There are endless thoughts that run through our minds each day. Should I stay longer in bed and catch a later train? If I finish the project this morning, how many others
will land on my desk by lunch-time? I really need to figure out how to open the next chapter in my life. Even though he drives me crazy, I wonder if he's the one. Or even, where am I having dinner with the girls tonight? Some ponderings are more important than others, yet they all have their purpose throughout our day.
I too share very similar life changing contemplations and waste of mind space thoughts.
But one thing that has borrowed much of my brain power in the past 7 months is this
site. What are new ways it can share more information, spark inspiration and encourage readers to share what they’ve learned with others about the natural beauty of natural hair? You would think someone who would take the time to design, construct and maintain an information website would likely be thinking of more ways to make it a profitable project. But shockingly to others, and to be honest, shockingly to myself as a business woman, it doesn’t really concern me much. What does concern me is hearing how women feel about their hair texture and witnessing what they are doing about it.
Covering our crown and glory with masks of weave tracks and wigs, unfortunately,
has gotten unreal. Pardon the pun. Nothing is wrong with switching up a look with
the assistance of added hair from time to time, but when it becomes an addiction, being the only way one can leave the house, is when it has officially become a tragedy.
The natural look isn’t something everyone wants to rock, and that’s absolutely okay. We have the right to choose a look that works for us individually. But when does
it become a problem when an overwhelming majority of one group of people choose a look that does not reflect their natural beauty, and is considered the norm; even
in places in the Motherland?
Well, I leave you with this as my final thought for 2008. As we approach the last most important holy day of the year, permed, curled or coiled, let’s all encourage one another to accept and reflect on the precious gifts we were born with, given throughout the years, and those gifts we’re anticipating for the future. I don’t know about you, but every time my stubborn self attempts to ignore, neglect or refuse a gift that was good for me, I end up kicking myself in the butt. Let’s cherish and nurture our gifts ladies--the gifts that are pleasant to nurture, as well as
those that may be a little challenging to maintain. They are ours for keeps.
Merry Christmas everyone and have an amazing New Year!
Planning ahead makes for a rewarding outcome. But what I've learned through experience
is that it's the spontaneous moments that can sometimes be surprisingly more rewarding.
A couple of weeks ago, on a low key Friday evening, I had a random intuition that
a friend of mine may be interested in partaking in some "thank God the week is over"
festivities. So I called her, only to learn that
she was already out having cocktails and had plans to see a movie when her martini
glass ran empty. Her current plans, however,
were set for a party of one.
I for one am all for the notion that we must take time alone to enjoy ourselves,
by ourselves, but in this particular case, I could detect that there was a need for good
company and a lending ear for a dame in distress.
So, I crashed on her solo agenda.
The cocktails were great, the venting was therapeutic, and the movie, surprisingly
superb. Another example of the benefits of spontaneity—the movie was randomly selected,
with us having no idea of the plot or the starring roles. Nonetheless, the movie
was quite enjoyable and befitting for the theme of the evening.
In the movie, The Secret Life of Bees, August Boatwright, played by Queen Latifah, was a very
successful and well respected African American business owner, which was very rare
in the 60's. She also played the role of a mother figure to her younger sisters. One of her
sisters, June Boatwright, played by Alicia Keys, was an intellectual, and a talented
musician and adamant supporter of the Civil Rights Movement. The youngest sister,
May Boatwright, a woman with emotional challenges stemming from the separation between
her and a deceased twin sister, showed in so many ways that love was life. Rosaleen
Daise, a non-related sister, but a sister no less, was played by Jennifer
Hudson. She was a nanny determined to have her voice heard by casting in her very
first ballot as a U.S. registered voter. Rosaleen was the nanny to a young girl named Lily Owens, played by
Dakota Fanning, who was drawn to the Boatwright home in search of her mother's spirit.
The Secret Life of Bees, produced and executive produced by Will and Jada Pinkett
Smith among others, depicted women who were ambitious, progressive, creative natural
beauties in their own unique ways. But one thing that they all had in common just
the same, was the need for each other. Blood or distant, being there for one another
through the challenging and happy moments in life is proven
to be priceless.
