#NINmeetup: Meet our Speakers

Kenya Patterson aka @HalfieTruths and Kristi Alderson of Kinky Rootz Salon

With less than 5 days away from the big event - I wanted to introduce you to our FEATURED speakers for the #NINmeetup Spring 2014: Kenya Patterson and Kristi Alderson! During the event we'll have a panel discussion where our guests and the NIN team will answer your natural hair questions. So let's talk about our featured guests.

Kenya Patterson, aka @HalfieTruths is the hostess of Curls & Cocktails. Kenya is a writer and blogger in her early 30′s, living in-love, here in Nashville. She describes herself as brassy, loyal, hilarious, and honest. Some think that Kenya is a "natural-hair enthusiast," but she likes to think of herself as a "self-enthusiast" who loves natural hair and uses it as a platform to discuss all things beautiful & real! Her hope is that people are comfortable with who they are, by nature, so if she's guilty of promoting anything, it's self-awareness, growth & happiness by any means necessary! Kenya is looking forward to exchanging energy with you!

Kristi Alderson, owner of Kinky Rootz Hair Salon, an all natural hair salon concept created in October 2004. Kristi is a Licensed Natural Hair Professional and a pioneer in the natural hair community. Her salon is located in the historical Music Row area in downtown Nashville. Kristi has been a licensed professional for 10 years offering chemical-free natural hair services (with the exception of color) to men, women, and children to include  Kristi takes a unique approach providing salon services that "Redefine beauty....Naturally". Her ultimate goal is to educate and nurture individuals on their natural hair journey providing complimentary consultations and salon services without the use of pressing combs, blow dryers, or flat irons.

I selected these two ladies for our panel discussion because every time I've talked with them they ALWAYS kept it real about natural hair and the lifestyle that goes along with it. Kenya and Kristi will be available to answer your questions and offer advice on living this natural hair journey.

 

Of course, the NIN team will be available to answer questions as well. Together we have more than 20 years experience dealing with natural hair. In addition, we all have different curl patterns, styling routines, and experiences as writers for this blog.

We hope this panel discussion is informative and FUN! We may not be able to answer EVERY question, but we will be able to share info.

We can't wait to see you at the #NINMeetup, Sunday, March 30, at the Aveda Institute in Cool Springs!

WHO'S THAT STYLIST?! NATURAL STYLIST Directory COMING SOON!

Just in time for the NINmeetup - we've decided to compile a handy list of Nashville's natural hair stylists and hair salons. Nashville first online natural hair directory is coming soon and we want YOU to be on it. Natural in Nashville receives more than 12,000 views a MONTH! Think of the potential customers that you can reach. You need to be in this DIRECTORY!

Are you an AWESOME hairstylist or owner of a natural hair salon and you'd like to be listed on our page? Please contact me at the email below. We have several listing options to get your name and your business to our readers. See below:

Who Are You:

• Must have a website, FB page, or online social media page that showcases your work
• Working in the Middle Tennessee Area
• Licensed Stylist who specializes in Natural Hair
• Salon Owner with stylists who specialize in Natural Hair
• Loctician working in a salon or home
• Braider working in salon or home

Listing option and payment: 
 
$10 (one-time payment) - Your name and/or salon listed in our handout just in time for the #NINmeetup on March 30, 2014. Each attendee will receive a copy of the listing in their gift bag.

$20 (recurring payment) - Have your name and/or salon listed on our handout for the event AND have your name and/or salon listed on our NEW web directory for 3 months! Renew your listing on the directory every 3 months (or pay a one-time $80 for the entire year). 1000's of readers contact our page for information on stylists in the Nashville area. Have your name, salon, and link, available for a potential customer.

All payment can be made via paypal.

Got questions, wanna be in our directory? Submission/Payments are due by March 15. Contact Melissa at naturalnashville@gmail.com for info.

Melissa's Hair: I'm a model for the Nashville Natural Hair & Wellness Expo!

