Miss Jessie's and PiNK's First National Meet-up
By: Jasmine Rose P9
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Pi Nappa Kappa will be holding its very first national meet up December 10th and 11th at the Reliant Center in Houston, Texas. Everyone is so excited about the special features- workshops, a fashion show, pageants, product venues- just to name a few.
With the anticipation in the air, the most exciting feature is that New York's finest will be sponsoring the Nzuri Natural Hair Health and Beauty Showcase. Who you ask? Well, the most innovative and influential natural hair marketing salon Miss Jessie's!
According to missjessies.com "In 1997 sisters Titi and Miko opened Miss Jessie's Salon to respond to the demand for expertise in natural hair and naturally curly hair."
The salon became a hit from then on and was the "...go to place for natural hair and naturally curly hair attracting clients nationwide."
The year 2004 brought in new opportunities for the dynamic duo. They introduced to the world their new product line.
Products like Curly Pudding, Curly Buttercreme, and Baby Buttercreme have been used by thousands of women from all different races and continues to be one of the top-notch hair lines.
PiNK is honored to have such an extraordinary company like Miss Jessie's be the signature hit of the Nzuri Hair Showcase. PiNK strives to bring together a great community of sisterhood within the natural hair movement and feels that company's like Miss Jessie's incorporates the same drive.
Miko and Titi took the time out to answer a few questions for PiNK. Here they give more insight into Miss Jessie's and their take on PiNK's first national meet-up at the Nzuri Hair Showcase.
Photo Credit: Miss Jessie's
What is your educational background?
Miko has a degree in Fashion Design and is a licensed hair stylist. Titi has a degree in Consumer Economics and is a licensed master barber.
What was your inspiration for starting Miss Jessie's and what makes your brand so different from the other natural hair brands out there?
The Miss Jessie’s brand started from a place of necessity. Our focus in our salon was always beautiful, healthy hair. At the point when Miko was expecting she started to transition from straight styling to curly styling. She just didn’t have enough time. Titi followed suit and that started the quest to find the right products.
There was a point when we would use a mix of a number of different products to achieve the look we wanted. We then decided to create the products that we were looking for. While we were creating the products we realized that we were doing exactly what our grandmother use to do for us in her kitchen when we were children.
What is the most memorable event you have attended thus far?
All of the events we’ve done where we’re talking and meeting the ladies and gentlemen who are working to enjoy their curls have been memorable ones.
I read the story of your Grandmother Miss Jessie and how she inspired you ladies to start Miss Jessie’s. Do you still use any of her original recipes in your hair products?
The Miss Jessie’s line is an expansion of what our grandmother use to do. I would say the products in the line has her spirit. What we learned from our grandmother is if there is an issue/challenge figure out how to address it in the best way. We have included castor oil as an important ingredient in some of our products because that is one of the things she used in our hair with great results.
There has been much controversy on your Specialty Silkner Styling Process. Can you please enlighten us on this process?
The Silkener is a product and service provided in the Miss Jessie’s salon. This is a chemical service that smooths and stretches out your natural curl pattern in a more secure way. The result is no frizz, no shrinkage and the ability to maintain texture. This service enables women and men who want to enjoy a naturally curly look while making the hair more manageable while tremendously cutting down their daily styling time.
What changes have you seen in the natural hair community in the last 5 years?
There is a deeper understanding of what is involved in enjoying natural hair. The consumer is becoming more and more informed and as a result is becoming more involved. This is inline with our brand because we really work to be transparent in regards to our salon services and subsequently with our products. We not only work to provide products but we explain to you how to use it. These are the things that the community has been looking for.
What do you think about the idea/concept of Pi Nappa Kappa the world's first natural hair sorority?
I think it is a great way to encourage a sisterhood. The discovery process of natural hair is vast and can be daunting to some people. This sorority is another way that women can come together to share and bond with each other. It’s great that the unifying force is the acceptance of something that is natural to you all.
Have you pledged to be natural?
We support all individuals who have textured hair.
What advice can you give someone who is thinking "Natural is hard" or "Styles are limited"?
The majority of women who are going natural are women who spent most of their life with relaxed hair. The advice I would give is to give yourself a chance to fully understand your hair. Know that it takes time to find the best regimen for you and that your regimen will change as your hair grows. Award yourself the time to enjoy re-discovering yourself. Also, go on different sites and see what kinds of styles are out there. There are a number of celebrities that are wearing their natural hair in really interesting ways.
