So Says Vondella

My pleasure to work with you and your talented staff of down-to-earth professionals.  I look forward to the pictures. I also look forward to seeing you on billboards, magazine covers, and on the big screen.  You are very talented and you exemplify what fashion was, where it is , and where it's going.  You couldnt have picked a better team, all of your spirits were genuine! Thanks for allowing me to be apart of your movement!

Monica Shares Her Experience

When I went to the photoshoot, I didn't know anybody, but everybody was very friendly.  I did makeup first and while I was getting my makeup done, I was able to watch Davita put the outfits together.  Most people do not enjoy their jobs, it is just a paycheck...but Davita was different.  She is passionate, artistic and loves what she does.  I was a little envious of that, but was very happy that she is able to share what she does with others.  Next I got dressed and went to hair.  My outfit and hair was nothing that I would wear on a regular day, but it was great for a photoshoot!  It was different, artsy and I was fabulous!  Gia and Meesh were great and the other models were fabulous too...but not as fabulous as me :)  The BushBroads photoshoot was an awesome experience and if you need me again, I am here for you.  Smooches!

Kekep's Recap

Participating in this journey with the creative minds of BushBroads was a great experience. At first, I was kind of nervous since I've never been in a photo shoot before but these ladies' personalities gave me no choice, but to "bring it".  Despite the bitter cold..lol.. these ladies let me know that you're a BushBroad today and BushBroads are HOT. Warmed me up (snap snap..lol) Thank you ladies for making me feel sexy and appreciative of embracing this natural journey. I applaud you all..true genius! .. This is only the beginning for you all. Remember the sky is the limit. Keep it natural...

Carla Confesses

A little over a year ago, I caught my best friend staring at my head. He asked, "What are you going to do about your hair?" I had been attempting to grow it out, rather unsuccessfully, for almost a year after a series of unfortunate incidents with relaxers, permanent hair color and scissors. "I don't know," I replied. He suggested I stop relaxing it and go natural. "Besides," he said, "Do you even know what your natual hair LOOKS like?" I didn't. So I grew it out and to my pleasant surprise, I loved it! I hadn't seen my natural texture since I was about 12, which was when my mom slapped a Dark and Lovely in it one day after several foggy mornings kept destroying my carefully pressed hair. So when I heard about what the BushBroads were doing, I was almost foaming at the mouth to be a part of it. And what an awesome experience it was! Everyone was so easy to work with. Gia showed me a new way to curl my hair, Joy gave me a beautiful face and Davita's styling is magazine worthy. Marquita and Meesh took some fabulous shots. The whole experience made me feel glamorous and special. Keep up the awesome work ladies! :)

Jania Says.....

My BushBroad experience was AWESOME! Even though I knew some of the team through passing or meeting at different events, I felt like a model in their presence. From the makeup to the fashion to the hair, it wasn't hard for me to get into character. All the ladies are BEAUTIFUL !! Gia is a talented hair stylist & gave me a few natural hair tips that I have used since the shoot. Johnatha did a great job on my makeup & I felt like baby doll!



Davita did a great job on creating the looks & it put me in a very playful & happy mood. Meesh, I can't wait to see your work & I love your hair:)


Much love to the ladies & I would love to do another one.....SOON


Peace & Blessings

Xoxo

Nafeesah's Experience

Well, as you know, my experience Sunday was more than exciting. I enjoyed the calm and welcoming atmosphere that you ladies provided. Hair, Makeup and the Photo Shoot was awesome. Tell Gia that I was a tad bit nervous since that was my second time doing a photo shoot - my first time doing it solo, but you ladies made be feel very comfortable. I really enjoyed the experience and can honestly say that I'm growing to respect the camera in a different way and will be willing to do more shoots for you ladies in the future. I thank Bush Broads for EVERYTHING and wish all of you SO MUCH SUCCEES....MUAH!!!!

