Tressumé: MoNae Mayweather

Name: MoNae Mayweather

  Location: Brooklyn, NY

How long have you been natural?
I’ve been natural for about 1 year & 8 months.

Did you transition or do the Big Chop?
I transitioned.

Why did you choose that route?
I am TERRIFIED of short hair! I could not imagine myself with a TWA. Even after I transitioned, I still wasn’t happy with the length, but I got over it.
How long did you transition?
I transitioned for about 7-8 months.

What inspired you to have natural hair?
Well, I’ve been natural most of my life. Nothing was wrong with my hair, I just wanted a different look. After looking on Tumblr and natural hair blogs such as Curly Nikki, I was inspired to love and embrace my curls.

What has kept you motivated to remain natural?
I love how my hair looks and feels! The versatility of being natural is amazing! If I want, I could straighten it and go right back to having my afro that I love!

What are two(2) natural hair products that you just can’t live without? Why?
Shea Moisture Curly Smoothie & Coconut Oil! Shea Moisture products are amazing! They make my hair feel so soft and the smell is awesome! Coconut Oil is my go-to oil because I love the smell and it has helped in my growing process tremendously.

What is your favorite way to wear your hair?
Well, I’m a lazy natural. (LOL) A twist-out afro is usually my go-to look.

What do you love about your natural hair?
I love the thickness and fullness of it.

What do you dislike about it?
Shrinkage!!!! Length is everything to me and almost discouraged me from keeping my hair natural, but I learned to deal with and embrace it.

What tip(s) would you recommend to someone who wants to become natural, is transitioning, or needs advice about natural hair?
PATIENCE IS KEY! I really wanted to transition for 2 years, but I became very anxious! I wish I was more patience, but I learned that patience is key. Also, take TONS of photos. I look back at my photos from when I first cut the perm out and I feel so proud of my hair and the growth!

Comments:
I recently created a natural hair blog with my 2 best friends called “Hard Knot Life”! You can check us out on Tumblr @ http://hardknotlifeblog.tumblr.com & our YouTube channel, http://www.youtube.com/hardknotlife We post photos of our hair & we’ll be doing videos showcasing our different techniques!

Be sure to also check out Monae on photosbynae.com. She is a photographer with some super amazing work and she has some reasonable prices too. If your a Brooklynite, New Yorker, or ever in the area, be sure to have her hook your photos up.

“Just A Simple Solution”… Jass it up!

After realizing that a product she had been using on her clients which she thought was all natural, Janel decided to create
Just A Simple Solution also known as JASS products. To showcase her line she hosted an event at her salon CocoaMane which I was given the opportunity to be a part of. It was definitely a great event, with hair demonstrations, drinks like the Jass Passion, food by Mama CocoaMane, and an introduction to the products, as well as the “natural bar”.

Time to get to the nitty gritty…..I would first have to acknowledge how good that seafood lasagna was, mmmmmm. Janel and Mama Cocoamane owned me with that one. Lol. The drinks were super delicious; sweet with that sparkle.
I’m such a foodie!!!

The demonstrations were awesome as we got details into what products work best for various styles and we even got the chance to check out those products. Now y’all know I’m a sucka for a good scent, and this passed the smell test. Especially with that all natural oil. The decor of the salon was extra amazing and super sexy; I was in love with the chandeleir and all the amazing reds scattered beautifully around the salon. Oh and the best part of the salon is that they have a natural bar where natural hair treament’s are mixed right there on the spot. Now tell me that ain’t super fly…Check out pics below:

 

By the way I got some goodies as well.. so stay tuned for details and reviews of the product!

 

 

Love your Kinks,
BkAphrodite

 

 

 

 

Brooklyn Fros

I decided I would make the effort every month to be in attendance at the Target First Saturdays at Brooklyn Museum. Well last weekend I made it for my second month in a row. I was pretty happy about this one in particular because the one last month was a bit blah(DAMN YOU SANDY!!!). It was definitely an eventful night with the various talks, beautiful people,music(by the Afro Band) , wines, and of course ART. Who couldn’t ask for more.

These pieces!!!! My heart jumps every time I see amazing pieces, and the artist in me just screams to capture every moment of greatness. I would have to say thought that I have fallen in deeeeep love with one of the most recent exhibits by Mickalene Thomas. When I tell you her art is just so Frolicious and empowering.

Don’t you just love it!!!!

& this quote next to a photograph from the artists’ inspiration; “Mama Bush”

Oh and when I say I felt like the ultimate Queen!! I was feeling myself; can’t you see the shadow of my crown in the above quote. YASSSSSS! Lol Check out my fro and me rocking my KingRulesTogether tee….”Queens INSPIRE Kings”

So your interested in purchasing a “Queens INSPIRE Kings” tee?? Head over to KingsRuleTogether.com.

Have you been rocking your fro?

Do you wash n’ go during the winter?

Love your Kinks,

BkaAphrodite

Brooklyn kind of Wash and Go

It was definitely feeling like a Brooklyn kind of day when I pulled out my stash to wash and define my TWA. Being that I attended the CurlBox x Karen’s Body Beautiful event I was sure to leave with some goodies. I received a Luscious Locks Hair Mask & Hold It Gel w/Argan Oil; I finally put them to the test.

For this particular wash I incorporated a couple of my other staples to get the job done.

My Vatika Oil and Shea Moisture Restorative conditioner

Check out how I put all of these products to the test…..

The results were not too bad. After applying the KBB Luscious Locks Hair Mask my hair resembled Jerry curls from all the moisture is retained. I still don’t feel I have mastered the application of gel as yet but once I do you will be the first to hear.

Love your Kinks,
BkAphrodite

CurlBox x KBB recap

A couple weeks ago I had he honor of being apart of a meetup hosted by the beautiful Myliek teele of Curl Box and Karen Tappin of Karens Body Beautiful.
On this particular day the sun was out and there was no doubt summer had arrived. It was a scorching 95+ degrees, as curlies from all over beared the heat to be apart of an event by two well know naturals.

It was a packed house; full of giveaways, champagne,mingling, as well as both Myliek and Karen shared there hair story, which was definite motivation. It was an amazing event and word on the streets is there may be a second round. Stay Tuned.

Love your Kinks,
BkAphrodite

CurlBox x Karen’s Body Beautiful

Come out to join in some natural hair fun and meet other naturalistas.

The event is free, all you have to do it rsvp. Hope to see you there!!

National Natural Hair Meetup Day

The day is slowly approaching, before you know it May 19th has arrived. National Natural Hair Meetuo Day is closer than you think, so be sure to stop by NNHMD.com and get all the details for a meetup near you!

Here’s some insight to National Natural Hair Meetup Day if you have forgotten.

Love your Kinks

BkAphrodite

“Spring is in the HAIR”

For most of you who may or may not know National Natural Hair Meetup day is May 19th. On this day Natural’s around the U.S. meetup and share their natural hair tips, styles, woe, and everything natural hair.

One of my favorite chicas Imani of TribeCalledCurl is hosting her 2nd meetup. How awesome is that!! And its FREE.

The amazing TribeCalledCurl is teaming up with Diane Bailey Silhouettes & Mane Moves TV to bring you:

“Spring is in the HAIR

THE OFFICIAL

National Natural Hair Meet Up Day

BROOKLYN MEET UP

Join us as we celebrate our kinks, curls and coils in the ultimate NYC expression of style and glamour

Fabulous Giveaways & Prizes

Fun & Interactive Activities

Specialty Cocktails

Swag Bags

Meet & Greet Fellow Naturalistas

Special Appearances

Product Swap

Ask the Expert

and much more.

See why Brooklyn is Natural Hairville USA…at the event of the season!”

Oh did I mention its a FREE event!

So come out and enjoy the day alongside your fellow naturalistas.

To get your tickets visit: http://springisinthehair.eventbrite.com/

Spring Curls Meetup

Savy Brown Presents:

Spring Curls Meetup

Sponsored by WONDER CURL

Join Savvy Brown and friends for our first Natural Hair meet up. We want to answer your most burning questions about your natural hair. (ie. Protective styles, best ingredients, anything and everything!)

Where: Ecodermis & Wolfberry 563 Lincoln Place Brooklyn, New York 11238
When: Saturday, April 7th, 2PM

Be sure to stop by and meet other naturals!!!

Source: springcurls.weebly.com

Until next time…

Love,
BkAphrodite

My first, 1st Saturday

Every first Saturday of the month, Brooklyn Museum and Target host the Target First Saturday. The entry to the museum is free and numerous events are held throughout the museum.

Last night I had the opportunity to attend, for the party they host at the end of the night.

There were so many people there, for such an amazing event. Oh yes, and the natural hair ladies were in the building, it was so much motivation.

If your ever in the New York are for a first Saturday make sure to attend this beautiful event.

Here is the link if you are interested:
http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/visit/first_saturdays.php