Today's episode was a breath of fresh air.  To share a conversation with someone who knows, understands, and implement the art of Holistic services makes me feel as if there is still hope in the beauty industry. 

Empress and I live in neighboring cities and when I discovered her and the work she's doing, I had to have her on as a guest. She gentle yet strong spirit is captivating.  She is truly doing the work of our Ancestors.

In this episode we discuss her background in skin care, how she embraced upon the industry and much more.  Tune in and share your thought about this episode.

Here is Empress Bio:

Empress is a beauty and wellness professional and founder of Root + Honey, a unique space where self-care, mental health, and spirituality intersect. With a background in skin care, folk herbalism, and textured hair care, Empress brings a holistic approach to beauty, blending traditional practices with modern techniques. Certified in Psychohairapy, Empress integrates mental health awareness into every aspect of her work, creating healing experiences that nurture both the mind, spirit, and body. With a deep passion for holistic beauty, Empress helps clients embrace their natural texture while fostering emotional and spiritual well-being through intentional hair care practices.

You can follow her on IG: https://www.instagram.com/therootandhoney/

For more educational resources check out https://www.naturalhairedu.com/

Today's Bonus Episode is one you want to tune in to. Atilola is a powerhouse that has so much to give to those that want to expand their education, increase their income and help others achieve their hair goal.

She is hosting a 3 Day Hair Coaching Business Intensive Bootcamp for FREE! In this Bootcamp you will learn how to build a profitable Hair Coaching Business. This workshop is virtual and takes place February 18th-20th, 2025.

If you could benefit from this FREE 3 Day Hair Coaching Business Intensive Bootcamp sign up here: https://thegoodhairtribe.com

Now let me share with you Atilola Monorfolu. Atilola Moronfolu has partnered with some of the best Hair Stylists, Hair Surgeons, Dermatologists, Doctors and other Industry Experts all over the world to deliver value and hair care solutions to clients and communities where it is needed.

She has built a 7-figure business in Hair Coaching, with several Hair Coaching products and methodologies She is a Certified Trichologist, board certified by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners, and Advanced Cosmetic Scientist with the Institute of Personal Care Science, Australia.

She has invested the past 13 years in helping women all over the world achieve their goal of healthy hair, with African Naturalistas products, Trichology Consultations, masterclasses, memberships, hair regimens, e-books, and several Hair care programs.

She has helped over 4000 women grow long and healthy hair and she is extremely passionate about healthy hair, and because of this, have embarked on creating an industry that would make healthy hair and scalp a possibility for everyone who desires to achieve all over the world.

Atilola is the CEO and Lead Tutor at The Good Hair Tribe, a tech-driven Hair Care Literacy company, where the mission is to bridge the Hair Care Literacy Gap for Hair Care Professionals and Hair Enthusiasts.  She is also the CEO of African Naturalistas and Pureformula Innovation, both hair care products manufacturing companies She is a Trichologist at The-Trichologist, where we treat and manage over 50 hair loss issues and scalp disorders.

You can connect with here on IG at TheGoodHairTribe or at her website: https://thegoodhairtribe.com

For more Natural Hair Education resources visit: www.Naturalhairedu.com

Nicole Robinson is the creator of The Museum of Modern Black Beauty, "a museum that documents the multi-faceted, multi-dimensional history, present and future of Black and Brown beauty. The Museum of Modern Black Beauty provide spaces to engage in candid conversations and discoveries that seek to restore the value and appreciation of human connections as well as enhance the quality of person to person relationships by drastically improving the overall emotional health consciousness of our audiences" In this episode Nicole shares with us her inspiration to creating the Museum of Modern Black Beauty. She speaks to the power of inner healthy as it pertains to our overall wellness. Nicole and the Museum of Modern Black Beauty is hosting "The Inner Beauty Summit" that's designed to take a look into the factors of external beauty and doing the deeper work to identify and appreciate the inner beauty. The event is set to take place on Monday, February 17, 2025 at the Ferris Wheel in Flint, Michigan from 2pm-4pm. Limited spots are available so be sure to rsvp. Nicole is also excited about her next exhibit " The Black, Brown, Blues and Hues Exhibit" where she takes a look into the chronicles of colorism in the BIPOC communities, so stay connect to learn more about the exhibit. You can stay connect with Nicole and The Museum of Modern Black Beauty here: Website: https://www.themombb.com

Facebook:   / modernblackbeauty  

Natural Hair Education Resources and Programs: https://www.naturalhairedu.com/

About 6 months ago, my cousin introduced me to an App that scans just about hair and skin product and even food.  Since then, I have been really conscious about the products I use on my hair and skin.  