Any surprises coming from Miss Jessie's in the near future?
We are constantly working towards building the brand and helping the consumer by further dissemination of information. In terms of surprises, I would encourage anyone who isn’t yet to “like” our Facebook fan page. We are constantly announcing what’s to come, doing fan page giveaway promotions and answering questions. The page has grown into a place where everyone helps each other.
We are elated that you are our Title Sponsor. Why did you decide to be the Title Sponsor for our 1st National Meetup?
We always work to support women and men with textural hair. In sponsoring this event we are able to support women who not only support curly hair but support each other. It can be nothing but a beautiful experience.
What can we expect to see from Miss Jessie's in Houston?
We will be in Houston to share our experiences as women in business and our expertise with curly, kinky, wavy hair textures. We will have demos and five minute consultations along with giving out goodie bags.
Please visit the Nzuri Natural Hair Health and Beauty Facebook page to find out more details on PiNK's first national meet-up.
DON'T MISS OUT ON THE BIGGEST HAIR SHOW OF THE YEAR!
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Say Hello to Valana Minerals
By: Jasmine Rose P9
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Earlier this month, the blog team had the opportunity to get to know Valana Minerals and it's founder, Valerie. Valerie is also a member of Pi Nappa Kappa and enjoys sharing her knowledge and expertise with other PiNK sorors about natural mineral cosmetics.According to their website, the purpose of Valana Minerals is to "...coordinate with various shades of ethnic skin and to meet the unique cosmetic needs of women of color."
Photo Credit: Valana Minerals
Products varying from foundation to lipgloss, the company's ingredients are reassured to be benefical and suit a diverse population of women.
With the natural movement in full speed, natural cosmetics are also a staple of the future! We are thrilled to have Valana Minerals as part of our organization, to educate and inform natural women on natural beauty. Say goodbye to traditional make-up and hello to Valana Minerals!
Q: Can you share the history and inspiration of Valana Minerals?
Officially, I started my business four and a half years ago. Before that I made cosmetic products for family members and myself but didn’t sell anything to the public. Before starting Valana Minerals I had other home based businesses but nothing that I was passionate about or that was inspiring.
There were a few things that inspired me to start my business. Several years ago I suffered an illness that stemmed from an allergic reaction to antibiotics and the symptoms were worsened when I ended up with abnormally high levels of an ingredient commonly found in cosmetics. One of the results was that my hair fell out. That’s when I started more extensive research for natural alternatives in cosmetics.
Another aspect of my inspiration stems from my frustration with horrible customer service and the lack of choices for natural and vegan color cosmetics for people with tan and brown skin. When I was able to find color cosmetics in realistic shades they caused breakouts. I finally decided that if I wanted makeup that worked for me, I'd have to make it myself. I learned to formulate for myself and haven’t had a breakout since. Eventually, I figured I couldn’t be the only one with these frustrations so I started Valana Minerals. I named my company for my goddaughters and myself. Their names are Maryana and Kiana. I used the first part of my name and the last part of their names for Valana Minerals. I wanted the business to be a model for them to demonstrate some of the things they could do someday.
Q: What makeup products were you using before you decided to develop your own line?
Over the years I’ve used countless different brands. When it comes to business models, I like Mary Kay. I think the original business model was one of the most innovative of the time and truly pioneering.
Q: What makes mineral make-up so much healthier than regular make-up?
First, all mineral makeup is not created equally. Some of the "Mass Market" brands contain Bismouth Oxychloride, which isn't good for sensitive skin, can lead to irritation, itching and a burning sensation. Also, Bismouth Oxychloride can make deep brown skin look ashen. There are also very large companies that use the title "mineral makeup" but when you read the ingredients they are primarily synthetic and artificial ingredients. Some companies use natural minerals but they also add non-mineral ingredients, like oils or herbal extracts. So, it's important to read ingredients. Generally, mineral makeup is healthier when it’s not full of ingredients that can overwhelm your skin.
