Conscious Vibes Spring 2015

SPRING PLEASURES AND NATURAL CREATIONS

LOCS CAREER AND NATURAL LIFESTYLE FOR THE SAVVY INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN

www.consciousvibes.co.uk

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NATURAL HAIR & LIFESTYLE EXPO 2015

UNIQUE LOC CREATIONSSUMMERTIME SELECTION!

ANGELA PLUMMER

BRAID COUTURE CLOTHING LINE

MADE FROM HAIR

BUDDING YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR

MONAIE DESIGNS

VIBRANT& SASSYFASHION WEEKENDGAMBIA

EXCLUSIVE!

OUR CHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE

2 Conscious Vibes May 2015www.consciousvibes.co.uk

http://www.consciousvibes.co.uk

www.zayunubydesign.comRefreshingly Different

3Conscious VibesMay 2015 www.consciousvibes.co.uk



CONTENT

NATURAL HAIR SALONS Locs Fortune 06 Roots Loc 15 Le Naturel Styling 22

REGULARS Entrepreneur Profile 39 Natural Around Town 40 Healthy Living 42

FEATURES Fashion Weekend Gambia 20

Natural Hair & Lifestyle Expo

COMMUNITY VIBES Souleholistics 86 Conscious Minds Counselling Service 87

Model from

front coverCarol Locker- M

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EDITORS COMMENT’S

Spring Pleasures Natural Creations…

N .. In the spring time it feels

like love is in the air, people are loving and couples are everywhere ….

Words of a song and so apt for this time of year … just thought I’d express myself.

This edition of Conscious Vibes puts the emphasis on the word ‘Natural’ in every meaning of the word! Be it our food, our hair, the cosmetics we use, the clothes we wear, ‘Natural’ is the direction the world is heading in, jump on board! It’s growing and we’re grasping the concept, it’s not a fad so don’t get left behind!

Consumers of naturally made products remains relatively small in the UK and Conscious Vibes’ aim is to guide those in transition by bringing together small but growing businesses highlighted in our recent Expo (see page 48) to introduce bespoke/unique products for skin (page 24) and hair (see natural hair creations on page 22) and exclusive fashions not yet on your high street to aid our journey to ‘natural living’.

Happy reading

DellaEditor in Chief

scan with smartphone

ConsciousVibesM

Conscious-Vibes


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LOCS CREATIONS H

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Locs FortuneContacts:110 Palmerston road, Walthamstow E17 6PZ. Tel: 0778 828 0581 [email protected]/luvnatural.co.uk


http://www.luvnatural.co.uk

mailto:[email protected]

http://facebook.com/luvnatural.co.uk


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Roots Loc Style

LOCS CREATIONS



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LOCS CREATIONS

ROOTS LOC

VISIT THE SALON Shop 435, Harrow Road, London W10 4RE

Contact: 07947388573



HAIR ARTISTAngela Plummer

PHOTOGRAPHERAbi Oshodi

STYLISTCrystal Deroche

MAKE UP ARTISTFlora Losilo

MODEL Latesha Wilson




Natural hair is a passion and while working as a stylist I trained as a loctician. Working with Locs for Life, Hair Exposure and Conscious Vibes has led to networks with professionals in the Locs & Natural Hair industry. In the last few years there has

been a rise in hair and scalp problems and I decided to develop Le Naturel hair and beauty oils.

I am available for personal consultation, diagnostic evaluation of hair targeted for individuals. I offer styling for those with locs, natural hair and others who are making the transition from chemically processed hair to natural. Loc extensions, colouring, interlocking, re-twist & palm rolling, loc repair, loc start, conditioning & build up & breakage treatments are all available. I teach hair & beauty for Newham Adult Education and will be teaching on the Natural Hair and Loctician courses for 2015

LE NATUREL STYLING

Le Naturel Styling

Contact: Carol J Hazel

Hair Lounge441 Porters Avenue, Dagenham RM9 4ND

Tel: 07956316036

NATURAL HAIR SALON



Joy: Body& SOUL

www,ayobeauty.com @ayobeautyuk

Luxurious Body Care ProductsFor Silky Soft, Glowing, Happy Skin!



Joy: Body& SOUL

www,ayobeauty.com @ayobeautyuk

Luxurious Body Care ProductsFor Silky Soft, Glowing, Happy Skin!

pronounced eye-oh, the word in itself means joy and happinessin the Yoruba language, and we love bringing women just that because with Ayo in your life you will feel beautiful and above allyour skin will love you for it!

