Just to let everyone know. I have a new blog, which is closely linked to my new project. Hair Affairs e-Mag.
I will no longer be updating here, but you can find me at http://www.hairaffairs.blogspot.com
come over and check me out.
sisterlockedlondon
I found out about Adornment through M. D., who had volunteered to take part in the fashion show. I attended Adornment on Monday 9 April. Majority of my time was sat down watching and enjoying the show as I did not want to miss any of the fabulous clothes, hair styles and dance routines.
I felt the designers had such style, flair and a real passion for vibrant colours which was a pleasure to watch as it was nice to get away from the usual dull colours. I thought the drummers at the end of show were fantastic and really lifted the energy of the place!
All the best with the newsletter!
Many thanks
Emma
Adornment 2007 was the first time I visited the show, and I attended on Monday. I did not find out about it through advertisements - which was quite surprising, as my personal opinion is advertising draw crowds. I found out via word of mouth, as in the past as well.
I found the event particularly refreshing! Unfortunately I did not get to view all the stalls, as I found myself hooked to the fashions shows. It was good to see that the models used were not stereotypical, if that had of been the case that would have been very disappointing. The array of vibrant colours and designs were stunning, and it's good to know that black people have the potential to break into the designer world.
Davina
"I found out about Adornment through a friend of mine, M. D., who was going to be one of the models in the show. I must admit I had never heard of Adornment before, so this was the first time I had attended such an event in the UK. I bought a ticket for the Monday event, and arrived about 12 o'clock. I was very impressed by all the different designers, and businesses that were exhibiting at the show, many of whom were extremely talented, but yet I had never before heard of some of them.
The fashion shows were amazing as were the clothes and the models who showed them. It was a very warm and uplifting event, and it was so nice to see all the beautiful black people in there, all ages, all sizes, all 59 different shades of black, but together in a common cause, and embracing what we have to offer. Wow!! It just showed what amazing things we can achieve, as a people, when we set our minds to it and strive for a good cause. Loved it, loved it, loved!! Bring on Adornment 2008, I am there already!!"
Take care, stay blessed.
One Love
Antoinette X
I initially came to Adornment in a supportive role, and to generally see what goes on behind the scenes. I had no real intention of getting involved, although I had been asked to take part as they only had a few male models.
Day 2 was just as awe inspiring and exciting as day one. Only difference was, I was so very tired. The life of a model is certainly not as glamorous as I had once imagined. I now know what Tyra's girls have got to go through!
Adornment Ambassador 2007 was Ms Erykah Badu. I was disappointed I did not get to meet her personally. I did however, manage to get a few photos, although some are a little blurred.
Sit back and enjoy the rest of the show. The three ladies by the Ashanti Hair Studio are all sisterlocks wearers, two of whom are consultants and were exhibiting as Ashanti Hair Studio.
Lets not forget the men that also modelled at Adornment. They certainly had to work hard. The jewellery desinger, Ehwunah's show, consisted of the men carrying Queen Nzinga on their shoulders. They did very well. Check them out.
As the weeks went by, the models confidence kept growing and growing. Dance routines were coming together. The choreographers worked extremley hard, and it showed.
The designers picked their models for their catwalk shows. Most days the Artspace in Brixton was a hive of activity. Some models in one corner practising the catwalk, others in another perfecting their dance moves.
The days were long, especially after a long week at work, and the pace was fast, there was a lot to accomplish in such a short time.
The month of rehearsals was over in a flash and it was now time for the models to have their locks styled. Appointments at salons were booked for Good Friday, the show was a day away.
Towards the end of February I was sent an email flyer, which asked for natural hair wearers to model for Adornment, an African Inspired Exhibition, to be held over 2 days during the Easter Bank Holiday.
Being an avid America's Next Top Model viewer, I took up the opportunity to strut my stuff on the catwalk.
I had to audition and really did not know what I was getting myself into!
I attended the audition and I nervously struttedmy stuff on a makeshift catwalk. I was told I would hear in due course. Well move over Miss Jay, I got through and was excited to see where this was heading.
Rehearsals were to be held approximately every Friday for a month, in Brixton! a 45 minute tube train journey from my side of London, but hey, models have to travel far and wide, I guess.
There were a lot of people at the rehearsals, more women than men, as always.
We were shown how to catwalk. Shoulders back, hips forward, right leg forward and ready to set off. Very uncomfortable posture, but apparently very necessary! So we set off, waddling like ducklings round and round the dance studio. 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 and pose, and pose and pose. Well arms flaying in every direction, legs giving way, some really un lady like poses!
Although people had volunteered to model, about 50% were extremely shy. We had to do our walk individually and some went so fast, you could barely see them move!
I must admit, I was probably in that 50% who were extremely shy. Was not sure how I was going to manage to model to a crowd over 2 days! However, I persevered and felt that I had now taken on this challenge and although I was way outside of my comfort zone, I was determined to see it through.
