By Leila N.

Throughout my many travels to Europe over the past 7 years, I’ve learned that many black women struggle with finding good hair products or a great hair stylist they can trust. Having lived in Barcelona, Spain, I personally struggled with maintaining the healthy beauty regimen I adopted in The States. I realized how hard it was to find quality beauty products, especially because there wasn’t a beauty supply store in every corner. So I put on my entrepreneurial hat and created Isabis Beauty, a social commerce website where women worldwide could “Share Beauty. Shop Beauty.” I wanted to create an online hub where women of color all around the world could share beauty advice and shop for these products.

I vividly recall one of my experiences soon after landing in sunny Barcelona. So eager to explore the city, I dropped my bags as soon I arrived in my small studio apartment and hit the streets. First stop: the beach. I played in the sand and swam with no regard for my fresh perm! Second stop: dinner date on Las Ramblas, the most famous street in Barcelona. When I got back home from the beach, it suddenly dawned on me that my hair was looking a hot mess (to say the least)! I needed my hair done now and fast but, like many expatriates, there just wasn’t enough room in my luggage to pack my entire beauty regimen. I came with what I thought were essentials:  my “never-fails-me” hairbrush, “morning fabulous” satin scarf, and a small bottle of Kemy hair oil. So my plans changed. Revised second stop: beauty supply store. After Googling for a while, I found a shop in one of the ethnic areas in the city. While perusing the isles, I found repeats of the same 3 products: Dark and Lovely, Dr. Miracle’s, and Indian hair in bulk. Pressed for time, I went to a European beauty store and bought overpriced hair supplies. My hair looked fine in the end but there was a bigger issue: I would have to get creative if I wanted my hair to look silky in Barcelona.

I later learned that many black women with relaxed or natural hair find that it’s more difficult to maintain it in Europe because few quality black hair salons exist, good products are hard to find, and the winters are harsh. This may not be the case in big cities, but everyone who moves to Europe doesn’t settle in London or Paris. Even in these big cities many good products for natural and relaxed hair are hard to come by, let alone searching for them in the boondocks! There’s also an overall lack of hair education. Information is out there but a lot of factors contribute to why some women lack the knowledge, including finances, bad habits, and lack of local resources. When I lived in Barcelona, not only did I wish for better, newer ethnic hair products, but also for a community of women online or in the city to whom I could exchange beauty advice. It’s even more evident in Paris where hair salons, beauty supply stores and even outdoor food markets in Chateaux Rouge (the “Little Africa” of Paris) share a common mission: selling hair extensions. Don’t get me wrong; I love weaves but getting a sew-in and maintaining it are two different things. There are a few good ethnic hair salons in Europe, like Maria Dolores Institut de Paris and Hairy Taj Salon, whose stylists focus on putting healthy hair above all. These are golden treasures to find however.

The culmination of these experiences formed my vision behind Isabis Beauty. No matter where you live, you could log on to www.isabisbeauty.com to ask for beauty advice by uploading a video and another woman eager to help a sistah out would create a video on how she found a solution to the same problem. And the cycle of giving and sharing would continue. So how does my Barcelona hair story end? I found a great, hole-in-the-wall Dominican salon 15minutes from my apartment and stuck to my hair stylist like glue!

Share Beauty. Shop Beauty.

Leila N.

1. Vanity Trays – Why just have your jewelry, perfume or mail for that matter strewn across your dresser or table when you can place it in a beautiful tray? It pulls together your nick-nacs for a effortlessly neat and sophisticated look.

2.  Pure Beech Jersey Knit Sheets – Your guests will never want to leave once they sleep on these sheets. Heck you won’t even want to leave your bed once you try them out. In the words of Aziz Ansari, “it’s like sleepin’ in lotion.”

3. Microfiber Blanket – There’s something about this time of year that makes a comfy blanket oh so necessary. I’m loving this one from Target’s Home line.

4. Tea Anyone? – Sure you can put some hot water in a mug, pop it in the microwave, dunk a tea bag and call it day. But why cut corners when you can have a moment of tranquility and beauty by drinking tea out of a set like this? Have a few friends over, whip up some small tea sandwiches and voila, instant tea party.

5. Floor Pillow – Dress up an empty corner with these fun decorative floor pillows. I like to pile them to give a room an instant pop of color and warmth. Here’s a low cost option and a splurge option.

Name:

Education: B.S in Chemistry, Spelman College, Attended the Advanced Management Program, University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School of Business, graduated from Director’s College at the University of Chicago School of Business/Stanford School of Law.

Current City: Atlanta, GA

Occupation: CEO, Sam’s Club (owned by Walmart), effective 2/1/12. Rosalind is the first woman and the first African American to hold a CEO position in one of Walmart’s business units.

