JINA'S LAWS

Music speaks a universal language

Dedication, Hard Work, and Talent

I recently had the honor to attend the induction ceremony at the North Carolina Music Hall of fame, and it made me realize that there are some incredible people in this world. Take one of the inductees, Big Daddy Kane. Kane is a founding father of hip-hop. Before there was Jay-Z and Biggie, there was Big Daddy Kane. MTV named him one of their top ten when making a list of the greatest MCs of all time. Ice-T gave an assessment of Big Daddy Kane’s skill for that list, saying “To me, Big Daddy Kane is still today one of the best rappers. I would put Big Daddy Kane against any rapper in a battle. Jay-Z, Nas, Eminem, any of them. I could take his 'Raw' "swagger" from 88 and put it up against any record [from today]. Kane is one of the most incredible lyricists… and he will devour you on the mic.” He helped pioneer hardcore rap. He influenced rappers that are now household names, like Eminem, who establishes himself as being inspired by Kane in his song “Yellow Brick Road” as well as in his book, “The Way I Am.” He helped make Jay-Z’s career what it is today by allowing Jay-Z to freestyle at his concerts between portions of his set. His lyrical skill and quick delivery pushed hip-hop further into the collective consciousness, changing music forever and helping legitimize hip-hop culture. Without this Grammy winner, we wouldn’t have the rap we do today, and it all came from dedication, hard work, and talent.

        The power of dedication, hard work, and talent were also on display with fellow inductee 9th Wonder. He has worked with the best of the best hip-hop has to offer today. People like Mary J Blige, Kendrick Lamar, and Drake have all sought out 9th Wonder for his skill, and that’s leaving out too many big names to count. Over the course of his career he has been a producer, a DJ,rapper, and a record executive.His skill, hustle, and knowledge of hip-hop didn’t just bring him a career in music, it brought him into the world of academia.  9th Wonder became a fellow at Harvard in their hip-hop archive, a lecturer at universities across the country including the University of Michigan and Duke, and he sits on a board at the Smithsonian, all without ever getting a college degree. He continues to influence and create music while teaching about that music’s history and training a new generation to produce and create with the skill that he uses. That is hard work and dedication. It’s inspiring.

 But it wasn’t just hip-hop legends and success stories at the ceremony. Music of all types has the power to bring people together. That’s how Kellie Pickler got involved. As a previous inductee, she hosted the event. Just like Kane and 9th Wonder, Kellie Pickler has incredible talent. I love her voice. I admire her for her humility. She uses her fame to give to charity and to help convince others to give too. Usually, you would never think that the country and rap worlds would come together, but they do. That’s because music is the universal language. It brings everyone together, and it brings out the best in people. Big Daddy Kane revolutionized music, and he helped bring hip-hop into the public consciousness because of that. Through music, 9th Wonder showed that expertise doesn’t have to come from the classroom. Because of music, Kellie Pickler is able to help those who need it the most. These three people coming together just prove the power of music and inspire me to go harder in all of my endeavors.

It is October, the month often only remembered for Halloween, But I would like to shine a light on something this month also holds an awareness and stance to - domestic violence.

Today when I walked through the crisis center it was decorated with purple ribbons. There were two tables placed on the sides along the wall decorated with place settings and pictures of those who lost their lives to domestic violence. Emotions overtook me . I spoke to one of the staff who told me the saddening statistics of today. Every 9 seconds in the US a woman is assaulted or beaten. It is the leading cause of injury to women and around the world, at least one in every three women has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused during her lifetime. Most often, the abuser is a member of her own family.

It is astonishing how many people are suffering, how many people don’t even realize there is abuse in their homes. Often emotional abuse is normalized. Emotional and verbal abuse is overlooked by many but it is so important  that people see that the damage emotional abuse causes can surmount physical.  Those wounds might be invisible but they can take years to heal. Studies suggest that up to 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence annually. Domestic abuse causes pain to all involved and it has been proven statistically that children who witness abuse are more likely to be violent abusers as well.

Nearly 1 in 5 teenage girls who have been in a relationship said a boyfriend threatened violence or self-harm if presented with a breakup. Everyday in the US, more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends. Ninety-two percent of women surveyed listed reducing domestic violence and sexual assault as their top concern. Domestic violence victims lose nearly 8 million days of paid work per year in the US alone—the equivalent of 32,000 full-time jobs. The costs of intimate partner violence in the US alone exceed $5.8 billion per year: $4.1 billion are for direct medical and health care services, while productivity losses account for nearly $1.8 billion.