Mood-boosting beauty brand

A line of luxurious body care products botanicallyinspired and formulated to include ethicallysourced ingredients especially created for thewoman seeking those precious moments of joy,and who desire silky soft, glowing and above allhappy skin!

Ayo is inspired by my sister Joy whose magical spirit is the essence of thebrand.

The Collection - Includes The Body Crème with a luxuriously rich texturethat cocoons the skin in a soft silky veil; The Body Cleanser leaves skinhydrated and nourished as it cleanses and The Body Polisher gentlyexfoliates the skin leaving it looking radiant and glowing.

The Scent - "Salute the Sun" fragrance, created by renowned perfumer Azzi Glasser, to awaken the senses.

Skincare Benefits - Doesn’t just improve your state of mind buthelps to make your skin feel beautifully nourished and moisturised.

A brand for the woman who not only wants to look good and feelgood but deserves to be pampered everyday!!

Mood-Boosting Benefits - Ingredients boast Happy Skin whichworks to help boost "happy molecules" (b-endorphins).


The eagerly anticipated third edition of Fashion Weekend Gambia (on December 5th and 6th 2014), was met with more trepidation than

usual. Flying in the face of questions about how the now-famed brand would “stay fresh” and “continue to push the envelope in the name of promoting The Gambia and its artisans”, the FWG Team pledged its reputation on delivering an epic two-day event- one befitting their faith in the talented designers, models and artists hailing from our very own smiling history. Adding to that pressure, are the legitimate hopes of FWG’s hard-won corporate sponsors, who were all quite rightly, eager to see their investments in play. This good faith paid off handsomely- as anyone who attended or saw the fabulous footage on Fashion Weekend Gambia’s Youtube channel (or BNL), can attest to.

The audience overheard stars ordering their next stage outfits, and the hoi polloi ordering what they will be rocking for the next few seasons, at least.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Ansu Mboge

DESIGNERS:Noir


SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND A review of Fashion Weekend Gambia 2014by Soma Njie.


FASHION


DESIGNERS: (left to right)

PajaNoir



TRENDS WERE SET AND CAREERS IGNITED.Fashion Weekend Gambia, true to form, lived up to those weighty expectations. In fact, what this group of hardworking young women engineered and delivered, far exceeded all possible expectations:

Self –professed Fashionistas, already acolytes of the hardworking brand had their loyalty rewarded with ample Fashion – fodder for the year ahead;

Corporate Sponsors are guaranteed to see investments pouring in from all quarters- domestic and global, with FWG making fantastic inroads throughout the Diaspora and beyond;

Next year we want to work with you! let’s set up a meeting for next week.

and the inspired participants are reaping the fruits of their labour with lucrative opportunities.

My (fill in the blank) is coming up. I want you to dress me...how

soon can I give a deposit?Even the naysayers had to doff their caps to the eclectic two-day fashion fiesta.

According to comments overheard after the both jaw-dropping shows, Gambian Fashion is about to have its heyday.



I never thought I would sit and watch the face of Gambian

Fashion change before my very eyes.

I feel part of something vital and

exciting, being realised tonight.

THIS IS BIG.

Fashion Weekend Gambia has triumphantly delivered on its ambitious

premise – Creating a platform for Gambian Fashion that will attract global interest and

boost the Gambian economy by inviting fashion buyers and Tourists seeking out a

more affordable alternative to Thailand and other Fashion-Tourism destinations.



PhuzionChambaii

FASHION



The elegant opening night at Kairaba hotel customers belied the current global economic climate, with a veritable flood of orders inundating the brilliant young

designers, all testament to the sumptuous offerings on show. Rep on the Runway , at the re-branded venue, Galaxy, delivered its dues with its eclectic fusion between Fashion and Music with some astounding performances from DJ So Fly, Grandiz Kroo (one of which was a featured designer), Gee with a preview to his anticipated album release and Bai Babu. The ubiquitous FWG #3 theme, “Rockin to the Beat” from stunner Mary Ndiaye (Singer- songwriter and designer), was a live action celebration for all the participants as they saw out the end of yet another uber-successful edition.

FWG set the bar incredibly high, giving us a glimpse into an exciting future, and with the coveted Opening Night finale going to home-grown label, Noir- Ndeyfatou Ceesay’s domestic brand. The standing ovation she received, proof positive that hearts had been won, wallets had been prised open and that The Gambia was truly a contender in the Global Fashion Market.

During this finale we not only saw the global premiere for this bright young star’s “boho-chic afro-fusion” offerings’, but also we were also treated to a guest turn from Sene-Gambian star model, Fatima Jobe (another professional who has turned her hand to coaching for the good of Gambia through FWG’s model coaching program).