Growing Up: This Michigan native is the youngest of five children. She and her siblings were the first generation to go to college in their family. Her father passed away in her senior year of college.

Career Highlights:  Rosalind held various positions at Kimberly-Clark starting as a scientist and ultimately became VP of their global nonwovens sector. She came to Walmart in 2006 as VP of Georgia operations and became division president for their southeast operations and in 2011 she was promoted to EVP and President over Walmart East division where she was responsible for over 550,000 employees in over 1500 stores. To give you a sense of how powerful that position is, her division produced $100 billion in sales so had it been a standalone company, she would have made the Fortune 500 CEO list back then.

Boards: Chair of Board of Trustees for Spelman College (elected 2006, board chair since 2011), Director of Molson Coors Brewing Company (2006-2011), Board of Directors for Lockheed Martin (since 2011), Board of Trustees for Westminster Schools (Atlanta), Board of Councilors for the Carter Presidential Center

Accolades: Named FORTUNE  Magazine’s list of “50 Most Powerful Women” 2010/11, Spelman College Legacy of Leadership, named on of the 25 Most Powerful Women to Watch-Atlanta, Black Enterprise’s list of the 75 Most Powerful Women in Business

Family: Married to husband, John, who she met while she was at Spelman and he was at Morehouse. The couple has two children, and husband is a former investment banker who became a stay at home dad. Watch this video below where she talks about her family’s decision for her husband to stay home with the children (starting around 3:14) as well as her thoughts on women in leadership:

I have had it with “black” movies and TV. If I see one more trailer for a so-called romantic “comedy” with a bunch of black leads and a plot I’ve figured out (boy meets girl cute, boy/girl introduces other to family, drama ensues, boy/girl breakup then make up, wedding) by the end of the commercial, I think I might just lose it completely. Viewing a movie with a range of quite funny to mediocre black comedians dredging up some stereotype of black culture to give the same derivative spin on (family drama, black dating, thug life) has me reaching for the Excedrin.  Add to this a crop of “reality shows” featuring spoiled, black wanna-be celebrities, and I am on my knees: please Lord, not again. In the words of the divine and ever relevant Marvin Gaye, it all makes me want to holla!

I find that as soon as I see a movie or TV show with a predominantly black cast, I immediately dismiss it, my eyes glazing over and mind shutting down within the first few lines, the way it’s inclined to when it’s seen the same old thing repeated endlessly with almost no variation or originality. It’s like eating plain oatmeal, every meal of every day, every week for the rest of your life. The sheer monotony alone is enough to make a hunger strike seem enticing.

I’m even eschewing the historical pieces. Not because they aren’t important, and that they aren’t a part of our shared history that we should acknowledge and revere (I’m speaking to you, Civil Rights Movement), but aren’t there more stories to tell as well? Aren’t black people more their shared past? Aren’t we creating a new present and future every day in a way that needs to be addressed, discussed, and pondered over? Who is telling the story of the highly educated, upwardly mobile, debt-burdened black upper class in a way that isn’t completely superficial (we’re not just doctors and lawyers, and we care just as much about our 401Ks as we do about having a date on Friday night) or patronizing (loud “house wives” or poor single women)? What about the black artists, or struggling working families, or striving entrepreneurs? What about black immigrants from the diaspora, and the ways that they are redefining “blackness” for all of us here in the good old US? Or why does a show or movie have to be about blackness at all? We are what we are- just living our lives testifies to the richness of our experiences. So why do we limit our sensory experiences to the bland sameness of a fast food French fry when we are surrounded by the richest of cultural cuisines?

One of the more interesting things I’ve discovered lately is that I am really starting to enjoy black actors and actresses with roles on multi-ethnic shows. Mya Rudolph in Bridesmaids is a treat. I am personally advocating for Retta Sirleaf (who stars as Donna on the NBC show Parks and Recreation) to get her own spin-off- I could watch her straight-faced sarcasm all day long. These roles aren’t always perfect, but at the same time they’re not rote, either. The characters aren’t playing black roles- they’re just playing people who happen to be black. In the way that we all are.

I get that we can always go to the theater if we want to see more original black casting and roles. I tend to seek out independent films when I want to see something more original and more chocolate than what Hollywood, cable, and broadcast TV offer. But oftentimes there isn’t much else out there that’s really worth seeing. So I speak to you, both consumers and creators of content for the black masses- please, please, don’t give us what you think we want to see, based on what’s already been seen and viewed before. If anything, think back on your own experiences as a person of color- or don’t. Be the next Love Jones and not the next Guess Who. Heck, even include a few Asian/ Latino/ or Caucasian cast members in a way that’s natural and not forced (back away from the racial stereotypes). Who knows, you might just create the first really great (I’d even settle for unique) “black” movie of the 21^st century.

