Kofi's Sisterlocks

Locked:  June 9-10, 2005

Consultant:  Gretchel "GiGi" Johnson, TX

A Vocal Tribute to Little Angels, RIP

Click here for a beautiful vocal tribute to the little angels of Sandy Hook Elementary

A Tribute to My Ethiopian Queens

QueenM & QueenN

Two years ago I had the honor of locking my first and only child clients.  They were two little Ethiopian queens new to the United States and our world.  Read my blog post of our beginning and how their adoptive mom found me here.

Yesterday, I completed their last retightenings before the girls and their family relocate to another state.  I'm so blessed to have been a part of their lives.  They have such authentic joy and in turn spread it to those around them.  No matter what mood I was in before, I was always happy to see the girls, buoyed by their energy and reluctant to see them go.  They in turn always wanted to take me home with them.  Were it not for the two hour distance, I'm certain I would have been happily adopted as well.

We spent countless hours watching movies.  As each took their turn in my chair, they couldn't wait to introduce me to their movie choice.  I learned so much from watching these movies with them. And when their entire family made the trip, it was like being with my family.  

Each holiday was a new experience for the girls and they were always anxious to share it with me.  Read about just one of their expressions of love to me here.   On yesterday, our last day together, once again they came bearing gifts and cards - impatiently waiting for me to open them.

The Queens & Kofi - our last retightening.

QueenN's Install Day

QueenM's Install Day

QueenM & QueenN

QueenN

QueenM

The Queens Over Two Years

As I wrote in 2010... "when QueenN and QueenM look at me as an African-American woman, I want them to see WHAT their locks can become AND the limitless possibilities of WHO they can become ~ that is my highest honor."  In a day and time when our innocent little ones are being sacrificed like lambs, it's healing to my heart to witness the love of this family.  A heartfelt thank you to Susan, Jeff, Noah, Gideon, Naomi and Mary for allowing me to be a part of your journey and your family.  It has been my highest honor.  And to the girls, we'll see each other again, "pinky swear."  ~Love, Kofi

The girls & their family.  First install day, 2010.

Today I Voted

Today I voted
No one told me I cldn’t

Today I voted
I didn’t have to march
I didn’t have to go to jail
I didn’t even have to sit in

Today I voted
My clothes are dry
No power hoses in sight

Today I voted
No menacing dogs
And their ferocious bites

Today I voted
I wasn’t cursed,
beat, or killed

Today I voted
for the brave before me
Today I voted for them

 And today I voted
for him…

~Kofi


Mr. President

Trim

Last October I got my locks layered.  This October, I decided on a trim.  Why trim my locks?

Trimming is done for various reasons including:

• Improving the appearance of locks
• Making locks even
• Preventing split ends
• Eliminating split ends
• Getting rid of damage
• Adds ease of styling

Our locks do not grow uniformly.  Each lock grows independent of the others.  The first two pics below are after the trim and retightening.  The third pic is prior to the trim.  Notice the uneven, scraggly ends. The ends of our locks are the oldest and therefore, require extra attention and care.  Although only 1/4 to 1/2 an inch was trimmed, my locks feel so much lighter and look much healthier. 

Typically a hair trim involves 1/2 to an inch of hair and should only be done after locks have settled.  Please discuss with your consultant prior to trimming or cutting locks.   

After trim

After trim and retightening

Prior to trim and retightening

Kofi's Vacation ~ Photos & Video

Hello world... I am Kofi.  

Life is great and

I'm still lovin' my Sisterlocks!

I invite you to enjoy photos and a video from my recent Caribbean vacation.  It was special on so many levels:  my first vacation with my biological sister, Gladys; having my first client, Monica traveling with us, and so much more that I will share in upcoming posts.  It was simply an amazing time of sun, fun, food, discovery, sisterhood and Sisterlocks.

I had a joyous time taking photos and making new friends.  It was a humbling experience to meet several of my readers, many who have followed me for years.  Thank you so much, Laura for the invitation and thanks to all of the sisters for showing Kofi such loving energy. 

To my sis, Gladys.  We can roll together anytime!    

So, so much to share with my readers.  I'll post detailed photos and share more in the coming weeks about all that's happening in my Blaq world.  And, of course, my perspective on all things Sisterlocks.

