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.

Layers - Part I

Photographer:  MWilliams

Growth

The more our Sisterlocks mature, the more we come to know them, learn them.  As in life, as we learn we grow and as we grow we learn.  I've been dong a lot of both.

My clients' monthly retightenings are a time of inexplicit rejuvenation, replenishment and growth - physically, spiritually and emotionally.  We have such wonderful moments of sharing and connecting that's unique to each woman.  With one it might be downright sister girl laughing and talking, with another discovering and sharing a movie or music.

For others our time is a safe place for tears to fall and locked words and emotions to freely flow and still with another there's a sharing of consciousness, politics, philosophy or history.  My life is so much richer because of these women.  I get to witness their growth and demonstrate mine. I am honored to provide a place and space for this Sisterlocks Sisterhood 'cause it's about the Locks AND the Sister.

Sisterlocks photos, in no particular order.  All clients with the exception of Mom.

(Click photos for greater detail.)

Beautiful time at home this weekend with family and friends.  Sometimes, the best gift is simply to listen.  

 

Sending love, energy and strength to my beautiful friend, mentor and consultant, GiGi.

Miss Me?

Still natural, still lovin' my Sisterlocks, still BlaqKofi...just mo betta.
To be cont'd....

Sisterlocks:  6yr4m

Softspike Set (Week old)

Photography:  Blaq doin' Kofi

Client Feature ~ Queen V

Sharing Queen V, Sisterlocks client and friend.  Locked by LaShaun out of Missouri a little over two years ago; I've had the pleasure of maintaining her locks up until she began self maintenance last year.  For you DIY's it's important to see your Consultant for lock maintenance once or twice a year.

V is going through the "bunching" stage, an added challenge to retightenings for both the Consultant and DIY.  Many Sisterlockers experience this budding phase.  Including your's truly. V's thick, course hair and curl pattern while perfect for SL, causes her ends to bunch.  Having to work the bunched end through the smaller rotation opening adds tension on the lock, so special care should be taken.  This phase can be somewhat bothersome and very challenging to style.  Yet, they reign beauty.

Her locks will eventually shrink to their mature size.  Each maturation has it's own, natural timeframe.  Her natural awakenings is unique to V.  No two journeys, Sisterlocks or otherwise are identical.

I had the pleasure of retightening V, doing some lock maintenance and sharing space with her, finishing the evening with a fun photo shoot. (Thanks P for the lighting.)

Afterwards, V's locks rock!  A spray bottle of water, a few drops of jojoba oil and lavender added moisture and a soothing scent during the retight.

Like a caterpillar struggling to free itself, V's same course, thick hair is maturing into an even more stunning head of Sisterlocks.  Like the butterfly, it's beauty undeniable.

OK, let me not be presumptuous, you decide...

Click images for greater detail.

IWhipMyHairBacknForth

SL 6 Years

Sisterlocks washed with  Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Aloe Shampoo.  Conditioned with Organic Root Stimulator Oilve Oil Replenishing Conditioner.   Towel dry followed by a generous hand full of Organic Stimulator Olive Hair Lotion paying particular attention ends.  (I heavily condition and moisturize during each bi-weekly wash.)  Locks were allowed to air dry naturally.  With the help of our 100+ degree weather it didn't take long.  

I love the feel of my Sisterlocks against my skin, running through my fingers - especially freshly washed locks.  And I will admit, it's been kinda cool showering sans showercap this week.  It was an added layer of freedom and I liked it!

This lock thang is so beautiful.  Our locks just keep evolving for the better, each phase beautiful in its own right, adding yet another layer of knowledge and experience to our Natural Awakenings.  

Are YOU growing along WITH your Sisterlocks?   ~BlaqKofI 

NOTE:  Please discuss any product use with your Sisterlocks Consultant PRIOR to trying, particularly if your locks have not completely settled. 

Photographer:  BlaqKofi 

Surround yourself with those who won’t compete with you but will revel in your success and somehow see your ascent as a reflection of their own possibilities. And don’t forget that success is not just cash in the bank or degrees on the wall; it is living out your life’s purpose. It is being all you can be. - T.D Jakes

Sharing with you those things that strengthen and enhance my life. 

