than a societal-inflicted impression that is actually 100% false. In fact, tears show that the person is mentally strong, in control of their feelings and unafraid of societal expectations. PsychCentral.comsays, “tears signal a need for help and comfort, help relieve stress, and may bring us back into emotional equilibrium.”



Which is good because I cry a lot. I cry when I pray, when I’m angry, sad, anxious, worried, or venting. I cry when I’m really grateful about something or just reflecting on how blessed I am. I cry while watching TV or a movie. I cry when I feel lonely, left out, confused. When I try not to cry, I just don’t feel “free.” I need to cry sometimes and there’s no point in risking a headache when I can quite easily just let myself fall apart for a few minutes and be done with it.



Still, crying is something I only choose to do privately—alone, or with someone I trust. When I get to know a person and they cause me to feel comfortable enough to think I can allow them to see that part of me, I almost always get let down. They either suggest that I need to ‘suck it up,’ call me ‘weak,’ tell someone, or bring it up randomly in public conversation. These days, the comfort of confidentiality and respect is a rare find, but still worth searching for.



What some people fail to realize is that even though they are sometimes listed as synonyms, ‘weak’ and ‘vulnerable’ are not the same. Something or someone that is weak is lacking in power or strength; easily damaged or influenced.  Vulnerability is choosing to let your guard down, despite the consequences.



Vulnerability is a choice, and if someone is willing to let you see them cry—which is probably the rawest expression of emotion that exists—be worth their time. Don’t make them feel like crap. See the beauty that is present in their tears and be there for them.


Because vulnerability is a gift—not a handicap.

RSVP for Nikki's 'Be Her Now' Workshop! #WholeLifeTransformation #DMV

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DMV!!! Join me on Dec 15th at 6:30pm for an intimate evening of empowerment, meditation, transformation and all the go(o)d feels! To RSVP for this free event, email BeHerNow@curlynikki.com (there are only 30 seats!). Can’t wait to meet you and watch you slay your way through 2018!

Nikki's #BeHerNow Workshop Dec 15th (FULL)

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500 RSVPs in less than 24 hours. For 30 seats. 😩 🙏🏾 I am overwhelmed by the support and feel a huge sense of responsibility to introduce you to your real selves. Please wear comfy clothes (you still cute, tho) and bring a pillow or yoga mat for your butt. I opened the list up to 50. See you on the 15th! 

This Morning Elixir Will Make You Forget All About That Cup Of Joe!

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By Jashima Wadehra

I am ALL about the wellness train that defined 2017. I am not, however, the most well-versed on spending hours peeling, chopping and blending my nutrients into instagram- worthy mason jar smoothies. I used to be a start-my-morning-with-a-cup-of-coffee kind of girl, until I discovered my morning elixir 3 months ago, life hasn’t been the same.

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In an effort to assist de-bloating and promote a sunnier disposition I decided to incorporate the tried and true warm lemon water into my morning routine, which was great but it got me thinking…..I had heard A LOT about the benefits of unadulterated Apple Cider Vinegar  and wanted to experience it for myself while integrating a few other key ingredients.

Say Hello to your new favorite hair, skin and energy life hack:
I compile the following ingredients in my trusty 32.oz  water tumbler:


1 Tablespoon of Turmeric:
We’ve all heard the hype behind turmeric, beyond its skin cleansing and yellow coloring benefits- it contains Curcumin. Curcumin possess an endless list of benefits and will soon become a staple in your cabinet.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Antioxidants
Promotes digestion
Enhances your brain’s neurotrophic factor
Lowers risk of heart disease
Has been used to treat arthritis


1 Lemon: 
Re-Open the lemonstand because baby, we bout’ to make some lemonade!! The age old lemon water is NOT a myth, it works. Not only does lemon alkalize, but its properties also encourage a boost in energy. Beyonce was onto something with that album…
Acidic properties
Digestive assistant
Flushes the liver and lymphatic system naturally
Contains vitamin C


2-3 Drops of Liquid Chlorophyll:
If you can get past the potentially green tinted bowels, liquid chlorophyll is a skin and internal health power player. There is a reason plants produce this incredible component and thrive because of its abilities.

