Aziza Beauty

My Braidloc Journey 7 years

2018-09-07T23:03:00.000-04:00

It has been 7 years since I started my Braidlocs. I still keep it simple. Dr. Bonners peppermint soap for shampooing, Jane Carter's leave-in conditioner, and my own blend of oils.

Juneteenth 2014

2014-06-19T13:37:00.001-04:00

Join Elegba Folklore Society at JUNETEENTH, A FREEDOM CELEBRATION

Juneteenth 2014, A Freedom Celebration, June 19 - 22. Juneteenth 2014, A Freedom Celebration, June 19-22 feature a symposium, performances, The Freedom Market, children's activities and Torchlit Night Walk on the Trail of Enslaved Africans

Thursday, June 19

Lira In Concert...

Hippodrome Theatre • 7p- 11p • $20

Lira, Platinum Selling South African Singer blends R&B, jazz & African styles.

This is her US debut album release, Rise Again.

Essence Magazine's one of "Five Unique Artists To Change Music in 2012"

Hosted by Jarrard Anthony, Virginia Black Music Foundation

Friday, June 20

The Symposium

Pine Camp Arts Center • 6p - 10p • $10

Dr. Umar Johnson, Psychologist, Author & Expert on the Education of Afrikan American Children

Ęlęgba Folklore Society's African Dancers and Drummers

Live Jazz with Sketches.

Esu Festival begins.

Complimentary hors d'oeuvres, Freedom Market.

Saturday, June 21

In Reflection

Manchester Dock • 4p - 11p • Free

Performances, speakers, Esu Festival Market Day in the Freedom Market, children's activities, Annual Torch Lit Night Walk Along the Trail of Enslaved Africans. Free

Sunday, June 22

Esu Festival

African Burial Ground • 1p - 5p • Free

Ile Ise Ejiogbe Ifá Temple guides Esu Festival's ceremony and rituals for healing and ancestral veneration. Free..

2 Year Braidloc Update

2013-09-30T14:07:00.001-04:00

I have reached the 2 year mark of my braidlocs (Braidlocks). They are finally starting to look like locs rather than two strand twist. My current routine is:

Shampoo - Alternate between Brown Sugar Naturals Rosemary Mint Neem Shampoo Soap and Dr. Bonners Peppermint Castile Soap (Every 2 weeks)

Condition - Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse infused with Brown Sugar Naturals Herbal Hair Rinse (Once a month)

Moisturizer - Hawaiian Silky Miracle Worker 14-in-1 Activator & Moisturizer (Daily)

Oil - Brown Sugar Naturals Hair & Skin Oil (Every other day)

Maintenance - Interlock with aloe vera and hair oil while wet. (Every 2 months)

I decided to try the loc petal hair style and this is what it looks like.

I went to Ancient Techniques hair salon in Richmond, VA for this look. Visit their website at http://ancienttechniquesnaturalhair.com/index.html

Down Home Family Reunion - August 17, 2013

2013-08-16T09:17:00.001-04:00

North Carolina Natural Hair Care Expo June 22 and June 23, 2013

2013-06-22T05:46:00.000-04:00

Event: Juneteenth Friday, June 14 - Saturday, June 15, 2013

2013-06-14T14:07:00.000-04:00

JUNETEENTH 2013, A FREEDOM CELEBRATION TO BE PRESENTED

http://www.efsinc.org/

Friday, June 14, 2013

Pine Camp Arts Center

4901 Old Brook Rd 6:00 - 10:00pm

Virginia Symposium and Concert:

Anthony T. Browder who will present “Django Decoded”

Spoken word icons, The Last Poets

African dancers, drummers and singers will also appear in an interactive concert, African Dance, Music & the Oral Tradition.

Admission is $15 for one, $25 for two, children under 12, free.

Saturday June 15, 2013

Reflective Celebration:

4pm -11 pm

Manchester Dock

1308 Brander Street

Richmond, VA 23224

Manchester Dock is on the south bank of the James River in Ancarrow's Landing.

It was an entry port for Africans being brought into the Americas to be sold into slavery.

Upcoming Event: the ARTisan Cafe

2013-05-15T17:31:00.000-04:00

For tickets visit: http://artisancafevajune2013.eventbrite.com/#

NuSol Natural Hair & Beauty Expo April 20th, 2013

2013-04-15T18:22:00.001-04:00

Nu Sol Natural Hair & Beauty Expo

APRIL 20, 2013

Durham Convention Center/Marriott Hotel

301 W. Morgan Street, Durham NC

(From the Nu Sol Website www.nusolnaturalhairexpo.com/ )

Promoting Natural Hair as well as a Natural Lifestyle The Annual NuSol Natural Hair and Beauty Expo is a unique showcase offering seminars, vendors, and a host of other elements promoting, not only natural hair but a natural lifestyle.

