CLICK HERE for more information!!!!
Sunday, September 25, 2016
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Black in Vermont: Being Stared at .... Ugh
If you are black in Vermont, chances are you will be STARED AT! When I lived in Vermont I was stared at ALL THE TIME and so were the other people of color living in Vermont. Now, do not tell me that “they stared at you because you were an out -of -towner.” That is not why they were staring at me. Many other students and non-native Vermonters who were white (or white passing) were not stared so BYE FELICIA.
How did I deal with it?
I just got used to it lol. Or, I would stare back at them if they were really annoying about it.
Why were they staring?
Obviously, I am not a mind reader but they were not staring to be rude. Yes, it is rude to stare, but since Vermont is one of the whitest states in the nation, it is fascinating for some people to see a person of color. Now, I will say that there are some people (in the minority though) that stare to be malicious, but in that case staring back will get them to back off lol.
What should I do if I am being stared at and it bothers me?
You can just go up to them and say hello! I had an instance where this woman was staring at me MAD CRAZY! This lady was not even hiding the fact that she was just staring me down smh. I started up a conversation with her and asked her politely if she wanted to ask me something because she was staring at me. Now, this lady got really embarrassed lol and chatted with me for thirty seconds and then stopped looking at me.
Disclaimer: This post and this series are not meant to say that everybody in Vermont is and/or was racist. This post and series are just about my experience being black in Vermont. This series is meant to serve as a guide for people of color who will be moving to Vermont or will be moving to an area that lacks diversity of people.
Review of The TEN Nail Bar
Hey guys! I had the honor of visiting The TEN Nail Bar on September 23,2015 for their grand opening. The TEN Nail Bar is Detroit’s first modern nail bar! If you are visiting my blog for the first time (or just didn’t know) I am from the Metro-Detroit area. I love to support businesses in the Detroit, especially black-owned businesses. The owners of The TEN Nail Bar are: Anika Jackson and Kelli Coleman and I had the pleasure of meeting these ladies yesterday as well. I was in love with the ambiance, services offered, customer service, and the quality of the pedicure I got! This is definitely my new nail spot! I encourage you guys to all come to The TEN Nail Bar and pamper yourselves!
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| Kelli, Myself, and Anika |
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
TEN Nail Bar Grand Opening in Detroit
I love to support black-owned businesses!!!! I will blog about the grand opening this Friday. If you are in Detroit, please join us to celebrate the opening of the first modern nail salon in the city. I love how everyone is coming back to the D !!!!
CLICK HERE and CLICK HERE for more info!!!!
Saturday, September 17, 2016
Kay Kay's Two-Cents: Fake Eye Lashes
Yesterday I wore fake eye-lashes for the first time ever! I was always scared that the glue would irritate my eyes or damage my eyelashes lol. I got my eyes done at Sephora and I have been DELIVERT!!! I will ALWAYS get fake eyelashes (okay maybe not always) when I get my makeup done!!! I am wearing Make Up Forever's Lash Show False Lashes in Natural Volume!!!!
CLICK HERE to purchase the lashes I was wearing!!!
Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored review
Détroit Is The New Black
I recently visited Détroit Is The New Black and I am IN LOVE with this boutique. Follow Detroit Fashion News to read details on the field trip and more!!!!
CLICK HERE for pictures!!!! CLICK HERE to purchase the shirt I am wearing!!!!
The Lip Bar Review
I am wearing Bawse Lady from The Lip Bar. The price is amazing (it's less than thirteen dollars) and I love that I am supporting a Detroit -brand. The lipstick also stayed for the whole day (even after eating and drinking). I also like to avoid products that have toxic ingredients and The Lip Bar uses only natural ingredients. I am a huge fan!!!
CLICK HERE to start shopping!!!!
Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored review.
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Black in Vermont: Black Hair Salons
It is HARD for a sister to do her hair in Vermont! I have made things a little easier by giving you a guide of where to go to do your hair. In addition to this guide, remember that you can use Style Seat!
CLICK HERE to read
African-American Fashion Models in Detroit : Part Three
We recently had the pleasure of interviewing several models from the Metro-Detroit area. These models will give us a glimpse into their lives as an African-American fashion model. Our first two posts celebrated Lamara Hand and Brianna Ali. Now we’d like to share Jalita Esen with all of you.
