De'Andrea Tobias on myNoire Magazine

 
   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.  

Courtney Mitchell: Photography from a College Student's Perspective

Courtney Mitchell 

Courtney Mitchell, from Rhode Island, is currently pursuing photography at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. I found her on Model Mayhem and had a chance to meet her recently for a shoot. In this exclusive interview, she talks about photography and shares tips with aspiring photographers.

What is your background and experience? 

When I was 14 I went to an after school program that focused on helping teens express themselves through art. At first the photography program had no interest to me but after going to a few classes, I realized I loved it. I have been a film photographer for 5 years and digital for over a year.

Why did you decide you wanted to become a photographer? 

I am a creative person in nature. I have a lot of hobbies that I like but photography was something I fell in love with. I noticed that photography was meant to be a career choice for me when someone asked me if I could see myself doing anything else. I realized I like coming up with creative ways to tell a story..

What do you want to achieve as a photographer, your long-term goals? 

I really want to work at ModCloth, it’s a vintage clothing store, so I’d do a lot of catalog work. Meaning I would be taking pictures of clothing items by themselves or on a model. If that doesn't work, I’d like to try a bit of everything, Fashion, Nature, Portraits etc. Eventually I want to open a non-profit art studio so people can work on their art and display it to the community.

What are your short term goals currently? 

Hmm, right now, to get a steady paying job. As it turns out my field is really expensive, so having a job is pretty much on my mind all the time.

What are your experiences with working with models? 

So far I have only worked with 2 models who I haven’t known previously. You and another female I met on a social networking site. Actually, on Saturday I have another photo shoot that I am pretty excited about. My experiences have been good so far, nothing to crazy, but then again I have only recently started to work with models.

Do you find it easier to work with models or inanimate objects? Why? 

Inanimate objects. They don’t move quiet as much for one and you can make them so much more complex than they really are. For example, a leaf, you can stand a foot away and take a picture and if someone were to look at it they would know what it is. If you take that same leaf put it in front of a light and get really close to it you might not get the same recognition. It has a more Fine Art feel to it that I think is cool.

Any inspirations? 

Cig Harvey. She does a lot of self portraits but what really catch’s my eye about her work are the colors. They are usually so vibrant and it seems so surreal. Even though she does self portraits she hardly shows her face in her images which I think says a lot about what she thinks about herself.

What are your tips for aspiring photographers?

Make sure you have a passion for it. Don’t think that “oh I’m a photographer because my profile picture is really good, and my friends think it was done by a professional”. The more you think about what you’re going to shoot, how the light will reflect off the subject, or what story is it going to tell the viewer, the more you come to realize that there is a whole other world you can explore through your lens. This is what I want to do for the rest of my life. Don’t get me wrong, you can start off with doing it for fun, but you don’t want to end up in school for it one day, paying almost 100 grand, and then realizing it’s not what you’re passionate for. It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it in the end.

You have anything to add that I did not ask? 

Don’t be like me and not know what you want to do when high school is over. I got my cosmetology license before I realized that it wasn’t going to make me happy. Even if you don’t have a plan, go to community college and take Gen. Ed classes that way when you eventually figure out what you want to do, your classes will be a little more focused on it.

If you have any other questions I'd be happy to answer if I can, email me cmitchell1989@gmail.com 

My Long Hair Journey: The Viewpoint of the UK Hair Blogger MoHair

MoHair, a hair blogger, offers insight into her own hair journey. She co-writes in her blog My Long Hair Journey along with her friend Tola. Their blog's url is  

http://www.mylonghairjourney.co.uk/ 

Of her hair journey, MoHair says:

"I decided to start my hair journey because I have always wanted to have long hair and I wanted to know for myself if it was possible for me to grow my own hair long or if I was doomed to using extensions for the rest of my life.

Advantages of my journey are -  enjoying the process; learning about my hair and learning about myself. Disadvantages are - waiting for my hair to grow, I'm not patient and I make mistakes cause I'm still learning.

The Internet (is the best resource for starting a healthy hair journey)! Articles & stories (true and false), medical journals, You tube - other people

I'm British by nationality and west African by ethnic origin. I think I understand better the social pressures on African American women to conform to a certain look or standard of beauty. Especially when that standard or beauty is the opposite of how God made you - i.e - shorter kinky hair versus long straight hair. I don't face (in the same way) the same pressures nor do I have to cope with the prejudices that come from slavery.

I am am motivated to continue my hair journey for myself and also for every person that has looked at my natural hair in disbelief. I want to prove all the doubters and haters wrong.  Black hair is beautiful no matter how it is styled and it does grow.

My regime is on the blog: http://www.mylonghairjourney.co.uk/p/mohairs-regimen.html.

