Carmen's Blog

Time, She's Leaving, Envy

2012-01-06T00:04:00.001-05:00

She's Leaving!
When clients move, I get a little misty eyed. Yes, I'm emotional. Zo has been my client since her install in April 2010. My 13th install client!

Envy!
As I was doing her hair, I wished mine looked like hers. I always wish my Sisterlocks looked like my clients. There's something unique about each person's hair that makes me want mine just like that. It can be the size, length, cut, style, color, bounce, smoothness, or texture that brings that ooh la la feeling over me.

Time!
Looking at the journey over photos is the best way to see progress. Sisterlocks are instantly rewarding because it doesn't take long to see magic. The thickness comes in after shampooing a few times. They maintain the length as it grows so it seems like they grow an inch overnight.

Zo, I wish you a happy journey up north!

Natural Hair Shows, Vending & I

2012-01-05T00:31:00.001-05:00

I have a love, hate relationship with vending.

I applaud anyone that can mass produce anything they make. Most artists don't like doing the same thing over and over. There's got to be a break in the monotony, or seriously stubborn will-power. Building inventory is a feat because you have to find and be able to buy supplies. Then there's everything else. The tables, business cards, mirrors, tools, displays, tissue, and bags. I know I'm missing something from this list and I will miss something once I'm at the show. How much inventory is needed is a huge factor too. I could buy a truck load of supplies and it will not be enough.

It's one thing to see items on the display. It's when I demonstrate the product that gets the ooh-do-it-again. I always get a little teary eyed. But after a few hours of that, I want an assistant or a looping video of people putting on the products. I want a whole team like Miss Jessie and them.

Driving around in downtown ATL and on 20s, 85s, 70s is for the birds. Driving more than two hours has my nerves on edge. Sleeping in hotels, I can't stand it. I don't want my skin touching the bed, floor, shower curtains, toilet.

With all of that said, the worst thing that happened to me is a lady tried to haggling. Vendors have already cut prices ridiculously low for quick sells. Don't insult us.

I've summed up what I don't like so here's why I still get out there every now and again.

People recognizing me from the internet is so tickling.

People buying and wearing my accessories is still surreal.

tomokastwists.com

Camera Shy ~ 32nd Sisterlock Install Client

2011-12-21T13:28:00.001-05:00

Install took about 12 hours.

Ms. J Rabbit ~ 31st Sisterlocks Install Client

2011-11-29T18:34:00.001-05:00

Client wanted a swoop and the first thing that came to mind was Jessica Rabbit. It took a long time to complete her hair.

Kitty Bella 30th Install Client

2011-11-24T02:01:00.001-05:00

Well, we did discuss being a number, being the '30'. When sitting for hours on end you learn a few things about each other and something will hit me and I'll think, "I have a name for you already". With Kitty Bella I was going to go with Soft Paws, Ms. Swan, Bella, or Kitty from a few movies we watched. I actually coined myself Soft Paws because of my skills with my hands and low nails like Kitty 'Soft Paws' of Puss in Boots who has no nails at all. We also watched Twilight so I couldn't leave out Bella Swan. Maybe with 31, I'll just focus on remembering the real name.

Kitty Bella took roughly 11 hours. Hair has relaxed ends and was heat styled.

Brooklyn We Go Hard ~ 29th Client

2011-11-09T17:24:00.001-05:00

"Brooklyn's Finest" is my 29th install client. Her session was completed over two days in 11.5 hours. Her hair is about eight inches long so I was thinking it would take much long. Being that Brooklin's Finest has low hair density in some places and fine strands, I used medium to large locks. Also, her head is rather small and I was drinking coffee.

New Products & Code TENEXTRA

2011-10-26T20:35:00.003-04:00

A friend asked me why I kept buying beads when I had bags, boxes, drawers, and organizers full of beads. I answered, "Because I need them." Goodness! After going through my collection, I realized I was hoarding many items because I'm afraid I won't find them again. This time instead of stashing them way in the back of the drawer never to see the day of light, I'm selling them and will continue to dig around. Thank you for your support!

Please visit Tomoka's Twists & use code TENEXTRA for 10% off your next order. Code ends 11/1/11 11PM EST! Free S/H on orders $30+, no code needed just shop.

Latching Gone Wrong

2011-09-16T15:25:00.003-04:00

This is extreme. The locks were latched improperly and appears that a pattern was not maintained while retightening. Instead this looks like the lock was taken back through the root the same way each time, several times.

Special love to M. George the author of The Knotty Truth.

27th Client's Install Photos

2011-08-17T17:26:00.004-04:00

Gwen's install was completed in less than 13 hours over two days.