Our Stardust Luxury Foundation has only four ingredients (iron oxide, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and mica), all of which are natural and vegan. When you compare our ingredient list to other brands, you'll see that we take a minimalist approach. By keeping our ingredient list narrowed down to only the most essential components, your skin isn't burdened with harsh ingredients. Less is more in this case and the more natural and pure your makeup is, the less likely you are to have breakouts or experience an allergic reaction. Many dermatologists and other skin care professionals recommend mineral foundation for people with a range of skin conditions including acne, rosacea, sensitive skin, vitiligo, dry skin and oily skin.
Q: How did you learn what ingredients would work best in your line? Did you actually go to school for it or did you teach yourself in your own free time?
I began learning about natural living from my Gradma Mae. She was into “Green Living” before it was called “Green Living” and before it was “in style.” She actually told people that cigarettes were deadly back in the 40s when doctors told people that it was healthy. After high school I earned a degree in Fashion Design and Merchandising. Later, I earned degrees in Sociology. After the illness that took my hair, I began studying cosmetic chemistry on my own. I was able to combine what I knew about “Green Living,” fashion design and merchandising, sociology and cosmetic chemistry to start Valana Minerals. I also work full-time as a Sociology Professor, so I have to be very strategic with my time.
Q: What would you say is your best product in Valana Minerals?
All of our products sell well (if they are slow sellers, we discontinue them). The most popular products are Stardust Luxury Foundation, Sparkie Lips Gloss and Faux Synthetic brushes. There aren’t any other companies that could be categorized ‘Prestige’ or ‘Luxury’ that are also 100% natural, vegan that specialize in shades for people of color. Valana Minerals is the only one that actually formulates with those goals in mind. The goal of providing such a line means that if it’s not “the best” we don’t want the Valana Minerals name on it. We want to give women of color the best so we focus on trying to perfect a very targeted line that highlights foundation.
Q: Out of a variety of choices in your line, what would you suggest would be the best foundation for a woman who has problems with Acne or Freckles??
At this time we offer one line of foundation, Stardust Luxury, so anything in that line would be great as well as any foundation line we offer in the future. However, I wouldn’t put Acne and Frckles in the same category. Acne would be akin to a minor skin ‘injury’ that result in a minor lesion where Freckles would be more along the lines of discoloration or hyper pigmentation and lesions would not be present. Of course, acne scarring can lead to discoloration but not always.
Those with Acne would benefit from Valana Minerals foundation because the ingredient list is minimal. Your skin isn’t overwhelmed with all types of chemicals, which gives your skin the ability to focus on healing. Also, our foundation contains zinc oxide, which has anti-inflammatory properties. This can calm swelling to make acne scares appear less prominent.
Personally, I don’t consider Freckles a problem but I do understand that some people want to cover Freckles, Hyperpigmentation or other discoloration. Our foundation can be beneficial in this area because it can be used as concealer. We prefer to create products that are multi-use so our foundation can be used as a light loose powder, moderate coverage foundation or concealer (we also have demonstration videos on YouTube). Also, the zinc oxide and titanium dioxide will help so that discoloration doesn't get worse from sun damage.
Stardust Luxury Foundation used as concealer (Before & After)
http://www.valanaminerals.com/gallery/gallery_main/gentleamberconcebefore.jpg
http://www.valanaminerals.com/gallery/gallery_main/gentleamberconcealafter.jpg
Q: How often do you travel to promote Valana Minerals? Where are your favorite places to promote your products??
My products are primarily sold and promoted online. Our marketing includes the use of social networking sites like Facebook and YouTube. We’ve also received exposure and a great deal of support from bloggers, product reviewers and in the mainstream media (local TV, national and international magazines, book references etc.). When I started Valana Minerals we regularly promoted our products through booth events. I travel at least twice a year to promote my company through various events. That's also a way for us to formulate and test new foundation shades. However, my customers have been the best marketing vehicles imaginable.
Q: Do you ever do any special offers during your company’s anniversary?
For our first three anniversaries, I was so busy that I forgot that we needed to take a break to celebrate. A friend reminded me about a month after the third anniversary. So, I took my helpers out for dinner to celebrate but we didn’t do anything for our customers. For our forth anniversary we had a contest in which we gave away prizes every day for one week. That was fun.
Q: What makes Valana Minerals different from other natural mineral cosmetic companies such as: Lavera Organic Cosmetics or Bare Minerals?
