Savvy Small Business Sunday | Meet Kelle Stewart

Kelle is a cool girl that I meant one Sunday afternoon along my stroll through the farmers market in Hampton.  She had a natural products booth set up and was standing along side it with a big smile on her face.  I stopped to check out her items and immediately noticed she had a very welcoming personality! We conversed about her products and she shared that she had recently opened her own studio.  I was excited to learn more about what she does.  If you would like to know as well, read on to find out more...

What is the name of your business?

I have an all-natural home goods and hair care brand called Silk/Paper/Flower and I also own Bloom Wellness Studio.

What does the business do?

Silk/Paper/Flower is my all-natural, handmade home goods and hair care brand. I basically make products to make your life easier but I make them in a healthy, natural way without harmful chemicals and artificial preservatives. I also use recycled packaging whenever possible to reduce the company's carbon footprint.

At Bloom I am the lead natural hair stylist and we also plan to start having workshops on hair care, natural health, spirituality and empowerment.

When did you start your business?

I have been doing this business on and off ever since I lived in Brooklyn more than ten years ago... I lived down the street from the first Carol's Daughter flagship store in Fort Greene. I remember when her labels were done on a home printer just like mine :-) The only problem was that I really couldn't afford her products even back then. I was living this natural lifestyle, avoiding chemicals in my food and my cosmetics but I needed to do it in a more economical way. So I had to learn how to make the products myself. When I started becoming more domestic, my products branched out to the home care side of things as well. The hair care products came about in the same way, out of necessity. My very first job was in sales so it has always felt very natural to find ways to share the product with other women as well :-)

  

Why did you choose to start your own business?

I started the business because it felt selfish to keep these things all to myself. It's kind of like how if you cook this big, beautiful meal, so you want to share it with other people as well! I have come to realize that my products are my art and the packaging, the labels and even the way the products are made are a reflection of me so it's very fulfilling when women have a positive response to them. The business is also a really great way to meet amazing women. The people who want to buy these kinds of products are usually thoughtful and considerate in other areas of their lives so that is a real blessing. I am so inspired by the women who have come into my life as a result of this company.

What advice do you have for someone else trying to start his or her own small business?

I would seek a way to be of service. I am a former teacher, a profession that is synonymous with self-sacrifice. I want my products and services to be a comforting, soothing source of relief for women who give to everyone except themselves. And I want them to be healthier while doing it and not causing themselves long-term harm from chemicals in the process. If you start out with serving others in mind, I think that it will resonate with your clients and your customers.

Is there anything else you would like for our readers to know about you?

 You can come shop for products at the Olde Towne Farmers Market in Portsmouth, Va. from 9-1 and at the Peninsula Town Center Farmers Market in Hampton, Va. from 11-3 on Sundays. You can also "Like" www.facebook.com/silkpaperflower on Facebook to learn about upcoming events and receive special promotions and discounts! Also thank you for reading about my company and Deanna is the best :-)

Yummy Baked Oatmeal Recipe

When I have cravings for something sweet, I try my hardest to reach for something healthy.  Just a year ago, that was unheard of for me lol. Today, I had one of those cravings so I made some baked oatmeal with banana.  It was sooo good!!  I posted the pic on my IG and received a request for the recipe. Here it is! Enjoy :)

3 cups quick-cooking oats

1 cup packed brown sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 eggs

1 cup milk (I like to use almond milk)

1/2 cup butter, melted

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a large bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, baking powder, salt and cinnamon.  In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk and butter.  Stir into oat mixture until blended.  

Spoon into a greased 9-in baking pan.  ***I used individual round baking dishes (see picture)***

Bake 40-45 minutes (30-35 with smaller dishes) or until set.  Serve warm with milk or fruit of your choice.

Yield: 9 servings

Additional info ----> I bought my 4 baking dishes from Ross Stores for $6 for the set.  It's great to use to make some and refrigerate so you can have some for later for breakfast the next few days ;))

**recipe used from tasteofhome.com**

Savvy Small Business Sunday | Meet Keisha Anderson Kirkland-Smith

Keisha Anderson-Kirkland Smith is a small business owner and is a person of many talents.  I thought you queens would love to get to know her and a little of what she is about.  Read ahead...