Name: Jalita Esen
Age: 27
Hometown: Detroit, MI
KAY KAY: What got you started in modeling?
Esen: My friend called me one day and told me that they got invited to lunch with some photographers. The lunch was a model-mixer and I came along and did an amateur photo shoot in Downtown Detroit. I fell in love with the photos once I saw them! Seeing myself look so good was motivation to pursue modeling.
KAY KAY: Tell me about your modeling career, are you a full-time model? Are you in school?
Esen: I am an ER nurse and I am always working and looking for new opportunities in the modeling world.
KAY KAY: What is your favorite part of modeling and what is your least favorite part of modeling?
Esen: My favorite of modeling is meeting new people. I love to network! Networking opens up doors for all kinds of opportunities and helps you meet new people. However, I do not like being around people that do not really have your best interest at heart. I have been contacted by people that have pretended to be photographers and thankfully I have never actually met up with these people. While communicating with the “photographers” via email they always slip up and show me that they are not genuine professionals.
KAY KAY: How has it been being an African-American model in the industry?
Esen: I feel like when I go to casting calls I stand out because there usually are not a lot of African-American models. This is not necessarily a bad thing because my happy personality also helps me stand out.
KAY KAY: Do you ever have issues with makeup artists not being able to do your makeup?
Esen: Yes, there are a lot of makeup artists that do not know what they are doing when dealing with darker skin. These makeup artists will leave your face looking unnatural. This is a huge part of why I learned how to do my own makeup myself.
KAY KAY: What would you like future African-American models to know about the industry?
Esen: That you will come upon lots of setbacks, drawbacks, and people that tell you no. You will also experience a lot of rejection but don’t let that deter you from your dreams and your goals. You have to keep looking for work and putting yourself out there and eventually, something will happen.
KAY KAY: Do you ever have issues with your hair being styled?
Esen: I have natural hair and I found that a lot of hairstylists want to press or flatiron my hair and I say no to that. A lot of hairstylists will also try to add products to my hair that will damage it.
KAY KAY: Where do you want to see yourself headed to?
Esen: I want to be able to be happy with what I am doing. I don’t have a specific goal in modeling I just want to be able to be myself when I model and do what makes me happy.
KAY KAY: On your Instagram page you spoke about the police brutality and stated that #blacklivesmatter. How do you feel about using your platform to spread important messages?
Esen: I think that it’s a great idea. I posted that important message to show people not only can I be a pretty face, but I can express myself and my beliefs and represent the African-American community.
KAY KAY: You have a really fun, interesting, and unique sense of style! I love the different hairstyles you rock and I love your clothes. Tell me about your style and what influenced it?
Esen: My style can’t be classified because I express myself with my clothing. Also, about 95% of my wardrobe comes from the thrift store. I feel that when you buy your wardrobe from the thrift store you are more likely to find unique pieces that no one else has and it is a lot of fun!
KAY KAY: How can the readers connect with you on social media?
Esen: My Instagram is: @JalitaEsen my website is: JalitaEsen.com
Sunday, September 11, 2016
African-American Fashion Models in Detroit : Part Two
We recently had the pleasure of interviewing several models from the Metro-Detroit area. These models will give us a glimpse into their lives as an African-American fashion model. If you liked our first post which included an interview with local model Lamara Hand then you will love this one too. Allow me to introduce to you, Brianna Ali. Another Detroit beauty making a name for herself.
Name: Brianna Ali
Age: 22
Hometown: Saginaw, MI
KAY KAY: What got you started in modeling?
Ali: I was in the 10th grade when I was approached by a runway instructor at a mall in Saginaw. The runway instructor wanted me to audition for a local show. While I was at the audition, they asked me if I had any prior experience or interest in modeling because modeling came so natural to me.
KAY KAY: Tell me about your modeling career, are you a full-time model? Are you in school?
Ali: Currently I am in school part-time at Wayne State University and Oakland Community College. I am signed to two agencies and I am a freelance model.
KAY KAY: What is your favorite part of modeling and what is your least favorite part of modeling?
Ali: I love being able to travel and meet new people. However, I do not like the pressure to maintain a perfect physical appearance.