Natasha ~ 26th Sisterlock Install Client

2011-08-13T00:22:00.004-04:00

Natasha's Sisterlocks were completed in two days August 9 & 10 in 16 hours.

Give-Away: Pink Petals Set & Naturaleza

2011-07-24T22:57:00.002-04:00

Please visit Naturaleza's blog for your chance to win this set!

Social Media Networking & Marketing Advice

2011-07-21T16:48:00.003-04:00

With more and more home-based businesses starting and using social networking to market their products, it's good to have a few tips on how to work these free advertising venues.

1. Follow the rules. If you join a group or website that has rules, then follow them. When you break rules, you are a trouble maker, not a revolutionary. Other group members will think, know, you're just there for marketing and don't care enough to learn about the group and support its members. Ultimately, you might even be banned from the group and your company becomes the one that was kicked out of the circle. You lose because groups have valuable information and even potential customers.

2. Don't steal friends. To sit there and go through another businesses friends' list is down right rude. Facebook and twitter have made it easy for you to find people who share similar interests, add them if you want more followers. If you're just starting out and all of sudden you have all the same friends as another shampoo maker, something just doesn't seem logical even with the friend suggestions. Plus, their customers will be quick to call you on it. Instead do the work to get friends, that way you're adding slower and actually get a little inkling of who the person is.

3. Don't abuse tagging. Don't just randomly tag people that you really don't know. Yes, the site is free and you can do what you like, but it costs you in long run. Would you want other businesses tagging you and filling your pages with their items? When you start tagging it becomes a two-way street. Will you be happy, jealous, or angry when your friends start liking and buying from those who tag you and link on your pages? You have your pages so link them from your blog or website, cross-feed twitter and facebook, and suggest your fan page to friends. Also, if you want to get an item noticed by others, then share a post/link from your business page and tag yourself. That way whoever is following you will see it in their feed. It's just that simple.

4. Give, interact, and be thankful! Try to interact with other companies and your customers while giving them something useful. If you have a little advice or a product you like, share it. Be sure to check your pages and tweets for comments to answer questions and give thanks for compliments and retweets. And when all else fails and you think you have nothing to give, give your services or your product. A give-away is a quick way to get everyone excited, including yourself!

What this all boils down to, is don't be lazy. If you really think about it, all it takes is time and a little effort to reply, say thank you, post a link, and network. That little effort really does pay off if you are consistent. When you take short-cuts you will come up short.

This is a post from tomokastwists.blogspot.com

What advice do you have for promoting your business on social media outlets?

No Comments - It's Ok.

2011-07-15T15:42:00.003-04:00

A few times I've read blogs about people not getting comments and how they feel nobody supports them. Or that AfroMyNaturalHairIsHotFireAndI'veBeenBloggingForManyYears has a clique and they comment on everything she posts. When I first saw these 'comment on my blog posts' I felt pity for the blogger. Then it sort of looks desperate, demanding, and ungrateful. So, I offer a little advice on blogging.

1. Don't start the blog just to get comments, become popular, or make money. If your heart is not in it, you will be easily discouraged when things are moving slowly.

2. Give it time. It takes a while time to build a blog following.

3. Show yourself. If you have a make-up blog, don't just copy/paste the make-up all the time. Show yourself in it. Do a slideshow or video with you putting on the make-up. Sharing a recipe? Have somebody snap a photo of you or you take one of somebody eating it.

4. Ask questions or opinions! Folks love to talk, but sometimes need to be given the mic to speak up.

5. Bring people to your blog. If you have facebook & twitter and the rest of them, tell people that you have a new blog post.

6. Don't look pitiful, ungrateful, or desperate. Always, be welcoming, humble, and helpful.

Tumblr Anyone? Did I Make That Right?

2011-06-04T14:20:00.003-04:00

I forgot who to told me about tumblr. I remember it was a message on facebook. I just looked and it was @MelzieC on facebook who is also on twitter. Mmmhmm. I signed up for tumblr when it first started out and just now posting to it. What is it like? It's like a really thoughtful twitter app with photos and videos showing up in the time line, meaning no clicking on links. It's like facebook without the games and junk? It's like blogs but with more interaction. It's the bomb!

Catch me on there! tomokastwists.tumblr.com

If you don't catch me, then here is my first post. 'Did I Make That Right?'