If you didn't know, Nashville is getting ready to host one of the largest natural hair events in the the southeast! Promoting OPTIMAL Health and OPTIMAL beauty for all, the Nashville Natural Hair & Wellness Expo (October 5,6) is one part natural hair convention, one part health initiative, and one part music series. Natural in Nashville is an official media partner for this event. Keep an eye on our Facebook and Twitter pages for official info and ticket giveaways! It's going to be an awesome event!

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets for the Nashville Natural Hair & Wellness Expo

Surprisingly, I, your humble editor, was asked to be a model for the event. Sort of like a brand ambassador, models for the event wil appear at all the events leading up to the expo as well as appear in the branding an commercials. Our first assignment was being professionally photographed for the ad campaigns. Every model was asked to bring a black outfit and a white outfit and be prepared to get our hair and make-up done.

The natural girl anxiety crept in - someone other than ME was going to do my hair! Oh lord! On the site, we've talked about visiting stylists - some experiences are good, some are bad. I prepared myself to hear the usual - your ends are split, what products do you use, when's the last time you visited a professional stylist, etc, etc, etc. With all my worry, my experience with my hairstylist, Teddy Chislom was phenomenal!

My make-up artist Sylvia, and my hairstylist, Teddy

My hair was washed and conditioned using Design Essentials natural hair line. Design Essentials/Hair We Are are official sponsors of the event. When I sat in the chair, Teddy was attentive, reading  my hair for it's needs. He said my hair was in good shape, of course I needed a trim, "Nothing but a dusting" he said. He even gave me advice on helping my weak edges (a continuous battle) and using heat properly.

I vowed to visit Teddy at least quarterly. Ladies, I suggest you visit Teddy at Beverly's of Nashville for your natural hair needs.  He's been doing hair for more 20 years (natural hair for the last 10 years).

Let's try flexi-rods again!

So what did I get done - FLEXI-RODS! Back in 2011 I attempted flexi-rods on my own - FAIL! See my attempts here. Teddy gave me some tricks to have the best flexi-rod set:

1. Since my 4b hair is so coily, it's better for me to do a light blow-dry to stretch my hair before adding the product.
2. USE a setting lotion/serum and rolling papers. Rolling papers keep ends from curly and becoming frizzy after day 1. Teddy then used Design Essentials Natural Twist and Set Setting Lotion to set the curls in my hair.
3. Use a hooded dryer to set the curls. The hooded dryer gives an even heat without damaging the hair. My hair was dry in under 45 mins.

I loved my look!

My curls were POPPING! Of course I love a bigger look, but I had to admit, this style was a nice change of pace. My curls lasted for almost 7 days. Probably would have lasted longer if not for my workout schedule and my general boredom. LOL!

So, I KNOW you'll be at the Nashville Natural Hair & Wellness Expo - when you see me there, say HOLA! I know I'll have cool style for you to see.

Amber's Hair Diary: Response: Do Naturals Need Hairstylists?

 photo by Chad Coombs of SuisseMade

Over the last few weeks there have been a few posts about whether or not hairstylists are needed for natural hair or why some women with natural hair won’t go to a hairstylist. 

Being in cosmetology school, I felt myself suddenly feeling torn. I have always done my own hair because there seemed to be a lack of hairstylists who were actually willing to engage with my hair. Complaints like "its too thick", being quoted one price then being told I would be charged extra because too long, too thick, or too SOMETHING got tiring. In addition, I became bitter toward those stylists who couldn't deliver. I'd go to the salon with picture in hand and when they turned me around to the mirror it was nothing close. Why couldn’t they just be honest if they didn’t know how to achieve a style? 

As I've journeyed through cosmetology school I've taken all of those hair experiences (good and bad) with me making a conscious effort to not be the type of hairstylist who cannot and will not listen to their clients. Honestly,  there is a misconception in the industry - many stylists forget that we are here to serve the guest.  