This Thanksgiving season, let's be thankful for the sisters we have in our lives.
Moms, siblings, friends and distant others. Check up on one another spontaneously
from time to time. You never know when you’ll be needed, or when you will be the one in
need.
*This letter is dedicated to Jennifer Hudson and her family. May they
be blessed through this difficult time.*
The choices we make can lead us to the next level in life with respect to education, a career,
a relationship, living quarters, or even a new look. Isn't the right to choose such a beautiful
thing! Being able to discern and declare what you want and what you don't want in life is truly
a gift. But oddly enough, as good as all that sounds, the right to choose can be seen as a gift
as well as a curse.
Some choices are quite challenging to deal with, and in situations where there are several options
to select from, having the authority to make a decision can be down right nerve-wracking. At times
I can be indecisive, however I fully appreciate that owning the option to decide what satisfies my
goals, values, desires, or what just makes plain common sense, allows plans to fall into play as
architected; and not so much architected by me. Those factors that I reflect upon when making a
choice, is that of which all of us consider in our thought process while decision making. Hence,
the choices we make, both simple and critical, reflect a piece of who we are, representing us as
individual beings, and what we stand for.
In a series of paramount events in life, next month, we will have yet another critical decision to
make, individually. But this one is a doozy, as the outcome directly represents a nation, collectively.
The next leader to take office of the President of the United States will be elected based on hordes of
people, making a decision. Two options, yet one chance to choose. There are those who will perceive this
as a challenge, and there are the rest of us that have had itchy ballot fingers, just ready and waiting to vote.
Fully aware that The Coil Review readers are savvy, progressive individuals, it is needless to say, November
4th marks the big "Decision of 2008". The outcome of the events of that day will affect American lives, and
residually, lives abroad, for the next 4 years and more. Let's make this choice a good one, and make it count! Rock the vote.
While working on this month’s Higher Ed Edition, I couldn’t help but think back on my own college years. Although I have a memory that calls for a serious dose
of ginkgo, not to mention I began my higher education over a decade ago, the memories of those days flowed through with ease--as though I
had lived them just last week.
It was during that period of my adult-life that I reclaimed my natural
hair. My inspiration? Dead Presidents
and a lye. In college, Dead Presidents,
by the Hughes Brothers, was one of my
favorite movies. It depicted a trying period for African American soldiers upon their return home from
the Vietnam War. Finding the life they left behind was a life they knew
no more, Anthony Curtis and friends planned a bank heist
in an effort to just get by. But, beyond the storyline’s interesting premise, there was something I found exciting about black culture in that era.
The 60’s--James Brown, bell-bottoms,
Soul Train, peace signs, raising fists of unity, and the motivator of change, Martin
Luther King, Jr. Although I was a generation
late, having gone through my ‘fight the power’ phase in high school,
this movie made me nostalgic for a time
in history that I admired. One element of that era that hasn’t lost its essence, is the long-lived funky afro; funky in such a good way! Delilah’s absolutely
fabulous fro reminded me of how timeless that look really was, and with such perfect
timing.
One semester, the year that I said bye to the no-lye, I took a trip down to the
Dominican spot near campus, where they no-lyed you good, and blow-dried you even
better. That day, Mami (everyone was considered ‘Mami’ in that shop,
including me) ran out of her Motions no-lye relaxer. As the unappreciative rebel
that I was to my persistently appearing new growth, I quickly accepted Mami’s suggestion
to use her back up; Bantu Lye Relaxer. I left there lyed, fried, with a wrap laid
to the side. I then skipped back to campus with a long, straight, swinging do, happy as can be. But there was one thing I didn’t realize during my victory dance after the
fight with my relentless coils and curls. In just 2 weeks from that o’
happy day, I would
experience a week's worth of hair falling out profusely
at a simple stroke of a comb.
