FIVE things I want the world to know about living with Hashimoto's:

There are times people feel misunderstood, or feel like they can’t always express how they REALLY feel to others. Sometimes we deliberately shut people out it’s because we think persons won’t fully understand what we’re going through. This post is really just scratching the surface on some of the emotions I go through living with thyroid dysfunction, but I hope it educates and inspires:

5 things I want the world to know about living with thyroid disease: 

1. It hurts when you call me lazy… and question my sleeping habits. 

Yes I JUST woke up at 8 o’clock. I also JUST went to sleep at 3 a.m. AND my alarm JUST woke me up at 6:30 a.m. to take my thyroid meds, so this is JUST my “post taking meds” nap. Get over it. The debilitating exhaustion which accompanies thyroid disease is something that I don’t think I can ever get used to. No matter how much I sleep I am always tired. Ironically, even with being so exhausted, at night it’s difficult to turn my mind off and fall asleep. Persons who are hypothyroid in particular can have very low energy levels, so there are days when we just can’t get things done as quickly as you’d like us to. But bear with me, I make up for it on days when I feel better!

2. I have mirrors at my house

It also really hurts when you call me fat! Trust me on this, I REALLY don’t need you to remind me about my weight every single time you see me. If you are on any kind of weight journey you know all too well, that sinking feeling you get, when you finally get into that skirt you haven’t worn for months and the first person you meet when you go out comments on your stomach.  Stop it people, I saw my stomach in the mirror before I left home, I know what it looks like. Be mindful also that not every overweight person you come across overeats! Some of us even exercise too, imagine that! The same is also true for persons with overactive thyroids. They may actually eat quite a lot and be unable to gain weight. The eating disorder jokes are uncalled for. Stop the body shaming, please.

3. Yes, this is a fake smile today

Day 1: Friend: Hey, how’s it goin?     Me: My whole body hurts today. 

Day 2: Friend: Hey, what’s up?     Me: I'm so nauseated this morning.

Day 3: Friend: Hi, how you today?  Me: Exhausted. Wish I could go back to bed.

Day 4: Friend: How you doin?     Me: I feel depressed. My body still hurts, today.

Day 5: Friend: Heya. How you?  Me: My mind is racing, it’s overwhelming!

No one wants to be that person! But the fact is there are weeks when EVERYDAY is a challenge for me! There are times when I may be dealing with multiple symptoms at once. It’s overwhelming. And I imagine that it may be overwhelming to other people as well (after all, who likes a Negative Nelly). So I pretend. Which is often easier than having to deal with any weird comments or give explanations as to why I’m always feeling sick. Or feeling like I’m always burdening other people with how I’m doing. Soooo what is my response most days: “I’M FINE.” Am I saying this is the ideal way to approach it? Maybe not. What I am saying is, be patient if your friend or loved one doesn’t always want to share how they feel right away, sometimes we are still trying to come to terms with the magnitude of all of this. A lot of times we downplay the way we feel not just because we don’t want to turn other people off, but for our own sanity (coping mechanism much?)

4. I’m scared sometimes

This is kind of scary at times. It’s a lot to deal with, the unpredictability of it all. Will I develop more autoimmune diseases? What if the other half of my thyroid goes bad? Am I going to be able to beat this? Am I doing enough to get better? Of course I put a brave face on, but there are times when I do have fears and concerns, and I do wonder about everything that’s going on with me. If my body is able to handle all of this, if my MIND is able to deal with it. 

5. I miss you. I miss me too. 

I speak for myself when I say that living with Hashimoto’s has dramatically changed the way I interact with society. I’ve always been a bit of a homebody, but I’ve become even more of a recluse, because there are times I really just don’t have the energy, I really don’t feel like subjecting anyone to my moods, or I really am feeling awful, so I’d rather just avoid social contact. So sadly, I’ve lost some friends along the way and I miss some of them tremendously. I vaguely remember the person I was before hashimoto’s disease, and I honestly have not felt like myself in a very long time. 

I miss that person too. 

July is THYROID DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH at Just Bee You! So be sure to check back here during this month for more posts on the thyroid. You can also follow Just Bee You on Facebook and Instagram (@justbeeyoutiful) for more posts.

Hashi WHO? My experience with Thyroid Autoimmunity.

In 2008 I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease in which your thyroid gland is attacked by your own immune system. Prior to my diagnosis, I had just a basic idea of what the thyroid did or why it was important. My vague understanding (or maybe I should call it misunderstanding!) was that persons whose thyroids didn't work properly struggled with their weight, or grew goiters. 