KAY KAY: How has it been being an African-American model in the industry?
Ali: Initially starting out in the industry I did not encounter any immediate backlash from being a woman of color. However, over time when I started applying for more high-end modeling jobs I noticed that designers preferred caucasian models. I also noticed that the fashion industry generally prefers models with European features who are also very thin. For example, the fashion industry likes models to have straight hair, no curves, be very thin, and have lighter skin. In addition, there are also a lot of token black models used in the runway shows. Out of twelve models in a show, one may see only one or two black models at the most. Most of the time there are no black models at fashion shows.
KAY KAY: Do you ever have issues with makeup artists not being able to do your makeup?
Ali: I have thankfully never encountered this issue because all of my makeup artists have been African-American.
KAY KAY: What would you like future African-American models to know about the industry?
Ali: To be realistic with yourself but never feel that you cannot do something because you are black. My biggest thing is that you stay true to yourself and do not downplay your African features.
Do you ever have issues with your hair being styled?
Ali: Almost every time I am asked to do a shoot, I am told to come with my hair straightened. This kind of feedback comes from designers and photographers from all different types of backgrounds. This is an issue because after so much heat being added to my hair I am slowly getting heat damage.
KAY KAY: Where do you see yourself heading to?
Ali: I would like to sign with international agencies. I would love to experience living in Los Angeles because it is so beautiful there and the vibes are so different than anywhere else. I want to model as long as I can but long-term I need to have my own brand and/or business. I am considering owning a luxury spa and salon with an attached gym.
KAY KAY: On your Instagram page you have pictures of yourself with no makeup where you are showing problems you have had with your skin. What made you go ahead and be so vulnerable?
Ali: Honestly it was seeing other women going through the same thing and not knowing where to turn. When I was going through acne issues as a model it was killing my self-esteem. I wanted to be able to help someone because I am all about female empowerment. I knew that someone would see the post and know that they have nothing to be ashamed and that they are not alone. Real girls exist!
KAY KAY: What else would you like the readers to know about you?
Ali: I would like the readers to know that I am not just another model, there is more to me. I am a real girl and a real person and I do everyday things just like everyone else.
KAY KAY: How can the readers connect with you on social media?
Ali: My Instagram is: @Brianna.Ali my Snapchat is: @Brizbriii
Keep an eye out for “African-American Fashion Models in Detroit Pt 3”. We have more beauties and more interviews to share with you. Thank you Brianna Ali for your time. We simply adore you!
Saturday, September 10, 2016
African-American Fashion Models in Detroit
It’s finally New York Fashion Week! As fun as fashion week was for me, I realize that there is a dark side to the fashion industry. It is harder for models of color (especially models of African descent) to make it in the industry. One of my favorite celebrities and supermodels is Naomi Campbell. I love Naomi because she is beautiful, genuine, and courageous. I also respect the fact that, even though she is a successful supermodel, she still speaks out on racism in the fashion industry. My platform may not be as large as Naomi’s, but I am going to use my voice to raise awareness on important issues like this. I recently had the pleasure to interview several models from the Metro-Detroit area. These models will give us a glimpse into their lives as an African-American fashion model. For starters, allow me to introduce to you Lamara “Mari” Hand. A Detroit beauty you must get to know.
Name: Lamara “Mari” Hand
Age: 20
Hometown: Detroit, MI
KAY KAY: What got you started in modeling?
Hand: I wanted to tell a story with my pictures. I also wanted to show that I am not just a pretty face.
KAY KAY: Tell me about your modeling career, are you a full-time model? Are you in school?
Hand: I am a full-time model and a full-time student. I also have another part-time job in retail.
KAY KAY: What is your favorite part of modeling and what is your least favorite part of modeling?
Hand: I love being able to connect with younger girls and give them advice. I also like having the younger girls look up to me as a role model. However, I am five feet and one and a half inches tall. Having my height be an issue with jobs is my least favorite part of modeling.
KAY KAY: How has it been being an African-American model in the industry?
Hand: It is fun because I am a positive role model for African-American girls.
KAY KAY: Do you ever have issues with makeup artists not being able to do your makeup?
Hand: I do my own makeup to try to avoid those kinds of issues.
KAY KAY: What would you like future African-American models to know about the industry?
