I’ve already posted on facebook, don’t mind the weird face I’m making but check out the HAIR! When you are bored at home with more free time then I was in school, I can discover different ways to do my hair. I was figuring out how to make my hair manageable, yet unique in a “corporate” kind of way. (Interview on Wednesday) Nonetheless, with Maury’s twist Gel and some African Shea butter this is what I came up with. I should start my demo video’s back up shouldn’t I?
She calls herself the HSIC (Head Sista In Charge) but you may know her as Nailah Ricco, a New York City native and aspiring lawyer is making a big statement in New Orleans, Louisiana. Nialah is the owner of natural hair and body care line called Happy People Products. By producing products for individuals of color, Nailah’s strives to bring her own happiness to people who enjoy being healthy. Happy People products are 100% safe and crafted with scents and textures to give each product its individuality.
Reesa Speaks: Where did you get the name “Happy People Products”?
Nialah: Actually, I got the name Happy People after weeks and weeks of thought. When I made the decision to trademark my business, I was very cautious in selecting a name– primarily because if it bore likeness in anyway to another existing business, it’s trademark would be rejected. I wanted it to be a name that expressed how I felt when I was at my healthiest, and I wanted it to be a name that ALL individuals could identify with when they finally find something (be it earrings or shampoo) that they have been looking for possibly all their lives. I chose “Happy People” because after all…Happy People do make the world go ‘round. (Hopefully).
Some of the products available now on the website www.happypeoplestore.com include Happiness Bath Wash, Orange Rosemary Bath Salts, honey plum and rosemary body oil.
Not only does she cater to the happiness of your hair, body, and skin, but also Happy People includes handmade glass bead earrings. They are handcrafted to order by Nailah herself, with each pair representing and expression that she wants to share with others.
What’s very unique about this HSIC? She is not only a fellow Hampton University Alumna making a mark in society but also a recent law student in the process of obtaining her Juris Doctorate and receiving her certificate in International Law. She is working on her law school endeavors as well as paying close attention to developing her own business ventures.
Reesa Speaks values artistic people, and especially the ones that have Natural Hair so when asking her about her own Naturality, I thought that it was only right to give EVERY bit of the advice that she shares to you, I couldn’t possibly hold out on the TRUTH!
Reesa Speaks: What advice that you live can you share for women (and men) with Natural Hair?
Nailah: I can give 5 pieces of advice that I live and die by for Women and Men w/ Natural Hair :
1) Love your hair! Love yourself! – sounds simple but its really not. Loving yourself and the things that come as a product of your body can be a long journey. Once you love yourself, you will love your hair. Love is unconditional, doesn’t quit, and doesn’t hurt.
2) Treat your hair like you would your lover – would you fry your lover? Yank your lover around? Would you let your lover behave in a way that is getting out of control? Would you say ugly things about your boo behind his/her back? No. Don’t get fed up and just neglect washing, trimming, pampering or grooming your hair, allowing it to get out of your “control”. And don’t bad talk your hair (Its counter-advice tip #1)!
3) Use your head! – There are some things in life that are just not logical. Sometimes we can blame our naïveté, but other times you may be entirely aware of moments when you over-dye your natural hair, you slip up and use some alien-language’d shampoo or you just do something you know you had no business doing. Use your head when it comes to your hair!
4) Have some self-confidence! – It’s a horrible bi-product of any “ism” you can name, but the truth of the matter is that it is still VERY hard to have natural hair in some arenas of society. Break through! See that as an opportunity to show your self and your natural beauty off. Pick up some self esteem building books, some scented shampoo that makes you feel all that and get back in the game. Be proud, and have some self confidence.