Hair is my fabric, my canvas the ultimate for of expression for me.  It is the ultimate payoff when I think about heads of hair walking around the city getting complimented that I helped to create. There is a term that we use called 'Daymaker'. The Daymaker movement is about making the world a better place by making kindness the pinnacle of your daily goals. Ultimately, I am in the cosmetology field because I hold the ability to change my clients life just by having them sit in my chair. Serving them and ultimately making them my whole word - if only for a day. I must give top notch service by doing the service they requested and not the one I think they should have.

 

Cosmetology is not my hustle it is my passion. Due our economy and what I believe to be a growing age of selfishness - people think salon services are over-priced. My response: you pay for what you get. Some folks think that doing hair is easy, especcially in the world of DIY natural hair - you get that a lot. It is easy to say that when your strands are all you know. However, there's some things you should take in to consideration.

1. Your hairstylist is human and not a god.
2.  A good hairstylist is going to see hundreds maybe thousands of heads in a year and successfully be able to cater to and provide a service that specifically meets your hair needs. 
3.  The majority of what hairstylists see and what I see even while in school is color correction.  Truly knowing color and how it is going to react to your hair is an art. Some of ya'll think you know what you're doing and you have no clue. Ever heard of metallic salts? 
4. We are not all heavy handed and I take particular care when I go in to do textured hair for this exact reason. 
5.  I am always willing and open to being educated by my clients but I expect the same in return.    
6.  In finding a hairstylist that is truly for you, you are nothing only helping to support your local economy you are investing in someone’s art.   
7. Finally, it is just hair as much as it’s not just hair, and if you are that overly protective of your strands they I ask you to re-evaluate why? Getting too attached to your hair means eventually you are bound to be setting yourself up for a dramatic disappointment that honestly is probably not that big of a deal.

Ladies and Gentlemen I would love to hear your thoughts on this.  Please chime in!

Ashiya's Hair Diary: Let It Breathe

The Music City Naturals Natural Hair Event was last week and Nashville really enjoyed it.  From the vendors and speakers to the beautiful natural hair and the lovely women who rocked it, it was something special.  
 

Music City Naturals Event: Speakers and Presenters

We are a week away from the Music City Naturals Event on Saturday, May 11, from 1p-7p!!! WOOHOO!! Are you excited? I know I am.

So I know you've been wondering who's going to present at this year's event? Well, the committee has worked hard to get you a comprehensive presentation of speakers to answer all your questions about natural hair, transitioning, protective styles, and even natural skincare. Each speaker is from the Tennessee area - as we made sure develop an event unique to our area. Check out the presenters below:

Schedule of Presenters

We'll begin the speaker series at 1:45p with Kaneesha Martin of the Mahogany Suites Salon in Smyrna. Kaneesha will tackle the topic: "Do I still need a stylist, I'm NATURAL!?" She'll discuss the importance of having a professional eye walk you through the transition process and answer your questions on hair care.

At 2:30p the Design Essentials Style Team will do a haircare demonstration presenting their new line of natural care products. You'll see the team style a natural hair volunteer. The team will be available all day to answer questions about products and services.

3:45p Ashanti Pratt of Braids Ashanti will lead a discussion on Proper Protective Styling. You don't want to miss this discussion as Ashanti tells us how to protect our edges, prevent breakage, and maintain length through protective styling.

Natural haircare always leas to a more natural skin routine, Professional Make-up Artist and esthetician, Contrecia Tharpe of Eternite Day Spa will speak at 4:30. Contrecia will be on hand to answer you skincare questions and give some smart make-up tips.

5:00pm is for our Long-Term Naturals! Been living this natural life for 5 years our more? Well, Tekeisha Brooks of A Natural Affair Beauty Lounge & Salon in Memphis, TN will answer your questions for taking your natural hair to the NEXT LEVEL! Length retention questions? She'll be able to answer all those questions.

The last hour is for the kids! Chloe and Dominique-Alexis from Baby Big Hair will discuss all the ways to care for your little lady or gentleman's natural hair! The children's presentation begins at 5:45.