There has been a lot of talk about the links of chemical hair relaxers and cancer.  I think it is very important that we take our heath into our own hands by being intentional and educating ourselves when it come to our overall health.

In this episode I share specific ingredients that can link to cancers, hormonal imbalances and other health concerns.

Below are a few ingredients you want to avoid in your hair and skin care products:

- Found In: Hair straighteners, keratin treatments, shampoos, conditioners.  

- Risks:Known carcinogen that can increase the risk of cancers like leukemia and nasal cancer. 

Parabens

- Found In:Shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and makeup.  

- Risks:May disrupt hormones and mimic estrogen, potentially increasing the risk of breast cancer.  

Phthalates

- Found In: Hair sprays, perfumes, and some plastics used in packaging.  

- Risks:Linked to hormone disruption and potential breast cancer risk.  

Coal Tar  

- Found In:Anti-dandruff shampoos, scalp treatments, and hair dyes.  

- Risks: Associated with skin cancer and respiratory issues.

Benzene 

- Found In:Dry shampoos, sunscreens, and aerosol sprays.  

- Risks: Known carcinogen associated with leukemia and other blood cancers.

1,4-Dioxane

- Found In:Shampoos, body washes, and bubble baths as a byproduct of manufacturing.  

- Risks: Classified as a possible human carcinogen.  

- Found In:Creams, hair products, and moisturizers.  

- Risks:Can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a potential carcinogen.  

Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs) 

- Found In: Hair straighteners, keratin treatments, shampoos, conditioners.  

- Risks: Known carcinogen that can increase the risk of cancers like leukemia and nasal cancer. 

 Mineral Oils and Petrolatum

- Found In: Hair moisturizers, lotions, and lip balms.  

- Risks:When improperly refined, they may contain PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), which are linked to cancer. 

Synthetic Frangrances 

- Found In: Almost all personal care products, from lotions to shampoos.  

- Risks:Often a cocktail of undisclosed chemicals, some of which are linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and allergic reactions.  

Ethanolamines (DEA, TEA, MEA) 

- Found In:Shampoos, soaps, and conditioners to adjust pH or create foam.  

- Risks:Associated with potential liver and kidney cancer. 

 Para-phenylenediamine (PPD)- 

- Found In:Hair dyes.  

- Risks:Linked to bladder cancer and severe allergic reactions.

Triclosan  

-Found In:Antibacterial soaps, deodorants, and toothpaste.  

- Risks:Linked to hormone disruption and liver cancer in animal studies.

Natural Hair Education Resources and Programs

"5 Principles to Understanding & Performing Natural Hair Care Services"

"What Beauty School DID NOT Teach You"

 "Texture on Texture" Styling Course

Welcome to 2025! This year is all about self-love, confidence, and owning your unique beauty.  Embracing natural textures fosters confidence and self-love, empowering individuals to live authentically without confirming to unrealistic norms.

In this episode I talk about the power of self-love and confidence and some societal pressures and standards of those with textured hair.  Some of those societal pressures are in our workplace and in the media.  I also share practical tips for building self-esteem.

If you are looking for education resources, check out:

Natural Hair Education Resources and Programs

"5 Principles to Understanding & Performing Natural Hair Care Services"

"What Beauty School DID NOT Teach You"

 "Texture on Texture" Styling Course

This episode was set to release over a year ago in a new Queedom Care Series I was preparing for.  However, it was released today.  This episode with Felicia Johnson McGhee is a two-part series wrapped up in one episode.  She touches on the importance of self-care and how it correlates with hair care.

I admire how poised and intentional Felicia is about the importance of self-care.  With the World we're living in and the daily stresses that many may face, stress can always be near, but with mindfulness we can slow down the stresses.