Hand: You have to be confident and you don’t have to work with everyone. If someone does not support your brand, you don’t have to work with them. It is fine to be picky when it comes to your success!
KAY KAY: Do you ever have issues with your hair being styled?
Hand: One time I had a fashion show and the stylist had no idea how to deal with my hair when it was curly.
KAY KAY: Where do you want to see yourself headed to? You have a hashtag, (#MariNation) tell me about this.
Hand: When you see Beyonce and you see her supporters you think of the Beyhive. I wanted my supporters (who are positive, confident, and intelligent people) to identify with #MariNation . I want to see myself owning an empire based on self-love, confidence, and positivity that mentors our people.
KAY KAY: On your Instagram page you spoke about bullying. I am very passionate about bullying because I was bullied as a child and teenager and it was a very traumatic experience for me. In addition, it took me a long time to recover from being bullied. I respect you for admitting that you had been bullied. May you please tell me about your bullying story?
Hand: I was bullied for things that I could not change about myself (last name, skin color, etc.). I was so insecure with myself because there was nothing I could do to change it. So, when I finally went away to college and met other people like me who had the same personality and energy, I learned to except me for who I am. I also had friends that bullied me and took advantage of me because I was soft spoken. I just learned that overall you have to respect yourself in order to get respect from others. Also, you should never let someone talk down to you.
KAY KAY: Can you please talk to me about your fashion line? Your clothes have such uplifting messages to women of color and I love that!
Hand: I am a partner of a lingerie and swim line. The line is made specifically for the curves that African-American women possess. My partner and I created the brand called Dipped in Melanin to advertise are devotion to catering to black women.
KAY KAY: How can the readers connect with you on social media?
Hand: My Instagram is: @Mari.gxld
Keep an eye out for “African-American Fashion Models in Detroit Pt 2”. We have more beauties and more interviews to share with you. Thank you Lamara Hand for sharing your story with our readers. It’s pretty safe to say we are now your biggest fans!
Header Photo – DeVante Frisco
Thursday, September 8, 2016
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
Black in Vermont: Racism in Vermont
Black in Vermont: Clarifying a Few Things
Hello guys! I wanted to tell you all how much I appreciate the support I have gotten from my this series. What I love about my blog is that I can talk about so many topics. I can do this series but also talks about food, hair, fashion, movies, news, and other important issues. I want to reiterate that I am not saying that all of Vermont is racist or that it is the most racist state in the nation and in the world. I am talking about my experiences WHILE BEING A BLACK WOMEN IN THE SECOND WHITEST STATE IN THE NATION! I also have had a lot of people asking me how was my time in Vermont because they were black and would be interning etc. in Vermont and did not know what to expect. Whether you like it or not Vermont has race issues like every state in the nation, but because there are little to no people of color in the state Vermont has its own unique set of challenges.
With that being said, I am open to discussion. However, what I will not tolerate is someone telling me that there is little racism in Vermont and dismissing my experiences especially when they are a white male who would clearly have a different experience than me, a black woman. As a black woman I would be facing sexism AND racism. Imagine if I a cis-gender female told a trans-gender female that there was no trans-phobia in Detroit. That would be stupid and disrespectful because how can I a cis-gender person tell a trans-gender person how they should feel. I recently had this happen to me and while I was polite about it, I do not condone this at all.
P.S: I usually include links in my post so make sure you check them out in order to learn more!
With that being said, I am open to discussion. However, what I will not tolerate is someone telling me that there is little racism in Vermont and dismissing my experiences especially when they are a white male who would clearly have a different experience than me, a black woman. As a black woman I would be facing sexism AND racism. Imagine if I a cis-gender female told a trans-gender female that there was no trans-phobia in Detroit. That would be stupid and disrespectful because how can I a cis-gender person tell a trans-gender person how they should feel. I recently had this happen to me and while I was polite about it, I do not condone this at all.
P.S: I usually include links in my post so make sure you check them out in order to learn more!