So there you have it! We can't wait to meet you and swap hair tips! Bring all your questions because our presenters will be available after their scheduled time to answer your questions.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Melissa's Hair: My hair for Nashville Fashion Week

Last week I was invited to report on Nashville Fashion Week (NFW). Since 2010, Nashville Fashion Week has presented local and national designers to our fair town. The proceeds benefit The Community Foundation and help upcoming designers present their vision to the world by starting on our small stage.

As a fashion blogger and wardrobe stylist I always work hard to present have cute wardrobe options to my readers as I attend various events. Now, that I write about natural hair, I wanted to make sure that I presented several hair options for you, my Natural in Nashville, readers.

Many times, women don't let go of the relaxer because they think there aren't alot of styling options available for women with natural hair. Most of the time, women aren't comfortable exploring their new style and have fear that people will make fun or think they look 'crazy' when they rock a different look. Don't let your hair lock you in a cage of emotions and fear.

Below are several hair looks I rocked for Nashville Fashion Week. I hope you are inspired to try a new style.

Day 1 - After coming straight from a family vacation, I went right into NFW. My hair was a shrunken mess and I had no time to wash and deep condition.  So I rocked my 'go-to' style - the Marley Bun. I have a Marley Bun tutorial on our YouTube page - click here. Basically, I pulled my hair into a ponytail then attached the Marley style braiding hair to my hair giving my bun more volume and finesse. Everyone love it!

Day 2 and 3 - Now into the swing of the week, I knew I didn't want to manipulate my hair too much. I went to my local hair store and purchase a half-wig or fall. This is a synthetic hair piece created by FreeTress (style - Creta Girl, color -1B). The piece was really long, so I cut it to bob length to allow for more volume. Underneath, I washed and conditioned my hair then put my hair in flat twists to protect it. I left the bang area out. Using wigs or falls is great way to switch up your look. I used a little water and mousse on my bang area to help my hair blend into the curl pattern of the synthetic hair.

Day 4 - It wad time to switch the style up again. This time I wanted to go for a bold dramatic look because the runway shows were bold and dramatic. I pulled out my old african print fabric that I purchased from the African Street Festival in Nashville. I fashioned the fabric into a high bun and went on. This was the easiest style and my hair stayed protected under the scarf/turban. Click here for a quick/easy turban tutorial on YouTube.

Day 5 - The last day of NFW I was tired yet excited. I made through a whole week and now I was done. What to do with my hair? I finally released my hair from the flat-twists that I rocked under my half-wig and my turban. My hair had great volume so I used two hair combs on each side of my hair and fashioned my hair into a Mohawk. For a bit more dramatic volume, I added some clip in extensions. The extensions are DIY and I used Jazz Water synthetic hair by FreeTress

So there you have it! The four ways I rocked my hair for Nashville Fashion Week. Fun, flirty, elgant, and free, I was able to exhibit various styles for each night.

PHOTO Review: Kid Electric tribute to India Arie

Candice, Toya, and Melissa

Of course the team was in the house to celebrate co-writer, Toya, as she brought back her Kid Electric concert series. Last week I let you know that this event was taking place. The Mercy Lounge was filled to capacity as we listened to Nashville's finest singers perform tributes to India Arie's debut album, Acoustic Soul.

The event kicked off the comeback of Kid Electric concerts - a quarterly music experience that pairs Nashville's local artists with iconic R&B/Soul albums giving performances that benefit local charities. If you did't get a chance to come out - make sure you are available in June when Kid Electric performs the Best of Bad Boy! AWW smack! You know that's gonna be fly!

The house was packed!

Well you know I had to snap some photos of natural hair diva's rocking their style at the event. It was SUPER packed in the venue, but I got a chance to snap a couple photos. Check out these lovely ladies:

Singer, Lo Carter

Melissa's Hair: The Braided Updo

Happy New Year Natural Ones!!

I hope everyone had a joyous season of celebration! Me? I spent time with family and friends. I ate too much and chilled real hard - pretty great times!

Anyway, I wanted to share my holiday hair with everyone.  I wanted to enjoy myself. I thought I'd stick to the Marley Bun I'd been rocking for the last couple of weeks (view video here) but I decided not to. I decided to do something different for the holiday season especially since I would be hosting family and friends. I didn't want to fuss with my hair.