Until one day my aunt and I were chatting and she noticed a lump at the front of my throat and said I should probably check it out. I hate going to the doctor but I figured I might as well, after all I hadn't been feeling by best lately, including feeling reaaally tired ALL the time. But I figured working in a high stress environment and the fact that I was preparing to relocate to another country (Cuba) were all just too exhausting. 

The doctor I saw did blood tests and an ultrasound on my throat area and told me it was just swelling "probably from lifting something heavy" because everything in the tests appeared normal. He gave me some pills to take anyway and some antibiotics too (can't leave those out, right?) The pills made me feel SICK to my stomach, but I tried to take them because I wanted to feel better, I finished the antibiotics, but couldn't bear to finish the other meds. I didn't feel any better and that curious lump was still at the front of my neck, but then I thought: “Wait a minute, I'm moving to Cuba, and everyone raves about their healthcare system, I'll go get it checked out when I get there.”

A few weeks later, I walked into the department of general medicine at Cira Garcia Hospital in Havana. When I sat down in front of the doctor he immediately asked me: "I'm guessing you are here to be referred to the endocrinology clinic?" He explained that I had facial signs of thyroid dysfunction (did you know your thyroid even messes with your eyebrows too?) and then pointed to the same lump on the front of my neck. To make along story quite short, I begun working with the endocrinology clinic to deal with the lump or nodule that was growing in my thyroid. I was subsequently diagnosed with Hashimoto's. 

I was fortunate to work with a very good endocrinologist who encouraged me to do my own reading and to ask him questions when I came for visits. In addition to working to get my meds right, he also incorporated lifestyle changes into my programme, such as suggested dietary changes, an exercise programme and spoke to me very seriously about reducing my stress levels. 

As much as my doctor gave me very good information, it was during the times that I did my own reading that I really started understanding what the thyroid did, how important it was that it function properly, the seriousness of the condition I had, the changes I had to make to help me get better. I realised then how many symptoms I had over the years without knowing it: the menstrual issues, the fact that I had trouble sleeping at night and even more trouble getting out of bed in the morning, the exhaustion (I've been exhausted to the point of passing out on my street while walking to work), my perennial tummy issues, elevated cholesterol and so much more.

It is REALLY important that you be proactive about your own health! I had never really developed the habit of asking doctors questions when they said things that didn’t make sense to me, or researching medications they prescribed, so I know exactly what I'm taking. Or calling my doctor if the pills they prescribed didn’t agree with me. Thyroid disease often masks as so many other diseases that it can go undetected for a long period of time. Familiarise yourself with the symptoms of thyroid dysfunction, and if you feel like you may possibly have a problem go to a doctor and get a PROPER thyroid function test (not just TSH, as many indicators as possible: T3, T4, thyroid antibodies, etc).

July is THYROID DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH at Just Bee You! So be sure to check back here during this month for more posts on the thyroid. You can also follow Just Bee You on Facebook and Instagram (@justbeeyoutiful) for more posts.

BY THE WAY, I am by no means an expert or endocrinologist, this is just regular ole me =) sharing my experiences with thyroid autoimmunity. Always do your own research and also follow directives of qualified medical professionals.

Brown paper packages tied up with string...

These are a few of my favourite things =)

I love Christmas! The sights, the sounds, the smells, the shopping ... it truly is the most wonderful time of the year! 

A LOT more people have been buying handmade gifts (not just at Christmas time!) It's a great way to support local artisans/crafters/entrepreneurs, besides, everyone enjoys unique, handmade gifts, right? And buying handmade often means that you get one-of-a-kind items. Not to mention, how much time and effort has been invested in making each item. When you buy handmade you can be sure that your gift was made with love!

This year, why not pick up some of our hair and body treats for your friends and loved ones? I'm sure they would appreciate that our products are handmade with love from wholesome ingredients! Our body care products will be available in our limited edition Christmas themed scents from December 1st. Our Christmas packages will also be available soon!

Get a head start on your Christmas shopping and get lovely handmade items at the many craft markets happening this season. "Just Bee You!" Beauty Products will have a booth at ThingsTT Indie Market this weekend (November 29th). So If you live in Trinidad, it's the perfect opportunity to stock up on hair and body goodies =) Come by our booth to browse or to make sure you get exactly what you want, contact me to place your order now and just collect it at the event. You can learn more about Things TT on their website or find them on Facebook.

Did I mention admission is FREE? More money to shop with =) So see you there!

By the way, if I'll be vending at any more markets before Christmas I'll be sure to let you know, so come back to the blog or check the Facebook page often! 

Leaving My Mark

scar (n): 

a mark left on the skin or within body tissue where a wound, burn, or sore was present;

a lasting effect of grief, fear or other emotion left on a person’s character 

by a traumatic experience. 

