Meet Model Kenya Thomas

I had a chance to speak with Kenya Thomas, who is a beautiful model that rocks natural hair. And here is what she had to say about herself and her modeling career - 

"I believe life is full of blessings, and it's our job tomanifest them! ^_^ I'm Kenya, and I'm a Model/Actress. I've been modeling foralmost 3 years, and I'm blessed to say I've been on the cover and featured in aplethora of National and Local Magazines, modeled for celebrities like NickiMinaj's Hairstylist Terrence Davidson, Miss Tina Knowles on BET's Monique Show,and Korto Momolu from Project Runway ...Been interviewed on a few TV, Radio,and Web Shows, and plenty more under the sun. I played Tori Torres on the 2ndSeason of Sophomores, which aired on Comcast Channel 24 every Thursday. I'vealso done other acting work in Movies like Zombieland & Tyler Perry's Why'dI Get Married Too, TV Shows like Single Ladies, Short Films, and Commercialsfor companies like Adidas and Sofn'Free. I have countless blessings, yet Icount them everyday =).  My plan in life includes Modeling and Actinginternationally, while traveling and hosting Modeling workshops for aspiringModels ALL over the world. That's the kind of life I'm working so hard for now.Blessed day!"

Kenya Thomas, Model 

Facebook,  Website, YouTube & Model Mayhem

  

Interview with Charisma Manley

1.  How long have you been natural?

My last perm was in August of 2008. However, I transitioned for nearly two years after.

2.  Why did you go natural?

My inspiration came from many of my close friends going natural in high school. Also, I became a big fan of Kai at maneandchic.com, and followed her through her transition. I was so interested to see what my true hair texture looked like and just how long I could grow my hair, so I started my transition in my Junior year of college.

3. Do you have any favorite hair care products?

 I truly don't have any staples. Even three years later, I'm still experimenting with products. I have used and liked SheaMoisture, Kinky Curly, Miss Jessies and Jane Carter.  Also natural products such as coconut oil, olive oil, apple cider vinegar and raw shea butter. I'm still searching for staple products, but in the meantime I'm enjoying experimenting!

4. Do you have any favorite natural styles you want to share?

My go to style is the puff pony tail...quick, simply, easy.

6. Did you do the Big Chop? if so, what was that like?

 I never truly did a big chop. With my last perm in August 2008, I transitioned until 2010 with trims in between. I let go of the last permed ends in June 2010. Even so, that was such a liberating day to finally be free of the perm and able to wear my hair completely natural!

Charisma was photographed and interviewed by photographer Leon Dale. Thank you Leon for sharing this interview and beautiful photos with the Naturally Beautiful Hair Blog.

Leon Dale Photographer.
http://www.LeonDale.com
678 698 1604

Inspirational Photo of the Day - Bre!

Beautiful photo of model Bre. Photo found on Currently Obsessed With....

Natural Beauty - Kwarana Adrea

This weeks Natural Beauty is model, Kwarana Adrea. A good friend of  Kwarana emailed me and recommend that I feature Kawarana. So I am very happy to introduce you to this lovely young lady, that has been natural all of her life.
What inspired your to have natural hair? Well growing up I've always notice family, friends, random people in the street - all following a trend of weaves,extensions... straighten hair, basically.  And I didn't want to be part of that group. Even still to this day, I'm the only person in my whole family who has locs. Never in my life, did I ever put chemicals in my hair. The quality and texture of my hair has never changed since day one. I remember being such an outcast in my school years, because all of little girls my age were already perming their hair.  It honestly never bothered me . My younger sister always begged my parents to have her hair permed, but I never did. As a child I grew up with every possible natural hair style you could imagine....I had the braids, corn rows, William sister beads, Afro puffs, mickey mouse puffs and Afros.  I carried those hairstyles up through elementary and middle school then eventually high school. Finally in my second year of high school, I started to grow loc's.When I first started the loc my hair, I got so much negative feedback from a lot of females, but that didn't stop me. And look at me now  ..... Its been six years now and I love my locs!!!!! I was meant to have natural hair all my life; and I wish alot of women could follow...  The same young ladies back in high school, who told me to not loc my hair, are in love with my hair  now and actually are on a path for having natural hair. So I'm very thrilled about that!!!