So, I went to my favorite braider, Braids Ashanti, and told her I wanted a braided updo. Five hours later, this is what I walked out with:

If you think it looks tight, uh-yes, you are right! But it got loose around the second or third day. The teeny-tiny braids are swept up into a larger braid. Then Ashanti, crocheted the synthetic afro/marley hair to the top of my hair to give me length and versatility. All my hair is protected under the cornrowed/braided style. When I left her house, she gave me four cool french buns at the top of my hair. As soon as I posted the picture on Instagram and Facebook, I received rave reviews.

The next day, I took the french rolls down and created a dramatic swoop/pompadour on top. This look is my favorite as well. I'm just saying, I'm loving this new braided updo and I will probably rock it a little longer. Let's face it, my hair loves to be braided up and I like the convenience of it.

Here's a close-up of the do and a bit of wear and tear. A week later, my hair still looks nice although my edges as a bit fuzzy.

Many people ask how I maintain my edges when my hair is braided. Well, this handy-dandy combo of Motions leave-in conditioner and Jamaican Black Castor Oil helps keep my hair and scalp moisturized while aiding in maintaining my edges. I spray my edges and in between my braids with leave-in conditioner and seal in the moisture with Jamaican Black Castor oil. Wah-La, Magic!

If you like my up-do and want to try something similar, make sure to check out Ashanti. It's a great alternative to rocking the traditional puff or twist out.

Christmas Wishes Day 10: Super Sampler Gift Pack

You can win ALL this!!!

Well, this is the last Christmas Wishes post for 2012! Christmas Wishes is just the team's way of saying Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas! You made it to 2013 with the curls on top of your head - you didn't get a relaxer and you didn't set your head on fire! LOL!

I want to thank all my sponsors: 1MeNaturally, Tristan's Barber & Style, Eternite Day Spa, Melissa Styles YOU!, Ashiya Swan Yoga + Wellness, Braids by Ashanti, Fanuppa Soaps, and Kiia Bath & Body.

The winners of each giveaway have been contacted via email. The winner's names are also listed under that specific giveaway's post. CLICK HERE to see if you won!

Of course the last giveaway had to be big. So, I went through my closet and compiled a huge gift basket of products to give to you. Being a natural hair & beauty blogger, we get sent ALOT of free stuff. I couldn't possibly use everything sent to me. So, why not give it away. This super sampler pack includes 3 full-size hair products and about 15 samples. I might add a lil bit more to the package before I send it out. This prize pack includes products from:

• Shea Moisture
• Roots of Nature
• Cantu
• Bodycology
• Lustrasilk CurlMax
• Mixed Chicks
• Sally Hansen
• Twists n' Locs
• Isabella's Own
• Curl Care by Dr. Miracle
• Luster's Pink Oil
• Mane n' Tail
• Miss Jessie's
• Hawaiian Silky

So, you know what to do - hit the raffle box below. You have 3 days to enter this contest AND, even if you won a previous giveaway, you can enter to win this one too! So get to clicking!!

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Christmas Wishes Day 8: Eternite Spa

Just two more days left in out Christmas Wishes Product/Service giveaway!I hope you enjoyed all the lovely services and products. Even if you didn't win, make sure to support these wonderful businesses!

Today's giveaway is a great one and from one of my favorite people. Contrecia Tharpe is the owner of Eternite Spa at Salon Image in Nashville, TN. Contrecia (aka Ms. Trecie) is a talented make-up artist and aesthetician. She is fully trained in all the ways of making you look your best. Eternite Spa is a skincare destination that offers facial, waxing, body and makeup services located in the Antioch area and attached to Salon Image.

Ms. Trecie is offering one free facial (valed at $60) to a lucky reader today! 

Visit www.theeternitespa.com for a full service menu!

You know what to do - hit the raffle box below! Good luck!

