Reasons to Celebrate Being a Natural Hair Diva!
September 1, 2011 by keisa
Filed under Lifestyles, Natural Hair | 
Print
Comments Off
The past two months have been amazingly full, but no complaints on my end at all! We had a great time at the August meetup of the Birmingham Naturalistas at the North Birmingham Public Library. This meetup group I founded is flourishing by the way under the leadership of organizer Marlecia Chavers. Stay tuned for great events coming up the next few months, like a product swap Sept. 10th at the Birmingham Public Library starting at 3pm. This is a partnership between the two meetup groups here in Birmingham — Birmingham Natural Beauties and The Birmingham Naturalistas. Email Katrina Watson at birminghamnaturalbeauties@gmail.com to let her know what product you will swap.
At the inaugural August meeting of The Birmingham Naturalistas, I had a chance to share why natural hair divas should celebrate. Where we are is nothing short of remarkable in this natural hair movement. Here’s a recap of what I shared per Javacia Harris Bowser in her blog, www.georgiamae.com.
Javacia wrote:
Lately, my social life seems to be dominated by Birmingham’s natural hair scene. And I’m completely OK with that. Thanks to groups like the Birmingham Natural Beauties I’m filling my free time attending exciting events that not only empower women of color but also unite us.
On Sunday I attended an event hosted by The Birmingham Naturalistas, another local natural hair group. It was founded by Keisa Sharpe of The Natural Hair Diva and is run by Marliceia Chavers.
There were games and door prizes and Sharpe gave a brief talk to offer us ladies a bit of encouragement. Her talk was titled “5 Reasons You Should Celebrate Being the Natural Hair Diva That You Are.”
1. There is no one quite like you. Sharpe told us to look at ourselves as an
original work of art and that it’s silly to try to copy someone else.
Interestingly enough, during the event I was chatting with a few women about
what prompted them to go natural and one woman told me she decided to make a
change after she looked around her hair salon one day and realized her ‘do
looked exactly like everyone else’s.
2. With natural hair you’ve discovered an authentic style that can bring
confidence and boldness. Sharpe said that revealing and sporting her natural
hair texture was nothing short of a spiritual experience.
3. The variety of styles you can wear with natural hair is
unmatched.
4. The support you’ll find is absolutely incredible. Groups like Birmingham
Natural Beauties and The Birmingham Naturalistas are proof of this as are the
plethora of natural blogs and YouTube channels out there.
5. People are working on your behalf to bring you all you need to help you on your natural hair journey. There are so many programs and expos in cities across the country to support women who want to embrace their natural hair but struggle to do so because of disparaging comments from family and friends and
for fear that they won’t be taken seriously at work.
As Birmingham’s natural hair scene booms I’m glad to be on the forefront and always hoping that this is not a fad but a movement.
Thanks Javacia for the report! Here’s the link to the article on her site: http://www.georgiamae.com/2011/08/5-reasons-to-celebrate-being-natural.html. Sign up to receive other cool stories from her, too. Shout out also to Tiffeny Currier for writing an article, too on her online magazine. http://bpositivemag.com/2011/08/23/tears-fall-for-birmingham-naturalistas/. She’s another great one to follow. Keep supporting us Birmingham. We really need you:)
***Article written by Keisa “The Natural Hair Diva” Sharpe. Sign up for more blog posts at www.thenaturalhairdiva.com, “like” her on Facebook.com/TheNaturalHairDiva and on Twitter @Ilovemyownhair for more hair inspiration and events.
The Latest on Birmingham’s Natural Hair Scene
August 13, 2011 by keisa
Filed under Lifestyles, Natural Hair | Print
Comments Off
The Natural Hair Diva hanging with supporters Katrina Watson, Darrius Peace and Marliceia Chavers during The Birmingham Naturalistas first breakfast meet and greet in Center Point in July.
Just about a month ago, The Birmingham Naturalistas came together for a breakfast meet and greet in Center Point. Well, it’s just about that time again. This weekend, many of you will have another unique opportunity to come together to discuss your natural hair journey and meet other natural divas who are on the same path. As I look into this, natural hair is the conversation starter. But what is happening is so much greater than hair. Women are laying aside the excuses, celebrating their differences and uniting to help one another embark on what I would easily call a journey of a lifetime in embracing and growing natural hair. I love what I’m seeing.