A Snippet from Chakayla

First and foremost, the Bush Broads GLAM SQUAD is super duper FLY!! I loved every moment of this shoot, from beginning to end. Though I was nervous to deliver a bad ass shoot with ripped cobalt blue stockings, these ladies made me feel so comfortable. The hair, makeup, and clothes made me feel like a natural QUEEN. Davita's vision of the shoot translated so well on Michelle's lens. Each Bush Broad I met was absolutely gorgeous, resilient, and truly dedicated to making natural women feel appreciated and beautiful. I would of never thought my modeling dreams would come true. If someone told me there was a glam squad dedicated to natural women, I would of never believed them. But ladies it is a reality, there is a glam squad for women like you and me, and its the BUSH BROADS!! I felt absolutely involved in my own shoot, but taking direction as well. This whole experience made me appreciate and have a sneak peek of the day in the lives of a group of women working to break down the barriers of the fashion world. Bush BROADS are fly!

Two Scraped Knees: A Self-Portrait

This self-portrait was written for all who think, live and walk to the left. For those who aren't afraid of trying. For those who aren't fearful of falling and scraping their knees. This memoir was written for the young girl with the tear-soaked mattress. Relentless tears frequent her eyes because of being frustrated with society's, nagging 'box' infringing upon her list of things to do. It speaks to the female struggling for the acceptance of her parents but more importantly, battling with accepting, believing in herself. This is for the sister who stares, daily, into the eyes of trouble, hardship, and despair. For the female who is 'lost' and trying to find her way, this is for you. And, to the blossoming beauty who has yet to reach your full potential, this is written. Written so that you may take advantage of the present day and find comfort in knowing that tomorrow is filled with purpose-filled possibilities.

This story, my story is a graphic tale of being pushed to the ground by others, as well as stumbling to the ground by my own actions but always finding a reason, a purpose to rise again, 'scraped knees' and all. Through pictures, art, poems, reflections, diary entries and interviews, I welcome you into my world.....

----------------------------
My life, my story is available at https://www.createspace.com/3494473. Thank you for your support!

Do you have a 'scraped knees' story of your own and want to share? Anonymously (please no contact or identifying information in the body of your message) send pictures, poems, letters, whatever you need to tell your story to ListeningEarsProject@gmail.com. Be creative. Be honest. Be legible. Go ahead, I'm listening.

~Davita

Courtney's Recap

all i can say is my experience with bushbroads was truly unique....it was exfoliation for the soul. i left there floating on cloud 9....i kept thinking 'wow'....someone can you tell all day that you're beautiful but there's something about the moment when you truly realize it...when you've come into your own. when you're true ...self in it's purest form is exposed. when you smile from within and the universe smiles back and says "yes girl....yes".



Courtney P.

Tasha Talks

Well I must admit I didn't know what to expect. I was a little nervous because I wasn't sure what you were expecting of me, but after meeting and talking with everybody I was at ease. You girls are the best. You are patient, kind, and have great personalities. You made this transition such a great experience. From the hair, makeup down to the final touches everything was super!!!! Now I can sit and talk about the change from being natural but you guys did so much more than that.

As I was sitting in the chair getting my makeup on and eagerly waiting to see what I would look like, what outfit you would choose and so on and so forth. I must admit I was shocked when I looked in the mirror and saw something I truly wasn't expecting. I saw my mother who passed away 6mo ago. And all I could do is smile. I wanted to cry but didn't want to mess up my makeup. Lol. All that hard work that was put into doing it:-). The photo shoot was fun!!! I've always taken pictures but I felt so different and I felt like I had a reason to smile, just thinking about my mom and what would she be doing if this were her.

This transformation as I would call it is just that, you girls are changing lives in more ways than one. You don't even know that each part that was done today contributed to a great experience in my life. I would like to thank you for your time and effort that was put forth into the transformation. I had a great time and wouldn't change the experience for anything. Thanks for allowing me to see my mom through your vision. You may not understand it but I do. Thanks for everything! And allowing me to be a BUSH BROAD!!!!!

You girls are the best! Many blessings and well wishes throughout this whole project. Continue to change lives!!!!

Tasha

Public Praise

They are BushBroads! They are an asset! They are complex individuals with interesting and compelling stories! Ladies, it was most certainly a pleasure to learn and grow with each of you last night as I was made even more aware of your awesomeness.  As each of you uttered the peaks and poisons of your past, bonding occurred and may it never break. I am certain that the fruits of our labor will result in a fruitful future--not only for us but for other, magnificent naturals, as well.