5) Knowledge is Power! – one thing I have found is that the more people learn about their hair, the more they are able to use ALL 4 of the other pieces of advice I have listed. Learning about different styles and products, curl patterns and textures, and even the history of women with Natural, beautiful hair has PROVEN to contribute to amazing self-confidence and a loving relationship between you and your hair. You wont be able to stop bragging about all of the historical figures who had natural hair like yours at your next house party, and you will probably mention the textural strength and superiority of a natural curl to your chicas (homies?) next time your getting a mani (pedi?). Who knows, you may even wow your next date with your body of knowledge on your head full of hair ;-).
Nialah is a goregous woman with such a powerful statement for herself. I can only see greatness in her future! While perfecting her own talents and attributes, Nialah Ricco encourages all your African American business owners to “Follow your dreams, even I they may be fleeting.”
For more information on Happy People Products visit the website www.happypeoplestore.com
When the world seems to crash down on you, I will be there for you.
In a society that have never accepted the color of your skin, the power of your destiny and the magnitude of your soul, I will be there for you.
I don’t point the finger in this situation, because I too am a black woman, suffering in a world that has never fully accepted my well being. From my “rebellious” hair to my rooted curves, white America will never fully understand me. So I raise my fist for justice.
If you haven’t been following the Oscar Grant Bart Shooting Trial, just think of Oakland, California revolting in a modern day Rodney King riots over police brutality that seems to slip away in America. About a year ago, a young black man by the name of Oscar Grant was shot and killed on the Bay Area Rapid Transit by a police officer pleading innocent with the “I thought it was a tazer” tale. I knew the police officer wanted to tame him, but in no way do I feel that he should have led it to death. Accident or not, when life is involved it is never something that should be taken lightly. Earlier today the verdict was released that police officer Mehserle is found guilty of involuntary manslaughter with 2-4 years in prison. Being that he has already done a year and some change his time is served with just a slap on the wrist and he will be let loose for “accidently” killing an innocent black man. I can’t even imagine how the family of Oscar Grant feel and to know that the killer will be free, free in my mind, but not in soul; this is not what I call justice.
How can we bring peace to a community that has forever been foreshadowed in society as one of the worst and dangerous cities of America, Oakland; where black boys and girls grow up and only the gifted and blessed get out free. Where crack babies are having crack babies and the cycle repeats because they are neglected because of a drug that has never died in our community. This drug has infested our minds, took over our school systems and has corrupted our hearts. What can we do? Do we continue to let the system betray us time and time again or do we as a black community rise up not with sticks and stones but with our intellect and education to beat the system. The only way that black people can ever beat the system is to be more powerful and smarter than it. Become lawyers, Civil Rights Activists, officers, and prove that Justice can and will be served.
To my black men, keep your head up to the heavens and the sky. This is a very discouraging time in your lives but just know that even though another innocent one of us has fallen short to the system, this should not give us less of hope of our character. Use this trial as a reminder of how powerful you need to be in America and how you will help lead us as a people to get to our promise land; a place that to many, seems so far away…..
As if going on Dates exist these days, I’ve come across some cool spots that you should know about and I should look forward to in my future. With the single girl woes beyond me, we always find the perfect places to go on dates when were lonely. HA! I’ve decided to share with you the top 3 places that I would take my significant other on a date in the Bay Area.
2442 Webster St. Oakland, Ca.
(courtesty of Oakland town Art)
This eclectic place has the perfect happy hour. I met one of my girlfriends here for drinks, and despite the hot bartenders that might distract you the have great FOOD! Happy Hour is from 4:30-6:30 pm where you can indulge Quesadillas, Kabocha Squash Tempora, or cripsy Tofu. If you’re feeling hungry I’d go for their famous Hamburger and fries, all made to order. The setting is warm and the enviornment is creative, with great music and conversation you will be sure to enjoy ur date.
3601 Lyon St. San Francisco, Ca.
Okay, call me a nerd but I love going to museums and re living my childhood. You learn so much and it’s very interactive for you and your date. The Exploritorium is celebrating its 40th Anniversary, you can experience the sound sandwich, cow’s eye dissection, and even a canoe tour. So forget about your dinner plans and hit San Francisco for a day of exploring the human body, culture, art, and science.(Ah, educational).