Our products are unique in that we offer a deep rich color palate that is both all natural and vegan. My niche market is somewhat specific but from a global perspective it’s quite diverse. This is because my vision of “people of color” is very broad. I also market my products to those interested in natural and vegan products and accessories.
Our wholesale vegan lipstick and lip-gloss are made to order, fresh. However, I don’t do custom formulations for retail sales anymore because I simply don’t have time. I do formulate new shades and consistently add them to the line based on customer demand.
Many companies have a rather limited perspective of what “people of color” means. My approach is atypical because of my sociological background. My customer base is very diverse and includes Asians, Africans, African Americans, Latino/Hispanics, Middle Eastern, Caucasian, Pacific Islanders and Native Americans. We actually formulate our foundation shades by testing them on real people.
When I formulate new shades and products I take into consideration various skin tones and undertones. I consider the gaps in the mass market and work to fill those gaps while maintaining my mission to create natural and vegan products.
For example, one of the central complaints about mineral makeup is that shades for tan and brown skin tend to look ashen. I offer a variety of undertones and shades formulated so that even those with deep brown skin can find a shade with an appropriate undertone and avoid the gray ashen look. Our burgundy shades don’t turn orange, our browns actually show up and our pinks and blues are sheer enough to look great on any skin tone. Our vegan lipstick, eye colors and cheek colors are all formulated with the same considerations in mind.
My customers remind me everyday of the differences they see in our products. One of my customers first came to a booth I’d set up at an event. She has deep brown skin with red undertones and she was certain that I wouldn’t have a foundation shade for her. She told me she was 60 years old and had never had foundation that matched. Once I found a match and finished her makeover she was so thrilled that she walked around the event the rest of the day telling people to stop by my booth. Our products were able to offer something that she had been unable to find with other companies. Several months ago a customer called me to thank me for the lipstick she’d just received. She told me that she had severe chemical and fragrance allergies and had given up on finding lipstick that would work for her. She could hardly get her words out because she was so happy she was crying. We were able to offer her lipstick that looked good on her deep brown skin, while at the same time avoiding perfumes and synthetic ingredients. I have customers with Lupus who tell me that they are amazed at the fact that my foundation can be used as concealer, it matches their skin tone and it doesn’t make their symptoms worse.
My company is small and new so by the time customers find me, they have already tried a number of other brands that might not provide what they need, which may be why they kept looking long enough to find Valana Minerals.
I’m not really into the “celebrity - fan” thing. It means a lot to me that everyday, normal people benefit from our products. I know a makeup artist in Brazil who used my products on several political candidates for their television debates. So, I suppose if I had to choose…I’d be tickled to see Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Robinson Obama using my foundation.
I do believe that hair and skin care is important. When I have time I still make my own skin and hair care concoctions. However, when it comes to business, I’d rather focus on areas that show a need in the United States and abroad. There are tons of hair care companies, small and large. People who need those products already have choices. Those choices might be limited in some respects but the choices exist. I have considered adding skin care to our color cosmetics line but because there are a number of other choices for consumers, I’m not in a hurry to expand in that way at this time.
I truly believe that there is enormous potential for what I offer. Part of my long-term plan is education to let the world know that they need products like ours (many don’t know it yet). For people of color who are either looking for realistic foundation shades, 100% natural and vegan options that are also Luxury or Prestige quality, Valana Minerals is the only choice.
Q: PiNK is one of the many prime examples of just how serious African-American women and women of African decent are embracing their natural God-given hair, what are your hopes of someday that those same women will start to embrace natural, mineral cosmetic make-up as well?
I would love to see the day when we put as much emphasis on our skin care as we do on hair care. I understand the emphasis on “healthy hair,” hair adornment and the cultures of the Diaspora that emphasizes hair care and adornment. However, our hair is made up of dead cells, Karatin, but our skin is the largest organ on the human body. Don’t get me wrong; I’m into my hair. But I like the idea of taking care of the living cells that make up my skin, which also acts as a central entry point into the body (transdermal delivery methods). In many instances, what we put on our skin (including the scalp) can end up inside our bodies. The effects of this can be profound. I’d love to see us put more emphasis on the natural care of the largest organ, which is central to our overall health. This is why I believe that what is in our makeup truly matters.
To learn more about this company, you can also liked their page on Facebook by clicking here.
To learn more about this company, you can also liked their page on Facebook by clicking here.