The talented entrepreneur, Ndeyfatou Ceesay, opened her now-popular boutique, Noir, in Fajara less than a month prior to FWG#3, and since then, the critically acclaimed venture has gone from strength to strength. She has become the envy of her more established peers, and is now one of the busiest and most highly sought after designers in the country. Adding to her brand’s reach are her more global sales, as she is now a darling of the London, UK, Ghanaian and Nigerian jetset.

THE FUTURE IS NOW Setting the bar high and exceeding expectations in Style.



The elegant opening night at Kairaba hotel customers belied the current global economic climate, with a veritable flood of orders inundating the brilliant young

designers, all testament to the sumptuous offerings on show. Rep on the Runway , at the re-branded venue, Galaxy, delivered its dues with its eclectic fusion between Fashion and Music with some astounding performances from DJ So Fly, Grandiz Kroo (one of which was a featured designer), Gee with a preview to his anticipated album release and Bai Babu. The ubiquitous FWG #3 theme, “Rockin to the Beat” from stunner Mary Ndiaye (Singer- songwriter and designer), was a live action celebration for all the participants as they saw out the end of yet another uber-successful edition.

FWG set the bar incredibly high, giving us a glimpse into an exciting future, and with the coveted Opening Night finale going to home-grown label, Noir- Ndeyfatou Ceesay’s domestic brand. The standing ovation she received, proof positive that hearts had been won, wallets had been prised open and that The Gambia was truly a contender in the Global Fashion Market.

During this finale we not only saw the global premiere for this bright young star’s “boho-chic afro-fusion” offerings’, but also we were also treated to a guest turn from Sene-Gambian star model, Fatima Jobe (another professional who has turned her hand to coaching for the good of Gambia through FWG’s model coaching program).

The talented entrepreneur, Ndeyfatou Ceesay, opened her now-popular boutique, Noir, in Fajara less than a month prior to FWG#3, and since then, the critically acclaimed venture has gone from strength to strength. She has become the envy of her more established peers, and is now one of the busiest and most highly sought after designers in the country. Adding to her brand’s reach are her more global sales, as she is now a darling of the London, UK, Ghanaian and Nigerian jetset.

Noir’s list of clients reads like a who’s who, ranging from international stars such as Demarco, Gambian pop artists; Gambia’s elite wedding parties throughout this busy wedding season. NOIR is freewheeling it’s way through Europe’s must-have lists and gracing fashion bloggers’ pages, most frequently as favourite picks for 2015.

The audience was treated to an all out production from beginning to end with particularly memorable highlights, including: Avant-garde gothic fairytale pieces from firm favourite and international couturier Starfit; Phuzion’s luxury wedding ensemble; a fully choreographed dance set piece worthy of the Beyonce tribute by Lilleo; International Urban brands KABELIS for RockAfrick, Paja and KopenAriq; Lingerie from Zenzi, afrocentric everyday wear by Lisa Jeng to name a few.

Designs from this creative hotbed satisfied every palette with more afro-inspired glitz and glamour than the fashion-savvy audience could shake a stick at. Well established European brands returning to Africa for FWG showed their support for The Gambia.

The return visits from FWG favourites, particularly Starfit, Phuzion, Ziza and Lilleo, who brought with them the technical knowhow they had amassed since their respective initial FWG outings. The newcomers (most notably schoolgirl Binzi, and other FWG first timers Kopen Afriq and Paja) and proved that great things can be achieved with limited finances, but those that had been fortunate enough to go through the FWG mill in one or both of the previous editions came back as mature and savvy brands, proof positive of the value of the unique exposure and carefully crafted PR Fashion Weekend Gambia offers. They will continue, along with this year’s alumni, to provide inspiration for years to come, funded by brisk trade off the back of their wonderful efforts.

THE FUTURE IS NOW Setting the bar high and exceeding expectations in Style.

FASHION



The Smiling Coast really has got something to Smile about -and Fashion’s Future here is BRIGHT.

Fashion Weekend Gambia is a fitting accolade to the wondrous talent prevalent in The Gambia and will no doubt attract the much needed injection of sponsorship and media attention these artisans deserve: we salute you, FWG.



RockAfrickLilleo

KopenAfriqLisa Jeng

FASHION



Talflife is an accessory run company that caters mainly to black women. We sell accessories that celebrate the very essence of what it is to be a triple threat black, beautiful and natural.

TALFLIFE

www.storenvy.com/stores/1193-talflife


http://www.storenvy.com/stores/1193-talflife



A. MONAIE DESIGNSCreated by University of Manchester student, Amira Battle, in 2013, A. Monaie Designs has grown from a summer hobby into a budding business in a short amount of time.