510 Embarcadero West, Jack London Square, Oakland Ca.
So, I’ve been to both the one in Oakland and in San Francisco and for some reason I find it a little cozier for a perfect date night. If you are anything like me snuggling up to your mate with the sounds of Dwele, Goapole, Mos Def, or even other known jazz sensations would be the perfect way to start your weekend. Over japanese food and cocktails, if you seem to agree with the nightlife, I’d suggest you get your tickets for your latest jazz, smooth ensemble.
There you have it, my top 3 picks for the perfect date in the Bay Area, I honestly think that couples have no excuse when it comes to places to go and things to do in your location. I always seem to spot a museum or bar somewhere, get creative and ditch those sorry excuses for boredom.
Lead singer of the Noisettes, Shingai Shoniwa caught my eye with her powerful outspoken mane. This Indie Punk-Rock Artists, is a English native of Zimbabwen descent. With a focus on making the soundtrack of her life, Shingai was featured in magazines like Rolling Stone and the New Yorker as one of the leading artists of the International music industry. With songs like “Scratch Your Name” and “Never Forget You”, the Noisettes have become the forefront of the new punk rock today. I love the fact that the leading singer uses Kinky Curly products just as I, realizing that no matter what nationality or how much fame you’ve aquired we all share the greatness of our naturality 🙂
Here you can see her naturality in action with last year’s video “Dont Upset The Rythmn (Go Baby Go)”
I was walking in Piedmont, California today and noticed the cutest couple, romantically strolling in the park with their baby carriage. Her natural locs were woven into a large bun that so elegant rested on top of her head as He had a stretched out dark haired afro with piercing on his eyebrow and ears. I immediately caught their essence of black love as I secretly ate my pizza while trying to stare. Usually I would compliment that woman on her hair, ask her about products and conduct business but I just watched. In amazement.
It’s not every day that me, as a black woman, gets to experience young love outside of my parents house. My mom and pop are perfect examples of what I want my love to be like when I get older, but what about now? As a young woman completing yet another chapter in my life I’ve always wondered about who will be in my next chapter. I’ve been on the natural journey for two years now and I have been single in the process. I value the friendships I’ve kept and made who stand by every natural curl that I create. But at age 22, you don’t get any younger. All the days will seem to mush together if you don’t live them properly and pretty soon I will be barefoot and pregnant. Yikes!
I took this photo from www.blackloveposter.tumblr.com because it’s not only just “Obama Love” but inspiring to me and hopefully all black women that there is a man standing behind your individuality and will love every bit of you no matter the circumstance may be. And in this case, presidency didn’t get between their love.
Black Love Poster is a blog that celebrates black love between women of color. I have seen posts on lesbian couples, black women with white, African, Asian, Latino, all races. Some are sharing the Naturality and some are embracing the beauty of just being black. I think it’s wonderful and I hope that will not only give my single black women hope but also every woman that LOVE does exist.
I spot natural hair anywhere, even on the BET awards. Esperanza Spalding was given a segment during the Prince tribute and it blew me away, not to mention her volumnous afro. Esperanza Spalding is a bassist, vocalist, and composer with a very jazzy contemporay sound that shows pure talent and grace from her lips and fingertips. I happen to find her voice one of the timeless most international sounds yet. This aspiring artist grew up in Portland, Oregon where she became bilingual and enhanced her passion for music throughout the years. After attending Berklee College of Music, Esperanza released her first debut album in 2008 entitled “Esperanza”. Look out for her, cause I know I am!