It changes periodically based on the weather and my styling needs but the basics don't change. 

I would recommend using all the resources available on the internet and in books and articles. Talking to people is also invaluable and you can learn lesson from other people's experiences. Ultimately, once you acquire knowledge and understanding, you must also apply wisdom. You have to try things out for yourself - don't trust everything you read or everything you hear. Experiment and see what works for you." 

Verizon -__-

Although my mom paid the bill, my Internet was off for a few days and just now got back. Therefore, you will have to wait for this week's post. Sorry!

Tommie & Tiffany's Healthy Hair Journeys

Those interested in growing long, healthy hair may have heard of the blogs Hair De La Crème and Diva Locks. The bloggers, Tommie and Tiffany respectively, are both African American women who challenge the belief that African American women cannot grow long, healthy hair. They have joined a healthy hair journey many other African Americans have partaken. In their interviews they explain how starting their journeys changed themselves, how they view African American women, and how they view their own hair.

         Tiffany started the blog Diva Locks, in which she showcases her various hairstyles for her daughter, who she refers to as “the diva”, as well as their regimes and their hair journeys.

Why did you decide to start your hair journey?

I decided to start my journey because I wanted to see how long I could grow my natural hair. I have always gotten bored easily with my hair, so I would often cut or dye it every few months.

 What are the advantages and disadvantages of your journey?

The advantage is I have healthier, shiner hair that is retaining length. The disadvantage of my journey is probably cost, and I find myself buying more expensive products than I did in the past.

 How did you first go about gathering information about how to take care of your hair?

I first started searching for children's hairstyles for my daughter and that opened a whole new world with tons of websites and blogs dedicated to natural hair.

Have starting your hair journey change previous views you had on African American woman and long hair?

I would say that is has. I now know and realize that African American woman can have long healthy waist and hip length hair without the use of weaves, extensions, or wigs.

If you have any, what are your inspirations and motivations to continue your hair journey?

My inspirations for continuing my hair journey are all the wonderful natural women out there as well as my daughter. I want to show her that our hair in its natural state is beautiful no matter what others think or say.

What is your regime?

My regime:

Daily:

·         I moisturize my hair with my homemade Leave-In Conditioner Mix (distilled water, VO5 conditioner, EVOO) and I seal with Darcy's Botanical Organic Coconut & Hibiscus Natural Hair Conditioning Oil or African Royale Hot Six Oil during the summer months and during the winter months I seal with a heavy butter

·         I sleep with a satin bonnet

Weekly:

·         I wash my hair once a week with Proclaim Olive Glossing Shampoo & Conditioner 

·         I finger detangle, then detangle with a wide tooth comb while the conditioner is still in then smooth with my Conair Brush

·         Apply Giovanni Direct Leave In Conditioner after wash & conditioning

·         I co-wash twice a week using VO5 Moisture Milks and EVOO mixed in or Suave Almond Shea Butter

Monthly:

·         Hot Oil Treatment using African Royale Hot Six Oil

·         Clarify  my hair once a month using Elucence Volume Clarifying Shampoo

·         Deep Condition using Komaza Care Olive Moisture Mask with a plastic cap for one hour

My daughter’s regime:

Daily:

·         I moisturize the diva's hair with my homemade Leave-In Conditioner Mix (distilled water, VO5 conditioner, EVOO) or with Komaza Care Califia Moisturizing Spray and I seal with Darcy's Botanical Organic Coconut & Hibiscus Natural Hair Conditioning Oil or African Royale Hot Six Oil

·         She sleeps with a satin bonnet

Weekly:

·         I wash the diva's hair once a week using Proclaim Olive Glossing Shampoo & Conditioner

·         I finger detangle, then detangle her hair while the conditioner is in using a wide tooth comb, then smooth with my Conair Brush

·         Apply Giovanni Direct Leave In Conditioner after washing & conditioning

·         I band her hair after every wash in 4-6 sections

Monthly:

·         I clarify her hair once a month using Elucence Volume Clarifying Shampoo

·         Deep Condition using Komaza Care Olive Moisture Mask with a plastic cap for an hour

·         Hot Oil Treatment using African Royale Hot Six Oil

·         I dust her ends very 8 weeks

Styling Aids:

Carol's Daughter Healthy Hair Butter
Le Tolanoil Hair Care Creme
Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel
ORS Lock & Twist Gel

Have your regime changed over the course of your journey and if so how come?

The only thing that changes is what products I use; I sometimes switch things up and try new products.

How can someone who is interested in having healthy, long hair go about gathering information on taking care of their hair? What are the best resources?  

I would say do your research, there are various books and websites that can help you on your journey, also if having long hair is not your goal you can still strive to have healthy hair :)

I would say the best resources for me are YouTube and Long Hair Care Forum.