What is the name of your business? 

Provisions

What does the business do? 

I design and make custom clothing and do alterations.  I also have a natural hair t-shirt line, and make accessories such as handbags, knit handbags, and knit infinity scarves.

When did you start your business? 

August 2006

Why did you choose to start your own business? 

For a couple of reasons.  First, I knew that I was blessed with a gift and wanted to bless other people with it.  If you don't use the gifts that God gives you, He will take them away.  :) 

Secondly, I found that there were so many garments being sold in stores that weren't worth the amount they were being sold for.  I got tired of spending money on things like that, that I could make myself.   I also wanted to add garments into my wardrobe that were original, so I went out and bought a sewing machine and just started making things for myself.  From there, I was asked to make things for other people. 

What advice do you have for someone else trying to start his or her own small business?

1. Seek God first and ask that He lead and guide you along the way.  Also, pray that He sends people into your life that will be beneficial during the process of building your business.  It's important to have positive people around you that have your best interest in mind and will be encouraging.

2. Don't be afraid to get started.  If you have a gift that you know would make a difference in the world, it wouldn't be terrible if you didn't share it. 

3. It won't happen overnight so don't get discouraged.  Keep pressing on, networking, advertising, and marketing yourself and your services.  You have to be patient.

4. Don't make your plans known to everyone.  It's better to only share your vision with the right people.  Some people just want to see you fail and will try to discourage you every step of the way because either they resent that they didn't follow their dreams or they just don't understand your vision.  As long as you see it and you know that all things are possible, that's all that matters.  Don't let negative people discourage you.

Is there anything else you would like for our readers to know about you?

I am always willing to be a mentor and share my experiences and knowledge if someone might find it helpful.  Feel free to email me with any questions at provisions.kaks@gmail.com.  Also, anyone that would like to see my work, it's on my portfolio website: http://kakirklandsmith.wix.com/portfolio and if anyone would like to shop my collection of handmade pieces, they can do so at www.kakscollection.com.

Tumblr: kakscollection.tumblr.com

Twitter: Provisions_kaks

IG: Provisionsbykaks

Would YOU like to be featured on our blog for the next "Savvy Small Business Sunday" post? Send us an email to naturallycreole@yahoo.com stating your interest and a tid bit about your business.

Jamaica Vacay-Recap

Hey loves,

I just wanted to share a few pics from my recent vacay to Jamaica the hubby and I just returned from.  We stayed at the Club Riu Negril and had a blast.  The resort was pretty nice; especially since I didn't know what to expect since that was the first time we stayed at an all inclusive resort.  The food was pretty good and the place was very clean!

Anywho, if you get a chance, make sure you visit Dunn's River Falls and Rick's Cafe.  Both excursions were pretty fun!

Btw, an outfit of the day video featuring the outfits I wore on the vacation will be on my YouTube channel soon.  Check here.

Enjoy the pics ;)

How To | Combat Dry Itchy Scalp

Many of us have experienced dryness of the scalp on occasion. Some more often than others.  Why is this you ask? Good question!! ;) Our scalp naturally produces an oil called sebum.  The oil is meant to help keep our scalp moisturized.  You may noticed dryness more so with natural hair than you did with relaxed hair.  The reason for this is because of the bends, curls, & coils of our strands makes it difficult for the sebum to run down the length of our hair strands; therefore, our hair can feel pretty dry.

Other issues that can cause scalp dryness may be contributed to stress, prescription medications or even diet (what you are putting into your body).  In these cases, your body is either producing more or less than the normal amount of sebum.

What to consider when it comes to your scalp:

1. Environment.  Your surrounding environment play a part in how your scalp functions.  Moisture is often drawn from the scalp leaving it feeling dry.  Drinking plenty of water can eliminate or reduce this issue.  It's healthy for you anyway; always keep some on hand!