Our expo will feature special health screenings, breast cancer awareness, exercising techniques, weight loss, and healthy eating.

If you are actively seeking new information and new solutions to natural hair and beauty as well as a healthy lifestyle, then this is our Special Invitation to you.

We have carefully designed a day to educate through workshops, empower with musical performances, and encourage a positive self-image through engaging dialogue. Our main mission is to introduce our guests to natural hair and skin care products. For our VIP Guests, a relaxation room equipped with refreshments will be provided.

Upcoming Event: Harrisburg, PA - Natural Hair Care Expo 2013

2013-03-27T18:57:00.002-04:00

The Evolution of a Natural Revolution/ End Childhood Obesity

New Location:

Raddison Hotel,

1150 Camp Hill Bypass,

Camp Hill, PA 17011

Sat. April 6, 2013

6PM to 11PM

3rd Stop in the Natural Hair Care Evolution Tour 2013

The Evolution of a Natural Revolution 15 state tour makes its first ever stop in Harrisburg PA. This expo will feature tour host Consir Thot, Professor Griff of Public Enemy, Malaika Cooper tour manager and celebrity hairstylists, Micheal Imhotep of the Afrikan History Network, Precise Science, Quban Spitlatin, Stixx also feautured guests Maat doing book signings Whatz in Your Womb, Madonna Awotwi (sankofa the Poet), Jubair Freeverse Yother, and many others to be announced. There will be a special youth workshop addressing education, teen violence/bullying and Inside Body Health. This is an event the whole family can enjoy!

There will be lot's of vendors, educational workshops for free (after $10 cover charge), and food!

Introducing carrot tuna, wheat meat, vegan cheesecake and some of the best healthy food and desserts.

Tickets are $10/Youth 12 and under free accompanied by an adult. Vending booths and information tables available

Williamsburg Road Super Flea Market

2013-03-02T11:00:00.000-05:00

Williamsburg Road Super Flea Market Website

Check out the Williamsburg Road Super Flea Market. They have great vendors and my new favorite find Rose Above Cafe and Bakery. They make the best bean pies on the east end. They also make an awesome ginger pineapple drink, Jamaican sorrel drink (minus the alcohol), and other bake goods.

Check out the Sorrel drink in the picture!

15 Month Braidlocs Update

2013-01-21T11:53:00.000-05:00

Here is my 15 month braidlocs update. The back of my head has locked completely. The top of my head still has a few curlies on the end of my locs. I was a little impatient; therefore, I ended up cutting some of them off. My hair is starting to thicken up nicely, and I am finally seeing some length. My current regimen is I wash with Dr Bonner's Peppermint Castile Soap (diluted) every two weeks. For a treat, I also use my own herbal hair rinse with apple cider vinegar once a month. Water is key to my locs; so, I mist them daily with water and a drop of peppermint essential oil. I moisturize with Brown Sugar Naturals herbal hair oil every other day. I tried to get my hair palm rolled once, but I do not like the look of my scalp showing. Currently, to re-tighten my locs, I interlock every 3 months. It is still a learning and growing process for me, but I am loving it! I am excited to see what my locs will look like at 24 months. I realize that not all locs are the same. Considering that my hair has a fine texture, I know that my process will be a little longer than most.

Upcoming Event: Philly International Lock Conference October 6th & 7th, 2012

2012-09-08T14:35:00.001-04:00

Natural Cutie of the Year 2012 Memphis, TN

2012-08-16T16:00:00.000-04:00

Natural Cutie of the Year 2012

Whitehaven Celebration Complex

3270 Elvis Presley

Memphis, TN 38116

Here is information about the pageant on their website:

RBG productions brings you another "edutaining" event. On 8/19/12 come out and witness beautiful natural women compete to be named the "Natural Cutie of the Year" . This event will have live music, beautiful natural women, helpful hair information and a host of great local vendors. Doors open at 6, show starts at 7.If you are interested in being a vendor or a sponsor please call 901-236-2021. Tickets will be $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Last year sold out so get your tickets early. Prepare to be educated, enlightened, and entertained!

http://naturalcutie2012.eventbrite.com/
http://www.naturalcuties.org/

22nd Down Home Family Reunion

2012-08-15T15:30:00.000-04:00

The 22nd Annual Down Home Family Reunion will take place from 4pm to 11pm, Saturday, August 18, 2012 at Abner Clay Park located neat Belvidere and West Leigh Streets.