Introducing:  LaKia, "Naturally, of Course" Sisterlocks Consultant, Maryland.  A Natural Awakenings reader and new friend.  The inside matches the outside, not to mention those slammin' Sisterlocks.

Until next time...remember

 Life is to be enjoyed - not endured.

~Kofi

Kofi's Locks - 7yrs

iRock Sisterlocks!

Week old retite - remnants of 2-day old Caruso Set

Kofi

I know you didn't give up on Kofi.  Still here, increasing my level of consciousness, learning to live my life out loud and help others do the same.  Evolving from BlaqKofi to Kofi.  More in love with my Sisterlocks than ever.  Well...you see why, THEY ARE SLAMMIN'!!!!     

Join me for the next chapter of Natural Awakenings...

New posts coming soon!

Caruso Curl Set
(Click photos for greater detail)

• Washed, conditioned & moisturized locks
• Air dry naturally
• Set with Caruso Curlers
• Roll Time: 10-15 min (Practice & you'll get faster.)
• Setting Time: 10-15 minutes
• Total time: 30
  
  One of my favorite sets.
  Pros: Fast, soft curls, shows more of true length
  Cons: Set last 1-2 days

 

 *Please follow your Consultants guidance regarding product use.

**Carusos are not useful or effective during the "plumping or fat" stage of the lock process. 

Kofi's Sisterlocks 7yrs

A Greater Good (Off Topic)

RIP Trayvon Martin

Your coming and going was for a greater good.

Traveling Sisterlocks

I recently had the privilege of retightening two guests, Lisa and Kim from Little Rock, Arkansas, who are regularly maintained by the one-and-only Certified Sisterlocks Consultant, Theo Jennings of Memphis, Tennessee.  Ladies, I enjoyed your spirits and your beautiful Sisterlocks.  

It was the weekend of the "Traveling Sisterlocks" as I serviced clients from Arkansas, Kansas and Texas.  Today, I feature and salute them for their commitment to natural freedom, to Sisterlocks and to BlaqKofi.  It is an honor and I thank you.

Natural Hair, Viola Davis & The Oscars

My heart is crying tears of pride.   Strong, Viola!   Your thoughts, sisters?

Beauty & Strength ~ Sisterlocks

Sisterlocks

"I want freedom for the full expression

of my personality."  ~Gandhi 

S I S T E R L O C K S

Washed and conditioned Sisterlocks.  Applied a few drops of Coconut oil while damp to seal in moisture. Air dry over night.  Set with Caruso's (or any steam curlers).  They are a quick way to dress up locks and only takes five minutes to set.  By the time my makeup is done, the curlers are ready to come out.  Shape locks gently with fingers....done.  The freedom of Sisterlocks!

 

Note:  Steam curlers are not effective when locks are in the "plump" stage.

Thanks, Sandee, for the thoughtful Carol's Daughter gift set.

Stylist:  BlaqKofi, Certified Sisterlocks Consultant

Cut:  Gigi Johnson, Certified Sisterlocks Consultant

Products:  Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Shampoo

& Leave In Conditioner, Coconut Oil

Happy Birthday, Dr. C

Wishing our own Dr. C a beautiful birthday.  We were doubly blessed when God created you and you created Sisterlocks.  Thank you for the best gift ever.

BlaqKofi and Dr. C - circa 2007

Introducing Dark Blaq

Today, as I celebrate my 52nd birthday I wanted to share a heartfelt thanks to all of you who continue to visit Natural Awakenings and travel along my life journey.  I am honored that after almost seven years, you still find my words and thoughts worth reading.

For those who post comments or email, your words and gestures do more for my spirit than you could ever imagine.  And without fail, just when I think 3 years or 5 years or 7 years is enough blogging, someone reaches out to share how Natural Awakenings has impacted their Sisterlocks and life journey.

Each birthday, my lil sis would call me at 12 a.m.  She always wanted to be the first to tell me happy birthday.  Tonight, I share that special time with each of you.  It's 12:01.

I am blessed by your support,  encouragement and sisterhood.

Sisterlocks:  Caruso steam curler set.  

Locks freshly colored dark brown.

Next post:  Blaq's new color! 

Photo:  KD Williams

Layers of Inspiration

BlaqKofi

SHEDDING LAYERS
A good friend and fellow Sisterlocker, MsP, left for her own personal Eat, Pray, Love journey.  How liberating to shed layers that no longer serve us and unveil new ones that do. I am so happy for and proud of her.  She inspires me...

