Showing posts with label Inspirational Photos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Inspirational Photos. Show all posts

Photographer Leon Dale - Images You'll Love

For any one that looks for images online, depending on the site you to go - finding beautiful images for women with big natural hair is not easy. But thanks to Photographer Leon Dale, we will have another great option for finding beautiful images of women with natural hair.  Leon is currently working on a project called The Big Natural Hair Project.



"The Big Natural Hair project is a celebration of Black women with natural hair. The explosive crown of natural hair was once frowned upon,considered unkempt or too ethic for the work place.  It is now so muchmore appreciated and respected.  It has been covered by mainstreammagazines, featured in fashion spreads and on characters in prime time T.V. Ithas a thriving online community both for those who wear the style and those whoare enamoured by it.

The big natural hair project is my homage to natural hairduring this period of renewed interest.  The women who decide to wear their hair natural do so fornumerous reasons and come from diverse backgrounds. Not all of them areneo-soul, not all of them are afro-centric and the style can be rocked in manydifferent ways, from out right afro to frohawks and twists. It can shine, itcan kink, it can curl, natural hair can blow in the wind or stand in defiantcoils.

The women in this collection are particularly proud of theirhair and it shows. Their hair no longer simply a shield from the sun, but anexpression of a life style, a unique and personal accessory.  Put in itssimplest terms, the plumage that is natural hair is hot.  I believe itsbeautiful and there's a large and growing fan base that's right along side me."  - Leon Dale

Leon Dale Photography
Leon Dale's Big Natural Hair Photo Collection

Link of the Day - Natural Beauty in Swim Wear


Even with summer ending, I can still appreciate the beauty of this colorful and unique bathing suit.
Source: Current Obsessed With

Malinda Willaims


Great photo of actress Malinda Williams.
Source  - ILoveMy Locs

Link of the Day - C.O.!!


Currently Obsessed... loving the individuality of her style.

Your shade of Beauty

 
 
 
 

"Our beauty comes in many shades of browns. Our textures are unbelievably unlimited. There is wisdom and knowledge that shines from within us all. That beauty, knowledge, wisdom and heart connects us all in away that can never been taken. Know that there is power in the beauty of our beautiful brown skin and in our amazing hair textures - that carries our history, pride, power and strength."
                    -  Karen, Author of the Naturally Beautiful Hair Blog

Rachel Lindsay Odem


Rachel has a beautiful and unique look. I contacted Rachel, and ask if she share her natural hair story on my blog. Here is what she had to say:

"Before I went natural, I wore weaves (occasionally) a classic bob, etc. I decided to wear my hair natural back in 1997, I made the decision because I felt like I was hiding my true self, I didn't like feeling.  I wasn't pretty if any naps showed anywhere on my head. I felt ugly, I would run to the salon to get a touch up the minute any naps showed. I hate that feeling I wanted to love who I was without the perm. The fears I had were how would my family, friends and boyfriend would like it."

After going natural - "I use Avlon Natural Textures, Miss Jessie's and sometimes I make things at home." For people that have concerns about going natural - "I would say to them accept that not everyone will like it, but as long as you like it that is all that matters."  - Rachel

To read more about Rachel, visit her blog at  www.MakeupByRachelO.com or youtube.com/makeupbyrachelo.

Link of the Day! Gorgeous Teruko


I love it when I see a women with grey/silver hair and it's just beautiful! Teruko looks amazing in her photos, shown on Curly Nikki.

Inspirational Photo of the Day


From a natural hair album, shared on Facebook by fellow natural beauty.

I AM....

~ Contribution from a handsome loc'd king from our natural hair community.

Interview with Yarminiah


Q:  It is wonderful to see young successful business woman. How did you get your start in creating your jewelry line?
A: Thank you. I have dedicated seven years of my life to the fine arts. In that time I have studied/collaborated with artists of all mediums, but did not delve into jewelry making until a year and a half ago. P U R P O S E began at the end of last summer, a time in my life when I was eager to keep my work moving in new directions.  It all began one morning when I felt particularly unmotivated, staring at a gigantic pack of matchsticks sitting in my room. I don't recall how the vision came to me but I found myself some glue and began creating earrings out of matchsticks. After a week I'd perfected the design and couldn't stop making them. I showed my sister, Yaminah, and she was incredibly inspired. The concept of making jewelry out of ordinary materials was born and we couldn't be more excited. We had begun a new chapter of creativity. Yaminah and I spent weeks hunting for new materials and began creating different unique designs. Then we began a blog. Deciding a name for our jewelry line was a no brainer- we had found a sense of purpose and hoped to share it. We sold our pieces at a local festivals and area selling in Spain and soon the Canary Islands! We are deeply invested in keeping P U R P O S E growing as a company and as a source of artistic inspiration. It has taken on a life of its own and created a new space for enriching collaborations! 

