Nicole Jocleen - "Life is Crazy" and "On the Scene" book Giveaway

Hey Everyone...I am back again and this time I am doing a giveaway on my blog.

 

I hope you checked out my interview yesterday with my beautiful friend, Nicole Jocleen. If not, you missed out on some insight on how she started writing, her inspiration for her books, and she even shared some of her natural hair story with us.

Click the link below to check out the interview.

I really wanted to help spread the word about her most recent books, so I decided to do a giveaway.

I will be giving away a signed copy of Nicole Jocleen's book "Life is Crazy" A Biographical Work of Poems. In this book, Nicole shares some of her most inner thoughts as her worst fears become a reality. 

I will also be giving away a signed copy of Nicole Jocleen's book "On The Scene". You will definitely relate to at least one of the characters in this book, as you step into their world, live it, and then judge.

Here is How You Enter:
Leave a comment below stating which book you want to receive.

Rules:
You must live in the United States.

That is it!! How easy is that!!!

I will be choosing a total of "2" winners at random, one for each book.

The winners will be announced on December 3rd.

Good Luck to Everyone and don't forget to spread the world!!

Until Next Time,
Take Care and God Bless!!

Tiffany Nichols

Nicole Jocleen - Business Woman, Author, and Natural Hair Beauty

Hey Everyone....I am super excited to have a very good and dear friend of mine on my blog today.  This lady is such an inspiration to me and I had to have her share a little bit about herself with you all.

So without further ado, I want you to welcome Nicole Ray aka Nicole Jocleen to my blog. 

Hi Nicole....thank you so very much for taking time out of your very busy schedule to speak with me today. I am super excited to finally have you here. Now I know we know each other very well, but I will do my best to remain very professional during this interview. LOL...there will be no cutting up!

Well, let's go ahead and jump right into it.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Nicole Ray, but I do business as Nicole Jocleen. I am a graduate of Southern University and a wife.

Can you share with us what some of your current business endeavors are?
I have a company named JBDR Media Group. I use my business to promote my books as well as the artist that I manage.

That is very impressive, because not to many people our age are making moves like that.

How and When did you get started?

I wrote my first book and started managing seriously in 2010. I started searching for my purpose in life. I prayed about it and started working on my first book about 3 days later.

It is truly amazing how He actually does hear our prayers and actually talks to us.  I am truly glad that you heard him, because I LOVE your books. How many books have you actually written thus far?

I have written 3 books.

How many books have you published?

I have published 3 books.

Wow...3 for 3.  That's a true testament that you are walking in your purpose. You should definitely share tips with new and up and coming writers/authors on how to get started and how to go about getting their work published. That would be an awesome seminar. 

 

Well, with you being as creative as you are, how do you come up with your book titles?

My first book was a poetry book called rightoverwrong: a book of poems. At the time I was really on the biblical concept “choose life.” So I wanted to give off that message. My second book was titled “On The Scene.” I got that concept while I was having a conversation with my brother about a young lady. He was trying to describe her to me, but I still didn’t know who he was talking about and then he said, “you know she be ‘on the scene” and I immediately knew. The title and concept was birthed at that moment. My most recent book is called “Life is Crazy.” It’s a testimonial poetry book about a challenging time in my life and that was the only way I could describe it.

 

What made you write, “On the Scene”?

I’ve experienced the nightlife scene in Oklahoma City, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Atlanta, and D.C. and I noticed in each city there is certain group of people that are represented. You have the major party promoter, DJ, etc.  Then you have people like me that don’t fit into that group but may find themselves judging them from a distance. You know we have all been to an event and judged it from the beginning to the end saying what we would have done to make it better but we’ve never thrown an event in our lives. So I wanted to combine my observations and create character representations and tell a story that would provide deeper insight into their lives and remind you not to judge all at the same time.

I must say, that I related to a few of the characters in "On the Scene", I really enjoyed that book.  I think I read it one week.  I really didn't want to put it down.

You have since come out with another book. What was your inspiration on your latest project, “Life is Crazy”?
When I was going through my challenging time I would hear about things happening in other people’s life and my response would always be, “wow that’s crazy.” So I just used that concept and made it a generalization in reference to life.

I am sure many people are dying to know how we can we get our hands on a copy of one of your books?

