Tuesday, August 31, 2010

And the Winner is.....

Though all stories were heartfelt and allowed many to empathize, the winner of the Badu 'earwings' is: SOPHIE!!

 And, aside from the fact that they looked fabulous on her as 'Mother Earth,' her story of transition highlighted the harmful effects of chemicals all the while celebrating the growth and learning processes of being comfortable with your 'natural' journey.

Continue to embrace your BUSH!!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Sophia Shares.....

Being a Bush Broad Realized. What can I say? I've never been so thoroughly impressed with anything as completely as I was with this day and these women. From the concept to the mission to the professionalism to the aesthetic to the wonderful, beautiful, talented ladies involved in this project. Everything was impeccable! I went into this thing with zero expectations. I was told a location, a time, and to just bring meself. I walk in to Always aHead on Myers Street to what I shall deem my mom-tourage putting the final touches on my costume's embellishments, discussing the plans and the past, and pleasantly waiting for me even though I was easily 15 minutes late. Gia Atkinson styled my hair, Joy Randall hooked up the makeup, Davita aka Swatty dressed me and voila... I not only looked the part, I felt it! Mother Earth: a wild mane held in place by a sliver of order; a fresh, natural face ready to look upon her decimated world; a body swathed in lush greenery and accoutrements made of her creation.

The location, chosen by Meesh, was the perfect homage to "Taken Earth Retaking". We hiked it to a probable-drug-den, definite-rebel-hideaway under a train bridge off of Caldwell Street. Remnants of travel and industry (tires, debris, and concrete) and evidence of illicit use (skateboard ramps, spray paint, and crack pipes) ALL being reclaimed by nature and I, her ingénue. I didn't feel like we were capturing an image so much as a concept akin to Carl Sandburg's "Grass".

Marquita Anthony snapped the process, which was not at all as easy as I'd imagined, while Meesh strove to capture the perfect frames. It was incredibly hot, insect ridden, and unbeknownst to us...surprisingly dangerous! Not only were we climbing up and over trash piles and upsetting mosquito filled tires, but a couple of wigger thugs drove up rather brusquely because they'd "heard about our shoot". Gia and Joy, on top of trying to keep the original look intact through sweat and agitated hair, coolly deduced that these fellows probably got a tip from the unsavory character that rode by on his bicycle earlier that a bunch of weird ladies were taking pictures on their turf.

Overall, everything went quite well! With Meesh's setup and Marquita's direction, I tried to evoke royalty, anger, sadness, distress, and all of the other emotions that a mother whose children constantly stab her in the back may feel. I hope I did well with my small part in the whole thing because my GOD what an adventure! I've never felt so pampered and abused at the same time, and had so much fun doing it.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

The original Bush Broad...hommage to sis!

Was just thinking about Lauryn Hill today...she was definitely one of the most pivotal influences on me as a young woman. She was the original Bush Broad!!! She was so much different than the "light skinded and long straight hair" concept of beauty at the time. A chocolate sista with natural hair! Full lips, eclectic style, and most of all amazing talent! Finally a woman who I could see myself in...I think Lauryn did so much for us!!! A breathe of fresh air...thank you Lauryn! For inspiring us! For representing for us!...hommage to this Bush Broad! Just a few of the looks she embraced...I can honestly say that I don't even know if this movement would be here without her! We miss you!
Sweetest thing we've ever known....

Monday, August 9, 2010

Would you like to own a pair of 'wing ear rings'?



You see the earrings on Badu, right?
You see the earrings on our model, Sophie (next post), right?
Yep, they're the same!
Want to win a pair?
Alright then, listen up.....
We need for you to post your story of transition below as a comment.....
In other words, what motivated/inspired you to become a natural?
What is your HairStory? 
How is your journey thus far?
We want to know.....
Inspire us and the earrings are yours!

Saturday, August 7, 2010

SpeakEasy

My HaIR
From THE RooT
Is KINky
IS coiLy
IS strONG
Is BeauTIFul
Is PERfect
Just THE Way IT iS
PERiod.
POInt blAnk.
The ENd.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

The transition...

My natural hair journey began about 3 years ago...and I am so glad that I stuck with it! I think a lot of women have the wrong perception of "Natural hair": Going natural is as much a mental process as it is physical. here are a few tips to get you through the metamorphosis...

The first step is to accept the idea that "YOUR" hair texture is beautiful...no matter what that texture is. Some women's natural texture is soft and wavy....some is kinky and tight...either way, if YOU love it, so will everyone else! Own your natural hair! It's yours and its fabulous!

The next step is finding the products that work for your hair! Don't get your feelings hurt if the same product your friend uses doesn't quite work in your hair! Products that suit your texture...is as individual as finding a foundation for your skin tone.You have to think that you are made of 2 ppl who were made of 2 other people and so on and so on...that makes each texture unique and different and that is a beautiful thing! Have a lil patience when it comes to finding what works, it will be a trial and error period. But you WILL find something that makes your natural hair look amazing! ;)

Another tip is finding a stylist who can help with your transition. The right stylist can give you "In Between" styles...that you can rock until you get your hair where you want it to be. There are tons of options outside of locs and braids! Blow outs are a great way to grow length out  as well if you're not ready for the big chop.

Big Earrings, hats and wigs are also helpful to wear on the days you may not feel as bold. Throw a lil make up in the mix and you will be feelin too cute in no-time! Sometimes you just need to do a lil somethin to get you through a day or 2, so you won't reach for that "creamy crack"! Especially after you've come so far! ( We have all been there)

You can do it sista! Grow on wit yo bad self! BushBroads are here to help ya! Keep it Funky ladies! Peace! 
Joy Nichelle Randall