Q: You are currently studying in Barcelona Spain. How is your experience there?   What was your motivation for studying abroad?  And what is the culture like in Spain?
A: I am in college studying fine art in Spain.  My experience in Barcelona cannot be described in one word. The architecture is breathtaking, and the open markets make your mouth water with their vibrant colors and fresh fruit. All the apartments have balconies with flowerpots and laundry drying on a string; its very picturesque. This city has granted me my first taste of flamenco dance. lI have been able to learn & converse with locals and others studying abroad. In addition to taking all my classes in Spanish, I have also learned a bit of Catalan, a dialect specific to Barcelona. I have been able to experience who I am as an artist outside of the United States while collaborating with other artist here as well. As for my decision and motivation to study abroad, my family is from Honduras and Puerto Rico and after having visited both countries several times, I developed an appetite to explore. I've learned that Spaniard way of life is much more relaxed than in the United States. The Spaniards rely on a basic schedule that allows time for
relaxation and work. Many work in the morning, have coffee break at around 11, siesta/lunch from 2-4pm,resume work at 5pm, and a late dinner at around 10-11pm. This took some time to get used to but it is such an efficient way to spread your time out-something I am not used to living in New York. Also many here are family oriented. Almost every Catalan I know goes back home every weekend to spend time and have dinner at home with their families. One interesting fact is that there are numerous  Spanish youth who wear their hair locked here. I have seen youth with hairstyles that are a mixture of a shaved head, curly bangs and long locs all on one head!

Q: What is your hair story?  Have you always had natural hair? Or did you experience a need to change at some point in your life?
A:   I have pretty much been natural my whole life. I've only had one perm and one texturizer in the 20 years I've been alive. My older sister has been a mother to my hair. I have adapted practically everything she has learned throughout her hair journey, except she now has loc's. When I was younger, she administered avocado, mayonnaise, and egg yolk treatments every weekend. All of that formed my hair journey. It was after I moved to Miami during high school that I began wearing my hair out in an afro. It was my high school friends that encouraged me to take a risk and let my hair be what it wanted. After Miami I moved to New York for college and saw so many other naturals which helped me further develop  confidence and I began trying new styles. I even dyed my hair a rusty blonde! Up until my move to Barcelona, I took New York's palette of style for granted. In Spain, it is a different type of stare that I get on the streets, one that shocked and made me uncomfortable at first. I have only recently begun wearing my hair out as I had to ease into being comfortable with the stares. Natural hair and personal style shouldn't be so shocking.

Q: Have you experience in any negativity or had any experiences because of your natural hair?
A:  Of course there are always strangers on the street who have something to say under their breath as soon as I pass by, even in the US. Some of my extended family members simply don't understand why I won't just get a relaxer, but with the negativity also comes admiration. Many appreciate the confidence required to rock such a bold hairstyle.

Q: What are three products you can't live without for nurturing/styling your hair?
A:  Honestly, I don't style my hair much. But when I do - olive oil for moisture, spearmint essential oil to tame dandruff. I find that Alaffia’s Every Day Shea Moisturizing Shampoo (its free of synthetic fragrances, parabens and sodium lauryl sulfate) and  a big toothed comb are an absolute must.

Q: What would you say to someone who's thinking about embracing their natural hair, but scared about being rejected in various parts of their lives?
A: At the end of the day, it is you and your hair. You have to face your fears to not only challenge your character but also to develop a sense of who you are! People cannot make those decisions for you. If you  are ready to embrace your natural self, then you must surround yourself with people who can accept you and encourage you.
Q: How can we keep up with you and your journey i.e. blog, twitter, facebook, fotki, tumblr, personal or professional website? (Optional)
A:  P U R P O S E jewelry blog  

Inspirational Photo of the Day

Beautiful photo from Christopher Maverick Photography.

Beads and Loc's

 Great use of hair accessories from Latrenia Byrant

Featured Reader - Helena!

Meet Natural Beauty - Helena! Thank you Helena for submitting your story about your natural hair journey.

Q: What is your hair story?  What kind of hair styles have you rocked, before embracing your natural hair?
A: Being a little girl I enjoyed my hair as it was, didn't think a lot about it and my parents have always taught my about natural beauty.
But growing older and watching music videos with Beyoncé, I saw her hair and was like, I want hair like her. I thought that it would be possible with a relaxer. But of course not. I tried a relaxer, but it didn't work at all. Only my hair ends got straight. And only a year after that, I cut my ends of and went all natural again. But now I'm happy it didn't work because i love my naturally curly hair and I'm proud of it.

Q: When and why did you decide to start wearing your hair naturally?
A: In the Christmas/January 2009-2010. I cut my straight ends off, and it was at the length was of a twa. And I loved it. I love my curls, and I am proud to wear it natural.

Q: Did you have any big fears about going back to your natural texture?
A: Not really. My hair was really dry and frizzy, with the straights ends. And I had read a lot about natural hair, so i was very excited for me to go 100% natural and rock my natural hair.

Q: What are three products you can't live without for nurturing/styling your hair?
A: My favorite is coconut oil. It's amazing for shine and makes my hair super soft, and it's great to prevent hair from frizzing. I also loves Aubrey Organics B5 Designer Gel - it's great for braid-outs, styling and it really moisturizes your hair. Also Aubrey Organics Natural Island Conditioner is really good.

Q: What would you say to someone who's thinking about embracing their natural hair, but scared about being rejected in various parts of their lives?
A: I thinks that natural hair exudes confidence, pride and beauty.. whatever what style you are rockin! It's for you. You are beautiful. Don't think so much about what people may say.
Accept and love your self and your natural hair, and others will to as they see your natural beauty shine.


Q: How can we keep up with you and your journey i.e. blog, twitter, facebook, fotki, tumblr, personal or professional website?
A: Yes i have a blog, naturalhairisbeautifull.blogspot.com.

Link of the Day - Style Inspiration

Picture of Franchesca. Loving her hair and her overall style!
Source - Franchesca.net