So…as always, here are a couple of tools to help you out. Sunday, August 14 the Birmingham Naturalistas will meet at the North Birmingham Library at 2501 31st Street North. This format will be more discussion-based and relaxed, and will feature great giveaways. Even if you’re not a member, come out for some great fun with a few girlfriends! Then next month, Faith Chapel Christian Center will host a women’s expo that will feature two natural hair seminars. Here, you’ll be able to ask questions about products, tips and see some great natural hair styles. That date is September 17. I’ll have more details to come on this in my next post.
In the meantime divas, Happy Trails!
***Article written by Keisa “The Natural Hair Diva” Sharpe. Sign up for more blog posts at www.thenaturalhairdiva.com, follow her on Facebook.com/TheNaturalHairDiva and on Twitter @Ilovemyownhair for more hair inspiration and events.
Natural Hair Divas: Birmingham and Beyond
July 23, 2011 by keisa
Filed under Lifestyles, Natural Hair | Print
Comments Off
- Keisa “The Natural Hair Diva” Sharpe
Birmingham’s Natural Hair Community is alive and well…now it’s time to move that momentum forward. I’m excited at the number of you hosting gatherings and moving into true you acceptance. In fact, we just hosted a meet and greet breakfast as part of the Birmingham Naturalistas meetup group. The dialogue was riveting and awe-inspiring.
As you continue to awaken to all the possibilities of being true naturalistas, I want to continue to ignite a forward momentum in this community. I will seize every opportunity that comes available in the Magic City to educate, motivate and inspire you to love your natural tresses. But, I will also take this “I Love My Own Hair” movement to other cities in our state and nation. The momentum is there and I know solidly that my adopted hometown backs me 100%. Other Alabama cities must be represented and inspired. Other cities across our nation need leaders in this movement. And those who are already leading natural hair meetup models need support, and I will lend it.
So, here’s part of my expanded mission:
*I will continue the mission to push education and self-love with the growth of my non-profit “I Love My Own Hair” in Alabama and beyond. I will use this to provide more resources to natural hair lovers.
*I will host and participate in natural hair meetups across Alabama and the nation. I will be a presenter at meetups in Gadsden, Atlanta and Orlando and support gatherings in other cities.
*I will continue to write inspiring articles for my Web site, other online blogs and local, regional and national magazine publications. In addition to partnering with Urbanham, my partnerships also include CurlyNikki.com. Check out her site, you won’t be disappointed.
Those are the major goals that will produce major results. Again, I recognize I cannot do it alone. I need your support.
- You can like my Facebook page and suggest it to friends www.facebook.com/TheNaturalHairDiva.
- You can visit my Web site www.thenaturalhairdiva.com.
- You can follow me on Twitter @Ilovemyownhair.
Great things are in store. Are you ready Birmingham? I know I am…
***Article written by Keisa “The Natural Hair Diva” Sharpe. Sign up for more blog posts at www.thenaturalhairdiva.com, follow her on Facebook.com/TheNaturalHairDiva and on Twitter @Ilovemyownhair for more hair inspiration and events.
Birmingham Naturalistas: Where Do We Go From Here?
July 14, 2011 by keisa
Filed under Lifestyles, Natural Hair | Print
Comments Off
Formal meetups…small gatherings…support groups… we have that and more when it comes to natural hair in the Birmingham community and it is exciting to watch it unfold. In fact, we have a breakfast meetup scheduled at the Golden Corral in Center Point Saturday, July 23 starting at 8:30 a.m. So the next question is — where do we go from here? I have a few ideas and plans, but the general answer for that is we go bigger, better and increase awareness and support.
I realize that I cannot do it alone…so I’m committed to supporting others who have like-minded visions and I ask you to do the same. Sure, I’m a natural hair advocate and I whole-heartedly support women and men who love and care for their God-given strands. But the lesson and my mission here is much greater. I’m an advocate of any movement, idea or function that promotes unity and particularly with natural hair, self-love. It’s no secret that low self-esteem contributes to a number of personal and some would even argue societal ills. Well, I’ve seen how this journey can and will bolster a woman’s self-esteem. I’ve seen the transformative power and support through meetups. I’ve seen the love that flows from connecting with like-minded naturalistas. We are women who are hungry, not just for information on natural hair, but for edification and encouragement on this journey; yearning to hear someone say, “You are beautiful, just as you are.”