Monday, September 5, 2016
Sunday, September 4, 2016
Black in Vermont: My Most Racist Experience while I was in Vermont
Disclaimer: Not everyone from Vermont had these views. This post is not a reflection on what people in Vermont think etc. This post is about the most racist experience I had while in Vermont and the girl was not even from Vermont. Again this blog series is about me speaking up about things that happened to me and others while in Vermont. It is also about educating others on my experience because SO MANY had asked me questions about my experience in Vermont. There is racism all over the nation and sadly, all over the globe. However, I want to stress that these are just my experiences that occurred while in a part of the nation with no diversity and these experiences can happen anywhere in the nation. There is even racism in New York City or Metro-Detroit for that matter and these are VERY diverse areas. Also, I am in no way saying that Vermont is a racist state etc. Vermont is a liberal state, but even in a liberal state, there can be things that happen that are racist. I am not saying that Vermont is more racist than any other state in the nation by any means. Again, this is just my experience being in a rural town that lacked the diversity I was used to. Finally, there were MANY amazing people I met in Vermont.
Hello guys! This is not the happiest post in the world so I am just going to jump right into it. While in the state of Vermont I experienced microaggressions nearly every day. However, this experience that I am about to describe was truly the most heartbreaking. During the summer after my first year in law school I went on a study abroad trip. This trip was not my first study abroad trip nor was it my first international travel experience. While on the trip I roomed with a girl who I did not really know. This girl was nice to me, but started to become cold and distance very soon into the trip. I can honestly say that I am a respectful person, but I will not force someone to be my friend (or care for that matter lol). Even though this girl become ruder and ruder to me I still was the bigger person and just brushed it off. However, I soon reached me breaking point…
My breaking point came during a casual, civil, and pleasant conversation (that the girl was not a part of) in a taxi cab about important issues. During this conversation my roommate barked at me and spewed some VERY BLATENETLY racist remarks. This girl jumped into my conversation about the use of the word Nigga (not Nigger). I had stated that anyone who was not black should not say the word Nigga even though I knew that they were not being intentionally derogatory when they say Nigga. This girl jumped at me and said, “So I can’t use the N-Word” and I asked her a couple questions to make sure that she had not lost her mind (which she clearly had). I asked her if she had black friends and if she listened to Hip-Hop music. This girl became visibly disgusted when I asked her if she had black friends and said, “Are you assuming I have black friends, I don’t have black friends.” She then went on to tell me that she does not listen to Hip-Hop music and she said, “I do not like being told that I can’t use the N-Word.” I was shocked! It was pretty clear that this girl was not saying that she wanted to say Nigga … she wanted to use the word NIGGER!!!! It was obvious that in her eyes I was nothing but a NIGGER. Yes, the person I had to room with thought of me as a NIGGER. She had so much contempt for the extra melanin in my skin (something which I LOVE but cannot control and did not ask for) that she felt comfortable in being so offensive to somebody she ROOMED WITH.
After that racist encounter, my Metro-Detroit attitude came out lol. I just ignored her, but could you blame me? I eventually had a meeting with her and we talked about the tension between us. She was clueless until I told her how much she hurt me by being so offensive. She then told me that she grew up in a rural un-diverse area and her family was racist and then apologized. I was sad that I had to teach her about the word Nigger and that people could have such hatred for someone due to their color… it was honestly disgusting.
She ended up being “nice” to me on the trip but when I got back to school it was obvious that she had talked about me to her group of friends. Her friends treated me with contempt because I would dare to tell their bestie that I am NOT A NIGGER and you should not use that kind of language. It’s funny how some racist people will be nice to you as long as you kiss their behind and tell them that racism is a thing of the past … or let them call you a Nigger. Well, I hate to break it to some people (actually I don’t care) but I am a STRONG BLACK WOMAN (a Michelle Obama kind to be exact) and I am not a Nigger… I am a Daughter of Zion.
Friday, September 2, 2016
Review of TRESemmé Beauty-Full Volume Reverse System
The TRESemmé Beauty-Full Volume Reverse System made my hair feel very soft, but it was nothing to write home about. First of all, this shampoo contains sulfates which are not good for your hair. Also, I think of this system as a gimmick. You can achieve the same result by conditioning your hair first and then shampooing.
Disclaimer: I received these products from Influenster to review. This is not a paid review.
Review of Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick and Hourglass Vanish Foundation Brush
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I am wearing the Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick in Golden Amber and I used the Hourglass Vanish Foundation Brush to apply the foundation.
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