70′s Inspired Looks – Zoe Saldana looks effortlessly chic in these easy, daytime interpretations of 70′s style. Claudia Schiffer’s fabulous patterned scarf is sets off her pulled together 70′s look.

Wide Leg Jeans/Pants – If skinny jeans were not your friend, don’t fret, you can comfortably rock the wide leg jean and pants trend and be ahead of the curve.

Navy Colored Nails – The whole black nail craze was just a bit too goth for us. But dark polish looks fabulous on women of color so why not try the navy colored nails? It’s on trend without being too wild.

Pop of Color – So excited that color is still on the list. Lots of ways you can do a pop of color whether its with a scarf, handbag, jewelry or a fabulous jacket like this one being worn by Olivia Palermo.

Cap Toe Pumps – It will be interesting to see how long this trend continues. Looking to shake up your shoe game? Try the cap toe pump. Think modern chic twist on the saddle shoe. This pair of Giuseppe Zanotti’s is a stylish version of the trend. For other examples, check out these.

Tuxedo Jacket - Who doesn’t love a slim fitting blazer/jacket? They’re the perfect item to pull together a look. Last year the tuxedo jacket was having a shining moment and it looks like it will carry forward into 2012. This is an affordable version from Top Shop. Check out others by Rachel Zoe and Zara.

Stiletto Nails – Not sure whose bright idea this trend was but celebs including Beyonce and Rihanna have started rocking this pointy nail look. Some lengths more severe than others, the stiletto nail trend is definitely for the more daring, edgy lady. Hey, if you can rock it…rock it.

(Faux) Fur Vests - Head to toe fur is a lot of fur. But a fur vest makes the fur trend accessible and wearable without looking like you’re doing too much. This selection from Piperlime is nice example.

By Allison Brooke Gordon

Ever just miss the postman; the bus; that project deadline; the coming attractions; the second leg of your flight? And, on an on-going basis?

Aside from my birth, I have never been on time for pretty much anything. Since childhood there was a perpetual tardiness that manifested into a daily ripple effect…

1. Late to rise in the morning, slow to get dressed, eat breakfast and pack my bag. Therefore…
2. Late to elementary school every single day – despite my living directly across the street from it. And in high school…
3. Late to homeroom, study hall and even lunch.
4. Late for every band, soccer and track practice. Therefore…
5. Late to detention, so therefore, late getting home. Mom was not happy, therefore…
6. Late to start my homework, late to come down for dinner, and late to bed.

… and the cycle of lateness continued. I can’t shake this disorder to this day. Thirty-something years in, I find my self frazzled and late arriving to work, to meetings, to social functions, to yoga class, to dental appointments and even to submit by bill payments on time.

My resolution year-over-year is to be on time. I put mechanisms in place to help conquer my work day, like: set the alarm clock earlier (check); prep with to-do lists (check); pre-plan outfits and pre-pack lunch (check); set alarms on my phone and calendar (check). It gets me up, it gets me dressed, fed and aware of appointments, but these tactics do not get me there on time.

In my personal life, to name a few: late in getting jokes; the absolute last in getting a smart phone device; very slow digestion; late to hear the Eddie Murphy “allegedly gay” rumors; late to try the black/ navy nail polish craze; late in landing my first job after college, and much to my parents dismay…late to find Mr. Right, get married, and be a mother.

It dawned on me recently that I really won’t ever change. And perhaps, I haven’t been late, but I’ve been on time—by my personal blueprint, that is.  I have always been in the right place at the right time that I’m meant to be. It has afforded me my job opportunities, my coincidences and my circle of friends who all bend, tolerate or maybe don’t even notice my tardiness. So let me take a step back, acknowledge and be thankful that I have a book club, a conference call, a date, a girls brunch, a yoga class, an electric bill or an airplane ride to even be late for! This is my *fate.

So this year, it’s official, I’m giving myself a breather, a grace period, if you will, to be late—humbly so to others, and forgivingly so with self.

I resolve to not fight the clock to be on time. I resolve to not fight my nature.  I resolve to accept the pace and rhythm at which I move on this earth.

In fact, I will not only accept my lateness but also embrace it. I will try to be late to judge, criticize, gossip, or exhibit walking rage (because I’m mad I’m late). I will be late to check every ping from my phone, and late to flaunt every new trend.

If you relate (bless your heart), you are welcome to join me in my movement. Let us together be late—naturally, fashionably and courteously so. 

*FATE = Finally Allowing Time Exceptions.

Birthday: June 20

Follow on Twitter @: iamtikasumpter

Hometown: Queens, New York

Occupation: Actress and singer

Education: Studied at Marymount Manhattan College

You may have seen her on: Gossip Girl, The Game, One Life to Live, or Stomp the Yard 2

Upcoming work: Sparkle, Think Like a Man

Getting started: Tika got a recording contract before she hit it big as an actress. She was a teenager and in a group but didn’t feel like she was ready. However, at 17 she got a job as a waitress in NY and started focusing on her acting career. Her first big contract was with One Life to Live in 2005.