Here is Felicia Johnson McGhee bio:

As a proud alumnus of Creative Hair School of Cosmetology, Felicia cultivates textured hair with care & creativity.

Her stress-soothing, inclusive approach to all textures increases her client’s confidence to embrace and wear their distinct hair fabric with joy and pride.

Felicia’s greatest joy is to help her clients see the beauty, enjoy the flexibility, and radiate the glory of their crown.

Hey you!  Thank you for tuning in to the Natural Hair Education Podcast today.  This episode is special to me as I am celebrating my 42nd birthday today.  I am so grateful to be on this planet at this time doing what I love.

In this episode I share how my beauty career in cosmetology shifted into becoming a specialist in Natural Hair/Textured Hair.  I also go through different eras of time and how our hair has always played a significant role in our lives.

Please feel free to share your natural hair stories with me because I would love to hear them and share with my listeners.  You can email me your stories at [email protected].

If you are looking for education resources, check out:

Natural Hair Education Resources and Programs

"5 Principles to Understanding & Performing Natural Hair Care Services"

"What Beauty School DID NOT Teach You"

 "Texture on Texture" Styling Course

On today's episode I sit down with a good acquaintance and talk with her about herbs, tinctures, minerals and more.  

Tanisha aka Da neighborhood antidote, born and raised in Mount Morris (Beecher) certified herbalist (4years) certified Kemetic yoga instructor (10years) and Gardner.

She specializes in herbal tea blends , tinctures, capsules, sea moss, yoni steam herbal blends, and herbal smoke blends.  "Herbalism has always been part of me, it’s in my DNA. I chose to tap into herbalism to learn the natural and holistic ways of healing the mind body and soul as my ancestors did with what Mother Nature already provides us here on earth. I know my divine purpose is to learn, teach, and build with my people on healing ourselves with herbs that are healing for the nation". 

Follow her and support her business using the links below

Natural Hair Education Resources and Programs

"5 Principles to Understanding & Performing Natural Hair Care Services"

"What Beauty School DID NOT Teach You"

 "Texture on Texture" Styling Course

Today's episode is a repeat episode.  The new year is around the corner and now is the time to start planning and prioritizing for 2025.  

I wanted to have Brandi Taylor on because she is an accomplished beauty expert.  2020 brought us a lot of uncertainty, but Brandi was able to scale her business in creative ways that increased her exposure and income.

What better time to find ways to set ourselves up for success?

In this episode, Brandi share with us ways we can set goals, the importance of having a plan, and ultimately how being true to yourself is the best gift you can give yourself.

Brandi was so generous to give away materials that will help you set goals for this year and her Ebook that is full of positive affirmations. 

Brandi is not new to the beauty industry as she coaches and helps other beauty pros scale their business and increase their income. She also has a podcast that shares everything you need to know about the beauty industry and the business side of it.

Connect with Brandi and check out her podcast "Beauty Business Network Podcast" on all podcast platforms:

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.IAmBrandiTaylor.com

Website: www.BeautyBusinessNetwork.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iambranditaylor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/businessbeautynetwork/

Don't forget to check out my FREE Resources:

"5 Principles to Understanding & Performing Natural Hair Care Services"

"What Beauty School DID NOT Teach You"

On today's episode I talk to Vecoya Banks who is the founder of "Love The Hair You Wear".  LTHYW was created to help black women embrace their natural hair, increase self-esteem, and support their self care journey.

LTHYW is a uniquely curated experience that connects attendees with brands and techniques that empower them. This is especially important in today's political climate. Black women need a safe space to be themselves and discuss the issues that are important to them. Hair is the vehicle for LTHYW but the message is much deeper.

She most recently held a "Love The Hair You Wear "event, which took place in mid-September at North Carolina A&T State University.  Over 400 students attended, and the day was filled with meaningful discussions, networking, and celebration of natural beauty and identity. 

Natural Hair Education Resources and Programs

"5 Principles to Understanding & Performing Natural Hair Care Services"

"What Beauty School DID NOT Teach You"

 "Texture on Texture" Styling Course