Surprisingly as the weeks went by, so the confidence of the models grew. Friendships were being carved out and a small village was being created. So many different people, so many different personalities.
Locks were everywhere. However, I was the only sisterlocked sister in the house, until, I spotted her a newbie! 3 day old sisterlocks! It took me back to the time when my locks were first installed. She had so many questions and I felt privileged to answer them.
Sorry, no photos of the rehearsals, as it is difficult to get them when you are supposed to be walking and posing!
Well some of you may well have recognised Eric Jerome Dickey - "one of the hottest African American writers" on the front of my emag.
Well I had the pleasure of meeting with him when I worked at the In Celebration of My Sisters concert in March. I bought one of his books, which he signed for me and obliged me in a photograph. Check out his locks!
The concert is held during International Women's Month in London and is a collection of music, comedy and inspirational acts.
I was working with the Pampering Club and as always had a thoroughly enjoyable time. Followed by an after party, where I mingled until the early hours.
Well I have been really busy since my last post.
I guess I need to start at the beginning with my updates.
After completing my Sisterlocks training in Miami in November 2006, I knew that I would need to be advertising my services. After attending a Pampering Club gathering in December and finding out about One Million Inspired Women through our guest speaker, I pledged my action and proceeded to highlight my new business venture.
In January 2007 I decided to embark on a PR exercise. I came across an email campaign company and my Newsletter, Hair Story was born.
The Newsletters main aim is to provide information regarding sisterlocks and other happenings in London.
I had about 50 email contacts and had some good feedback following my first edition. So, armed with this new found talent, I embarked on my Newsletter in earnest. I have definately become a freelance, self-made journalist!!!
I am now on my 4th Edition and still going strong. I have changed the name to Hair Affairs - eNews from a Sister "Locked" in London.
I also now have nearly 200 contacts. It is taking up so much of my time, but I am enjoying it. If anyone out there would like to join my mailing list, please use the sign up box at the top of this post. There is no cost for this eMag.
Before I knew it, training finished, all shopped out and heading back to Miami International Airport, back home to London. I was infact looking forward to getting home.
I checked in nice and early, but my case was overweight by about 6 kilo's. For an easy life, I just paid the excess, which was not too costly. I was tired and just wanted to get on that plane home.
The security check lines were as long in Miami as they were in London. I stood in line and did what I was told. Take your shoes off, take your belt off, any loose change, take your outside coats off etc etc.....
I don't know what it is about those metal detector machines, but I always set them off. And true to form, it went off.
Not once, not twice but about 4 times. After that I was called to one side. Maaam is your jewelry metal? No. Maaam, do you have hair pins in your hair? No. Ok step this way. Jeans fallling down, due to lack of belt, barefoot on the ground clutching passport, tickets and jacket! Hand metal detector buzzing all over me. There was nothing for it but a manual hand search, very humiliating! You're free to go now Maaam!
Once on that plane, my elderly co-passenger introduced himself and I snuggled down for the night flight home. Good-bye Miami!
The 4th and 5th of November was my 2 year lock anniversary. I did not celebrate this as I actually forgot on those days and I was also busy getting ready to fly to Miami, Florida to take the Sisterlocks Consultant Training. This was going to be an adventure!
I was travelling alone and staying alone in a "strange" country! It felt so empowering, that I was to do this for the first time in my life.
I was very excited and was looking forward to my journey. I planned and planned and planned. Found accommodation and was excited at meeting these wonderful sisterlocked sisters!
I left on Friday 10th November from Heathrow Aiport, London. I flew with Virgin Atlantic and I can really recommend them. The service was very good. I opted for a window seat and made myself comfortable. I introduced myself to my elderly neighbours and proceeded to fall asleep for most of the 9 hour 50 minute journey, which was delayed by about 30 mins.
On arrival in Miami, it struck me how flat it was. Nonetheless, I had arrived. I felt like kissing the ground, much in the same way the Pope does! Empowering! Once I had cleared customs and being made to feel like a criminal, I was well on my way. Oh, criminal, bwoy don't they grill you when you arrive in the states. "Where are you staying, Maaam", how long is your vacation, maaam! Eyeball photographs and fingerprints to boot!
After finding my baggage and way out, I jumped into a taxi and arrived at my motel, which was about 5 mins drive from the Marriott Miami, where the training was taking place.
I showed, got myself something to eat from Denny's, actually ate by myself, another achievement in my books!
The next morning, left at 8 am for 8.30 am start. Taxi to the Marriott. Found the room, then waited and waited and waited. Unfortunately, the sisterlocks trainers where running behind schedule and as two training sessions where taking place, most other delegated had gone to the other training room. So I sat there wondering why I was in Miami, so far from home and alone!