Check out her song “I adore You” talk about amazing, hope u like 🙂
This past weekend I had an opportunity to experience a Juneteenth festival at Leimert Park in Los Angeles, California. Among the plethora of festivals going on that weekend it was an honor to have a very cultural and historical experience in the other stomping grounds of my mother’s neighborhood. I was able to capture a few photos that highlighted my beautiful Saturday afternoon. Leimert Park is a black owned and influenced community in the Crenshaw district that has black owned businesses like bookstores, restaurants, and boutiques. I love this place because it has so much culture and just by walking down one block my five senses are active as I touch, smell, feel, and see the black heritage unveiled.
For those of you that don’t know, Juneteenth is a commemorative celebration of African American Freedom which takes place on June 19th. It is a time of special observance that originated in Galveston, Texas in 1865. 
Communities would gather and share food, guest speakers, music, and dancing. This is a time of reflection and remembrance of all of our achievements as a people and the influence it has on our society today. Not only is it celebrating the independence from slavery but how far African Americans have come in the U.S. and how far that they are willing to go in the future. With the support of business, community leaders, and officials celebrating Juneteenth has been a nationwide event for 145 years and counting!
Natural hair women can swim too! I have recently been in and out of the pool these past few weeks and wanted to a shampoo to use to get rid of the chlorine that seemed to be lurking. The shampoo for natural hair swimmers award goes to “Infusium 23”. Equipped with the leave in conditioner, shampoo, and my usual brand Ion’s anti-chlorine leave in conditioner spray, your hair will be looking good and feeling healthy without the stress. Although you don’t need all three I found the leave-in conditioner and shampoo to work just as good and will be purchasing a bottle to last me.
It’s also important to use a swim cap periodically because you can’t rely on just shampoo and conditioner to save your hair.
(Ion anti-chlorine leave in conditioner spray)
The Ion swimmer’s products are great because I trust them with my dyed hair. Also these products are not just designed for natural hair, but if you have chemically treated hair these products will work best for you as well.
So ladies, don’t shy away from the swimming pool on your vacation. Grab some products and enjoy the sun 🙂
So earlier this week we discussed Six Flags not wanting black women with locks to represent their company, now we have American Apparel not wanting black women with STRAIGHT hair
. So really, what do you really want from us?!
Current and former American Apparel employees wrote to www.gawker.com addressing their concerns from their experiences with hiring and firing policing that expressed discriminatory and racial profiling at its best. Hiring managers were telling employees to only accept applications from people who look a certain way, from their hair down to the pair of shoes they wore that day. Yes, it is true that you should look presentable when applying for a job, but what EXACTLY does American Apparel look for in a black prospect:
“none of the trashy kind that comes in, we don’t want that. We’re not trying to sell our clothes to them. Try to find some of these classy black girls, with nice hair, you know?”
These following instructions were given to an AA employee by their manager explaining what kind of black woman that they are looking for. Now here’s the good part, you are probably thinking the black chick with the nappy hair wouldn’t make the cut, but in actuality the managers were referring “nice hair” to the women who didn’t straighten their hair. The district manager thought it was more presentable to have less raunchy piercings, less weave,but more authenticity and natural hair because of its “Full Body Head to Toe” Policy. The owner of American Apparel himself, Dov Charney, says he prefers that Afro over the straight hair to his company. But it seems to me he also prefers his models with their legs wide open and nipples showing, oxy-MORON! I think that is an odd preference to have, but I’m not surprised because there are certain models and looks in other stores like Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister that lowkey rule out certain looks. So there you have it, not only are black women with natural hair discriminated upon but so are the ones who choose to wear their hair straight. I honestly don’t think this corporate world or distinctive race (I shall not say) understand the dynamics of a black woman and their hair. We are our hair and when one takes it as far as messing with our means of living, oh there will be serious problems. I commend these American Apparel employees for voicing their opinions on this issues and I hope that a lawsuit or some FIRING action gets done about this ridiculous hiring process. So much for wearing overpriced spandex!
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT AMERICAN APPAREL’S POLICIES?
View full article here-à http://gawker.com/5560215/american-apparels-new-standard-no-uglies-allowed
Reesa Speaks 