Why did you start your blog? 

I started my blog as a way to document our hair journey and styles, and it sort of evolved to include my other interests such as fashion, beauty, and DIY crafts.

How did starting your hair journey affect how you viewed your daughter and her hair? How does she feel about the hair journey? 

Our hair journey has allowed us to bond more, we enjoy hair time, from picking out and discussing what styles she wants next in her hair to just catching up on our daily lives while I am styling her hair. She loves it! She gets so excited when she thinks of a new style or I surprise her with one I thought of. Don't forget to check out my blog for more information and tips & tricks www.divalocks10.com 

 Pictured Above: "The Diva"  

Pictured Below: Tiffany

The blogger behind the blog and YouTube channel called Hair De La Crème, Tommie, also gave insight into her hair journey and the reason behind it.

Why did you decide to start your hair journey?  

In December 2008. Growing up, I've always had short neck length hair. Everything I tried to do to make it grow didn't seem to work. My hair kept breaking. After I ended a 4 year relationship in 2007 I decided to try something different and go short. After I saw her cut I made my mind up and decided that since I couldn't grow my hair that I was going to keep it short. One day a co-worker of mine asked me about my cut and asked if I co-washed. I was so confused. I asked what co-washing was and she then put me on to Lonhaircareforum.com. Let me tell you...as soon as I go to my desk I looked up the site and that's where my journey began. I decided that I would follow the tips these girls are sharing, see how long my hair can grow and never looked back

What are the advantages and disadvantages of your journey?  

Advantage is seeing the fruits of your labor. I remember having a weave in my hair for a few months. I haven't seen my hair in a while. A few weeks later I relaxed my hair and when I looked in the mirror cried because (at that time) my hair got so long. It grew past neck length. I was so excited to see that my hair can and is growing. The disadvantage is that I spent sooo much money testing out products to see what works and what doesn't.

How did you first go about gathering information about how to take care of your hair? 

http://www.longhaircareforum.com. This site is beneficial (in my opinion) to anyone who has tried their best to grow their hair and needs support, help and tips from ladies that has once been in your seat. I've learned things from protein overload, stretching your relaxers, moisturizing and sealing, etc.

Have starting your hair journey change previous views you had on African American woman and long hair?  

Heck yea! People believe that the only way an African American woman can have long hair is 1.) It's a weave or 2.) She's mixed. NOT TRUE! It's all about how you take care of the hair on your head. Because I now understand the science of growing healthy hair, I get upset at AA (African American) women that say "My hair isn’t growing or can't grow" This is a crazy myth that has been embedded into our heads.

If you have any, what are your inspirations and motivations to continue your hair journey? 

 My inspiration is Ediese. She's a fellow member on Longhaircareforum.com. She started off like me, consistently wearing weaves to hide the damage underneath. The beginning of her journey looks like the beginning of mine. Ediese is now natural and her hair is full waist length. What has helped her throughout her journey was weaves. Just like me. Check out Ediese's hair journey here: http://public.fotki.com/Ediese/comparison-shots-1/comparison-shots/20071128181140comparison.html

What is your regime (if you are comfortable with sharing it)? Have your regime changed over the course of your journey and if so how come? 

 My new regimen is

·          Apply Amla Oil to hair for 1 hr with 2 wool hats

·          Rinse and Shampoo with a moisturizing shampoo

·          Rinse and Deep Condition (under heat) with ORS Replenishing Conditioner for 45 minutes

·          Rinse and apply a moisturizing conditioner like Aussie Moist Conditioner or VO5's Moisture Milks

·         Moisturize with Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Moisturizer, seal with Extra Virgin Coconut Oil and oil my scalp with Jamaican Black Castor Oil

·         Take my Nioxin Intensive Therapy Recharging Complex Vitamins daily

·         Drink at least 4 glasses of water daily.

·         I rarely apply heat to my hair

·         Weave my hair for 2 months, take one for two weeks, keep my hair in a bun until i weave again

·         Apply a hardcore protein treatment to my hair every 8 weeks

·         Relax twice a year.

·         Trim after every relaxer process

My regimen used to be so intense. I put too much products in my hair and just went crazy following everyone's regimen. This method did not work for my hair. So i kept it simple. Continued to use the products that works with my hair and listened to my hair when it told me when some products I used was garbage. 

How can someone who is interested in having healthy, long hair go about gathering information on taking care of their hair? What are the best resources? 

 I would suggest checking out Longhaircareforum for health and growth, Blackhairmedia.com for weave tips and hair growth and YouTube for ideas.

 I have a YouTube page you guys can check out!

http://www.youtube.com/user/HairDeLaCreme?feature=mhee

You can also check out Tommie’s blog at 

 http://hairdelacreme.com/ 

Check out Tommie's Progress! 