Here is more information from Elegba Folklore Society:
The 22nd Annual Down Home Family Reunion explores a full spectrum of music, dance, stories, food, shopping and enrichment in this Celebration of African American Folklife. It's a heritage festival that takes attendees on a folkloric journey from West Africa through the Caribbean and into America. Of course, Virginia is at the historic epicenter of the latter movement.

Legendary funk Rock & Roll Hall of Fame all-stars, Original P, will headline the event. Elegba Folklore Society's culturally enriching performance company will appear with a colorful and interactive program of African dance, music and the oral tradition that celebrates the oneness of the African Diaspora.

As a highlight of the 22nd Annual Down Home Family Reunion attendees will have the chance to participate in two Interactive Folkloric Demonstrations. Attendees can see and learn about the richness of ancient Kemet (Egypt), African people in antiquity and Africaʼs influence on world development in the Our African Story exhibit.

Events for children and teens are focused in the Annie Tyler Memorial New Skool Pavilion and include take-home craft making, moon bouncing, games, performances on the New Skool Stage and more.

Food is a familiar way to continue the celebration of shared traditions, and it continues to be a centerpiece for the Down Home Family Reunion. This year's
selections will include Southern style chicken, corn-fried fish, an assortment of down home vegetables, frozen fruits and mouth-watering desserts that are African-inspired and Southern favorites.

Down Home Family Reunion is grateful to offer parking for the Family Festival in the lots at Belvidere Medical Center, Ebenezer Baptist Church and Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church. Signage will help direct patrons to these locations.

Return Of The Curls Expo & Fashion Show

2012-07-31T12:30:00.003-04:00

If you missed The Return of the Curls Expo, then you missed a great show in the Richmond, VA area. There were vendors such as Curls, Shea Moisture, Karen's Body Beautiful, Brown Sugar Naturals, Shea Radiance, Tree Naturals, Herbal Body Blessings, Jewel Afrika, and more! They also had a fashion show for up and coming fashion designers. Here are some of the fashions that were shown at the event:

The event was hosted by Keenya Kelly Griffin http://www.keenyakelly.com/. There will be a Holiday Trunk Show on November 18th, 2012. If it was anything like Return of the Curls, then you do not want to miss it!

We will post more photos of the event on our photos page.

Upcoming Event: Return of the Curls Expo

2012-07-16T15:30:00.000-04:00

Return of the Curls
http://www.returnofthecurls.com/
July 28, 2012
Greater Richmond Convention Center
403 North Third St
Richmond, VA 23219

If you are in the Richmond, VA area check out this event catered to those with naturally curly hair.

Here is information about the event from their website:

Return of the Curls Curly Hair Expo is all about CURLS!

From on-site consultations from stylists that specialize in curls to giveaways, workshops, Q&A's, and much more; this event is all about learning what works best for your curl type.

Return of the Curls Curly Hair & Fashion Show will follow. Showing off the variations and spunk of curly hair through naturally curly models of all ethnicity; models, fashion designers, hair stylists and top notch make-up artists come together....

My Braidloc Journey

2012-07-10T15:00:00.000-04:00

After wearing my hair in its "natural" state for 4 years, I decided that I wanted to loc my hair. My challenge was that I have very fine and soft hair. Many stylist told me that dreadlocks, locs, or locks (which ever term you prefer) would not look good on me. Their reasoning was that my hair would look too thin and would not be full enough. So, I took their advice and decided not to pursue locking my hair. I settled on wearing my hair in nubian twist or kinky twist hair styles with extensions. Later, I came across the BradeLocz website by Cherie King and was introduced into the braidloc method of starting locs. After researching it more, I decide that I would give this method a try and watch what happens. I decided to blog about my journey to help those who may have a similar hair texture.

Here are few of my photos to document my Braidlocs journey:

Needless to say, after my installation, I was nervous because it was looking a little thin. Eventually it started to thicken up. See pictures below:

Thank you to Pamela Muhammad at Ancient Techniques Natural Hair Care Center in Richmond, VA! She has done a great job at starting my locs and maintaining them without using any heavy waxes or gels. I have learned that heavy products will weight my hair down and make it look thin. I use Brown Sugar Naturals Hair and Skin Oil to maintain my locs. I will try to keep you posted on my journey

Upcoming Event: Juneteenth Festival June 16, 2012 3pm to 11pm

2012-06-06T13:28:00.000-04:00

Upcoming Event: The ARTisan Café - June 16th, 2012

2012-05-31T16:00:00.001-04:00

The ARTisan Café is an indoor lifestyle shopping affair featuring handpicked artisans including visual artist, creators of home decor, wine vintners, clothing and jewelry designers, holistic and natural hair experts, and body care herbalists. The one-day event comprises a selection of local farmers and chefs offering organic gourmet healthy-bites for patrons to sample, try and purchase. Everything from handcrafted jewelry and unique home furnishings to original paintings and artwork pepper the display area. Live musicians complete the creative ambiance, allowing shoppers to listen to beauty as they survey it.
Come out and support us and other artisans during the event!!!!