Some people see their scars as a reminder of a funny story or a crazy adventure. For others, scars are a reminder of a painful past, a bad fall, or a difficult illness. That's why some keep their ‘scar stories’ to themselves instead of rehashing the painful truth each time someone asks about it. I actually used to have a bit of fun by giving weird responses to persons who would ask about the scar on my neck from my thyroid surgery. Rather than discuss it, I've given outlandish responses like: “I was in a gang fight”.

This wasn't my first surgery, and so I knew I had a tendency to have bad scarring (or develop keloids), so when my scar started growing I wasn't particularly surprised, but I certainly was determined to minimize the appearance of it as much as possible. In the earlier months, right after the surgery, I would use silicone strips/plasters on my neck to flatten the keloid (which didn't help much by the way). Later, I began massaging it with my handmade cocoa butter and shea butter cream (cocoa shea skin smoothie) which, based on my progress pics, was beginning to fade the scar considerably.

One afternoon late last year, I went to the barber shop with my mom. While I was sitting waiting on her to get her haircut, another lady approached me and asked me about my scar. I noticed that her thyroid was very enlarged. We had a great conversation about the exhaustion, the weight gain, the frustration of having her hair thin out, the frightening feeling of being choked by your enlarged thyroid while trying to sleep. We discussed treatment options and my experience with my physician, versus what she felt was inadequate treatment by her doctor.

That encounter with that lady got me thinking … if she hadn’t seen my scar we would not have had that conversation. I decided at that time to stop working on my scar; I would be leaving the mark on my neck. It’s a bit less noticeable now, but you can still see it, and that’s fine. I don't mind explaining to people why I have it. I’ve gotten to the point where my scars no longer make me self-conscious, but I’m realizing more and more that they can be a powerful tool in raising the level of consciousness in people I meet every day. I have even had persons who noticed the scar on one of my Facebook pictures and have asked me questions about thyroid dysfunction. It’s a conversation starter, but maybe thyroid disease IS something that more people should be talking about, so I’m okay with that.

Instead of a reminder of a tough period in your life, try to think of your scars, whether physical or emotional, as marks of triumph over that difficult situation. More importantly think of it as a possible way to help someone else who may need help in dealing with a similar issue.

[July is thyroid disease awareness month at Just Bee You! Beauty products. Be sure to come back for more posts on this issue and visit our Facebook Page for even more info on the thyroid and thyroid dysfunction.]

July is Thyroid Awareness Month at "Just Bee You!" beauty products

In 2008 I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease in which the thyroid gland is attacked by your immune system. In July of 2010 I had surgery to have half my thyroid removed, mainly because despite my doctor’s best efforts at treatment, because my thyroid problems had gone unnoticed (and thus untreated) for so many years there was little that could be done to save that part of my thyroid.

Thyroid dysfunction is actually a fairly common medical condition, however, it is often misdiagnosed for many reasons: sometimes people can have normal test results and still have thyroid issues (even persons who have already been diagnosed can receive normal test results while still experiencing symptoms) and also thyroid disorders can sometimes persist with no symptoms or with a constellation of symptoms which can easily be associated with many other diseases.   

I've decided to use the month of July to highlight Thyroid Disease Awareness Month at "Just Bee You!" beauty products. I’ll tell you more about how living with thyroid autoimmunity has changed my life, including how it steered my path towards creating this Just Bee You product line. More importantly, I hope to highlight the importance of doing thyroid checks (especially for at-risk persons or persons with family history), dispel myths and reject misinformation regarding the thyroid and persons who live with thyroid disease, and hopefully provide encouragement for persons who may be dealing with thyroid issues. 

Be sure to check back here during the month of July for more information and also check out my Facebook page for regular tid bits as well.

6 month Protective Style Challenge

I generally wear my hair in protective styles, I’d say, 75% of the time. So to say that I will be on a protective style challenge, I will really just be continuing my habit of protective styling, except that I will include more long term protective styles, so that I can reduce how frequently I manipulate or comb my hair. My long term styles will involve extensions, because my fuzzy texture just cannot keep my natural braids or twists for more than about a week at a time (without me looking like a complete fuzz ball!)

I’m doing this challenge for three reasons:

1. I’m trying to retain as many inches as possible in time for my next nappiversary in September. It’s going to be ten years natural, and what better way to celebrate than with few extra inches! =)

2. My fairy knots have been getting out of hand, and I know it is because I am wearing my hair loose more often. My hair just prefers to be on a protective style/low manipulation regimen.

3. I’m taking on a few more projects in the next few months and I’m also expanding my product line, so to say I've been busy is an understatement. While I’m making sure everyone else’s hair is fabulous I’ll just be putting mine away for a bit! I won’t be neglecting my hair mind you, but I honestly would really welcome the chance to have to comb my hair less often.