When I haven’t made something in a while, I forget how to make it. This used to bother me because I designed the item. But when I pick up the supplies, more than likely if I forget, I’ll come up with something different. It is better or worse than the first design? I would say the designs are interchangeable. In my faqs I do state that I am an artist and sometimes my creativity comes out differently. Yet, in order to keep customers happy with the item they see on the website, I do refer back to the photo. I’d rather play it safe, than mix up the beads in an order that the buyer may not like. So, I’m looking to see if I made this hair tie the right way. For those of you curious, I did make it the right way, but these beads are flat compared to being oval puffs.

North Carolina Natural Hair Care Expo

2011-06-01T15:55:00.003-04:00

The Natural Hair Care Expo is returning to Raleigh, June 11th and 12th. If you were there last year, it's in the same place. I will be there vending! Come stop by my booth! http://northcarolinanaturalhaircareexpo.com/

Hair Ties $10!

2011-05-16T22:22:00.004-04:00

Hello everyone! These wood hairties were popular hit the first time I listed them, so I'm bring them back and priced lower than before. This sale ends 5/20/11 11:59PM EST. Pick up a few while they last.

Click to purchase these little darlings.

Myisha is wearing Paula I ~ Thank you so much for sending in this photo!

Painted Desert returns!

Advice for Sisterlock Trainees and Consultants

2011-05-04T01:10:00.003-04:00

This is a reply to RareJewel of NY in the LockItUp yahoo group. Dominica of the group suggested I post it to my blog. Good thinking!

Hello Jewel,
Put your trust in God and scared money don't make money. I wasn't looking to
get clients or become a consultant. I was just curious to what was being done
to my hair. I shared that I took the class on my blog and in here, but it was
the registry that brought people my way. People on a budget seized the fact
that I was a trainee and would need 3 qualifying clients to become certified.
They knew or assumed that I would offer a discount and I did. Some people will
not want to be your first client or even go to a trainee. There will be a brave
soul out there who'll be happy and proud to have bragging rights of being your
first of many!

A perfect first client, will be somebody who is not overly picky. Find somebody
who has done their homework and knows Sisterlocks, but is lenient to mistakes
and varying sizes. My first client was a doll! She wanted to be able to do her
own hair and wanted a large size. So, try to get somebody with a nice tight
texture that lends better to locking with shorter hair who might want large
Sisterlocks. Regardless to length, texture, or size, take your time and work in
short sessions. Let your client know that it will take a few days if you need
that much time.

Practice retightening your own hair so that you can at least say that.
Personally, I would give a side eye to a new trainee who didn't do their own
hair. It's harder doing your own hair. So when people DIY, I'm automatically
impressed with them and would let them do my hair. Your first client might even
be a retightening client, not an install client. Work on your mannequin so that
you don't forget the how to do the patterns. Do different sizes and work on
speed with her.

I took the class in September and December I installed my first client. At the
time I had two regular retightening clients.

As far as getting clients, get some business cards and or fliers, so when you
get compliments you can give them a card. You can ask stores geared to us if
you could leave fliers with them. Advertise in here. Join the Sisterlock
facebook page and friend other Sisterlockers. Join natural hair meetup.com
groups in your area and go to natural hair events. Blog about your experience
so if they like to surf the net they can follow your journey. Have your
favorite blogs and resources to refer to them. I use blogs as a way to show
styles, sizes, and how they look from the very start, to a month, to years out.
I really like blogs because you start with the most recent pictures with it all
full and work your way back. When they see that Blaqkofi started off with the
scalpy look it's reassuring that their hair will fill out. Showing Dewdrop's
DIY videos helps the budgeting or hands on clients.

When talking about Sisterlocks, people want to know how they are done, can they
come out, what you can do with them as far as styling, and how they are
different than other locks. Be prepared. When telling them how they are
different - the pattern holds the lock not product, the woven technique, the
smaller size, strength, versatility - never ever put down another lock type.
There is nothing wrong with other dreadlocks. Plus, you never knew if they have
had other locks or if a relative has other locks.

Do not to look at this as a cash cow and take clients because the getting is
good. When you are on the phone with a person or during a consultation, listen
carefully to the person. People pick who they want to do their hair, so pick
who's hair you want to do. Some people say take the money and run. If you are
able to separate this being a partnership with your client, then take the money.
If you become attached to your work, then the head ache of an ill client will
make you want to shave their head and take your work back.

Answer your phone and return calls. People screen calls and won't answer to
numbers that they don't know and wait for them to leave a message. With numbers
I don't know, I always answer with 'Hello, MiMi speaking. How may I help you?'
Not the questioning 'hello'. In your message mention that you are a Sisterlocks
professional or trainee. Check your email daily because some people feel better
just emailing.