I had no idea what was happening, but I did know that the perm affected my scalp
and hair in the worst way. That episode opened my eyes immediately, causing me to
begin questioning myself about the things I did to make me “pretty” in the first
place. It’s funny how events, both big and small, can stir an emotion that prompts
you to think a little deeper, beyond the surface.
It made me realize that this method I’ve
been using to create ‘beauty’ was a detriment
and quite
unnecessary. There was no reason to create beauty that was already
naturally present. The reality was, I had the option and could have easily continued
using those harsh chemicals, transforming my texture to what it was not. And having
fellow organization members with straight-strands and flowing curls only
made it that much easier to take that option. But I chose to break free from the
hindrance that I fought my mother to have as a teenager, which later, fought me back.
In the process of all
that occurred in just one month, I began thinking about how beautiful natural hair
really was. And every time I watched another replay of Dead
Presidents, repetitively fed through the cablewires of my dorm room, Delilah continued
to ignite the thought that, natural hair is pretty hot!
Right on!
Although the horse has been helplessly beaten, I would be remiss if I didn’t share
my thoughts with my fellow natural beauties, whether old or new.
During the daily readings throughout the month of July of my
favorite hair, health and beauty blogs, sites and printed publications, I came across
an array of views about the controversial July issue of Vogue Italia.
Prior and post release of the issue, Vogue Italia was challenged
with questions such as: Have they dedicated a full issue to black models to boost needed
sales, recognizing the power of the black dollar? Why is it that the advertisements in this
issue still spoke to a non-black audience? Does the fashion industry still not value the
black model as an equal to their fair-skinned counterparts? If black models
had an
equal presence in the industry, would all the hype have been stirred
up? Cathy Horyn of The New York Times shared her thoughts about the general issue by
saying, "Racial prejudice in the fashion industry has long persisted because of
tokenism and lookism. “We already have our black girl,” says a designer to a fashion-show
casting agent, declining to see others. Or: “She doesn’t have the right look.”"
All valid points and views, however, my main concern did not involve those issues. My interest was
in the four covers Vogue released.
The outstanding international models that
graced their own individual covers were Naomi Campbell, Liya Kabede, Sessilee Lopez
and Jourdan Dunn. Each one of these sophisticated beauty phenomenas have represented
the lines of several high end and couture fashion designers for many years. Although
recognizing their accomplishments and worldly fashion acclaim, breaking through and
surviving such a cut throat, revolving door, yet fabulous industry,
I am compelled to add another inquiry to the slew already put forth. If fashion
models naturally represent beauty, do the faces on theses specific covers represent black
beauty overall?
Naomi Campbell created brand recognition with her signature look
and mile long, bone straight hair. The others--fair-toned with sleek and slender facial features, and European
inspired hair as well. Each of their looks--gorgeous and
amazing, but I can’t help to wonder, was Alek Wek, Wakeema Hollis, Jessika M’Bengue
and Ajuma Nasenyana booked solid the day of the cover shoot? Were deep tones and
natural looks not fit for this cover made to exemplify black aesthetic beauty?
Challenged
with selecting the one cover that I preferred most, to be offered a broader representation
of black beauty, more relatable to the black community, would have been ideal and
very much appreciated. Fortunately, the inner pages showcased a wider range of black
beauty as opposed to the cover, so it slightly pacified this fro, loc, braid and
twist loving gal. Although there were many ways Vogue Italia could have more accurately
presented this exclusive release, nonetheless, a beautiful black woman, is a beautiful
black woman.
The Forefront of Natural Beauty meets the Forefront of Entertainment
Imagine this. A huge event to be attended by powerful female executives in the entertainment
industry, including celebrities and personalities--most of who have
relaxers, weaves or both. Easy to imagine right? This is where it gets tricky. The
Coil Review then receives an offer to have an exclusive “Swag Room” booth to give out
complimentary hair products to the celebrity female guests. My first thought: The Coil
Review doesn’t manufacture hair products. The Second: Come again?