Here is my favorite rundown on Chlorophyll:
Detoxes your liver
Expedites wound healing
Protects skin


½ Teaspoon of Cinnamon:
Cinnamon contains Cassia, it does much more than make apple pie and decorate hot cocoa. This sweet spice has several benefits beyond skin health.
Antioxidant
Lowers blood sugar
Anti Inflammatory


Pinch of Cayenne:
Capsaicin is a component in cayenne pepper, aside from its hint of heat, cayenne pepper can boost immunity!
Detoxifies
Lowers Cholesterol
Pain reliever
Packed with vitamins like B, E, and C.


Pinch of Black pepper
This underrated flavor enhancer is more than just for your potatoes. Black pepper not only assists your body in absorbing more curcumin because it contains piperidine, but has a slew of positive attributes!
Contains Vitamin K, Manganese, Iron, Fiber and Zinc.
Fights against intestinal gas
Anti-Inflammatory
Digestive assistant courtesy presence of Potassium



Drizzle of organic honey
The honeybear comes with more than just a sweet cuddle. Locally sourced organic honey can help combat your seasonal allergies as well as provide incredible skin benefits and lighten hair naturally!
Antioxidants
Lightening properties
DELICIOUS!!!!
Will combat the ACV and intense spice flavors


Apple Cider Vinegar
Ya’ll already know this beautiful probiotic filled vinegar is where it’s at. More than a salad dressing must- ACV is #bae.
Packed with probiotics ( if you can’t stand greek yogurt like me, this is the #PLUG)
Acetic acid
Reduces acid reflux
Helps manage blood pressure
Can assist in weight loss

Voila mix and mingle!

Drink this first thing in the morning for a week straight and reap the benefits!
I noticed the following,  changes within the first two weeks:
Clearer skin
Brighter skin
Shinier hair
Reduced eczema breakouts
Improved digestion
Decreased inflammation
Better quality sleep
Increased energy throughout the day
Less junk food cravings

Will this become a part of your morning routine? Let me know in the comments below! 
 P.S. I am NOT a doctor, so be sure to consult yours! 
Jashima Wadehra is a writer, dancer, entrepreneur, and lover of people based in NYC.  She can be found blogging at overpriced coffee shops or on a plane heading to a new place to write about.  Follow her on instagram at @TheChatterboxlifeEnthusiast and check out her new blog TheChatterBoxLifeEnthusiast.com.  

12 Podcasts You Need In Your Life Starting Today

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2 Dope Queens Podcast
By CultClassiq via xonecole

Take a moment to say “congratulations” to yourself today.
Why? Well, 2017 was your year, and 2018 is too. As driven women, we often decide whether a year was “our year” based on what we accomplished: whether we landed that promotion, whether our summer fling became bae or bye, and so on. We measure ourselves by what we did, but we often overlook a huge part of that —the time and effort we took to keep pushing. You deserve a moment to clap for 2017, because you made it.

Honey on the Blade: The Artivism of Liza Jessie Peterson

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Liza Jessie Peterson by Yoshinori Hashimoto
By Sharon Pendana 

Liza Jessie Peterson is an "artivist," her art and her activism conjoined. With a deep sense of justice, it is her Libran calling to balance its scales. "I’m an artist, but my advocacy is channeled through my art," she says. "Everything I write about, everything I perform is through that lens." Her decades-long entrenchment in the carceral system spans from making the trek upstate from her Brooklyn home to visit her jailed former lover to teaching incarcerated youths at New York City's notorious Rikers Island Correctional Facility.



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These experiences inform her profound one-woman show, The Peculiar Patriot,exploring the human impact of mass incarceration, not just on inmates, but their intimates who brave the cramped, hours-long bus rides to prison visits in revolutionary acts of loyalty and commitment, "navigating love between barbed wire." She toured the show to over 30 prisons across the country to standing ovations and black power salutes before premiering it to the general public in a sold-out run at Harlem’s National Black Theatre.