You can go to my website http://www.nicolejocleen.com as well as http://www.amazon.com and http://www.bn.com

What can we expect in the future?

More and more books! I currently manage recording artist LaRhonda-Marie and RedPrint so look out for their upcoming projects as well.

Nicole, you know I am a lover of natural hair, so you have to share with use a little it about your beautiful head of hair. 

When you decided to return back to natural, were you a slow transitioner or did you big chop?

I was a slow transitioner. I was in college in Louisiana and the humidity did nothing for my perm. So I just stopped getting them and after about a year of fighting the humidity with micro braids, kinky twist, and straw sets I was like ‘oh I’m natural.”

LOl....so how did you feel after going natural?

Once I had realized that I had unconsciously grown my perm out I was happy. I discovered my curls and was eager to go a different route with my hair. My permed hair was thin so it gave me a rather plain Jane type of look so I was just excited to try something new.

How did family and friends react to your decision to go natural?

I remember initially wanting dreads and everyone saying “no don’t do that.” When I was finally completely natural my family would always ask me how I made my hair curly. They had never seen my natural hair before so I think they were rather confused.

Well, I am so glad you didn't do dreads.  No offense to anyone with dreads, I just couldn't imagine you with them. You have been natural for a few years now, how would you describe your hair?

My hair type is curly. Initially my curls were looser, but this year it’s started to tighten.

 

What’s your current hair routine?

I wash'n'go once a week on Wednesdays. Every morning after that I moisten my hair with my water from my water bottle and Curls 2^nd Day Refresher. I use this wide bristle brush to style the curls that appear a little lifeless. Then I spray Shine to complete the look.

What are your favorite products?

I use Aveda Be Curly shampoo, conditioner, and moisturizer. I use any mouse, Eco Styler Gel (curl/wave), Curls 2^nd Day Refresher, and Shine.

How do you maintain your hair at night?

I use a bonnet.

Thank you again Nicole, for sharing with us today.  It is so appreciated and I hope that this interview inspires someone to move towards their dreams.  Before you go, I have to ask you, what do you feel the best thing about being natural is?

How you look whether bad or good is in your hands. Being natural is a do it yourself lifestyle.

Alright then!!! To see more of Nicole, you can find her at the following locations:

Website: www.nicolejocleen.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/nicolejocleen
Twitter: nicolejocleen.

 

 

My Natural Hair Journey

Hello Everyone,

I finally took some time out to create a video showcasing my natural hair journey.  This video includes a few pics of my big chop and initial style pics and goes into my natural hairstyles from 2012 and 2013.  I hope you enjoy it and look for more videos from me about my natural hair regimen, fav products, makeup videos, etc....

Check the video out and let me know what you think.

Thanks for your continued support!

Until Next Time,
Take Care and God Bless

Tiffany Nichols

Crystal - 5thAveNYC Owner & Natural Hair Beauty

Hey Everyone, I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Crystal, who is the owner of 5thAveNYC an online fashion and accessory boutique.  She took time out of her busy schedule to not only share a little bit about her company with us, but to also give us the 411 on her fabulous natural hair.   

 

Crystal is one of my favs on IG and when she started her company, I was extremely happy for her.

 

Okay...okay....I will quick babbling and get into the interview.

 

Hey Crystal...I want to talk you for taking time out to share with us today.  I get so excited when I see young women going after their dreams and starting their own businesses.  I really think it is inspirational and I want to congratulate you.

 

 

For those that don't know can you tell us what 5thAVE NYC is all about?

5thAveNYC is a boutique (www.5thAveNYC.bigcartel.com)

 for the young or young at heart, classy, sexy, trendy woman.  I try to find pieces that are on trend and at the same time classic never going out of style. Accessories, handbags, leggings and dresses are the focus but who knows where time will take things.

 

 

That is awesome....so how did you get started? What was your inspiration?
 I've always loved fashion, that's nothing new.  I mean top to bottom hair, make up, outfit, shoes, accessories down to the bag when I step out I try to be polished and on point hello I'm a Virgo lol.  But I never considered opening a retail store.  My inspiration to give it a try quite honestly was Instagram.  There are so many women hustling and doing something I said heck why not.  I started out styling looks and got a lot of positive feedback.  From there I decided it was time.  My input as a fashionable lady was being well received so why not open an e-boutique.  All the overhead from a physical store is eliminated and with e-commerce making sales nationwide is a possibility for anyone no matter what you're selling.
 

