THANK YOU!

I am feeling so grateful for the support of the Delta Institute and the Salem Baptist Church.  As you may know, the Delta Institute's BOOST Funding Night and the Salem Baptist Church ARISE program awarded support to the Octavia' Natural Hair Care Experience mission!  It is truly an honor to receive support from two game changing organizations.

Because I believe in both organizations, I feel compelled to send an update on my progress.   I am happy to report:

Today was a good day!

Early this morning. I had my first meeting with the Village of Hazel Crest's manager.   Even though no details were confirmed, I am pleased to report it was great meeting.  I look forward to collaboratively working with the Village of Hazel Crest in the near future

in the meantime, there is still plenty of work for me to do. In order to realize the full vision of Octavia's Natural Hair Care Experience, I must continue to fundraise for the salon's 2016 goals:

1) acquire the vacant (brownfield) gas station

2) launch the salon's retail products.  (check out my latest hand-crafted soap cupcakes on my online store; just click the link in the navigation bar.)

3) build relationships within the Chicago Southland community.

To keep the momentum going, my next stop is the Joliet Chapter Shark Tank event; the competition will be held on Saturday, January 23rd.   So these days, I am working to effectively communicate  a sound investment strategy, locking client's hair and making hand-crafted soaps.   And on Sunday, I will meet with a Girl Scout leader to discussworking with her Girl Scouts on confirming their Sustainability badge.  Yes, I am keeping my eye on the prize, a natural hair care salon with an urban farm and green technology.

To learn more about the salon's mission and vision, browse around the website and show support by liking this post.  And if you have any Shark Tank strategy tips, please share in the comments section.

3 helpful maintenance tips to combat the winter Natural Hair blues!

It’s cold in Chicago! One day, it’s bitter cold. The next day, it’s snow.   On Facebook, my friend wrote: I don’t wanna to see another FLAKE; and I mean no flakes; corn flake, frosted flake and snow flake!!  LOL

Ah yes, the harsh winter weather surely influences attitude, work life and outdoor activity.   But also, the extreme weather impacts hair!

These days, clients are complaining about dry, lackluster hair.  Many are experiencing dry scalp, thinning hair, dull hair and dandruff.     If you fall into these categories, then this message is for you.

Today, I am motivated to share my 3 best natural remedy tips for combating winter hair:

1)      Try an organic herbaceous, Apple Cider Vinegar rinse.   Apple Cider Vinegar is beneficial for thinning hair, helps with dandruff, stimulates scalp, conditions and aids in shine. {My clients love my custom Apple Cider Vinegar rinse. My blend takes away the pungent vinegar smell.}

Octavia's Organic Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

2)      STEAM, STEAM and STEAM!  Please give your hair steam treatments.   The steam allows conditioners to deeply penetrate the hair; which yields some very fantastic results.  If you don’t have a steamer at home, then consider visiting a stylist who offers steam treatments.  (Helpful hint: Step 1: shampoo, Step 2: apply the Apple Cider Vinegar rinse and Step 3: give yourself a steam treatment.)

3)      Don’t skip the Hot Oil Treatment!   My personal hair care maintenance includes monthly hot oil treatments.  {I personally hand-craft, organic olive oil and other essential oils to create my in-house specialty, Octavia’s Boss Blend.  It’s the perfect seal to lock in moisture after the intense vinegar and steam treatments.

Octavia's Boss Blend

Lastly, I must communicate that the natural remedy hair approach takes time!  To ensure hair healthy, the above listed treatments must be done routinely.   Yes, you will notice a difference after the first treatment.  However, you will continue to notice improvements with time.  To this end, you must be patient.

Now, you know why my hair shines!

Octavia

I hope these tips aid you along your natural hair journey. If you have any additional questions, always feel free to inbox me on Facebook:   Octavia Cuts Locks Hooks or Twitter @lockartisan.

If you enjoyed my blog, please like, share with your personal network and continue to check in with me regularly.

Learn 1 important tip for creating unique natural hai oil blends. (VIDEO)

Natural Hair Oils (VIDEO) It was another hot, summer day in July.  The Octavia’s Natural Hair Care team members took a break from natural hair salon work to attend and present at the DuSable Museum ‘s 39^th annual arts and crafts festival. ( www.dusablemuseum.org )

This year’s DuSable Museum festival theme was DU SOMETHING GREEN.   The event showcased organic artists and craftsmen.  The festival's atmosphere grabbed you from the parking lot and drew in visitors like a piped piper with the head nodding, hip shaking live band music blasting through the main stage speakers.   The festival friendly aromas of Nag Champa incense, funnel cakes and jerk chicken filled the air.

Our team’s goal for the day:

• Partner with the community organization, Blacks In Green (BIG).  For more information, please visit the website at www.blacksingreen.org
• Support Local Vendors
• Promote natural hair care services

Thanks to BIG's founder, Naomi Davis, I had the rare opportunity to share tent space with master clay and woodmaking artists.  Even though it was hot like fire, I remained steadfast in my mission to promote natural hair.  Despite the heat, I gave a brief presentation on how to infuse organic oils with herbs; ie: Octavia’s Boss Blend. (check out the video)

Complementing the day was a joyous opportunity to see my friend, Keith Pervius.  He is an extraordinary entreprenuer, artist who co-owns my favorite local graphic design company, Art on the Loose.

Even better, I supported a local hand-made jewelry vendor, Own your Own Image Boutique, mslista94@sbcglobal.net. and scored me some cultural bling.

If you are looking for more tips on natural hair oil blends and hair services, please call me for an appointment or a class at 708.574.1462