In All Day: A Year of Love and Survival Teaching Incarcerated Kids at Rikers Island, Liza mines her old journals and indelible memories to deftly chronicle her experience of being the classroom teacher, all day from 7:50 am - 2:30 pm to adolescent boys locked in a system more punitive than rehabilitative. With humor and pathos, she gives voice to these young men swept into the penal maelstrom and exposes the glaring disparity in corrections approaches between kids of color and white.


She started working at Rikers Island in 1998 to conduct a poetry workshop and was surprised to discover "the overwhelmingly disproportionate amount of Black and Latino adolescents" incarcerated there. She says, 
"It was astounding! I wasn't aware of the prison industrial complex— it was not in the zeitgeist— this was 1998. Mass incarceration was not even a phrase that people used back then. I was going in without any context. I had no idea about the cash bail system; I had no idea about the privatization of prisons. A corrections officer pointed to the boys and referred to them as the ‘new cotton’– that I was working on the plantation and the boys were the crops."
She would learn that Black and Latino children are targeted for arrest and criminalized for typical adolescent behavior. 
"Adolescents are always going to buck up against the system; they are still going to challenge authority. They are going through a stage of psychological differentiation separation, where they are exerting their independence, moving away from family toward friends and testing boundaries. It's a natural phase of adolescent development."
While working with incarcerated adolescent girls, she learned that most had histories of sexual abuse. "A lot of their acting-out comes from the unhealed wounds and unaddressed trauma in their lives," she says. As rampant revelations of sexual assault surface in this country, Liza hopes that "this heightened national dialogue will give young girls the courage to come forward and speak out about what has happened to them and know that it isn't their fault; their cries are valid, and they have support." She says that although women who have spoken out about it have been "dismissed, ignored, denied, chastised, threatened and attacked, now we’re seeing the tide turning, and men are being called to task and being held accountable for their reprehensible behavior."


She remains hopeful that the social justice pendulum will swing toward what is right and just—that the normalization of sexual misconduct will reverse, and prison reforms put an end to race-based arrests and draconian sentencing. She shares how others can effect change: "first people need to get educated on what white supremacy is — what it looks like and how it works. And vote, not just in the big elections, but the smaller local elections, too." She adds that many community-based organizations rely on donations to keep their doors open. "There are organizations already on the ground doing the work. If you have money, find out who they are and support them. Of philanthropist Agnes Gund's recent endowment she adds, "Be like Agnes; write a check."




An "interrupter of recidivism," Liza stays in contact with several of the kids and works to help them once they are released. "I’m always going to have that connection to the youth–helping them to stay alive and free and out of the grip of the criminal justice system. But I’m an artist first. I’m creating; I’m writing plays, I’m writing books, I’m writing content for television that will encapsulate my advocacy."

Photo: Garlia C. Jones-Ly


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Sharon Pendana is the creator of THE TROVE, author of Secret Washington DC and on a relentless quest to discover treasures, human and otherwise. Find her on Instagram, Medium,Twitter or binging on Netflix and Trader Joe's Triple Ginger Snaps.

Sherri Is Naturally Glam & A Mental Health Professional To Boot!

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Sherri Newson
Naturally Glam is baaaaaack with a new twist! In addition to chatting it up about our fav topic-HAIR- we’re diving in a little deeper, finding out more about the beautiful baddies that make up CurlyNikki! Up next we have Sherri, originally from North Carolina, currently residing in San Jose, CA. What makes this mama naturally glam is a combination of beauty and her work in the mental health field. Listen in as we chat about her gorgeous mane, as well as advice on what we can do if we find ourselves going through a mental struggle.


How long have you been natural
I have been natural since my big chop in May of 2014. After hearing Curly Nikki on the Morning Show, talking about being “natural” my first reaction was “Aint nobody got time for that” lol. I quickly devoured everything that was on Curlynikki.com and decided that weekend that I was done with the chemicals.

Do you have any fav black-owned products that you use?
I use Cantu Shea butter for my family and I, as well as few Mielle Organics products.