I am inviting anyone who’d like to join me on the challenge! (I will be going for 6 months, but you are welcome to try 3 months or even 2 months). Whether you are growing out a short haircut, a dye job or just want to set a hair goal for yourself and reach it, you are welcome to come on board! I've outlined my detailed plan below, but you just have to make sure you follow these two key elements:

1. Protective styles ONLY during the period you choose.

2. Maintain a healthy hair regimen during the period, including clarifying, moisturizing, and deep conditioning.

Check out my post on Protective Styling 101 for tips on how to protective style without damaging your precious tresses! Comment below and let me know if you will be taking part in the challenge. I'll be back often to give my updates! I'll also be tracking the challenge on the Facebook page, so you can check in there as well and let me know how you're going!

Protective Style Challenge 2014 - My Plan

DURATION: February 1st, 2014 to July 31st, 2014 

STYLE PLAN:

I plan to wear the long term styles for 4 – 6 weeks followed by short term protective styles for 7 – 10 days. Styles worn for more than 4 weeks will be refreshed at the perimeter/hairline at the 4 week mark.

My long term styles: crochet braids, box braids (with extensions).

My short term styles: roll tuck and pin styles, half wigs, twists/flat twists, African threading.

MAINTENANCE PLAN:

Clarifying & Deep conditioning:

I’ll wash and condition long term protective styles once (at the 2 or 3 week mark). If I get itchy before wash day I’ll clean my scalp with a witch hazel and rosewater mix.

I will shampoo, ACV rinse and deep condition my hair after each long term protective style. Since it will only be 7 – 10 days until my next long term style, I will just co-wash and deep condition before the next long term installation.

Moisturizing:

I will spritz my long term protective styles daily with my Herbal Hair Spritz and oil my scalp with Oils n Herbs every 2-3 days. LOC method for moisture as needed on short term protective styles.

Optional: Many protective style challenges also include dietary changes, so you can encourage healthy Hair from the inside out. For personal health reasons I’m already on a programme which involves having to eat wholesome meals; I already take vitamins/supplements and my water intake is good, though I intend to increase it. My exercise regimen is sorely lacking, so I intend to improve on that! You can feel free to make any health changes you may see necessary to encourage healthy hair growth, such as dietary and/or exercise changes.


UPDATE: I completed the 6 month Challenge! =) Here are the update videos.

Trading Spaces

Soooo I've outgrown the room I currently work in, I mean seriously outgrown ... for a whilllle now! 

Well, FINALLY I am moving into a larger work spaceeee! Yay! I can't wait to really get in there and start doing my thing. It's been a little tricky with moving going on and orders still coming in, and on top that I fell ill for a couple of days in between, buuuut the process is moving along fairly well. 

Here's a sneak peak of how things are coming along... 

As soon as everything is all done I will give you all the grand tour =)

UPDATE!
So it's all done! Here's the finished product:

Just Bee You! featured on "The New Maroons"

I was fortunate to have Keston Perry from The New Maroons do a feature on that blog about Just Bee You! beauty products and on my journey towards entrepreneurship. 

The New Maroons is a blog about entrepreneurship - particularly the experiences of persons who have lived outside of Trinidad and Tobago and have returned home and started businesses. 

If you are a business owner, or have been thinking about making the leap towards entrepreneurship ... or maybe you would just like to learn about the experiences of those who have made that step, then check out (and follow) The New Maroons.

Here's the feature on Just Bee You!

A New Maroon story: Just Bee You Beauty Products

I'm Just Beeyoutiful! - Spotlight on Akia

It’s time to highlight another Just Bee You'ser and their experiences with the products! This spotlight is on Akia who was able to benefit from our customization services and have a product that was created just for her! Read on to find out more… 

Tell us about your hair…

I have always had natural hair. I have never experienced anything else. My parents, especially my dad, never believed in chemically-treated hair especially when I was a child. I have dreadlocks now and I have had them since 2001; September to be exact. 

Describe your hair care regimen (including the products you use)? 

My hair care regimen is not a very long one - my hair is washed once per month (no, it doesn't smell because of how I treat it), steamed every three (3) months and dyed every six (6) months. I had been using 'Sunsilk' Shampoo and Conditioner (particularly for colour-treated hair) and about two years ago I switched to 'Suave Professionals' Almond and Shea Butter Shampoo and Conditioner (Moisturizing). As for my dye products, I use 'Clairol' Textures and Tones (because of the length of my hair, I usually use 6 to 8 boxes to get that rich colour).

How long have you been using “Just Bee You!” products? How has your experience with the product line been so far?