This has been a beautiful, awe-inspiring journey for me and my heartfelft prayer, as I begin the next leg of the journey, is that more women come to know and love not just their natural hair, but also themselves. Next week, I’ll share some of the things I have in store and what direction I’m moving in. Happy Trails, natural divas!
***Article written by Keisa “The Natural Hair Diva” Sharpe. Sign up for more blog posts at www.thenaturalhairdiva.com, follow her on Facebook.com/TheNaturalHairDiva and on Twitter @Ilovemyownhair for more hair inspiration and events.
One Big Thanks Birmingham!
July 1, 2011 by keisa
Filed under Lifestyles, Natural Hair | Print
Comments Off
Keisa "The Natural Hair Diva" Sharpe
Thanks Birmingham for showing up and showing out at the Magic City meetup! More than 300 of you packed into Meeting Room J of the BJCC June 25th to talk hairstyles, support vendors and fellowship with other naturalistas. My prayer is that you left with something good.
Seeing your faces inspires me to keep working to bring you more information to help you care for your natural hair. But just seeing all of you under one roof was so inspiring too…and it motivates me daily. Not only do I hope you took away some tips or encouragement to stay the journey, I also hope you made connections with other like-minded women. Vendors were set up selling all natural products and demonstrating natural hair styles. And did you see some of the cool fashion? T-shirts, hair goodies and some of the earrings were just sharp. Next time, we’ll do it bigger and better, and I’d like to hear from you regarding what you want to see. Would you like a stylists’ panel? More time to see the vendor setups, or more time to meet and greet other women? Write me at keisa@thenaturalhairdiva.com.
Meanwhile…after my speech…I was working as usual! I recorded some videos from the meetup. First one…I talked to LaToya Miles…co-organizer of the Magic City meet up about takeaway points. Go to my Youtube.com channel for the video. Also, shout out to my volunteers who helped set up at my table. Don’t they look fabulous? You ladies rock! I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again…GREAT things are happening in the natural hair community in Birmingham. Stay tuned…
***Article written by Keisa “The Natural Hair Diva” Sharpe. Follow her on Facebook.com/TheNaturalHairDiva and on Twitter @Ilovemyownhair.
The Magic City Meetup is Here!
June 25, 2011 by keisa
Filed under Lifestyles, Natural Hair | Print
Comments Off
- Latoya Miles
I was bored with my relaxed tresses. I was also annoyed with the process of a relaxer. My mother and husband were my true motivators. My mother, a breast cancer survivor was a bonus. Watching my mother lose her hair not by choice prompted my decision, which led me to “BIG CHOP”.
I simply keep my hair moisturized at all times. My tresses love water and oil. I
love a big “Juicy” twist out, Braid out and up-do! When I say “Juicy” I mean a
well-moisturize twist out
The idea came from watching countless YouTube videos on Natural Hair Meet-ups. I also wanted to be apart such a powerful movement. This Meet-up is not just about hair, it’s about embracing your beauty inside and out.
This event is full of show and tell. It will show women that Natural Hair is Beautiful. It will also reveal the truth about going Natural and how empowering it is. I want women to no longer have a misconception about Natural Hair This is a Natural Hair Event, however it’s for all women to take the information and make their own “hair” decisions. Natural Hair is here to stay. We have the information, products, encouragement, how-to-tutorials, more Natural Hair Stylist to keep inspiring other women.
- Kudos to LaToya Miles and her partner for bringing this event to the Magic City! Great things are on the horizon Birmingham… just stay tuned!
Natural Hair Support is Growing in Birmingham and Beyond
June 16, 2011 by keisa
Filed under Business, Community, Networking | Print
Comments Off
There are so many great things happening in the natural hair community in Birmingham and beyond. AND IT IS EXCITING TO WATCH! Coming up in just over a week, there’s the Magic City meetup at the BJCC Sat., June 25th. Time is of the essence for those who still want to come. There are ONLY a few dozen tickets left.
This meetup will include giveaways, lots of networking, vendors selling all types of merchandise and comic relief. Plus, I will deliver an inspirational message to all who attend. Men, women and children are invited to this family-friendly event. It’s a great opportunity to be in an atmosphere charged with support for this natural hair journey. That doesn’t come around every day, but it is needed, particularly in the Magic City. You’ll hear about this one if you don’t make it. But just know, we will have another meetup of this magnitude. It simply has to continue. But that isn’t all.