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CHristmas Wishes Day 7: Ashiya Swan Wellness + Yoga and Radiant Health Institute

Everyone enjoying the giveaways? I'm telling you, there's nothing like winning free stuff! So, lets get started on Day 7.

Although we write for this wonderful website, each of the team members have an awesome passion (i.e. side-hustle) and I'm happy to share Ashiya's passion with you! Ashiya is our resident loc expert but did you know she is also a talented trained Kemetic Yoga teacher and holistic wellness coach trained through Radiant Health Institute? Yes, yes she is! When you meet Ashiya one automatically notices Ashiya's breezy spirit and wonderful demeanor - most of which she attributes to the restorative powers of yoga and a truly balanced life.

Ashiya wants to share her gift with you! She's offering one hour of free yoga and a one hour holistic life coaching session! this is a great way to enter 2013 - getting balanced and prepared to enter the new year with a new outlook on life. This is a great gift! Click below to enter.

One winner will be chosen - must live in the Nashville area or be willing to travel to the area to receive services.

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CHRISTMAS WISHES Day 6: Fanuppa Soaps

We specialized in all-natural, handcrafted soaps, bath, and relaxation products. Scents are from plant based essential oils, coloring is from herbs, roots, and other natural ingredients.

Visit Fanuppa Soaps

Welcome to Day 6 of our Christmas Wishes giveaway! Today's giveaway comes from local business, Fanuppa Soaps. Fanuppa soaps was created in 2008 as a way for the owner (a mother) to find a natural solution to her son's exzcema and her chronic dry skin. Such personal devotion to finding a solution allows Fanuppa develop products that gently crafted and sealed with love. 

Fanuppa Soaps is giving one lucky winner a hand selected gift basket featuring a set of Fanuppa soaps!

Click here to view the various gift baskets

Enter below! Good LUCK!!!

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CHRISTMAS WISHES Day 5: Tristan's Barber & Style

Did everyone have a nice weekend? Well good! Let's get back to the awesome giveaways! Today's giveaway features one of my favorite barbers in Nashville. Seriously ladies (and gentleman), Tristan is THE TRUTH! This celebrity barber is giving away two $25 gift certificates for barber or styling services at his shop. 

Ladies, if you are thinking of doing the big chop in 2013, Tristan is the barber to see. He really knows natural hair. He will clip and style you TWA or low-cut into something sophisticated and fly!

Guys, you think your barber is good, you haven't visited Tristan! Every guy I send to Tristan ends up using him as their permanent barber. Wouldn't you love to say you get your hair cut by the same barber who clips the Titan's hair? Yeah, pretty fly! 

Oh yeah, you can use this gift certificate for the kids. Tristan is great with kids and loves to encourage the youth and give them a good word while he clips their hair. 

So, enter below! Good LUCK!!!

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Christmas Wishes Day 4: Kiia Bath & Body

YAY!! I hope you are enjoying all these wonderful gifts being given this year! Like I said, I love doing the Christmas Wishes giveaway and I LOVE exposing my readers to new stuff! Christmas Wishes DAY 4 presents Kiia Bath & Body!

Click here to read my review of Kiia Bath & Body

 

With all the products the team and I get to try, some things get lost in the shuffle. But when I tell you, my products from Kiia Bath & Body stay on the top of my list - I tell no lies. This new bath & body company in TN sells quality, handmade, bath & body products - most under $10! The product is AMAZING and so good for your skin. I'm totally in love with my body mist; I use it everyday!

So, you really need to get on today's giveaway! Owner, Nashonta McDowell, is giving away one full-size body from the Kiia Bath & Body line - ENTER BELOW:

Our Body Butter is made with shea butter, jojoba butter, cocoa butter, bees-wax, and essential fragrance oil. This soft buttery texture can be applied from your neck to your feet to help moisturize and soften your skin,it is great for dry,chapped or problem skin that requires a rich moisturizer that will not dry-out your skin.

SHOP Kiia Bath & Body on Etsy 

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Stylist Chronicles: Kaneesha Martin at Mahogany Suites

Can Kaneesha handle all this!