I have been using the “Just Bee You!” Oils ‘n’ Herbs just about a year now and I recently began using the Baby Bottom Balm (recent as in last week...lol). I love the way the Oils ‘n’ Herbs make my scalp feel and not to mention the shine...it is just beautiful. I have two boys: 4 years old and 4 months old and the Baby Bottom Balm has been working wonders on them both. It is not too greasy and their skin feels so soft.

What is your favourite “Just Bee You!” product?

My favourite product is the Oils ‘n’ Herbs (I guess as it was my first). What I really like about this product is that it is tailored to suit me. I cannot use Olive Oil in my hair; it would itch and that itching is enough to send me crazy. The olive oil was replaced with grape seed oil and that combination has done me well. Even my hairdresser has commented on how healthy my scalp looks whenever I use it.

What are 5 hair items / products you can’t live without?

1. My customized Oils 'n' Herbs

2. Let's Jam (this is what I use to twist my locs)

3. Mango and Lime Moisturizer (I use this one to moisturize to my ends)

… okay, so I don't have 5.

What are some of the lessons you've learnt on the journey to healthy hair?

Be careful who puts their hand your hair. When I started my locs, I had many admirers who would like to touch (most of the time without permission) and in 2003, I thought I would have had to cut off ALL of my hair because my hair began to drop. My hairdresser told me that, if anyone wants to touch my hair they have to ask my permission and I can say no if I don't feel comfortable.

What one piece of advice would you give to anyone trying to maintain healthy hair?

You would not know which product is the right one for you until you have tried them all; experimentation is a key factor. Not all maintenance processes are good; I never interlock my hair because it damages my roots however, another person may do it because that is the only way their hair would stay. Again you have to figure out what is the right process/product for you.

What do you love most about your hair?

I love the fact that although my hair is natural, I can style it just like or even better than chemically-treated hair. I love its versatility. I also love the reaction from my husband when I have a hot, new style! India.Arie said, "I am not my hair." I think she got it wrong, I am my hair and my hair is me.

(Remember, if you'd like to be featured as an "I'm justbeeyoutiful" spotlight, give me a shout!)

Product Review by Vlogger BlessedNelly16

"Just Bee You!" product review from one of my fave You Tube Vloggers to STALK... Blessednelly16   =)

Check it out!

Product Review by Vlogger Ayanna Nedd

Youtube Vlogger Ayanna Nedd did a cool review on some of the hair products, have a look...

I'm Just Beeyoutiful! - Spotlight on Kari

It’s time to highlight another Just Bee You'ser and her experiences with the products! This spotlight is on Kari, who’s been using the products to take care of her transitioning tresses. 
Read on to see how she manages the different textures...

bantu knots - protective, pretty and give great curls

Tell us about your hair…
I like to wear my hair in a way that I don't have to fuss much with it - in that, I prefer if it’s braided or cornrowed or in a bun. I am currently transitioning and I have been transitioning for just over a year.



Describe your hair care regimen (including the products you use)?
My hair regimen includes shampoo and condition or deep condition bi-weekly and daily hair care with Just Bee You Herbal Hair Spritz and Shea and Herbs Hair Butter.

bantu knot-out - a stylish way to blend
new growth with relaxed ends

How long have you been using “Just Bee You!” products? How has your experience with the product line been so far?
I have been using JBY hair products from its inception, however, I have been using it consistently for a little over 1 year when the product came fully on stream. The experience has been great. I see vast improvement in the texture and manageability of my hair.

relaxed days

What is your favourite “Just Bee You!” product?
My favorite JBY product, is the Cocoa Shea Skin smoothie.




What are 5 hair items / products you can’t live without?
   1. My wide tooth comb
   2. My Hair Brush
   3. Just Bee You Herbal Hair Spritz
   4. Just Bee You Shea & Herbs Hair Butter
   5. Eco Styler Gel




What are some of the lessons you've learnt on the journey to healthy hair?
Some of the lessons I have learnt on my journey to healthier hair are: natural is always better; what you put into your body plays a major role in the health of your hair; and maintenance of natural hair is not as hard as it is perceived to be, as long as you have a good regimen that works for you and your hair.

transitioning chic ... roller set plaits
blend the new growth with the straight ends

What one piece of advice would you give to anyone trying to maintain healthy hair?
The one advice I would give to anyone is to embrace your naps. If you love your naps, you would do what needs to be done to keep it healthy.




What do you love most about your hair?
I love the length of my hair the most!

braids ... go-to transitioning style

braids ... go- to transitioning styles

buns ... go-to transitioning styles

(Remember, if you'd like to be featured as a spotlight, give me a shout!)

I'm Just Beeyoutiful! - Spotlight on Genevieve

This spotlight highlights another satisfied Just Bee You'ser, Genevieve. Read on to find out how she takes care of her big beautiful kinky hair. Enjoy!