Birmingham Natural Beauties
We also have a relatively new group, Birmingham Natural Beauties, which meets monthly. Rogue Tavern was the venue of choice to join with other naturalistas at the June meeting. At last month’s inaugural meeting, Brio’s was the host spot. Wow, hats off to the ladies who are sheperding this group and helping coordinate the meetups! It’s just one more resource to help you along the way. As we get more information and see more examples, this will encourage even more women to join suit. If you are in the movement, just know you are paving the way for someone else. You are a trail blazer. Speaking of trailblazing, if you’re not connected to this group, have you thought about starting your own? There’s no way one group can be everything to all. You can make a positive difference by building rapport amongst your peer group of natural divas. Set a meeting place and time, and I’ll bet you’ll be surprised by who shows up!
Also this month, did you see the New York Times article featuring some of the nation’s most popular natural hair care guides. The ladies featured have full time positions or day jobs, but they work hard to additionally provide informational resources for women on the natural hair journey. Wow, that’s some side hustle! And I’m grateful for them because they’ve helped me along the way. Do names like Curly Nikki and Natural Chica ring a bell? If not, it may be worth it to check out their sites.
And…have you noticed a new Disney Commercial that features Alabama native and former Miss Alabama Kalyn Chapman James? Kalyn is joined by her husband and two daughters. Kalyn is stunning, and I can’t help but notice her gorgeous mane of natural hair. It’s so nice to see that this style choice for many African American women is on the radar of the nation. My prayer and hope is that it continues.
***Article written by Keisa “The Natural Hair Diva” Sharpe. You can find more writings at www.thenaturalhairdiva.com, visit her on www.facebook.com/TheNaturalHairDiva or follow her tweets @Ilovemyownhair.
Are you still “Natural?”
June 10, 2011 by keisa
Filed under Health & Wellness, Lifestyles, Natural Hair | Print
Comments Off
I’ve had so many people ask me recently…”Are you still natural?” My name is Keisa Sharpe, also known as “The Natural Hair Diva.” I began my natural hair journey two years ago after chemical relaxer was mistakenly left on my scalp by a stylist. Today, I’m officially a natural hair lover and I’m on a mission to inspire other women on the same path.
But back to the question. The reason for this question is that I allowed Birmingham stylist Zach Pickett (Nhancements) to shampoo, condition, blow dry and flat iron my natural tresses. I adore the new style, but talk about shaking things up.
I’ve had several guys and ladies comment on “how much” they liked my hair, but would ask right after, “Now is that a “natural” hair style?” Well, it absolutely is a natural hair style, or if I could best describe it, it is straightened without the aid of any chemicals. I think some people are amazed and enlightened that a beautiful straightened hairstyle can be accomplished this way. Amazing, but true.
I look at this as an opportunity, though, because I absolutely love to educate people on the variety of styles we can accomplish with natural hair. Some may have the option of relaxing their hair again. I don’t. I’ve drawn a line in the sand — it’s me and my natural hair from here on out. It’s a good thing we’ve made peace with each other!
And to answer your next question…. I won’t be keeping this style long-term. I wanted to try something different for my birthday and also see how much length I’ve acquired in this natural state. People have also been amazed by how much my hair has grown. I am hopeful it is an example of how you can easily grow long, healthy hair by caring for it chemically-free. Long-term, I’ve seen that straightening or flat ironing my hair ruins its natural state. I like my own curl pattern and naturally curly styles too much to risk losing them.
So again, this is ONLY a short-term alternative for me. I do know there are many women, with natural hair, who straighten their hair and wouldn’t have it any other way. If you are one of them, then continue to rock your style. I wouldn’t dare knock any woman who’s found the style she loves because it gives you an opportunity to put your best face forward.
But you should know, in just a few days when you see me out and about in the Magic City, I’m back to my twist outs and afro puffs. So pictures will be the only proof that I straightened my hair until I have an inkling to do it again.
In the meantime, Happy Trails, all of you Birmingham natural divas!
Keisa Sharpe, The Natural Hair Diva, is founding editor of www.thenaturalhairdiva.com. Follow her on www.facebook.com/TheNaturalHairDiva or Twitter @Ilovemyownhair.
Simply enter your email address to receive event news and the latest updates from Urbanham.com to your INBOX! Get the Weekend Radar.