On yester-eve, we were present.....

Joy, you are beautiful!
Marquita, you are beautiful!
Johnatha, you are beautiful!
Meesh, you are beautiful!
Ty, you are beautiful!
Gia, you are beautiful!

And, it's truly my pleasure!!
Davita. xoxoxoxoxo

Pretty Outspoken: Chakayla

So, this beauty is Chakayla....
She'll be transformed November 21st....
She has a few things to share.....

1) Seeing as though you've been natural for a year, what made you detest chemical applications?
The year before chopping off all my hair and reinventing myself, my hair was so thin and unhealthy. I was sick of looking like every other black chick on my college campus, which is predominantly white. Two months before entering college my freshman year I decided to transition until my new growth started peeking out. Anxious and apprehensive, yes two horrible combinations, I cut if off October 18, 2009. This has been one of the best decisions I have made since graduating from high school. In a crowd full of chicks addicted to creamy crack, I am the BUSHY BROAD everyone looks at.


2) Do you think being natural will effect any of your relationships? If so, in what way?
I am currently in a relationship and he met me when I was six months into my natural journey and it was way shorter than what is was now. Only a REAL man can truly appreciate a woman who is natural. One guy told me he thinks its sexy that a woman is natural, its shows that she is confident and comfortable in her own skin. I guess I said all that to say that being natural hasn't affected any of my relationships, but I've had exes say rude comments when I first cut if off, but that's why there exes.

3) What about finding a job? Do you think it will intefere?
It all depends on where natural divas are trying to find jobs. I have aspirations to work in the fashion industry, but I never know where I will end up after graduation. But I will NEVER go back to creamy crack no matter what. I've seen CEOs with natural dos that look dope and professional, the world is changing slowly but surely, my loves.

4) What products do you use?
I currently use Shea Moisture shampoo and conditioner that I got from Target. Carol's Daughter leave conditioner spritz, and I just brought this line called Black Earth product that I'm anxious to use.

5) Do you have any interesting hair rituals?
I don't know if I would call it interesting but I braid or twist my hair before I got to bed.

6) Fill in the blank: My hair is _________________.....
FIERCE, with a mind of its own!
 
SEE YOU SOON CHAKAYLA!!!

Monique Has A Moment~

Regal is the word that comes to mind when describing my BushBroad photo shoot. I am a woman with a disability and the team accomodated me by coming to my home to transform me into a BushBroad queen! Including a woman with a disability really shows that they are capturing a "broad" spectrum of natural sisters in the movement. The creative energy and love that they brought to my home was a beautiful feeling. The back drop for my shoot had names of famous and powerful black women past to present that inspire us to carry ourselves as queens; it was an honor to even sit in front of those names painted on a cloth. Having been officially stamped a BushBroad makes me feel even stronger and ready to rule in every area of my life. "Off with the heads of those that don't respect the BUSH!"



Thank you Davita, Marquita, Meesh, Gia, and Ty via Joy for making me look so beautiful!


Monique Stamps

Crystal's Experience

Over the course of about 10 years I have been undecided between natural and relaxed hair. I consider self low maintainence but work in an industry where beauty and appearance are judged before character and talent. First, let me say that my mother is a hair styist and owned a salon for much of my life. I have never been married to hair because I've seen it fried, dyed, and weaved...meaning it optional. My journey began as a teen. I was experimenting with my hair(cutting/coloring) and decided I wanted a big fro....but around prom time and graduation time I decided I needed "serious hair". I relaxed my hair without a second thought. Two weeks after graduation I went in my godfather's barber shop and got a ceasar. I wore an afro, cornrows, and even pressed hair through college until I decided to experiment with locking my hair. I locked my hair myself and wore them through graduation and finally decided to cut them because I was tired of being the butt end of rastafarian jokes. The breaking point was freelancing @ Southpark and having a distract manager approach me as if I was ignorant of proper english (complete with him rolling his neck and his eyes). Why is it that the hair we have on our head bothers some people?....I don't know...their issue not mine. I was also going through other life changes as I was assuming my role as a proper adult woman. So once again I went back to my ceasar. I decided to take another approach....grow it and weave it. My hair seemed to grow quickly but I relaxed it again about a year later. After about six months and moving to NY I decided to begin cutting my hair again. I like to say that I have had every hairstyle Rihanna has now...but I had them last year. I ran back to my ceasar and have been growing my hair since...best descision ever! I don't see a relaxer in my future anytime soon..I feel my hair has reflected the changes I've gone through and as I see grays sprouting it will continue to grow and change with me. I don't know what the stigma is about natural hair but I suspect most of it stems from ignorance. Why do I have to change what is natural to me to please someone else's eyes if I am the only me I'll ever be? I must please myself and do what's natural.