Tell us about your hair…

My hair is kinky. More of a "Z" pattern than a curl. I have had natural hair up until age 16. I jerry curled it for two years and then got fed up and grew out the chemicals. It took a year for me to get to shoulder length and then I cut off the straight ends. I texturize from time to time but it doesn’t seem to make a difference...sigh...its overwhelmingly thick and resists the texturizer chemicals. I am now 27 yrs old.

Describe your hair care regimen (including the products you use)?

Co-wash with Tressemé curl hydration every weekend, while detangling. I shampoo with sulphate free shampoo named Creme of Nature: Argan oil every 2-3 weeks. I use Shea & Aloe Hair Soufflé from Just Bee You! as my "grease" replacer LOL. I use that product about twice a week or when ever my hair feels dry. I use grape seed oil to seal and to add shine. For daily care I spritz it with water and slick with ampro or eco styler alcohol free gel.

How long have you been using “Just Bee You!” products? How has your experience with the product line been so far?

I have been using JBY products for a very very wonderful year! It has exceeded my expectations because I was so accustomed to using grease (which only coats the hair shaft). I cannot imagine my life with out Shea & Aloe Hair Soufflé.

What is your favourite “Just Bee You!” product?

You probably guessed it! Shea & Aloe Hair Soufflé.

What are 5 hair items / products you can’t live without?

   1. Shea aloe souffle

   2. Spray bottle (with water)

   3. Half Wigs that blend with my natural hair well (life savers)

   4. Tresseme conditioner

   5. Gel (alcohol free and must be max hold...MUST BE MAX HOLD!!!!!)

beach hair

What are some of the lessons you've learnt on the journey to healthy hair?

Water is my hair's best friend and I must use oils and things that penetrate the hair shaft.

What one piece of advice would you give to anyone trying to maintain healthy hair?

Not all products work for all hair. Experimentation is key. Also, your hair is your responsibility. Therefore, if you have to find time to manage it, do your best. If it means using chemicals, weaves braids etc, do that BUT make sure the health of your real/natural hair is preserved under it all.

What do you love most about your hair?

Love my hair because of its versatility!

big chop!

big hair!

pressed hair on my wedding day

pressed hair on my wedding day

half wigs - come in handy for a change of pace

I do hope you enjoyed this spotlight, look out for many more! Remember, if you'd like to be featured on the blog as a spotlight give me a shout.

I'm Just Beeyoutiful! - Spotlight on Ria

I'll be highlighting different Just Bee You'sers and their experiences with the products. This spotlight is on my sister, Ria, who was my first customer so I figured it's only fair that she should get the first spotlight too! No, I haven't paid or bribed her to make any of these statements =) In any event, the pictures of her hair should speak for themselves... enjoy the first spotlight and look out for many more!  

Tell us about your hair…

My hair is relaxed and has been since I was twelve. I’ve had bursts of 'natural-ness' along the way, but it’s mostly been relaxed.

Describe your hair care regimen (including the products you use)?

I wash every two weeks: any shampoo or conditioner will do. Then I moisturize with my ever faithful Herbal Hair Spritz, followed by Oils ‘n’ Herbs, and solid 'hair crack' aka Shea & Herbs Hair Butter from "Just Bee You!" and any setting lotion. I keep it set or wrapped during the week and always sleep in a silky head wrap.

How long have you been using “Just Bee You!” products? How has your experience with the product line been so far?

About seven years! Before the company existed =) I have no complaints.... only compliments.

What is your favourite “Just Bee You!” product?

The Herbal Hair Spritz. I love the way it tingles on my scalp, and when I have new growth coming in it keeps it very soft.

What are 5 hair items / products you can’t live without?

1.       my rollers

2.       Herbal Hair Spritz

3.       Olive Oil conditioner (ORS replenishing pak)

4.       my silky head scarf

5.       my boar bristle hair brush

What are some of the lessons you’ve learnt on the journey to healthy hair?

Take care of your hair ends. Keep up with wrapping and setting even with inches of new growth on your head.

What one piece of advice would you give to anyone trying to maintain healthy hair?

Stay away from tight headbands and ‘woogies’ [ponytail holders], they can thin out your hair line or cause a short patch or bald patch in the back, especially if you wear your ponytail in the same place almost every day.

What do you love most about your hair?

 It’s shiny, strong, long and the envy of the party! =)

(If you'd like to be featured as a spotlight, let me know! Give me a shout)

Product Review on Caribbean Curls

I was fortunate to have Shaunie from Caribbean Curls agree to do a review on a few of my products. Caribbean Curls is a blog about natural hair care for people who live in tropical / humid climates. Her blog gives techniques and tips on having “healthy hair in the sun” and includes product reviews, interviews, features and more. The first of three reviews is up, as the others are posted I will just add the links under here.  