AS: Introduce yourself!

A.M.D: Hello everyone! My name is Amira and I’m 20 years old. I’m in my second year of university where I study Innovation, Sustainability, and Entrepreneurship! I’m originally from America but I moved to the UK in 2013. I’m addicted to all things fitness and natural hair related so I blog about them as well (mostly hair haha) at froandbro.blogspot.com

AS: Tell us about your business:

A.M.D: A. Monaie Designs hand crafts accessories which complement your style, mood and budget. The vibrant patterns, unique designs and bold colors of our accessories accentuate your natural confidence and highlight your inner beauty. Our accessories are comfortable, affordable, and versatile which makes them perfect for every occasion whether it be a night out or a relaxed day with friends.

AS: Who else works with you?

A.M.D: I create all the items while my marketing intern, Victoria Ita, handles the blog! I also have amazing friends and family who go above and beyond in supporting me and my endeavors. Shoutout to the Q3 crew!

AS: What inspires your designs?

A.M.D: My designs are inspired by bold patterns and colors! I find lots of inspiration in nature and architecture. I also really

love Ankara prints. The various sources of inspiration result in a unique combination of pieces.

AS: What is your favorite item that you sell?

A.M.D: My absolute favorite are the fashion watches!

Instead of your typical gold or silver bands, our watches have our unique designs which

can be tailored to any personality.


AS: What are your plans for the future?

A.M.D: Academically, I plan to get my doctorate in Consumer Behavior.

Business wise I plan to expand A. Monaie Designs into shoes and bags. I also want to get into home accessories and decorating. I’m super excited for the future!

AS: Any tips for aspiring business owners?

A.M.D: Don’t be afraid to ask for advice! Having a second opinion can help keep you on track. When you first start you think you need the best of everything: an office and assistant. Really you can DIY most things and work from home or the local library. Having someone to run ideas past can help you from making common business mistakes. Also, having an organization app, such as Evernote, is absolutely necessary to keep all your ideas in one place.

AS: Anything you would like to add about your business?

A.M.D: We’re always looking for brand ambassadors so if you’re a blogger please get in touch with us, we would love to work with you!

WHERE CAN WE FIND YOUR BUSINESS ONLINE?www.amonaiedesigns.com

Facebook.com/[email protected]

Twitter: @_AM_DesignsInstagram: _AM_Designs

ENTREPRENEUR PROFILE


http://www.amonaiedesigns.com

http://Facebook.com/amonaiedesigns


https://twitter.com/_am_designs

https://instagram.com/_am_designs



ROCKING NATURAL

See who’s been snapped around

town, rocking their natural hair!


[email protected] www.consciousvibes.co.uk facebook.com/ConsciousVibesMagazinetwitter.com/consciousvibesM

Show off your natural hair in the next issue by sending us a picture to:

BE FEATURED IN THE

NEXT ISSUE

41May 2015

AROUND TOWN

http://www.isossychildren.com

http://www.conscious-vibes.co.uk

http://facebook.com/ConsciousVibesMagazine

http://twitter.com/consciousvibesM


HEALTHY LIVING


Perfect Taste by Wilson2Wilson is a family run business which specialises in tasty Caribbean cuisine.


Perfect Taste specialises in various outdoor events and festivals, and many other social gatherings.

For those who enjoy the taste of homemade food such as Escovitch fish, curry goat, Rice & peas, sorrel and Ginger and jerk chicken, and a range of vegetarian and vegan food. Perfect Taste is the perfect solution for your catering needs.

PERFECT TASTE



CONTACT: Dawn: 07984582006 Floyd: 07903491596


gotKushtv aims to shine a light on the positive aspects of the culture within black communities through different means. These means range from exclusive videos, music, spoken word, documentaries, lifestyle shows, interviews, events and so forth.

youtube.com/gotkushtvwww.gotkushtv.com


https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF_QYzobHkzpdBNB7hK21NQ/videos

http://www.gotkushtv.com


Natural Hair & Lifestyle

EXPO 2015

EXPO

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Conscious Vibes, staged its second natural hair and natural lifestyle expo in London at London’s City of Westminster

College, Paddington Green Campus, on Sunday the 12th April 2015. The event was hosted by Livingston Gilchrist, and boasted an intriguing mix of exhibitors ranging from fashion, beauty, and natural products for hair& skin backed by food and entertainment that accentuated the day’s theme.