Now that is how you work it.  I was definitely one of the ones "liking" and "commenting" on your style ideas. LOL!! So, how did you come up with the name?

Well one of my most favorite places to go shopping is New York. When I was living back home in DC its a 4 hour drive I'd call up some girlfriends and we'd roll out all the time.  Now that I'm living in Cleveland with my husband and my son I can't just make the 10 hour drive whenever I want so that's the concept, bringing NY shopping to you!  All the cute little things you can't find at the mall you can find at 5thAveNYC.  I chose 5th Ave because its the most luxurious shopping district in New York. You're not gonna pay 5th Ave prices, but I will give you quality and style.

 

I am glad you are brining a quality product at an affordable price, because that is so hard to find. Well, what are some of you're most popular items?

My most popular items are the 'Party Gurl' black & white leggings because they fit like gloves and make your butt look fabulous lol. Also the Camouflage handbag and the Cross Earrings.

 

What can we expect in the future from you and 5thAveNYC?
Its been about 3 weeks since the webpage launched and I can't believe the positive feedback.  Next, I plan to offer more leggings and dresses so pretty much the entire look minus shoes can be 5thAveNYC.  Pop up shops, sip n shops you name it I'm down.  I'm a full time student, wife and Mom so this is my only job.  My goal right now is to put my heart into this business and make women feel sexy and happy.

 

Now, you know you can't go without talking about your natural hair! I hope you don't mind, but I am about to get all up into your hair business.

 

Were you a slow transitioner or did you do the big chop?

I was a super slow transitioner!  I let my perm grow out for about 20 months.  Yea ... 20 long months.  I just didn't feel comfortable with 'short' hair.  Once I had about 4 inches left I got antsy and chopped it off.

LOL...way to hang in there.  So after you clipped the rest of those ends how did you feel?
Going natural was the best decision I've ever made.  My hair was totally fried from 22 years of relaxing.  I feel so free from societal pressure to maintain the European look.  Now I have the power to wear my hair curly or straight.  Even though it takes me forever to detangle I wouldn't trade it.

So how did your family and friends react to your decision to return back to natural?

Pretty much everyone I told I was going natural gave me a screw face.  I transitioned, so it wasn't a drastic thing.  More so what I got were reasons why they could never do it like 'my hair is too nappy'.  Then once my natural texture started coming in some of them tried to as well.  Specifically my sister but she only lasted 3 months.  Its not for everyone.  For me, it was the only choice my hair was totally fried & my growth was stunted.

How would you describe your hair?

My hair is on the longer side about bra strap/mid back length and multi textured.  I've got great super tight curls on the right side and deep waves on the left.  The different textures keep me away from wash n go's along with my hatred of products.  I used to be a product junkie, but with trial and error I learned just a few things work for me.  If I had to use the numbering system I'd say I'm a 3b/3c.

It does appear that you have really fine hair.  What routine do you follow to help maintain the health of your hair?

My hair is straightened at the moment which is a rarity.  9 times out of 10 you'll find me in my trusty bun lol.... I LOVE my bun.  Usually I wet my hair daily and apply generous amounts of oil and a leave in conditioner.  I co-wash about 3 times a week with a regular conditioner and bi-weekly with a cleansing conditioner.  As for shampoo, I use ONE shampoo brand and I only shampoo maybe once every six weeks and I follow it up with an over night deep condition/oil treatment.

Well, it seems like you have a pretty simple routine.  What product do you use?
Like I said I'm not much of a product junkie.  As a matter of fact I tend to hate products.  They all leave my hair sticky, heavy, and hard 🙅.  I love oils.  Any brand of olive, coconut, carrot or grapeseed.  I transfer my oils to a bottle with an applicator tip.  I'm not a fan of jojoba though its too light in my opinion.  For my leave in its Eden Body Works Coconut Leave In.  If I'm leaving it in it needs to be all natural.  For my co wash its Herbal Essence Hello Hydration.  That stuff is a hair orgasm in a bottle!  For my cleansing co wash again it's Eden Body Works Coconut Cleansing Co Wash.  My shampoo is sulfate free Bain de Terre.  That's the one and only shampoo that detangles and softens my hair.  All others make my hair feel like a brillo pad.  For my deep condition back again to Eden Body Works for the Jojoba Moisturizing Deep Condition.