Here’s the review on the Shea and Aloe Hair Soufflé:

http://caribbeancurls.wordpress.com/2012/12/15/just-bee-you-product-review-part-1-of-3/

Review of Herbal Hair Spritz:
http://caribbeancurls.wordpress.com/2013/02/02/just-bee-you-product-review-part-2-of-3/


Review of Oils 'n' Herbs:

http://caribbeancurls.wordpress.com/2013/02/09/just-bee-you-product-review-3-of-3/

The Ultimate Epicurean Boutique Market

You may remember the post "Making a list? Check it twice!" where I announced that  Just Bee You! would be attending the Ultimate Epicurean Boutique Market at the Crowne Plaza in Port of Spain. I'm not even going to wait till the end to summarize or add suspense or anything - let me just come right out and say I had a tremendous time at this event! It was well organised and my interaction with Andrea of Eventuality Ltd was wonderful from the very beginning. She was professional yet friendly in her approach, prompt in responses to messages and kept us updated and informed  in the weeks leading up to the event.

I attended the event with my mom and cousin Kari, two of my "elves" as I like to call them =) We did not arrive as early as we would have liked, and then I forgot a piece of my table display at home, but we were able to modify the display and set up fairly quickly.

My two 'elves'  =)

This was my first show in Trinidad and I thoroughly enjoyed the day! The interaction among participants was great. I had some really friendly "neighbours", with the Soap Boutique on my right and STC & Company who were on my left - their lemongrass soap smelled DIVINE I need to pick up some of that, and the soap net! I tried to visit as many booths as I could when I got a little break. There were some wonderful products on display, I would encourage everyone to take the time to check out some of your local manufacturers and artisans when doing your shopping this holiday season.

The response to Just Bee You! beauty products was extremely positive. I am glad I participated in the Epicurean Market and look forward to attending more markets soon. I would encourage crafters, soapers, manufacturers to attend a few of these markets, not just for the exposure to customers and potential customers, but also for the opportunity to meet other persons in your industry or related industries who may provide a product or service that you may need. The interaction with knowledge gained from more experienced persons in the industry will prove invaluable.

The pictures I took were a bit dark (boo hoo!) but there are pictures on the Facebook page if you'd like to see more.

Some Good News...

I was featured in a local newspaper the "Tobago News" as one of Tobago's up and coming entrepreneurs, yay!   =)

 

Laci Joseph – from diplomat to entrepreneur

By Victor Laptiste

"Laci Joseph epitomises the new spirit of entrepreneurship which we have been hearing about for a long time but seldom see manifested.

This elegant, charismatic, gifted young lady who is skilled in so many areas may have had some difficulty in settling on a career choice because she is so multi-talented. With absolute faith in whatever venture she has undertaken she has learnt that nothing ventured, nothing gained..."

Read the rest of it here : http://www.thetobagonews.com/news/Laci_Joseph__-172767331.html

 

Making a list? Check it twice!

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? Get a head start at the Ultimate Epicurean & Boutique Market, at the Crowne Plaza in Port of Spain on Saturday 27th October 2012.

"Just Bee You!" Beauty Products will have a booth there! So If you live in Trinidad, it's the perfect opportunity to stock up on hair and body goodies =)  Contact me to place your order now and collect it at the event.

Enjoy local entertainment while you shop in air-conditioned comfort and, hello, admission is FREE to the public! =)  There’ll be random Door Prizes drawn ALL DAY which, by the way, includes a chance to win hampers from "Just Bee You!” Beauty Products. Be sure to visit their Facebook page to get more details and to RSVP if you're going to be there.

So why not shop handmade this Christmas? It's a great way to support local artisans/crafters/entrepreneurs, besides … everyone enjoys unique handmade gifts! 

See you there!

My Natural Hair Regimen

Now that you know how to build a hair regimen (in case you missed it, read Part 1 and Part 2 first), I thought I'd to share my regimen with you. I break it down into four main categories: Clarify, Moisturize, Pamper and Nourish. I also have Length Retention as a category, though sometimes I kind of stray away from that one, so I guess you could call it a sub-category. 

Once I cover these basics my hair is happy - My hair thrives as long as I keep my hair and scalp clean, moisturize religiously, deep condition regularly and nourish it with good stuff (my hair is spoilt now so it reacts to crappy ingredients!) and use protective styles.

