Toia B.closeAuthor: Toia B.Name: Toia Barry Email: tobnatural@gmail.com Site: About:
Toia B. is a wife, mom and natural hair enthusiast. This online platform has become a resource for positive images of women with textured hair and useful hair care advice. Since going back to natural in the Fall of 2009, Toia’s aim has been to inspire and share what she has learned to help others embrace their natural beauty.
I’m amazed at how many talented and inspiring people I’ve come across via social media, especially Instagram. NYC artist/illustrator Sharee Miller is one such person. One look at her drawings and you can’t help but smile. But, there’s more to this naturalista’s art than a series of lines and pretty colors. Here’s her story… Have you always worn you hair in its natural state? If not, when and why did you decide to go back to your natural texture? What was the reaction of your family and friends? Sadly no. Just like many others, I begged for a relaxer in 6th grade and I got it. My hair was long and straight but by 8th grade it all broke off. Since then, I have had short hair and grown to like it. Then while I was in college all my friends were beginning to make the transition back and loving it…
Toia B.closeAuthor: Toia B.Name: Toia Barry Email: tobnatural@gmail.com Site: About:
Toia B. is a wife, mom and natural hair enthusiast. This online platform has become a resource for positive images of women with textured hair and useful hair care advice. Since going back to natural in the Fall of 2009, Toia’s aim has been to inspire and share what she has learned to help others embrace their natural beauty.
I first discovered Nicole Updegraff back in 2010 when a friend introduced me to the children’s book she had written and illustrated. I cracked it open. With the turn of each page, I smiled bigger and brighter. By the end, I was nodding in admiration. Finally, someone stepped up and produced something so simple yet profound. The message was clear: love yourself. This was so needed! Fast forward to today. I’ve been keeping my eye on Nicole’s success as an artist and illustrator. She stays true to herself and her message through the talent that she now shares with an international audience. Yeah, she’s pretty dope! Meet Nicole… Let’s begin with some hair talk! Have you always worn you hair in its natural state? If not, when and why did you begin the journey back to your natural texture? What was the reaction of your family and friends? No. I…
You bring it, she paints it! Your favorite “Afro Artist” Ashley White aka Ash the Painter will be in Orange, NJ this evening at Meko, New York Natural Hair Care Spa & Boutique hand-painting your tees, sweatshirts, tank tops… whatever! Word on the street is she might even sing a lil bit. 😉 For $35, Ash will be painting “Autumn Attitude” (above) on whatever article of clothing you bring in. But wait, there’s more! From each painting, Ash will donate $5 to Simeko’s Born to Be a Natural Leader Teen Workshop Program which aims to help young women build self-esteem and embrace their natural beauty all the while helping them develop valuable career skills. Good stuff, huh?! Head on down after work and watch Ash as she turns your apparel into a gorgeous work of art. 5:30 pm-8:30 pm Meko, New York Natural Hair Care Spa & Boutique 616 Freeman…