Then it all kicked off. There were 22 of us ladies on the training. About 5 who were not locked.
The day was long, the room was cold. I quite forgot that I was in a hot country! The A/C just was not getting it right.
One thing that did surprise me is that no lunch was provided. All that was provided on the first day was Starbucks coffee. If you did not drink coffee then tuff luck.
The training finished at 5.30 pm for the 4 days. The same friend whom I re-tightened in October, travelled to undertake the course. She travelled to Grenada, WI the week before and then met me in Miami. She was staying with family, so although we spent the days together, I found the evening a little lonely.
This month was a difficult month in many ways. Firstly it marked the first anniversary of my mothers passing on the 4th October 2005. I therefore wish to dedicate this post to my mum and share the Eulogy that I wrote for her funeral.
Lurlynn, Lull, Mum, Grandma, many names, one woman and what a woman!
Brought up in Diego Martin, Trinidad, only child, daughter of F. and M. Francis, and step-daughter to F. Charles.
Many of her growing years were spent in Maran, Grenada with her Grandmother, Miss Gayman and her cousins. These were happy times and she often recalled the firm but fair tactics "Mammy" employed to control all her grandchildren.
Mum left Trinidad and arrived at Southampton Docks in September 1964, aged 19 years. She was well suited, of course, in an outfit made specially for the occasion by her mother, with her only grip in one hand.
She came to England with a view to studying to become a nurse. She went on to complete her studies and became a State Registered Nurse. Mum often recalled, with a fondness, the times she spent with her co-students living in the Nursing Home, many of whom were from Thailand and other far eastern countries, as well as many islands of the Caribbean.
Whilst doing her nurse training, she fell in love with and married H. Together they had three children, H. Junior, M. and M.
Mum continued to work in various hospitals, including Rush Green and Oldchurch and eventually became a District Nurse, serving those in the community.
It was this position in the community that allowed her the flexibility to continue to care for her three children on her own, following the break up of her marriage.
Mum often had to burn the candle at both ends to ensure the financial security of her three children. Finishing her day job and running to catch the bus up the road to do night duty.
Anyone who knew Mum can comment on her enormous energy and vitality. They say that nursing is a vocation and not just a job and this certainly was true in her case. She touched the lives of so many of her patients and clients, who from her caring nature, have become her true friends.
Nothing was too much for anybody who may have needed her help, and we all know that Mum could shop for England. We practically grew up in Romford Market, where she always had to get that last bargain!
They say that the greatest hardship for a mother is to watch your children fall and allow them to make their own mistakes in life.
In the words of the famous poem Desiderata "....to go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence..."
We have all fallen and we have all made our mistakes!
Mum you equipped us for life by ensuring our understanding of one of the greatest teachings:
"....give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime...." you of course taught us daily how to fish.
Mum was a Trini through and through, she had a great love for her people. The national flag of Trinidad stands for so much. The black represents the strength and dedication of the people as well as the wealth of the land. The red stands for the vitality and friendliness of the people as well as the warmth of the sun, while the thin white stripes the purity of aspirations and the equality of all men under the sun. I think you will all agree that Mum had all of these qualities.
Mum the way in which you lived your life is an inspiration to us all. The courage with which you have faced life's challenges is commendable. Even during her short illness she never complained. Even when the pain became unbearable, she took it in her stride. She often told us not to cry. She was a fighter to the end.
We as your children and grandchildren can only hope to measure up.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who were involved in caring, visiting and praying for our mother over the last five months. In particular, Auntie Y, your unwavering support, care and dedication for our mother was second to none. Auntie C, your prayers, kind words and meals, helped us both spiritually and physically and Auntie P, thank you for the soup - Mum enjoyed all of them tremendously!
Mum we would like to thank you for all that you have given to us and all that you have sacrificed in doing so.
Sleep on beloved, sleep and take thy rest.
Hi everyone out there.
Yes I am back. Happy New Year and I hope that the Holidays found you all in good health.
However, as I have not updated in a while, I am going back to where I left off. Yes I am going back to October 2006.
On Sunday 17th I undertook the sisterlocks re-tightening class with Liz Joseph in Edmonton with 4 other ladies. Liz is featured in the most recent sisterlocks journal with Carole and Marie.
The training was well organised and well enjoyed. It is quite a simple procedure once you get the hang of the tool. My index finger is very sore as you have to push down part of the tool to expose the hook. However, I am very excited and feel a sense of total freedom being able to finally control when I re-tighten my hair. I guess it will take the best part of a week to complete my whole head.
I am still debating whether or not to travel to the States to do the consultants class.
The Pampering Club link - www.pamperingclub.co.uk
Sol Andelusi - Malaga - http://www.solandalusi.com/site/facilities/facilities_health_beauty.html
The Write Thing - event organisers - http://www.thewritething.com/
Compass Yoga - http://www.compassyoga.com/