Maintenance Tips: I use two very good product line for my hair and I would recommend it for everyone....I use the "Loc  A Fella twist gel" & the " Jamaican Mango & Lime Island Oil".  These two products work well with my hair. I used the "Jamaican Mango Wax" for a couple of months at one point, but then I stopped because the wax created build up. So I wouldn't suggest using the wax. But a great alternative is honey. But I have always been curious to know if other people with loc's use wax and if it also created the same build up..."

- Kwarana Adrea,  facebook.com/KwaranaAdrea

Danielle Desiree

I received an email from the beautiful model - Danielle Desiree.  And she had this to say about her natural hair:

"I have been natural for just about 2 years now, and I am loving my journey. It has not been the easiest journey, but I've yet to hear about any easy journey. After years of weave, my decision to go natural was simple...I wanted to wear the hair God gave me. I will never go back to relaxers. Our hair is too beautiful to break down. Thank you for offering a website that celebrates the natural journey. "   

~ Danielle Desiree 

Beautifully said! Thank you for sharing this with us Danielle.

Sasha & Sable Boykin

Take a look at these great photos of Curtis Bryant's Photo shoot with Sasha and Sable Boykin.  The models where styled by Sergio Wonder and James Field.  To see more about the Stylist's and Photogrpher from this shoot, check out of the following links: 

Omar Mornan

www.runwaywonderland.com

Curtis Bryant

http://www.moose-hunters.com

James Field

http://www.theblacknouveau.com

Amazing Web Page Photo

 Amazing photo of model Wahidah Fowler. This photo can be found on her website at www.WahidahFowler.net.

Mikaelia Benson for Rebel Designs

Mikaelia Benson is a gorgeous model that recently did a photo shoot with photographer Sabriya Simon, for clothing designer, Mujaji Tokunbo - creator Rebel Designs.

 

Sandria Washington

Sandria Washington is one of the models featured on the front page of my Naturally Beautiful Hair Website. Sandria took some amazing photos for Entwine Couture ad campaign. Beautifully done Sandria! You continue to be one of my natural hair inspirations!

Check out another model featured for the same campaign ad. I love this look too!

Email from Chelsey Smith

I received an email from Naturally Beautiful Hair blog reader, Chelsey Smith. Chelsey is a model and loves her natural hair.
"Hi my name is Chelsey Smith, I reside in New Orleans, LA. Currently I attend University of New Orleans where I am a junior, and lovin it. I love being Natural, which I have been for a year, I feel it brings out the beauty in  my true beauty. I'm striving to break into the industry of modeling and also modeling for natural hair."

Chelsey Smith - 504-333-0879
http://www.hairlista.com/profile/ellecmodel
                                                                                    cmsmi18@uno.edu

Letter from Sunday Omony

 

Sunday wrote to me and shared here experience with being a model with loc's. Sunday Omony is a 25 years old Ugandan-Canadian Plus-Size Model, that loves natural hairstyles.

"At first I was worried that I would be asked by my agency to remove my locks, but it turns out that they think my locks make me look unique and sets me apart from the rest of the models. I think that women with locks should be represented more in the fashion industry because locks are so beautiful and versatile. I love your blog because it's fun, connects diverse women and very empowering. I really enjoy getting natural hair advice from your blog. Thank you very much. Keep inspiring and sharing.

Cheers  ~  Sunday"

Andy Allo

Andy Allo is a talented and beautiful singer, actress model and song writer. To read about how Andy embraced her natural hair, check out her interview on ManeandChic. And can be find on the following sites:

Andy Allo.com

Facebook

Myspace

YouTube

Supermodel Gelila Bekele

~ East African Supermodel Gelila Bekele ~

Thoughts from Gelila -

"I am an east African, learning how to wear my body, and trying to be the best ME! Enjoying life, learning simplicity, and at this very moment - I am just a sponge. I have encountered many things, and through time I have learned, human beings are not programmed to endure a predestined life… Life goes on – relationships change, friendships grow, acquaintances flourish … "

To read more about Gelila, check her out on Myspace or click here for my links on google.