Those were my initial reactions when my publicist presented the offer
to me. Then I took a moment and realized that this could be one of many great opportunities
for The Coil Review to
literally bring natural beauty to
the forefront. Additionally,
upon learning that the event would be featuring a series of
panel discussions on topics such as economic empowerment, health, beauty and relationships in front women
and girls from ages 10 – 50+, it all made perfect
sense!
Graciously, WEEN – Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network, the host of this
uplifting event – “Don’t Judge Me…Empower Me” – provided The Coil Review with one
booth in the Swag Room, and an additional booth at the main ballroom entrance of
the Manhattan Center, where the event took place. Approximately 2,000 women were present;
many of who visited The Coil Review booth, inquiring heavily about natural hair
care. Who knew such a great interest existed. Wink.
Not only did they pick up free goodies that four of our affiliates provided The
Coil Review as supporters of this initiative, they also showed
genuine interest by reviewing the literature we offered as well (the literature
gave general
tips for natural hair care, recipes that can be made at home, and advice on how
to approach the transitioning process). And if that didn’t make it worth it in itself,
when The Coil Review staff returned to the Swag Room to meet with the celebrity
guests, we had in depth conversations with these women about natural hair products,
and natural hair care in general; a topic, assumingly, none of us realized would
be of interest to them. For goodness sake, Lil Mama told me that she is currently
growing out her relaxer, and only has a few more inches to go!
Even after such a long day of heavy lifting of product boxes, internet connection
gone awry and meeting & greeting without a moment for a meal, it was definitely
time well spent
for The Coil Review – The Forefront of Natural Beauty.
To the product companies
that provided giveaways for this wonderful event, The Coil Review
thanks you.
Black Earth Products by Taliah
Waajid *
Blended Beauty
Indigofera * Nubian Kinks Products
Some special guests at the event.
MC Lyte
LaToya
Lil' Mama Teyana
Taylor
Mashonda
Melissa Ford
TCR Staff assisting 3 inquiring ladies
June 15, 2008
Chatty Miss Sassy
Lately it seems like we’re getting hip to the game by making our hair appointments
after work during the week, as opposed to fitting it into our Saturday errand routine,
as we did in the yester-years. We all know that due to the consistent high supply
of sistahs who desperately want their tresses looking tight for the week, that if you’re going to the salon on a Saturday, the only errand you’ll be accomplishing
that day is that hair appointment. Well this past Saturday, I foolishly fell into
my stylist’s trap, as she convinced me that Saturday would be a slow day, and I’ll
be in and out. So as I sat there for 2.5 hours waiting to get washed, I noticed
this young girl that couldn’t be more than 10 years of age, getting her hair done
just like the big girls. And it had me reminiscing.
Big, long, fluffy jet black hair. If I could rewind the years and undo all the assaults
I’ve committed to that wonderful hair, like pressing, perming, coloring and slick
hard gelling; I’d do it in a heartbeat. Now looking back, I think my mother was
onto something – something good. She consistently and firmly rejected all my requests
to get my hair permed or pressed until I entered high school. That was the rule
in the house. However, there were those special occasions where pressing was granted,
i.e. being a flower girl in a wedding. Apparently, for this young 10 year old sitting
on a booster seat in the swivel chair of her stylist, you would gather that there
were no hair rules in her household.
This little princess had to have the most beautiful, long, full natural hair I’ve
seen in a while on a child. However, when her stylists proceeded to blow-dry her
hair Dominican style, the little natural beauty began to transform. Not only am I referring to the natural beauty of her actual hair, but I’m also making note of
the natural beauty herself. As the pure bend of her coils evolved into burnt straight strands, the little girl simultaneously evolved into Chatty Miss Sassy. It was a
little frightening if you ask me; a little person finding confidence and personality
through the straightness of her hair. And when you thought it couldn’t get
any worse, for some odd reason, the stylist began to flatiron Chatty Miss Sassy’s
already straightened hair. A diva definitely made an exclusive appearance that afternoon.