What's the best part about wearing your hair natural?
I love the fact that once I decided to go natural-I never had one thought to return back to the creamy crack. I was the only one in my immediate family with relaxed hair. My mom and two sisters, never relaxed their hair; so when I went natural, I didn’t receive any negative or mixed feelings from family. Even though my hair was healthy while relaxed, it always seemed so limp to me. I love volume and doing different things with my hair. I like that I have been able to do new styles without the use of heat all the time.


How has having natural hair contributed to your life?
I would say it has helped me rid my body of unnecessary chemicals. When I was pregnant and nursing, I hated relaxing my hair. I, like most pregnant mothers, was concerned with what I was putting in and on my body. After relaxing my hair for 16+ years, it feels good not to HAVE to do it anymore.

What do you do and why do you love it?
I currently work for my county, in the Mental Health department as a Healthcare Program Analyst. I love what I do because we provide a valuable service to so many people. I think it is extremely important and courageous to seek help mentally when necessary. Issues regarding mental health should not be swept under the rug, or disregarded because of fear or lack of knowledge.

How long have you worked in mental health and why did you get in the field?

I have worked in the mental health field for 11 years. At first, it was just to get my father out of my ear, and to obtain a job after graduating college. I have switched jobs within the field a few times, and I can finally see that what I do, can and does help others. It is not an easy field to work in, and constantly giving of yourself is hard when you don’t always feel or see a tangible return. But knowing that I am helping someone is what matters most.

What are a few things we need to know about mental illness?
Mental Illness can affect anybody in many different ways. Often, people try to hide or disguise things about themselves because they are afraid of what others may think. There is no harm in seeking an outside source that is able to provide you with an unbiased opinion. If you start to notice that you are having unwelcome thoughts, or feeling down or sad most of the time- reach out. There are so many aspects of life today that can be stressful. If you do not feel comfortable with a stranger, grab your closest girlfriend and have a wine/vent date, lol. Sometimes you just need a sounding board to release your frustrations. If it is more serious, and things in your life get to the point where you need help mentally, don’t be afraid to seek help with a trained mental health specialist.

What should we do if we or a loved one needs help mentally?
If you are looking for help and do not know where to start, a good place would be to look up your county services. If you have a Medicaid plan for your state, or are uninsured, there are services and classes that you may be able to attend or obtain free-of-charge. If you have a private plan, you definitely want to call to see if you have behavioral health/mental health coverage on your plan. You may be able to seek physicians, classes, or counseling by just paying a simple co-pay. It may take some effort on your end whether the services are for yourself, or a loved one; but knowing that you have the help you need can be a life changer.

Indeed! Thanks Sherri!


If you'd like to be featured in Naturally Glam- whether you live here or abroad- submit your photos to naturallyglam@curlynikki.com and answer these questions!

1) Where are you from and how long have you been natural?
2) Do you have any fav black-owned products that you use?
3) What do you do and why do you love it?
5) If you have a business, are in school, have a blog, products you sell, a job in a field you'd like to talk about, have initiatives and organizations you'd like to highlight, advice to give, or family that you are proud of and want to share, please do.
6) How has having natural hair contributed to your life? Your self-esteem?
7) What's been the best part of your natural hair journey or your hair journey in general?

The Upgrade.

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I see you, guuuhhlll! Got that hair popping, I like your lippie too! 💄 Is it new? Nah? Your energy ain’t either, apparently. Look at you— just scrolling, serving resting bitch face and reading this with that same old, played vibe from yesterday. It’s the same energy you’ve been offering for a minute now... and you wonder why not much around you has changed for the better. You’ve been hoping it’ll change, praying everyday for change, maybe even affirming and expecting it to change cause you read a few books on the #lawofattraction. But trust me, you will never live the monumental changes you’re seeking unless you first change the way you’re feeling, the way you’re BEING right now. You have to upgrade your energy if you want to experience a different and doper slice of creation. I sound like a broken record and I will continue until you shift out of your familiar way of being you. The way you feel right now feels like YOU, but it isn’t... you’ve just practiced it for a while. Let’s practice something else.