 

You are cracking me up with your responses... I like the realness and candidness you are bringing.  So how do you maintain your hair at night?

Next question 😂😂.  Ok I'm a super bad girl when it comes to wrapping my hair.  Thank goodness for satin pillowcases.  Unless my hair is done, girl I pass out.  That's so bad on so many levels.  I'll work on it.

Well, it's not so bad, since you sleep on a satin pillowcase.  I hardly ever use a bonnet or scarf anymore.  I just collapse on my satin pillowcase and call it a night most of the time.

 

Crystal, it has certainly been a pleasure having on you my blog today.  If feel like you are on of my girlfriends.  I absolutely love your sense of humor and realness.  

 

Thank you so much for sharing the information about your business and about your hair.  I hope your story is inspirational and gives someone the extra push to get started on their own business. 

 

I do have one more question before you go....Can you tell us what the best thing about being natural is?

The best thing about being natural to me is growth!  My hair hasn't been this long since I was a little girl like 7-8 in my pre-perm days.  I got my first perm (that was the term back then) in 1989 when I was 9 years old and it all fell out.  After I got a little older I nursed it back to health.  I could get some length about shoulder length but that was it.  That chemical really is a monster. My hair looked pretty good but it was dry, brittle, and lifeless.  Next, I would say the versatility and lastly being apart of this movement.  Its so inspiring to see women with blogs, YouTube channels, product lines and more all from hair.  It's amazing.

 

Thanks again Crystal!!

 

To see more of Crystal please check out on:
Instgram: www.instagram.com/mrs5thavenyc

Boutique Website: www.5thAveNYC.bigcartel.com

 

Senegalese Twists (Protective Styling)

Hey everyone,

The cooler months are here, so now is an ideal time to incorporate more protective styling into your healthy hair regimen.  I think we all know the benefits of protective styling, but if not I will make a separate post about it.  For me it will cut my getting ready for work time and half and it will allow me to keep my ends protected to help retain length. 

There are tons of super cute and super easy protective hairstyles that are you can easily do yourself.  If you are looking for some inspiration you can go to YouTube or Search Instagram and even Pinterest to get motived.

After doing a little searching, I found this beauty rocking some Senegalese twists with a hint of purple and I was sold. I secretly stalked her IG page and found out what kind of hair she used and how many packs. LOL!!! Don't judge me.

I watched a few YouTube videos and decided to try the jumbo/medium sized Senegalese twists.  I wanted something that wouldn't take to long to install or take out and this seemed very ideal to me.

I purchased X-Pression Collection kanekalon hair from my local bss (beauty supply store).  I used (1) pack of the color Purple and (3) packs of the color 1B.  This hair is super long, so I did cut it in half and it was still hip length. 

I prepped my hair by doing a deep conditioning treatment the night before and then doing the rest of my hair regimen.  I cowashed with Mixed Chicks Conditioner and then applied the Mixed Chicks Leave In (I will do a separate review on that as well). I then applied Elasta QP Mango Butter Moisturizer and sealed that in with coconut and sweet almond oil mixture.  Lastly, I banded my hair into 8 ponytails and let my hair air dry overnight.

The next day, I took my bands/ponytails out and my hair was stretched out and dry.  I then applied a little bit of grapeseed oil (a natural heat protectant) and lightly blow dried my hair using the tension method and that gave me a blowout so I could easily twist my hair.

Pictured wearing "Queen Africa" earrings from www.5thAveNYC.bigcartel.com

 

The twisting process was rather easy.  I used the same method that I used in my Havana Twists video and it took me about 3-4 hours to complete. First, I dipped the ends into boiling hot water to seal the hair, but the twists were coming unraveled.  I then tried to burn the ends and that made it really rough feeling and it was snagging onto other twists. I ended up applying rubber bands on the ends of the hair to hold the twists and then dipped it again into the boiling water and that did the trick. 

The hair I chose was rather fine so it can easily come unraveled that would be the only negative I have experienced with the hair.  If I try this style again, I will def chose a different brand and maybe texture of hair.