Lucky me! Last month, a hair stylist, named Kaneesha Martin of Mahognay Suites in LaVergne, TN, contacted me about gifting me a styling service. Hmm . . . if someone wanted to tame this mane, why not?! Plus, I hadn't had my hair professionally done since going natural. This would be a great experience.

So, Keneesha and I set up a time, and I was on my way. I scheduled my appointment  right near wash day so she cold tame my hair in all it's madness. It was shrunken, slightly dry and definitely needing a wash. I knew my professional experience would be different because Kaneesha emailed me asking if I had any current issues with my hair. The service included a spa/steam treatment. She wanted to use products that would help with any issues I had. At this time, right after removing my braids, my hair was pretty dry and shedding.

Beauty Review: EssenceTree Body Scrubs

Have you heard of EssenceTree? No?! Well let me introduce you. EssenceTree, meet NIN readers. Readers, meet EssenceTree.

EssenceTree makes a range of products: facial care, hair oils, body butters, and soap. These are handmade and natural products. I've smelled most of their scents and everything I've inhaled smells absolutely divine. (But truth be told, I'm a sucker for natural products that don't smell like dirt. Sue me.)

This post is about the body scrubs. I have been using the scrubs for months.  Since winter is on it's way I figure you shouldn't cuddle up to someone with fresh coconut oil in your hair while your skin feels like sandpaper. II thought this would be a great time of year to add the scrubs to my permanent routine. Each scrub is made with minerals salts, organic sugar, plant oils, Shea butter, organic Castile soap and organic botanicals, your skin is sure to be exfoliated and loved unlike ever before (source)

Here's my take on their body scrubs:

The Good

• They smell amazing. Sat Ra doesn't smell like any other product I've used, so there's nothing to compare it to. They also have a pineapple mango and a coffee scrub.
• These scrubs serve their purpose really well. They effectively remove dead skin* and dirt while consistently leaving my skin feeling  fresh and new.
• I feel like this lets me skip a couple of steps after a shower. I use these after cleansing. The scrubs are oils and salts and soap. So I get to clean, exfoliate, moisturize, and smell good. No lotion or sprays needed after a shower.
• Two words: Natural. Ingredients.
• This may fall under "other" to some, but I enjoy supporting a company that was started right here in Nashville and makes good, natural products. So yes, this is part of "the good".

The NOT SO Good

• Plan on using this in the shower? Then you should also plan on having a hand rail, or some of those shower floor decals that prevent you from slipping and falling. Check the description above. This scrub contains oils. Granted, these oils are fragranced and make your skin feel AMAZING, but they also coat your shower floor. So have good balance. if you do not have good balance, then be careful. And remember to clean your shower after use.

The 'OTHER'

• That * earlier? Well * is because that is a good and bad thing. Unlike most other scrubs I use, this scrub has less... refined salts. At least I think refined is the word. They do effectively remove skin, but you don't actually have to SCRUB to do it. My first time using this scrub I accidentally rubbed myself red. I didn't have to try hard to overexfoliate. So be gentle with yourself. 

So there you have it. My review of EssenceTree body scrubs. The product is well worth the buy. I'm a repeat purchaser. I know these products are available in the Whole Body section at Whole Foods and at the EssenceTree Website.

The 30th Annual African Street Festival showcased natural divas and fantastic African-American History

Every year the African-American Cultural Alliance hosts the African Street Festival. The festival boasts more than 50 vendors and informational booths, performances, and informational seminars. Each year the festival get better especially with the recent location change. The Alliance has moved the festival to Hadley Park in North Nashville. Guests love the change. It builds a sense of community and the historic park, once a plantation, can support more guests.

The Natural in Nashville crew: (l to r) Candice, Toya, Ashiya, and Melissa

The NIN team met at the Festival to snap photos, eat tasty food, and socialize with our readers! Let me tell you, it was so nice to meet you guys. It makes me so excited about our upcoming meet-up (It's coming ya'll, I promise). So let's get to my favorite photos. Make sure to hit up the Facebook page to see even more photos! Click the link below to read more: