Business Spotlight: It's Not Enough to Dream Women's Circle

I am in transition. My business (and personal life) is going through some things that will in the end help me to become a better woman and business owner. During this time I have found it hard to put pen to paper, or in this case, fingers to keyboard. That is, until today.

This month marks the 2 year anniversary of Soul Deep Beauty, and while I couldn't be happier, this shift in my marketing, website, business goals, etc, are kicking my butt. Then, I was invited to attend the Detroit Chapter Launch of a wonderful group, the It's Not Enough to Dream Women's Circle. They are a women's support group and magazine for women of faith who have or are just thinking about starting their own business. Started in 2010 by sisters Adrienne Adams and Bridgette Outten in Chicago, the Detroit chapter presentation was titled "I Came to Win" and will be the fourth city in their ever growing corporation, where they join Chicago, Indianapolis and Milwaukee.

It was a great experience, filled with an overwhelming sense of sisterhood that I walked away from feeling uplifted and inspired. As the women introduced themselves I was comforted in knowing that I wasn't alone and that we all face some sort of struggle when running a business. It felt good to be in a room of like minded women who believe in purpose, power and praise.

Although I have financial obligations that won't allow me to officially join the circle at this time, they definitely have not seen the last of me. They offer business boot camps and other offerings that I want to be a part of and am looking forward to the road ahead. I now know that what I'm lacking in myself right now is confidence and I'm not one who takes or accepts failure easily.

I encourage any woman reading this who has ever had that business or book idea or job opportunity that you wanted to try, to not only consider the possibility but set yourself up to win. I'm getting myself back on track and to prove it, over the next several weeks, I'm going to talk about the six steps to success that Adrienne covered and reflect on how I can improve on each one.

Like I always say, the best is yet to come.

Wishing you love, peace and Soul Deep Beauty,
                                                Rhonda

Me and my hair: Curlformers

For those of you who don't know, I am a natural hair enthusiast. I can, and have talked hair with just about anybody: the lady at the grocery store, patient at the hospital, anybody who even says "Oh, I like your hair. How did you get it like that?" They just don't know what they got themselves into. I love my friggin' hair and I am not ashamed to say it. With natural hair I have never had a bad hair day (not one that I'll admit to anyway.) Natural hair is supposed to be free and unconstrained- a little like me. It's healthy and versatile and I am constantly trying new ways to twist out, twist up, Bantu or updo my hair.

That being said, I decided to give my Curlformers another go and see how many days I could stretch the style.

So this is what I did.
I washed and conditioned with Shea Moisture Organic Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo and Organic African Black Soap Balancing Conditioner.
          


Deep Conditioned with Moroccanoil Deep Conditioning mask.


Used Hair Rules Nourishing Leave in.



I set Curlfomers using LottaBody and Aphogee Wrap Lotion.
   


And here are my results:

Day 1

Day 2

Days 3 & 4

Then, I decided to do something I only do a couple times a year- wear it straight.

Blow out baby!

You couldn't tell me nothing....

By the way I used grapeseed oil to blow dry and flat iron.

Until it rained four days later and my volume and curls left the building.

Days 10-12 I wore some variation of this:

So, through a lot of manipulation, I was able to "stretch" my Curlformers set to 12 days. I have decided that I will use Curlformers to dry my hair when I'm going to either braid it up or straighten it out so I can avoid additional heat. I will try them prior to a twist out one day, but I like my current regimen now and if it ain't broke I'm not trying to fix it.

That's all for now.

Wishing you Love, Peace and Soul Deep Beauty.

Soul Deep Beauty is under construction

This October Soul Deep Beauty will be celebrating it's two year anniversary. Get out the streamers and noise makers cause it's on and poppin! (Sorry). I'm just excited because I did something that three years ago wasn't even a thought in my mind to do. I started a business from the ground up. It may not be exactly were I want it to be, but it it's still going and that's enough for me. That's the good news. The not so good news is that as of Sept. 1st, I will no longer be working out of the Wellness Clinic.

I have decided that it is more economical for me to forgo the rent every month and become a mobile/ on location business because I rarely do work out of the clinic anyway. I want to focus more on my pamper parties and the make-up aspect of the business, so I think that this would be a good move for me.

I have redone just about everything- my website, my online scheduling, and business cards. I even set up a Google Number for my business. So for the next month, I will be in the process of moving and getting myself prepared for the next part of my journey. Wish me luck!

Wishing you Love, Peace and Soul Deep Beauty.

My new favorite foundation brush

I love this brush. It is a Sonia Kashuk Complexion Perfector. It is part of her Spring/ Summer 2012 line sold at Target for $18.99. I am normally a round sponge applicator girl when it comes to foundation. But, in the effort to make some tiny upgrades I started looking for some new ways to apply my foundation. Also, I was growing tired of buying and storing all those sponges. (They say they are washable, but who has time for all that. I barely wash my brushes on the regular.)


 I bought the Basically U Super Blender Elliptical Sponge at Ulta at $5, it's the cheaper version of the Beauty Blender and it worked, but again, the cleansing process left little to be desired. I don't care for the flat foundation brushes for some reason for applying foundation, although they are great for days when I'm doing a concealer only coverage. I needed something flat and dense. My MAC 130 brush is great, but I always had to follow up with another brush or my fingertips to blend under the eyes or around the edges of my face. Yes, I was being difficult. With 10-15 minutes to get ready for work, I needed a brush that was a one for all. And this week I found it.


We are going through a slight heat wave this week with temps up to 99 degrees, so I have been doing the lightest coverage possible with either my Mary Kay Tinted Moisturizer or Maybelline Mineral Power Liquid Foundation, (which is discontinued I believe but I found it at my local Bed, Bath and Beyond for like $4.) So anyway, I just pour a two chocolate chips sized amount on the brush end, swipe it across my forhead, down my cheeks and across my chin and I go back up and blend. Then I wet the sponge tip a little and do a press and roll motion to blend under my eyes and around the curves of my face if needed. I think I might buy another one for my professional kit ;)

Wishing all my beauty queens
Love, peace and Soul Deep Beauty!

My new obsession: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer

Yes, I know that Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion has been around for years. But, as I have always said, I am a Diva on a budget and spending $20 on a 0.37 oz tube was just not getting it for me. I had been perfectly happy with my $7 NYX HD Eyeshadow Base. But, there I was in the check-out line at Sephora and it was staring me in the face. I turned my back on it and it called me. I told it to leave me alone and that buying it would put me over my $60 budget. It taunted me, saying that it was the best out there and it wouldn't disappoint. I grabbed it and made a mental adjustment to my checking account. In the end it was right- it didn't disappoint.

So here's the rundown.

Pros-
-Nice consistency and doesn't crease or flake
- Very easy to apply with it's new squeeze tube (exclusive to Sephora)
- Keeps eyeshadow in place for hours/ days (S/N- I forgot to wash my face one night and woke up late the next morning. My eyes still looked flawless, so I washed my face and under my eyes, put on some foundation, some blush and another coat of mascara and went on my way. My eyeshadow lasted that whole day, too.)

Cons-
- Price. If this was a $10 product I would buy it in bulk.

Another Pro-
-Three new colors. Where the original is a sheer nude, they have upped the ante and given a little something extra to the other formulations.

 Greed- gold    Eden- matte tawny
  Sin- shimmering champagne

Great product. It will certainly become a staple in my make-up regimen.

Love, peace and Soul Deep Beauty.

Nail Talk- SensatioNail Kit Review

So I was in Walmart last month and as always, I cruised the beauty section for new products. I picked up a can of Maybelline's Air Foam Foundation (which I'll have to review another time) and kept it moving to the nail section. Being an esthetician, I am not supposed to have my nails painted or grow over the tip of my finger. So my nails have been pretty much bare for the last 3 years. Plus, my paint job never lasts more than three days because of chipping from being I'm on a computer at my day job.

But, I saw a gel nail kit that had everything you need for up to 10 nail applications. It was from SensatioNail, it was $50 and included the LED lamp, lint-free wipes, nail file, cleanser, primer, base and a nail color. (S/N, I didn't like the color on the box, so I bought a taupe which was $10.) It took me about 10-15 minutes to complete and I love the results.

The kit plus taupe color I bought separately.

You have to cure your nails a few times throughout the process.

Taa-Daah! They look gorgeous.

Very natural.

I loved that my polish didn't chip and fade (too much) the whole two weeks so I went and bought two more colors.

However, I must say that removing the polish was a total pain. I did every trick I knew: I took a acetone soaked cotton ball and wrapped my fingertips with foil for 15 minutes. That only took off some. Then I soaked my nails in the acetone for another 15-20 minutes- that only took off a little more. I just gave up and started filing the rest off, which was fine for the taupe color, but when I was trying to remove the midnight blue, I did more damage than good. 

So I would definitely recommend this kit, but I would advise patience when it comes to soaking the polish off. If anyone has any tips or advise on this, PLEASE let me know.

*ADD ON*
I figured out what I did wrong. I forgot to buff the nail before soaking in acetone. So, I will try that next time,it may save me some headache.

Also, I would recommend putting a little sunblock on your hands, especially around the cuticles so the UV rays from the LED lamp don't cause unwanted harm. 

Love, Peace and Soul Deep Beauty.

New Soul Deep Beauty Video

I did a video last week on my signature summer lip look. Check it out.




 Love, Peace and Soul Deep Beauty!

Me and My Hair: Genie Locks

I knew that these braids were going to be quite a task going into it, but dang I wasn't even ready for it. It took me 21 hours over two days to complete these genie locks, but I am satisfied with the results.

This is what I used:
Washed, conditioned and deep conditioned with Carol's Daughter Tui Set.

I bought this set off of HSN for $27! It's $35 now.

I applied Hair Rules Leave in Conditioner and de-tangled with my Tangle Tweezer.

Purchased at Ulta.

Purchased at Sally Beauty Supply

Applied grapeseed oil prior to blow drying each section.

Purchased at Beauty Supply

Used Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie for each braid.

Purchased at Target

I used Red Heart 100% acrylic yarn in black- bought 2 packs only used 1 and 1/4 of the second one.

Purchased at Michael's. It was a big roll, too. On sale 2 for $5.

I did the three strand method throughout the whole head and tied and burnt the ends.

I let my kids tear up my house all weekend while I watched movie after movie and show after show including:
-4 episodes of Real Housewives of Atlanta
-3 Tyler Perry movies
-The last 3 Twilight movies
-and a whole bunch of other mindless TV that I can't recall.

Unfortunately, I did not take pictures throughout to track my progress or make a video like I had planned because I just wanted to be done. I'll post pics along the way though of the fabulous styles I hope to create. I want to say that these will stay in for 2-3 months, but I know me and my love for big fluffy hair, so I will try to keep them in for at least 2 months.

Love, Peace and Soul Deep Beauty

Beauty products sent to my door?... Yes, please.

I don't know what's more dangerous- window shopping or internet shopping. With window shopping, I almost always find something I just have to have. But, with internet shopping it's so simple and convenient. You put your cloths/shoes/accessories into the "cart", enter your payment info (I suggest paypal) and in a few days, your item comes right to your door.

Well, there have been some people who have taken internet shopping to a whole other level with monthly subscriptions. For those of you who read my post about my shoe subscription, your gonna love this.  There are several options out there to sign up to a monthly subscription for health and beauty products and here a few that I'm considering. It's great way for product junkies like my self to try before I buy.

The Look Bag

Membership Program Options: Yearly or Monthly

Cost: $110/Year, $10/Month, can also transfer to a friend or gift it for 3. 6 or 12 months

What's inside: 5 luxury beauty product samples 

Extras- Spearheaded by renowned Eyebrow King Damone Roberts

            - Samples sent are according to results from your personal beauty profile

            - You get 20% discount off merchandise on thelookstore.com

            -Previous bags included products like Shadow Shields or Damone Robert's Brow Highlighter

Beauty Army

Membership Program Options: Monthly

Cost: $12/ Month

What's inside: 6 beauty samples

Extras- You get to pick what samples you want

            - Previous samples included products from La Fresh, NYX and Rapid Lash

Birchbox

Membership Program Options: Monthly, Yearly or gift for 3, 6 or 12 Months

Cost- $10/ Month

What's inside: Samples from a long list of brand partners including Dermalogica, Bliss and Wei

Extras: You can get a sample box for men's products for $20/Month

 My Glam

Membership Program Options: Monthly *At this time there is a waiting list

Cost: $10/  Month

What's inside: 4-5 Full sized products

Extras- Created by YouTube makeup vlogger Michelle Phan

           -Products based on beauty quiz results

           - Comes in a cute makeup bag

           -There are videos featuring the month's beauty products and users are encouraged to upload their own reviews

 New Beauty Test Tube

Membership Program Options: Tubes are available 4 times a year

Cost: $29.95 plus 8.95 S+H

What's Inside: Deluxe and full size products

Extras- Gift cards to spend on spalook.com

           - Past products include Moroccanoil, Mally, Skin Ceuticals

           - Subscribers will get video emails about products

Sample Society

Membership Program Options: Monthly *There is a waiting list

Cost: $15/ M

What's inside: 5 deluxe size samples

Extras- $15 coupon towards a $50 Beautybar.com purchase

          - Free one year subscription to Allure Magazine

          - Collaboration between Allure Magazine and Soap.com' Beauty Bar

Glossy Box

Membership Program Options: Monthly *Will be coming to the US soon, currently in UK

Cost: $10/ Month

What's inside: 5-6 deluxe samples

Extras: Have option for men box as well

I even found one for the nail enthusiast!

Julep Maven

Membership Program Options: Monthly 

Cost: $20/ Month

What's inside: $40 worth of customized products including never before released colors

Extras- In introductory box you get the Julep Facial for Hands Glycolic Hand Scrub

           - You receive 20% off purchases from Julep Maven Boutique

           - You have the option to skip the month

           - All nail polishes are free of carcinogens, formaldehyde or DBP

And you know I couldn't leave out my natural hair divas.

Curl Box

Membership Program Options: Monthly *Subscriptions are sold out right now

Cost: $20/ Month

What's inside: 5-7 samples and coupons

Previous boxes included products from Hair Rules, Ouidad, Shea Moisture and Curls

Curl Kit

Membership Program Options: Monthly

Cost: $20/ Month

What's inside: 5-7 samples and coupons

Previous kit included products from Carol's Daughter, Shea Moisture and Uncle Funky's Daughter

In a perfect world, I would subscribe to all of these, but I did the math and it ain't pretty. So, I'll choose 2, or 3 and keep you posted. 

Love, Peace and Soul Deep Beauty

Naturally Flyy Detroit Meet Up

"An independent woman can't find a man because an independent woman IS a man." (Pause for reaction.) That was just one of the pearls of wisdom that was dropped at Saturday's Naturally Flyy Detroit Presents the Mens Forum, Part 2. But, that little pearl didn't come from a brotha, it came from one of the founders of Naturally Flyy Detroit, Ms. Espy "Etta Flyy" and she shut the crowd down with that one.

If you saw my previous article about Naturally Flyy then you know that I had been waiting with anticipation for Saturday night's festivities. There were vendors who sold everything from earrings and hats to candles, hair butters and even hand made purses from Africa. There was a belly dancing segment from Tene' of House of Bastet, a natural hair Q & A session with Ms. Wanda from Transitions Salon and Ms. Everette from Everette's Natural Hair and Beauty School/Salon. (S/N- I plan on taking classes at both House of Bastet and Ms. Everett's school. I'll keep yall posted.) There were women, men and children taking in the sights and smells as natural hair became the main event.

But, little did I know that hair was just the beginning as the men's forum opened the floor to the dynamics of  male/female relationships, how the media portrays black women, interracial relationships and how the men were brought up played a part in how they looked at themselves. The men were respectfully blunt and honest and I think we all left with the overwhelming theme of the night and that is simply to be who you are and don't wait for anybody to validate you. One of the gentlemen said that when a woman walks around confident with her head held high, a man can't help but to bow down to her. I couldn't have said it better myself.

Now, let me show you what I bought. BTW, I did have some pics of the event but they came out so dark it wouldn't even be worth posting them.

My girl from college, Stephanie and myself. So Flyy.

I got a tank for me and a t-shirt for my daughter. Too Cute.

Ms. Eartha Kitt Ladies and Gentleman.
I don't know the young lady's name who made these because I grabbed the wrong card
but I do know that she is at the Rustbelt Market on Weekends.

I circled around this cuff about 3 times before I decided to bite.
It is...the business.
The young lady who made this is Jocelyn of Jewelry Fetish and she
sells her creations out of The Artist Village where event was held.

So that's it for now. A good time was had by all and I hear that the next meet up will be May 19th. Yeah.

Love, peace and Soul Deep Beauty!