2004 Sisterlock Reunion

Dr. Cornwell and Tamari
(Ya'll are BAD Sista's)

My mentor, Tamari (right) and her best friend Kia at the 2004 Sisterlock Reunion in San Diego, CA.

You girls are looking great!

My Napptural Hair

Oh yes, I was being bad checking out one of our ghetto fab-u-lous sistahs after my nephews graduation at Tennessee State Universary.

Anywho, never mind the facial experession, I like this picture because it shows my true "napptural" hair before my SL conversion.

My sweet daughter in the pink dress was having child like girl time with her buddy.

Natural Twists and Spring Break

Well, if you look real close you can really see my double strand twists underneath my colorful hat. I loved that style and it sure was nice wearing twists without hair drama while enjoying the snow.

I can't imagine what it would be like to wake up every day and do my hair while on vacation......

Bed Head 2002

Here's one of my favorite styles........

After washing it I would "not" comb or brush it out. I'd pull it back and use a scarf to hold it in place. This would last a couple of days and then I'd have to wash and repeat. A true bed head style!

Oh yeah, this is another style that folks would think I was so brave to wear.....go figure!

(Click on pic to get a close up look)

Braid out before Sisterlocks

Well, yes I'm sure you are thinking "that hair sure is thick," it's the famous words of all my hair stylists and braiders. I can't tell you how much everyone that had to do anything to my hair would try and make me get a relaxer.

This was taken in 2001 and I was into my fifth year of nappyism. My family did the freak when I first started growing out my natural hair. Being from Louisiana, if it's not straight it's not good hair.

Too many days of braiding, wearing two strand twists, taking it down only to start the process all over again. I was ready for something new.... I must admit, while I was wearing these different styles so many people wanted to know how, what, why and oh yeah, "you sure are brave to wear your hair like that." The funny thing is everyone was worried about what corporate America would think, that was "never" part of my thought process. When you are ready to accept what the good Lord has blessed you with you just go with the flow.

To get this style, I would wash and braid about six cornrow braids down the sides and the back of my head. Let it dry and and take it out the next morning. Done deal!

Also, after reading "Good Hair" by Lonnice Brittenum Bonner I went into complete rebellion. It was the most self acceptance book I've ever read and I could totally relate to every single word written. I believe every sister should read this book!!!! Thanks Lonnice................

My press when feeling lazy

This is my press, worn when I was feeling lazy and just did not want to tackle my thick bush. Poor Ms. Ceola would smoke up the entire salon pressing out my hair. The other stylists would give us dirty looks because they could not understand why she still offered press and curls. The really weird thing was when I wore the press I would feel like I was "selling out." I know it sounds crazy but I would style it, look in the mirror and say to myself "this is not even me."

After my two week time was up and ready for a wash (since I did pay for it) I would wash that straight stuff out and ..........exhale!

Our Wedding Day

Oh yeah! I sported that infamous "asymmetric" do back in the day. Let's be real though...it was da bomb style back then!

Lynelle Brown at Salon Etc. could work a cut! Who would ever think I would have accepted the real me and transform into how the Lord created the real Creyole....

Oh..... so young, so thin and so much energy! I'll never get back in that dress. Also, that was a nice sweet fruit punch in our glasses...just in case you were wondering. Ha!