Happy February Curlfriends

This week was heavy with a lot to process. I have written and re-written this newsletter trying to figure out what to say and what not to. I am overwhelmed and I do not understand why much of what is happening is happening. So, I listen as much as I can and I try to stay in my gratitude. That being said I will start this newsletter with gratitude because I have truly made it farther than I ever imagined and I have a shit ton to be grateful for.  I am grateful for my mind and my literal life, every breathe is a gift.  I'm grateful for my entire family, the ones I was given and the ones I chose. I am grateful for my apartment and my car. I am grateful for Azarra Salon, my career and I'm grateful for you. I have been so incredibly blessed to be able to do this and for this long and while I do not know what is coming next for us or the rest of the business world I choose to remain grateful. Ok let's get into it.

The menu is expanding!

How about a curl friendly spa day?

Have you ever wanted to have a facial but the thought of the headband and all that steam on your hair stopped you because you knew you'd be walking out super relaxed...but not looking like it. Plus you'd still have to go home and wrestle her back down. Seriously there are so many things that curly haired people have not participated in because of she who lives atop our heads and not being able to find someone to help take good care of her. 

Having a facial and walking out with curls on point is a very real possibility. You now have two hair treatment options on the menu if you're struggling with looser than normal or limp curls. These treatments are not a replacement for having a haircut. One treatment encourages curl definition by focusing on cleansing the hair to remove product and mineral buildup. The second encourages curl definition be strengthening and repairing disulfide bonds in the hair. 

Packages are available or you can simply string together the services you would like to have done. Just choose to add another service when scheduling and you can have your hair washed and set after your facial.

Valentines & Galentines Day

If your bae or your bestie has been sneakily trying to figure out what to get you here is the link for E-Gift cards, sneak this to them. They are super cute with different skin tones and hair colors to choose from. 

The Model Menu...

is a discounted menu I created for students and influencers but it's also for anyone who just likes the price point a bit better and doesn't mind having their picture taken. This menu is available on Monday and Tuesday afternoon/evenings and the scheduling process is the exact same. 

My Black Hair History and Hindsight 

For a lot of people this month is a time to look at our circumstances and point out how far we have come. While. I don't negate the fact that we are no longer physically shackled, the mind is another story.

In the following video Simone Ross speaks about getting ready for work once she'd obtained her C-Suite position. When I listen to her speak, I have questions about why she felt the way she felt. 

I have been natural since I was 19, thats 20 years now and I had a fade before anyone else in Tacoma was doing a "big chop". Most of my hair grief and gas lighting came from, I guess what were well intended older black women wondering why my hair was "standing up all over my head". They would tell me what they would do if they had "all that pretty hair". 

I'm not saying that the corporate office environment isn't toxic. I am saying that the

things I heard coming from those "in my community" would have made me think that my hair was bad before I ever reached corporate. These same people saying these things to me all the while they're still on the creamy crack & talking to me like I didn't love myself. And what do you say to your elder? Nothing. You just let that little part of you die, bite your tongue and choke down your own proverbial blood. Because GOD forbid you have the audacity to be DISRESPECTFUL enough to talk back and simply defend yourself or even worse answer the question honestly. "My hair is done".

I believe in etiquette, dressing and behaving appropriately for the situation. Knee high patent leather boots don't belong in your average corporate office. But natural curls and bright colored suits? Yea why not? Bright lipstick? Even better. But I believe it was the voice of someone closer to her than pinged in her head and told her to dial it back.

Ultimately I like what she had to say and how she was able to turn it around to shine the light on the changes leadership within the office needed to make. 

I'm not saying that corporate offices are not a problem. They obviously have work to do. But I think that the office environment amplifies what is already lying beneath. The anticipation of rejection because you were told that is what will happen by someone trying to prepare and protect you. 

The Crown Act...

that she mentioned made history in WA when it was signed into law by Governor Morgan on March 19, 2020. This act protects black employees from discrimination based on hairstyles like afros, locs braids and twists. The act also protects Natives and Islanders who often place strong cultural value on the length of their hair. Men and women alike.

Not all states have adopted it into law and with new executive orders repealing DEI efforts it will be interesting to see where and if the act goes into law in any new states. 

Finally

before we wrap this up I just want to say thank you again for being a part of my story and for continuing to support my business. I will be back in your inbox in a couple weeks. 

If you're reading this on my website and you want to get this newsletter in your inbox every month please click here and signup where it says "Wanna be Curlfriends". You'll also get VIP info and discount codes for services and products.