De'Andrea Tobias, creator of the online Black hair care magazine myNoire, talks about her magazine and its future plans in this exclusive interview. She also gives tips to those who wish to start their own magazine and to those who wish to achieve long, healthy hair.
Why was myNoire magazine created?
myNoire was created because so many women wanted help in order to grow long, beautiful, and healthy hair. I saw the need in the market so I wanted to create a simply way for women to get tips on how to achieve this goal. In addition, I realized that the Black hair care market is a multi-billion dollar industry yet, Blacks own less than 3% of the market.
How do you feel the magazine can impact its readers?
I believe that not only does myNoire give women advice on how to grow their hair, but we aim to inspire our readers to love themselves and to strive to accomplish their dreams.
How do you advertise the magazine?
myNoire biggest form of advertisement is word of mouth. Additionally, we pass out flyers to women that seem to be interested in what the magazine offers. For instance, we pass them out at hair shows, cosmetology career fairs, beauty salons, beauty supplies, etc.
What are your long-term/future goals for it?
My goal for myNoire is to be the number one hair care magazine for women of color. We will start by becoming the leader in the online hair care magazine market and eventually surpass our competitors that print their publications.
When did you start your own healthy hair journey and why?
I have had multiple hair journeys. I started my current one in June 2010. My hair was armpit length and relaxed, but I decided that I wanted to go natural. I went to the salon and got my hair cut into a chin length bob. I wanted to transition because I was afraid of doing the big chop. I kept my ends trimmed so that I gradually cut off my relaxed ends. I transitioned up until August 28, 2011, on that day I cut off all of my relaxed ends and became fully natural. As of now my hair is collar bone length stretched. My goal is for my stretched hair to be bar strap length.
Where/how did you find information about long, healthy hair?
I went to school for cosmetology for two years during my junior and senior years in high school, which is where I get most of my knowledge. In order to stay current, I go to hair shows in the area. I also read blogs and forums. I even follow some YouTube hair vloggers.
What's your regime, if you wish to tell me about it?
I don’t have a daily regimen. It really depends on how my hair is styled for the week. I do make sure to co wash my hair weekly and to seal my ends daily with essential oils.
What is your number one tips for any one who wants to start a healthy hair journey and for anyone who wants to publish a magazine?
For anyone who wants to start a healthy hair journey, my number one advice is to hair a goal and to follow those who already accomplish the goal. This means, read myNoire of course, as well as other magazines, blogs, and forums.
For anyone who wants to start a magazine, my number one advice is to be committed and network. It’s A LOT of work, but if it’s your passion it is worth it. Additionally, it’s all about the people you know. Try to make a connection with everyone that you meet; you never know if they will be useful to you in the future.
Any last words, Ms. Tobias?
Look forward to the future issues of myNoire and follow us on Twitter @myNoire_BlkHair
The latest issue of myNoire (the October issue) can be found here.
Want to just check out myNoire's website? Click here.
De'Andrea Tobias
A student at the University of Missouri-Columbia graduating December 16, 2011 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration with an Emphasis in Marketing and Economics. She is also a licensed cosmetologist who became certified in the fall of 2007.