Here are the simple basics of my hair care routine:

Clarify:

• No-poo / conditioner wash – 1 time weekly with any 'el cheapo' conditioner, Suave Tropical Coconut is one of my faves.
• About once a month, clarify with my homemade shampoo (available soon from "Just Bee You!" Beauty Products) OR diluted black soap OR bentonite clay

Pamper:

• Deep Condition and /or Hot Oil Treatment: 1 time weekly (for 30 minutes with heat, 1 hour and more without heat) I make my own deep conditioner (which I will also sell in the near future); my hair also likes "Africa's Best Organics Hair Mayonnaise", hot oil treatments using Oils and Herbs and homemade kitchen concoctions such avocados blended with olive oil or plain yogurt with oils and honey.
• At least one of my 4 deep condition sessions per month should involve protein. I use cassia obovata (AKA neutral henna)
• Incorporate herbal rinses as a final rinse after my shampoo and conditioner/deep condish as regularly as possible. I use Herbal Sachets. 

Moisturize:

• My hair loves water! I apply a light mist of water based moisturizer Herbal Hair Spritz to my hair daily or every other day. As a short cut to this step, I shower without a cap on so my hair gets sprinkled in the shower.
• After weekly shampoo, condition session I apply a heavy cream/butter (Shea and Aloe Hair Souffle) to my hair while damp to seal in moisture. I generally only need to re-apply this (mainly to my ends) once during the week until next wash day.
• Sleep with a plastic cap under my satin cap/scarf 2–3 days a week.

Nourish:

I try to only use products which are made from natural and safe ingredients and avoid harsh chemicals. Most of what I use on my hair and body is handmade. Now that my hair knows the difference between good stuff and crap I have no choice anyway, or it just REBELS! And most of all, it's much better for your health to avoid the amount of toxins and harmful substances to which you expose your body. If you're not into mixing your own things at home, that's what we're here for =) So be sure to check out the handmade hair and body goodies from "Just Bee You! Beauty Products.

Length Retention:

• I clip my ends only when necessary. You don't need a 'schedule' for clipping your hair, clip your ends when they need clipping. Don't believe the myth that clipping ends every 4 weeks or full moon or whatever adds length or thickness.
• I generally finger comb my hair. Whenever I do comb I use wide tooth combs (Usually for detangling when fingers aren't enough) and the tail of a rat-tail comb for parting. 
• I wear protective styles the majority of the time. My go-to protective hairstyle is twists, though I also like braids, crochet braids, and wigs.
• I put my hair away at night to prevent tangling, matting and breakage. For Twists, Flat twists, Box Braids, Cornrows - I simply cover them with a satin cap or scarf. For Loose Hair - I grab large sections of hair, mist lightly and finger detangle, then make large twists or large braids and cover with satin cap / scarf. This leaves my hair untangled and soft for the next day!

What works for my hair may not work for yours, but this is just what I have come up with through experimenting and getting to know what makes my hair happy.

Product Feature - Baby Bottom Balm

Last, but by no means least, the Baby Bottom Balm is our featured product for today. This balm is a wonderful petroleum jelly substitute for anyone wishing to avoid the use of petrochemical derivatives. Use it to create a protective, soothing barrier on baby’s bottom at diaper-changing time, or use it any place you'd use petroleum jelly as a multi-use balm for the whole family:

-      To replace lip balm

-      To smooth dry patches of skin and rough areas such as elbows, hands, feet

-      Apply with a cotton ball as an effective make-up remover (especially for waterproof mascara!)

-      Around your hairline when coloring your hair so the color doesn’t stain your skin or drip

-      For those who live in frigid climates, use as a protective sealant from the drying effects of the cold
-     If you moisturize and then seal your hair using petroleum jelly, or use it for baggying your ends why not try this all-natural alternative!

The main ingredient is sunflower oil infused with chamomile and calendula flowers. Sunflower oil is considered the ideal oil for delicate skin and babies’ skin. It improves and strengthens the natural skin barrier and prevents the development of skin infections and dry skin conditions. Chamomile, widely known to have a calming effect on the mind, can also calm the skin and reduce inflammation. Used for centuries on everything from insect bites, burns, cuts and scrapes to acne, psoriasis and eczema, Calendula flowers, though extremely gentle are effective in promoting healing, as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial.

The balm is 100% natural, it contains no petroleum, no artificial colouring, fragrance or preservatives. It’s available in the unscented formula or in two essential oil scents.

I do hope you enjoyed this product feature series, if you missed any of the days, be sure to go back and look over all the features! If you have any questions about any of the products made by “Just Bee You!” Beauty Products, feel free to contact us or to leave a comment under one of the features. 

Very, very soon we have three new products being released so look out for that! Yes, that includes the shampoo and conditioner … I know, I know, I’ve been saying that for a while now but you know we wont let you have it until we are COMPLETELY satisfied with it =)  because you deserve the very best!