Nominated for: “Best Actress in a Daytime Series” by the NAACP Image Awards (2008)

If she wasn’t an actress, she would want to be: Owner of a spa

Favorite travel destinations: Costa Rica and Prague

Favorite comfort food: Chocolate cake

How she describes her personal style: Simple, Boho chic, Easy,  and Colorful

Favorite lipstick brands: Ruby Woo, Cover Girl, Julia Javone

Favorite shoe designers: Jeffrey Campbell, Giuseppe Zanotti

We’re kicking off a new travel series called “Stay-Do-Eat” where we help you plan your next trip to fun, interesting, and sometimes unexpected places. First up: Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I know what you’re thinking “why on Earth would I got to Milwaukee for a getaway….on purpose?” I thought the same! A few months ago I went to Milwaukee on a short day and a half trip. The original intent was to check out the art museum and a friend who plays for the Milwaukee Symphony. But while there, I found some real gems that I would totally recommend and return to. Here are some places to check out while you’re there:

Stay:

Check in at: The Iron Horse Hotel www.theironhorsehotel.com/

If the Hard Rock Hotel combined with the Ace Hotel, the result would be The Iron Horse. Situated not too far away from the Harley-Davidson museum, there is definitely a biker vibe, but not too overwhelming that non-bikers will be turned off. What I loved about it was the sexy, lofty rooms. With large showers with frosted glass facing the bedroom, this is a hotel you’ll want to go to with your honey, not your girls. But there’s a reason that Conde Nast rated it one of the top boutique hotels in the country, so you’ll have to see for yourself. Be sure to grab some food at the Smyth or a drink at the Branded bar. Oh yeah, the Branded Bar has quite the party scene, so if you’re looking for a quiet get-away, this may not be your place.

Do

See Art at: Milwaukee Art Museum

Designed by Santiago Calatrava, the architecture of this museum is just breathtaking. Since it’s located right on Lake Michigan, on a clear day you’ll think you’re in California. The quality of the collections is impressive and will make you forget you were in a small city’s art museum.

Have a drink at: The Hamilton Lounge

The Hamilton Lounge is the place to go either before or after dinner for a cocktail. If you can appreciate good-tasting, hand crafted cocktails with layers of flavors (many made with Bittercube bitters), you will enjoy this place. From the outside it is unassuming but inside it looks like a swanky, vintage hotel lobby. The night I went there was live jazz music and we were able to enjoy our cocktails while sitting on some comfy, buttery leather couches. A great low-key spot.

Eat

Brunch at: Comet Café

When I walked in this place I felt like I was in Seattle, Williamsburg in Brooklyn or San Francisco. It definitely has a hipster-artsy feel to it. After eating brunch there it was clear why there was such a long wait and also why this place has won so many awards. If you’re looking for a fancy brunch place, this is not your place, but if you want great tasting, well-prepared food, this is the place to go. Oh, and let me just add that the Bloody Marys have bacon (yes, BACON!) and come with beer as a chaser (I personally passed on the beer, but it was a different touch).

Kil@wat

Kil@wat is located in the InterContinental Hotel in downtown Milwaukee. The New American food was tasty, the view was nice, and the service was great. Make sure to try the truffled mac and cheese and the TREEtini where a tree is planted for every cocktail you purchase (find out other places around the country where you can find the TREEtini here http://www.treetini.com/where).

Smyth at the Iron Horse Hotel

Though I did not personally eat there, I wish I had since I heard many great things about Smyth restaurant in the Iron Horse Hotel. Despite the hotel’s edgy feel, the Smyth would meet any foodie’s standards. Milwaukee may be known for its breweries, but the Smyth has quite the wine list and was even recognized with Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence. The scallops come highly recommended as well as the Passion Fruit White Chocolate Mousse, Hazelnut Cookie, and Plum Sorbet dessert.

Have you been to Milwaukee? Tell us any of your favorite spots!

Making bold moves is about being clear on what your intention and direction is and then taking action. It’s easy to get stuck in “ideation” mode or planning so much that you don’t get out the gate. It’s natural because your psyche doesn’t want to fail. But if you never actually make the move not only do you not fail, you also don’t get the chance to succeed. This is not a new notion. You know this already. You also know people or have read about people or seen people on tv with as much or less experience than you, make a bold move and succeed. So why not YOU? Why not let it be YOU who recognizes the potential in yourself, who stands in your corner cheering you on, who feels the fear and pushes past it anyway? You’d be surprised to see how quickly the pavement rises to meet your feet when you start to take bold steps in the right direction. This is your year, now is your time…hoist your big girl boots on then make a BOLD MOVE… and make it today!