2. Products. Becoming a product junkie becomes almost inevitable as a new natural.  We try so many products in an attempt to find the "right fit" for our hair and in turn we are [unconsciously] layering different products on our scalp and failing to take the proper measure to wash them out.  As a result, product build up can occur--leaving our scalp feeling itchy and dry because the scalp can't "breathe."

If you are like myself and not really a shampoo girl, you can use Apple Cider Vinegar (mixed with water-equal parts) directly on your scalp to get rid of the build up ;) **avoid using heavy grease, oils, pomades directly on the scalp**

3. pH and Moisturize. Because the tissue on your scalp is skin (it's just an extension of the skin on your face) the pH balance of your scalp can sometimes be thrown off.  We use toner on our faces to help put that pH back in and we need to use something on our scalp to do the same.  The best product in aiding this is Aloe Vera Juice (AVJ).  Aloe vera juice is acidic and if used correctly can help protect the scalp from dryness.  I've found it best to mix it with my leave in conditioner and applying it in that manner.

The BEST recipe I've found is the one originated by YouTuber Kimmytube.  Here's what her recipe consists of:

* 2 Tbls of your fav leave in conditioner

* 2 Tbls of Aleo vera juice

* 2 Tbls of jojoba oil

* 2 Tbls of castor oil 

Give these tips a try and I'm sure you'll notice a difference ;)

Until next post,

Peace loves,

Dee

Preparing to Big Chop? Things to Consider... #NaturalHair #Inspiration

So you've decided you want to try this "natural thing" and you are considering going all out and doing the Big Chop (or "bc"); meaning to cut your relaxed ends off and leaving only the new growth of your hair remaining.

Before you do so, let me give you a few things to consider:

1. Not everyone will be happy with your decision; no matter how elated you are with finally deciding to go out your natural hair.  Be prepared for some negative comments; especially from close family.  For some reason, they feel as if it's their duty to let you know their disdain for short hair. #suckas *side eye*

2. Your full face will be exposed.  Many women, including myself, were used to having enough hair that surrounds our face so that our full face isn't exposed.  When you decide to cut off your hair, or big chop, your hair will most likely be pretty short.  This was the case for me. I wasn't use to having 1 in. hair so it took some getting used to.  Accentuating other parts of you (such as your eyes, fashion sense, etc.) can help to alleviate the uncomfortableness some new naturals experience.  Here is a pic of me after I big chopped:

3. Make sure you are doing it for YOU! Deciding to cut off all of your hair can be a bit traumatic for some.  Never make a decision based on if it's going to please someone else....you will end up disappointed every time!  I know hair is hair and it will grow back, however, mentally prepare yourself for the change that it going to happen.  It's a process! Grow from it and have fun!! ;)

Here's a current pic of my growth:

Blessings loves!

Dee

Red Lips x Top Knot x Leopard Print

Yesterday's OOTD featured: 

-leopard print chiffon ankle pants (H&M)

-white cami and cardigan (Fvr21)

-a red lip--courtesy for MAC Rubywoo and 

-a high bun

This look is classy, comfortable and trendy.  What do you guys think? Should I feature more Outfit of the Days?

Bantu Knots on Straightened-Natural Hair

Hey Lovies!!

On June 28th I attended The Naturalista Hair Show in Silver Spring, Maryland.  The event took place in a beautiful part of the city and occurred on a sunny day. I had the chance to again mingle with some naturalistas; ones I've met previously while others I had the pleasure of meeting for the first time ;)  Everyone looked great and I had an awesome time!!

On another note, I decided to do something a little different to my hair. I wanted a style that showed a little length but incorporated some body and movement SO I lightly straightened my hair and did bantu knots using only Karen's Body Beautiful 'Butter Love' (found here) on my tresses before doing the knots.

Take a look...

I thought it turned out super cute!! It had loads of body and movement!! I LOVED it! Of course, over the course of the day the humidity got to my hair and it swoll (sp) up but that comes with the territory! ;) 

What do you think? Let me know if you try this style. Tag me on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram if you do!

Peace Beauties,

Instagram @naturallycreole

Twitter @NaturallyCreol3

Facebook www.facebook.com/NaturallyCreole