Get a bar chair with cushion, possibly a mat, and a wide salon chair. Get a
good pair of shoes that are comfortable. I like to switch shoes because after a
few hours they all start to feel like metal on concrete.

Keep your tools on you at all times. Get an apron or put it in your pocket.
Never leave your tools out of site. Keep it in a pouch or case and return it to
it when doing your own hair. People will come get their hair retightened, pay
you, steal your tools, and then say they do Sisterlocks and have your tools to
make it look legit. If one of your tools gets lost or stolen, call immediately
to get another one. They are cheap and Sisterlocks will ship those out fast
even when they take a while to ship products.

Become friends with other trainees/consultants. I have had to mail a tool to a
consultant and take a tool to trainee. You can partner with them when doing
natural hair meet-ups/expos and the Sisterlocks events. It's also
nice to have somebody to talk to who knows what you're talking about too.

I wrote too much to proofread. I did finish fifth grade even though it might not
seem like it.

Good luck to you and enjoy the class,
Carmen

Whip It Real Good ~ Bath & Body Review

2011-04-13T12:58:00.007-04:00

I have been indulging in handmade bath and body products and I think they are worth a high five, chin up, fist bump, and a purchase.

One of the first products I feel in love with is one I actually won! It pays to enter contests. I received samples of Khemet Botanicals Vegetable Body Wash in Abaco Juju along with Let It Whip Body Souffle in the same fragrance. This body whip is delightfully light and full of moisture. My face gets dry and this is a perfect way to enjoy the benefits of a shea butter mix without it being heavy and greasy. It's texture is like mousse and is nice for hot summers when anything on the skin feels smothering. It absorbs readily and you don't have to wait to put on clothes or just use it at bed time or on your feet.

I've been an admirer of Itiel the owner of Smell Goods '98 for some time now. When she said that she was going to do a live broadcast with Q & A, I joined the chat. I'm glad I did because she just happened to drop a coupon code for $5 off any purchase. I already knew what I wanted and didn't hesitate in grabbing Sugar Whips from her Stay Sweet collection which has positive

affirmations for young ladies and ladies young at heart. It's a fun body wash in that it's fluffy in texture and has sugar for exfoliation. I've tried liquid body washes that exfoliate, but Sugar Whips is totally different and I get excited each time I use it.

The next product up is the heavy duty type of product for ashy elbows, stretching a pedicure feet, and lizard skin. It can also be used on hair too. If you don't know me by know, I have never locking Sisterlocks and they don't like products. With that said, I can't do a review on how this works on hair. I came across the owner of DIY Hair Care Products on Twitter and was drawn to her and the hair/body butter. I was in need of a good shea butter mix that I can use after a good soak and pamper me time. After a few tweets and admiring each others products, we decided to barter. I love bartering! I received 3 4oz jars of Whipped Body & Hair Butter in lavender, energy, and cake. I enjoy all of the scents, but energy has an edge on the others for now.

New Items!

2011-03-26T22:18:00.004-04:00

S. Elegance ~$12

Woodie IV ~ $14 (Bulk prices available)

Set is $28

Blue Jean I Set ~ $25

Amarilla ~ $12-20

Please stop by the website! There's a few deals along with these new accessories. Sign up for the newsletter for discount code and create your on sale! http://tomokastwists.com

25th Client's Install

2011-03-16T16:39:00.002-04:00

Keenya's Hair took roughly 12 hours to complete. Yes! And I found my 24th client's parting photos. Yes!

24th Sisterlocks Install Client

2011-02-28T17:31:00.004-05:00

I took a bunch parting photos, but I can't seem to find them on my card. These right after the install photos came out great. Jamila is wearing C. U. Shine copper Tomoka's Twists in the half locked/half puff photo. I no longer try to calculate time minus breaks, so 17 hours including breaks, eating, and youtubing.

23rd Install Client

2011-02-28T17:26:00.002-05:00

22nd Install Client

2011-02-08T23:24:00.001-05:00

First Client's Third Year

2011-01-10T12:36:00.002-05:00

Aww! Look how long they are! Go Trina!

Selling on the Blog

2010-12-16T01:46:00.005-05:00

With money being tight or just wanting to sell items quick, fast, and in a hurry is easy to do on your blog. Put a PayPal button on your site with a photo and you're set.

Set up a merchant account which takes 2-3 days. Pick out your button, set tracking, quantity, and other details. Get the code!

Come back to blogger with your code. Click Design way up there at the top. Click on Add a Gadget on your side bar or wherever you want it. Click on the + for HTML/Java Script. Add a title and paste the code into the Content area. Click Save.

If you use Wordpress, then let us know how you do it!