First Fridays at Box Brown Imports

2012-05-03T05:00:00.000-04:00

FRIDAY MAY 4TH, 2012 5PM - 8PM.
518 N. 2nd Street,
Richmond, VA 23219

1ST FRIDAYS IN DOWNTOWN RICHMOND!!!.
COME ON OVER TO "THE FAMOUS JACKSON WARD 2ND ST" AREA & SHOP @ BOX BROWN IMPORTS.

THEY WILL ALSO BE HOSTING A "PAMPER PARTY" LADIES N GENTS...

FACIALS BY MALIKAH DIVINE
HAND SPA by SOUL PURPOSE
SOAPS by BROWN SUGAR NATURALS

GAMES and MORE!!! YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THE FUN, SHARE THIS INFO WITH YOUR FRIENDS & BRING A FRIEND WHEN YOU COME.

Healing Gemstones: Tiger's Eye

2012-02-28T18:11:00.001-05:00

Gemstones are known for being used as adornments in jewelry, but they also are used for their healing properties. Tiger's eye, the stone of self discipline, is a common gemstone that is found in South Africa. Ancient Egyptians believed that tiger's eye would bring the wearer good fortune and protection. Tiger's-eye is polished to show its characteristic band of pearly luminescence. The colors range from a rich golden yellow to dark brown. Those who study the chakra (healing points of energy located throughout the body) believe that tiger's eye is a tool for health and well-being. Some of the benefits are:

Promotes clear thinking, will, courage, and confidence
Attracts beauty and abundance
Helps the bearer to organize details and to be practical
Brings inner peace and calms turmoil,
Eliminates the depression and encourages optimism
Stimulates wealth and enhances the ability to maintain wealth
Aides in sensing what is good and what is evil
Promotes spiritual well-being and psychic protection

Capital City Kwanzaa Festival 2011

2011-12-20T13:44:00.002-05:00

The Williamsburg Road Super Flea Market

2011-10-08T20:59:00.004-04:00

The Williamsburg Road Super Flea Market is an indoor flea market that is open all year. It is located in eastern Henrico on 3302 Williamsburg Rd Richmond, VA 23231. I thought that this flea market had closed, but to my surprise they are still open under new management. I was surprised to see stores like The Ghana House (used to be in VCU area), Afrikongo, 1 Eye Originals, and A Peaceful Place to name a few. You can find a great selection of incense, incense burners, art work, black soap, body oils, unique jewelry, urban apparel, Afrocentric items, computer repair, etc. It is a true unknown gem. Help support local businesses and artisans! If you are looking for a retail space for your small business, they have great low rates to help you get started. Visit their website The Williamsburg Road Super Flea Market Website more information.

Afrikongo

The Ghana House (used to be near VCU)

A Peaceful Place

Down Home Family Reunion 2011

2011-08-17T22:59:00.003-04:00

August 20, 2011

21st Annual Down Home Family Reunion

Down Home Family Reunion, A Celebration of African American Folklife is a downtown weekend festival that celebrates African American folklife with world music and dance, the Heritage Market, special children’s events, interactive site demonstrations and delicious down home food. It is designed to show aspects of West African cultural traditions that are African American and that have been absorbed by the American South. This is one of the Society’s original programs created in1990. (Third weekend in August.)

Juneteenth 2011 - June 18, 2011 Richmond, VA

2011-06-17T12:39:00.002-04:00

Juneteenth National Freedom Day!

Bring the family and join Elegba Folklore Society for Juneteenth 2011, A Freedom Celebration on Saturday, June 18, 3:00 – 11:00p.

Juneteenth 2011, A Freedom Celebration commemorates the oldest African American holiday, Juneteenth National Freedom Day.

Enjoy performances and speakers, The Freedom Market, exhibits and children’s events.

Then, at 8:00p take in the Torch Lit Walk on the Trail of Enslaved Africans to observe the theme, Healing Spirit.

For more information visit http://efsinc.org/.