Click to make picture bigger.

Online Entrepreneurs: Rakhee Newton and Tricia Oertel

 Entrepreneurs and customers alike have turned to the internet. The outcome? Many successful online stores that offer quality goods and customer service to clients looking for a convenient way of purchasing items from the comfort of their homes.  Rakhee Newton and Tricia Oertel are entrepreneurs who own online stores on the website http://www.etsy.com. Their online stores help them reach clientele far from their home bases of Baltimore, Maryland and Chicago, Illinois.  Newton, from Chicago, is also a florist, a musician, and a paralegal. Oertel has been a licensed hairdresser for twenty five years. 

Newton talks about her online store, which specializes in hair accessories, and describes how she went about creating it.

What is your online store?

My design label is Hair Jewels by R. Newton. I am Rakhee Newton, the creator and artist. My online store can be found by going to newtonhairjewels.etsy.com I custom design hair ornaments, feather fascinators, bachelorette hats, feather extensions, fantasy extensions, millinery creations and a variety of other hair accessories. My hair accessories are designed to make the everyday a special occasion!
Why did you decide to create your online store?

It has been a lifelong crusade of mine to find absolutely fabulous looks at affordable prices. I created newtonhairjewels.etsy.com to showcase my custom pieces with timeless style and to further the movement to bring fashion back to ingenuity, affordability, and boldness!
What inspires you?

I often use my city life and urban experiences as the inspiration for my works. There are stories behind all of my creations at newtonhairjewels.etsy.com and I am always happy to share them with those who ask!
How did you go about creating your store?

I researched possible host sites for newtonhairjewels and found that Etsy was the most agreeable, fair, seller/buyer friendly platform to set up shop. After that point, it was just a matter of organizing pictures and descriptions in a way that best showcased my works.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of owning an online store?
There are so many advantages to owning an online store. The most significant advantage is being able to reach potential clients all over the world! As for disadvantages, there are none. The only powerful tool online stores cannot utilize is the face-to-face interaction of the seller and potential client. Technology will never harness or replace the bonding power of humanity.

Where do you get the resources needed for the items you create?
I obtain the materials for my works from many different sources.

What do you look for when you get the supplies?
I always search and buy local first, mostly from independent sellers like myself. As for feathers, I always seek cruelty free sources first.

What are your future plans for your store?

Expansion and collaboration are my two main goals for newtonhairjewels.etsy.com and I am constantly on the look out for creative ways to achieve them!

What is your background and experience?
I have been creating hair works for others and myself for about 10 years. This year I added online selling with newtonhairjewels.etsy.com to the list! My works are on display year round at Philip James Salon in Chicago (philipjamessalon.com), where I have been selling my items for the last 2 years. In addition to my direct experience, I am also a local Chicago musician (myspace.com/predictionsfor1974 and myspace.com/thebuzzerds), a florist, and a Paralegal. I really appreciate you extending this opportunity to share newtonhairjewels.etsy.com with your readers and would like to give your readers a 10% discount on anything in my store when they mention this blog interview! 

Oertel also talks about her own online store, which can be found at http://www.etsy.com/shop/sellstuff101

    
 My store name is sellstuff101 and I create feather extensions using rooster feathers. They are all the rage right now. However supply cannot meet demand and prices are skyrocketing daily. I am a cosmetology instructor. Around Christmas time some of my students asked me if I would go on a professional hair website and purchase them some feather extensions.

        They paid me and I did. When the extensions were delivered I took them in. In less than two days they asked me to make another order that was larger. They sold out basically over night. The students sold to their friends. When I saw how fast they could sell them and how much the website was charging I thought to myself, “I can supply my students with these” and the adventure began.
    The advantages are that it’s not over your head, you  work at your own pace, and you can work around your children’s schedules. You can also work on the go 24/7. A disadvantage is that I need a phone with internet so I can ship within 24 hours of payment and answer most emails 24/7 in order to not lose a sale. Another disadvantage is that wholesale distributors’ rooster farms will not sell to hairdressers. It does not matter if you have a business license and tax ID number they only want to sell to the fly fish shops because we are taking the feathers away from them. 
      As for where to purchase the items needed, I had a good resource to get my feathers and have done very well. However now they are on back order so she says. I think she found out the on Ebay rooster saddles that cost $55 sell for as much as $1000.00. Crazy right? But a saddle has 400 feathers and we sell them $15 installed. You do the math: it is a money maker either way because of the high demand and low supply. My future plans are to stay ahead of the hair accessory trend to keep my store alive.  

Sorry!

I was writing the new entry at 8pm but before I finished, something went wrong with my computer and it's just now coming back on. It'll be up asap(: 

-K.R.