The Debate: Natural or Not

Just about a year ago, my hair was pretty much non-existent as I wore it shaved really low in a caesar. However, just as unpredictable as the decision to shave my dome, the decision to let it grow came just as quickly. And, that's exactly what I've been doing--letting it grow!

Of course, every now and then, I get the 'itch' to cut here or chop it off there but have been able to resist the urge (so far). Instead, I opt for color to provide a little 'umph' to my tresses.....not that my locs can't speak loudly for themselves (no, not at all). I choose to add color because it suits my personality, it appeals to my mood.

Hmmmm.....but does this a natural make? Or am I more like a quasi-natural? Better yet, is being natural more of an attitude and/or lifestyle? For example, though I am without a perm, I have chemically applied color to my 'bush' but let me get in a swimming pool, I assure you that my hair will sure enough shrivel up like the next..... Let's talk! Natural or Not?

From the Mouth of Monique*

Beauty Redefined… That is how I sum up my experience working with the Bush Broads dream team. From the moment I walked into the building I could feel the creativity flowing from these beautiful ladies. I was nervous at first because I didn’t know how things were going to play out but I was also filled with excitement. On my way there I kept thinking of how they were going to dress me up and if I could actually pull it off. Its one thing to snap pictures of yourself in your bathroom but to have a team of professionals who exude pure style and haute-ness is a whole different experience. I felt so blessed to be a part of their vision.

I am sure they wondered what I was thinking of as I sat quietly in my chair. I traveled back to my teenage years when I would thumb through high fashion magazines dreaming of being in the shoes of a super model. The only problem was there were no models that looked like me. Black women come in many sizes, shapes, and color however the standard of beauty portrayed in the media didn’t reflect our diverse images. Black women and especially natural black women were underrepresented then and even now. As more black women return to their natural roots the image of beauty continually evolves. Bush Broads are redefining beauty and I am so happy that I had the opportunity to be a part of the project.

Peace & Blessings

Monique

So Says Stacey~

This past Sunday I had the opportunity to be utterly transformed by the Bush Broad ladies. The transformation (for me) was not simply physical. Through the process of physical transformation I got to be enriched by taking part in the creation of art by a group of women who love what they do, and are willing to brave heat, bugs, and inquisitive land lords to nail the look they want. The art they want. It was inspiring (so inspiring that it caused me to get off my arse and get some writing done when I got home!)


The experience served as a spark to myself esteem to think that I just as I am "pretty wings" and all could be a piece of art, a treasure. It was a shift in my perception of who I am. People can tell you repeatedly "you're special", "you're worthy" but experiences like this one allow you to see the evidence. In short, I would HIGHLY recommend taking part in this project. It is a healing inspiration, and I'm glad that I was allowed to be a part of it.


To my Bush Broad Babies:


Ladies, you ROCK. Keep doing what your doing and keep changing the world through changing it's attitudes and perceptions.

Selah --->


Stacey "Fire Station #10 'The Rock'" Rose ;)

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.

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!

Angela's Confession

I would like to a Thank the entire creative team of BushBroads for making me feel so welcome! I was very nervous! I had never been a model before, but they made me feel welcome and at ease! I felt empowered and proud to be a BushBroad! So much so that I am encouraging other naturals I know to get involved with this much needed movement! Thank you ladies again! By the way....I am still available if you need me again! :)

-Angela Jeffries