It has only been a couple of weeks since I installed them and I already want to move onto another style.  I think I have ADD when it comes to my hair because I get bored really quickly with different hairstyles that I do. 

 

I will try to go for another week with these twists before I move on to the next style, but I can't promise anything.  LOL!!!

I am dying to know how you are protective styling for the fall and winter months?  Leave a comment below.

Until Next Time,
Take Care and God Bless!

Tiffany Nichols

Feature Friday - Lanisha in the Spotlight

It's been a minute but I am back at it.....Today is "Feature Friday" YAY!!!!

This week I have the beautiful Lanisha on my blog.  She is one of my favorite Instagram Naturals.  She not only posts some great hairstyle pics, but she also shares some really nice OOTD (Outfit of the Days)

Well, without further ado...let's get into it.

Lanisha, thanks for taking time out to share with us today.  Can you first tell us a little bit about yourself?

A little bit about me: I am a 30 year old country girl from Statesville, NC. I am very family oriented, I love to have fun, and my friends would say life would be boring without me. Lol! I work as a Registered Nurse and hope to one day own my own business.

When you decided to return back to natural, were you a slow transitioner or did you Big Chop?

I transitioned for 9 months and after building up enough courage, I did a big chop. I sweat easily, which left me with thick roots and stringy ends. It became more and more difficult to deal with the two textures so one morning I called my beautician. The rest is history. :-)

We were in the same boat then....I transitioned for 9 months before finally getting the courage to BC.

So after you did it, how do did you feel?

Returning to natural was a liberating experience. I loved my TWA. I was so excited to experiment that I washed my hair about three times the first night, experimenting with different products.

LOL...too funny. How did family and friends react to your decision to go natural?

I didn't tell anybody I was cutting my hair because I didn't want anyone to change my mind. I was a little nervous of what my family, friends, and coworkers would think.  Working in a professional environment, I got alot of negative looks. My response was just to smile and keep it moving. I had some friends who were already natural so I leaned on them for support. I know some of the people I am close to did not like my decision but respected me enough not to be insulting.

Well...since you have had some time to get accustomed to your hair, how would you describe it?

To be honest I am not sure what my hair type is. I think I'm in the 4a/4b range. Lol I have different textures throughout my head. The front is a little loose, the middle and sides are tightly coiled, and the back is kinky. It loves water and can easily dry out. On a good hair day, my tresses would be called something like Sophia. :)

What’s your current routine for Sophia?
I like to change my hairstyles up often. I find it convenient to wear protective styles such as two strand twist updos. It makes my mornings easy and keeps me from bothering my ends a lot.   I usually wash my hair with shampoo once or twice a month. I like to condition it once or twice a week.  My hair tangles easily so detangling in the shower has been helpful.  I apply heat about two or three times a year and trim my ends at this time. I like olive oil deep conditioning packets and I'm not afraid to use a little grease if I need it. :)

 

Please share some of your favorite products.

Even after being natural for 2.5 yrs, I still like trying different products. I would say my staple products are:
- olive oil Eco styler gel and silk elements straightedge for taming my edges
-beautiful textures tangle taming leave in conditioner and mixed silk by silk elements leave in conditioner (they smell nice and work well with most products)
 -Shea moisture curl enhancing smoothie and cantu Shea butter for naturals are cream based products assist with defining my twist outs and keeps my hair soft
-I like S curl spray no drip for moisturizing my puff
-suave has a natural line that I use to wash my hair.  The conditioner is inexpensive
-As I Am has a great cowash that allows me to detangle my hair easily
There are so many products out there to use, you just have to find what  works best for your hair.

How do you maintain your hair at night?

My night time routine is pretty simple. I usually put a headwrap on to keep my edges down and my satin bonnet.

Lanisha, thank you for taking time out of your day to share with us.  I know you are such an inspiration to many on IG including myself and I hope you continue to share your natural hair journey with us. 

In closing, can you share what you feel is the best thing about being natural is?

The best part of being natural is how versatile my hair is. I am able to do so much more with my hair than when it was relaxed. I stand out without trying to and I am often able to share what I have learned with other naturals. I have been told that I have inspired others with their natural journey and that's very motivating.

Thanks again Lanisha!

To see more of Lanisha you can follow her:

Facebook at www.facebook.com/LanishaHunter
Instagram at www.instagram.com/Lphunt3r