Angela Small, the founder of the expo and magazine stated,

This annual expo, is a platform to change the mainstream image of beauty within the African/Caribbean community. The natural hair salon owners demonstrated and elevated the uniqueness of our hair, in its natural state. We showcased Salon Locs, Sister Locs, TWA.s, Afros and Free flow hair

The Conscious Vibes team pulled out all the stops to ensure exhibitors and patrons enjoyed and benefited from the expo. This year they reserved a spot for a vegan stall; ensuring attendees had the option of eating healthy throughout the day. A range of complimentary therapies was also available, for those who wanted to chill, relax and soothe the mind, body or soul.

Attendees also had the luxury of free seminars, covering confidence business booster and hair maintenance. Throughout the day the musical entertainment provided the perfect backdrop for the day, spinning sing-along reggae and rare groves tunes.

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NATURAL HAIR AND LIFESTYLE EXPO 2015

LOCTICIANS AND SALON OWNERS IN ACTION

51May 2015


SAMPLE OF EXHIBITORS ON THE DAY



A versatile range of cuisine was on offer for all, we had fresh fruit & vegetable smoothies from Lucy’s Juices, vegan and raw food by Only by Nature and

traditional Caribbean food by Perfect Taste.

In addition tea and coffee lovers were able to satisfy their thirst with a range of hot beverages made by Organo Gold,

sold by Healthy Gourmet Coffee.



ASSESSORIES GALORE




ASSESSORIES GALORE

Images curtesy of gotK

ushtv



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A range of complementary therapies, Provided by

Soul-e Holistics




Natural products rejuvenating self



Patrons, families and friends embracing the day




Extraordinary lineup of free workshops

hosted by Carol Stewart MSc and Carol Hazel.

Carol Stewart’s delivered the Confidence and Business Booster, for those who were in contemplation about

starting their own buisness.64 www.consciousvibes.co.uk


Extraordinary lineup of free workshops

hosted by Carol Stewart MSc and Carol Hazel.

This workshop was then followed by Carol Hazel and her team focusing on Treatment

for dryness breakage and hair loss.

65Conscious Vibeswww.consciousvibes.co.uk


Culture Imanai Expression, African Caribbean Drummers, entertained the audience with a dynamic performance filling the theatre with the

sounds of drums and flutes given an authentic journey through Africa.



FASHION DESIGNERS

Cowrie DesignsHouse of Africa

RedskinSEW

Photos by Junior W

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More Designs at:

www.cowriedesign.comwww.houseofafrika.etsy.com

[email protected]

Photos by Junior W

alker


http://www.cowriedesign.com

http://www.houseofafrika.etsy.com

http://www.reddskin.co.uk



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Presented an Egyptian Locs Theme

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Grand Finale of The Day



Grand Finale of The Day

The glitter to the Expo was provided by the scintillating presence of the most sensational International Multi Award Winning Hair Stylist, Ms. Angela M

Plummer showcasing her Braided Hair and Braid Couture clothing line made from hair.

It is worth mentioning that Ms Plummer is an avant garde Creative Hair Artist who inspires women to look bold and beautiful by managing their hair creatively.

Her designs brought the house down with sterling reviews. She showcased her hair creations and clothes made from

processed hair neatly and creatively put together.



Angela Small was delighted and extremely

humbled,she said,

I feel truly blessed and honoured

that Angela Plummer chose

to contribute her unique and much

highly sought after design to

Conscious Vibes Expo, I cant

wait to see her creations.

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Patricia Olufemi starts of the show,

performing her latest single ‘Live Laugh & Love’, wearing a

piece from Angela Plummer’s

collection

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Photography: Hotshots Multimedia

Makeup Artist: Valerie Saint - Amand

Designer: Angela Plummer




Angela Plummer with models,

Choreographer, Make up Artist and

a couple of gotKushtv reps.



Last but not leastMs Plummer very graciously donated

a signed copy of her X-Pression

Ultra Braid 2015 Calendar to help

raise funds to support the charity

“Dont Forget the Kids,” an

organisation which looks to the welfare of children whose

parents or guardians suffer from cancer

The winning ticket was drawn

by one of the gorgeous models

in the calendar and the draw was in

favour of Ms Dawn Wilson,

one of the founders of Perfect Taste

Cuisine.

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Angela Small, the CEO of Conscious Vibes and the organizer of the expo expresses her appreciation

to all attendee’s, exhibitors, friends and family who made the event such a great success.

Nough love and positive vibrations

to you all.



Massage Therapieswww.souleholistics.co.uk

07940 424422

RelaxingReleasing

Rejuvenating


COMMUNITY VIBES


http://souleholistics.co.uk

87

COMMUNITY VIBES

http://conscious-minds.org.uk

email: [email protected]

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Conscious Vibes Spring 2015

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