Concerned and all in the business, I panned the salon to find the mother to alert
her of this haness crime that was being committed upon her daughter. I then discovered
that her mother, after receiving a relaxer treatment on her own hair, was sitting
on the side eating grapes and smiling while watching the process that was taking
place. I also couldn’t help but to notice that her mother had long hair as well.
The only difference was, it was organza-thin, and was balding at the crown and sides,
so much that you could see large patches of her bare scalp.
The damage that was being done to her daughter’s hair was unnecessary – a cycle
that needs to be stopped. Mothers need to save their child’s hair as early as possible. Remember
all the damage we’ve done to our hair over the years? Sometimes learning from other's
mistakes is much better than learning from our own trials and complete and
utter errors. So give your little girls the head’s up now, so they won’t be hairless
later.
In addition to the hair damage, there was also other damage that was being done
as well. With all the inaccurate depictions of what black beauty looks like in publications,
television, as well as the movie screen, it’s time to take the initiative and assume
the responsibility by breaking the perpetual cycle of this perception. Assuming
what Obama would say, making change starts with us. All these false images resonate
in our children as they are exposed to the media, and the imitations in our
own communities.
So we have to nip it in the bud with children at their early ripe age, so this old school
mentality does not continually repeat itself for generations to come. We also
don't want our young ones to be chatty and sassy due to the straightness of their
hair, but by the confidence from which they've tapped into from within - their true
natural beauty.
Yardley Messeroux
Founder and Editor in Chief
Want to share your thoughts about this topic with me and fellow TCR readers?
Send a message to, editor@thecoilreview.com.
June 4, 2008
So it’s finally here – The Coil Review; and how crazy ecstatic am I! Can I tell
you though? The road that was traveled to get here was quite eventful to say the
least. Creating a full fledged website, "a piece of cake", until I actually started…creating
a full fledged website! Designers, programmers, writers, proofreaders, TCR staff,
stylists; I can seriously go on. So many people and so much involved; as there is
so much to be achieved.
When I first envisioned what The Coil Review would be, some main objectives at top
of mind was, give them information that is reliable, give them something they feel
is useful, and give them something that will spark imagination and inspiration.
This is one of the reasons why you’ll find that many of our interviews will be formatted
as Q&A’s. The reason for this is, I wanted to ensure that you receive pertinent
information directly from the working industry professionals themselves. "I think’s",
"I feel’s", and "what I tried’s" are very-very helpful, but sometimes you have to
get the low down straight from the horses mouth, the experts. But again on the flipside,
experiences and revelations are also needed, so you’ll find that here too. Don’t
they say balance is the key to life? So true!
One other objective of great importance to me is to give the overdue attention and
respect to the beauty and culture of natural hair. While researching natural hair
care, and going through my transition and experimentations, that was something that
stayed fixed in my mind. And now, The Coil Review is the platform with that intention
as a priority; unstoppably bringing natural hair and its natural beauty into the
spotlight of present day culture, media and society, collectively. The forefront
of natural beauty, if you will. Wink!
I know – to some, the mission is quite overzealous, but achieving it is so real,
I can taste it! So if you’re with me on this, stay tuned to The Coil Review. Go
ahead and peruse through the current month and months to come. It’s here, it’s staying,
and it’s available to you 24/7.
Check out the info, read the articles, view the pics, but don’t forget to tell us
who you are by sending your photo with a few lines about you and your fabulous hair,
which will be posted to the site. And, tell us what you want to see on The Coil
Review, which will be kept between you, me and the TCR staff. We’ll be expanding
and enhancing constantly, so please share your thoughts with us.
The Coil Review is YOUR site! Enjoy it and keep in close touch.
unnecessary. There was no reason to create beauty that was already
naturally present. The reality was, I had the option and could have easily continued
using those harsh chemicals, transforming my texture to what it was not. And having
fellow organization members with straight-strands and flowing curls only
made it that much easier to take that option. But I chose to break free from the
hindrance that I fought my mother to have as a teenager, which later, fought me back.