Continue!>>>


Now, sit or stand up straighter. That’s HER posture. Breathe deeper. That’s how SHE breathes. Ask yourself, ‘how do I feel now that I am ______’. Wait for and feel the response to that question. That’s how SHE feels. Smile, she’s grateful because she already has it. Smile bigger— she’s hella thankful for what’s to come. Stay here, in this state of being, for the rest of today NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS. This is key. 😊😃😆

Every single thing, person and situation that comes into your orbit that tries to pull you back into your old way of being, is a damn lie. It’s a re-run. An echo. The past repeating itself. Your old energy playing itself out. Recognize it as such and keep feeling go(o)d. In a short while, fewer re-runs will air and it’ll be all new episodes, amazingly powerful ones, with new characters and exciting plots to reinforce that gorgeous smile of yours. Stay here and prove it to yourself. A year from now, you would’ve wished you started today. I love all of you.

p.s. The moment you shift, you are HER. You started reading this as your old, limited self. Now you’re being HER. You’re getting this.

Did Someone Say, 'Licorice Root For Impeccable Skin?!'

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Photo via Scarsandspots.com
By Jashima Wadehra

Do you know how you ALWAYS wish you had listened to what your mama told you when you were young? “Don’t wear foundation too young,” she said. “Don’t rub your eyes, you’ll get wrinkles."“Wash your hands every time you come from outside.” (I know you don’t do it EVERYtime either, don’t judge me!)

Well, I️ may not have listened to Mama every time, but I️ sure do employ her wisdom now. Like any Indian mother, my mom was always in the kitchen and would come out with some gnarly looking stuff on her face. None of that, “pretty green monster “ stuff. I’m talking real (sometimes smelly) goop.

Now before y’all start booing and ewwing, hear me out, one of the key ingredients that I️ don’t see promoted in western media is one of my holy grail kitchen to skin products; licorice root. #Canigetahollaforadollahoney!

Not only is this ingredient easy to find in any South Asian grocery store under the name of “Mulethi” it’s also fairly inexpensive and is essentially magic. I’m not kidding.
 
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Licorice powder
Licorice root and Amla powder were the two key ingredients in the face mask my mother applied twice a week for most of my life. She has impeccable skin and I️ truly hope one day I️ too can say, I️ get it from my mama.

Licorice root has INCREDIBLE benefits, it contains brightening properties that assist in fading scars and blemishes as well as medicinal uses for health conditions like asthma. Get the lowdown on all the licorice benefits here.

Amla powder
Amla or Indian Gooseberry is rich in antioxidants and can help lower cholesterol, and has major hair benefits. Check out a CurlyNikki piece on Amla here. 

How to make the Goop:

2 teaspoons licorice root powder

1 teaspoon Amla powder

Pinch of turmeric

Squeeze of raw honey

Add water according to consistency.

Now before you go mixing ingredients trying to make your facial brew, understand that licorice root powder doesn’t thicken as much in liquid where as Amla does, try to find a happy medium. You’re looking for the consistency to resemble a thin paste.

Step 1. Remove your makeup and cleanse your skin prior to applying. Pro Indian Mom tip: use an oil to remove makeup (my fave is jojoba) and then milk or a steaming hot towel to get the gunk off your face sans chemicals and face wash!

Step 2. Apply the goop. Take disturbing Snapchat selfies, scare your children and spouse, clean up your mess and THENNNNN use warm water to soften the mask and begin exfoliating your skin with its remnants in circular motions as you rinse it off.

Step 3. Admire your soft as a baby’s bottom and brighter than sunshine skin.

Step 3. Take #NaturallyGlam selfies

Step 4. Tone with rose water and witch hazel and moisturize with Rosehip seed oil!

Mama is 53 and #SLAYING thanks to licorice root!



Let me know what you think of this monster mask or share your mama’s favorite skincare tips and tricks!

Jashima Wadehra is a writer, dancer, entrepreneur, and lover of people based in NYC.  She can be found blogging at overpriced coffee shops or on a plane heading to a new place to write about.  Follow her on instagram at @TheChatterboxlifeEnthusiast and check out her new blog TheChatterBoxLifeEnthusiast.com.  
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