A week before leaving she called to say she was thinking of cutting her shoulder length locks. "Will I be breaking some Sisterlocks sacred rule?," she asked half jokingly.  I said, "you're locked - not locked up." I encouraged her to fully honor where her spirit was leading.

I reminded her that Sisterlocks has dispelled the "we can't grow our hair long" myth.  And because we can, we have all the freedom to style our locks in any way - including cutting them.  Afterall, they will grow back - it's hair.

So she began her new journey with a cute and versatile short cut courtesy of our fabulous friend and Consultant, Gigi who gave her a funky, vibrant outward expression of her inner newness.  What freedom to be and do what is in alignment with truth!

"Change is the essence of life.  Be willing to surrender what you are for what you could become."  ~Unknown

LAYERS OF SISTERHOOD
Six months ago my eyes surveyed a room of friends and loved ones and sitting right up front was Gigi and her husband Eddy - right where I could see their faces and feel their love and energy as I stood to honor my lil sis, T at her Life Celebration.  Their presence strengthened me.

Gigi

Six months to the day, October 26,  I sat in the closest seat in eyesight of my dear friend as she celebrated the life of her beloved Eddy, also taken by the unforgiving disease of cancer.  I willed her strength on that day, just as I know she and Eddy had done for me a mere six months earlier. Gigi arranged a joyful Life Celebration that was so much like Eddy. I know that he was proud of his Queen.

She inspires me...

She first became my consultant, then my friend, my confidante, and my mentor, teaching me so much.  I honestly don't know where I'd be without her gentle and conscious guidance. She is greatly responsible for the awakening of my truth and I'll love her forever for that gift.

Our sisterhood was ordained by the birth of her granddaughter, Hapi on my lockversary.  We are further bound by our similar life experiences, even losing those most dear to our hearts exactly six months apart. And the layers of our sisterhood grows as we help each other face each day without them.  Six and half years ago, I sat in Gigi's chair - I thought - simply to get Sisterlocks.  Little did I know it would evolve into a lifestyle of self discovery - rather than a hairstyle.  
(Photos: Gigi visiting me in OKC last month.)

Gigi

LOCK LAYERS
Cutting my locks has always been emotional and difficult for me. I don't let anyone other than Gigi maintain my locks and I've never let her cut more than just bangs and dead ends.  And even that was traumatic.  I found it difficult to part with that which had become such a part of me.

Three days after Eddy's Life Celebration, I sat in Gigi's chair buoyed by MsP's bold life steps, and reminded of life's fleeting moments by T and Eddy - and for the first time said, "I'd like you to cut my locks.  You have free reign. I won't question you - just maintain my length.

LAYERS OF INSPIRATION
I sat in Gigi's chair, inhaling deeply with each "snip" of the scissors and each "thud" of locks falling to the floor.  It was as if part of me was being cut away.  Anything living needs some pruning in order to continue healthy growth.  Otherwise, the old, lifeless parts weigh down, slow down and sometimes even cuts down the possibility of newness.  So often we hold onto that which should be released.  Perhaps it's time for me to shed some old layers of hurt and grief and begin to live and love again.

Gigi placed a gentle hand on my shoulder, leaned over and said knowingly, it's ok - you can breath. I wasn't even aware of my held breath.  I let out a long exhale and we both cracked up with laughter.  I relaxed my shoulders and sat back in her chair - allowing myself to be vunerable - knowing that I'd be ok, regardless.  I emerged with the perfect layered cut.  It felt light, vibrant and free - so did I.

Thank you for the layers of inspiration MsP, Gigi, T and Eddy...as my Sisterlocks and I begin our next journey.

Before/Fresh out of Gigi's chair

Thicker prior to cut/Lighter after cut

Curled Before Cut/After Cut

Day of cut

BlaqKofi

"The true essence of naturalness is freedom  - 

whether locked, twisted, dreaded, cornrowed or Afro'd." ~BlaqKofi


I was inspired today by an email from Debra W, of Rome, Ga.
Thank you for the sisterly love.  


And a heartfelt thank you to my first client, Monica, who called to say,
"When are we gonna get Part II of Layers?"
Thanks, Sis for the motivation to begin to writing once more. 


Click photos for greater detail.