My niece, Little "T" looking just like her mom.

The Most Important Part of Sisterlocks

Queens! I have missed sharing with you.  Been experiencing life - the ebbs and the flows.  But, where there are valleys, there also are peaks.  I been climbin!  But this evening, it's just you and me - and Sisterlocks, of course.

I love the look and feel of my Sisterlocks.  I love their flexibility and versatility.  I love the freedom of washing and styling my own hair, riding with the windows down, getting in the water rather than watching from the sidelines.  But, I cherish the Sisterlocks Sisterhood most.   I've come to understand that the most important part of Sisterlocks is NOT the locks - it's the SISTER. 

This weekend I got to experience it in abundance.  My clients Monica, Kendra, Sandee, Maya and Venus came out to hear me speak at the Let's Talk About Hair forum in Oklahoma City.  There were over forty women of every hue and hair texture sharing, learning and networking.

That's the SISTER in Sisterlocks.

Just when I was wondering if my blog was serving a purpose I received this email.  It made my day!

"I just want to tell you how much I enjoy your blog. I have been learning a lot.  I am not ready to lock yet but I am obsessed with your site!  I just want you to know that many people are benefiting from your energy even if you don't always hear from them."

That's the SISTER in Sisterlocks.

Facebook friend and fellow Sisterlocks Consultant, Connie from L.A., helped me out with some Sisterlocks supplies.  She was so kind and accommodating.  I could tell that she sincerely wanted to help me.  She even encouraged me to take some "me" time.  The irony is, I've never even met her personally yet and still she reached out to me.

That's the SISTER in Sisterlocks. 

My girl Venus, who I hadn't seen in over a year, drove two hours to see me.  We got to sit down, grown folks style, Saturday night and share the way we used to.  It was nice to exhale authentically...

That's the SISTER in Sisterlocks.

The Consultant/Client relationship is so special and intimate.  I love my one-on-one time with my clients and I think they enjoy me also.  My place is quaint and intimate, peaceful with smooth jazz or some Neo Soul (I been jammin' that new Ledisi lately) Old School, R&B or Gospel depending on the mood.  But always good times of sharing like Angie, from Kansas, and I had on Saturday afternoon. 

That's the SISTER in Sisterlocks.

My girl Sandee hooked a sister up with a Red Bull to help me get through my Saturday retights. After speaking that morning I was drained.  What was I thinking, scheduling retights afterwards?  I take good care of my clients and they care for me.

That's the SISTER in Sisterlocks.

Today, I retightened Tanisha.  She has the most beautiful island accent.  I could just sit and listen to her talk. We have great "Chi."  I always look forward to sharing space with her because my girl is funny, deep and wise.  The "Sister in Sisterlocks" was born this morning as a result of one our moments.  She was selfless enough to allow me to share with you.

That's the SISTER in Sisterlocks...

The Sunday work day ended with a late brunch, lakeside with Belinda from Arkansas.   Great food, great conversation, great client and great friend.

And that's only those I interacted with this weekend!  My clients' support and the encouragement of my readers help me to continue to climb.  I won't ever stop, despite the sometimes rugged terrain and it's comforting knowing I'm not alone.

I remember the rush of wanting my locks to drop and settle and grow long and look like someone else's.  But I believe, it's not how fast or how long our Sisterlocks grow, but the SISTERS we become in the growing.

That's what's up....

 ~BK

Authenticity

The Universe seeks those who are authentic in their words & actions. 

It's one thing to talk about being natural, it's another to live it.  

Detractors don't mind you talking as long as that's all you do.

However, when you make up your mind to act according to the words that proceed out of your mouth, that's when you'll see a difference. 

When your words become your actions. 

~Sisterlocks

Inspired by Tonika Ward #fb
Photography:  KDub-Williams
6 yr-old Sisterlocks

Happy Lockversary - Mom & Blaq

Happy four-year and six-year anniversary to Mom and BlaqKofi.  My six-year post coming next!