Based on reports from 10 countries, between 55 percent and 95 percent of women who had been physically abused by their partners had never contacted non-governmental organizations, shelters, or the police for help.Domestic violence is serious and should be taken so. If you are in an unhealthy situation get out your life depends on it. Understand it is ok to speak up. That is the beginning of healing. If you are worried about your safety or are in remember you are not alone and reach out. Call The National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1- 800-799-7233 (SAFE). Your safety is of the utmost priority.

... You are not what you have gone through or are going through

... You are courageous. You are Beautiful .  You are Intelligent  and  Most of all You are a Survivor

Although Domestic violence does not desciminate. In the African American and Latino communities we are often taught to stay silent “ what happens at home, stays at home”. Trust me this mindset hurts everyone and destroys families. Another misconception is therapy is “bad” , not needed or there is something wrong with you if you seek help. Allow me to assure you there is nothing wrong with therapy. It helps, heals and is often necessary to move forward in a healthy lifestyle.

You may ask yourself “what can I do to protect my hair from the heat ?” During both summer and winter months it’s extremely important to hydrate your hair properly and protect it from the UV rays.

After your shampoo and conditioner ( both paraben free and sulfate free) you want to use a leave in conditioner. You want to apply the leave in conditioner and or hydrating cream before you use oil! Oils are sealants. If hair is not properly hydrated prior to applying the oil you will lock in dryness instead of moisture. This is the reason some people ask “ after applying so much product, “why is my hair is still dry?”it’s like my hair is drinking the oil. “ There is a protocol or steps to everything we do. Which will determine the results. This I s why it is important to hydrate properly to get maximum moisture, protection and style.

Over time chemicals and heat will cause strands to become thinner at the ends. This typically leads to breakage and split ends. Applying moisturizing conditioners will help strengthen the hair by replacing the lipids ands proteins along the shaft ,smoothing and sealing the cuticle ~ our first line of defense and protection.

Guys the same is true when maintaining and grooming your beard ~ more info to come on beard maintenance.. stay tuned

Hair Tip

I have received numerous emails about hair. One question has been ask by several people. “How do I keep my hair hydrated?” Proper hydration begins at the shampoo bowl. This is where moisture is initially your added. At this time the cuticles are open allowing you to add moisture through a hair mask, oil, moisture protein, hair rebuilder, reconstructers and or a conditioner. Further penetration by a dryer or a steamer may be deemed necessary. This will be determined at the time of consultation or during the examination of the hair and scalp by the stylist.

Remember oils are sealants. If your hair is dry. And you are using oils and grease you are only sealing in dryness. The product is laying on the hair without penetrating. When moisturizing after shampoo/ conditioner, use water based products such as leave in conditioners then use a natural oil on top to seal in the moisture.

If you are Natural seeing a professional stylist every 4to6 weeks is important. She or He can help you find the right product for your natural coils. Also keeping your ends trimmed. Think of a plant when there are dead leaves it stunts the plant’s growth. Once you cut the dead leaves the plant flourish. Such is the same with our hair.

Lastly, remember although with technology our tools( as Styilst) are designed to maintain the integrity of the hair, too much heat will dry the hair out causing brittleness and breakage.

It doesn’t matter if you wear extensions, are relaxing your hair or rocking your natural coils.Our goal is to keep your real hair healthy,full and growing. As well as your scalp in a healthy state that will promote hair growth.

If you are doing all of these preventative things with little to no result. Don’t get frustrated. “Journal”. This will help you see what is or is not helping. Write down what you use on your hair each day. How does the product make your hair feel initially? How does it feel after a day of activity? Due to the fact that your results maybe based off of several different variables. You should also notate water intake, nutrition, activity. Within 30 days you should she a pattern, results and or a solution

Please feel free to contact me with questions, concerns and or consultations

I am a licensed professional stylist/educator

Blessing and much success

Anointed Hands

I pose a question is it talent or opportunity?

Unfortunately, in today’s society people dismiss value based on stereotypes, race, religion, gender or image all in which can often be summed up as “lack of knowledge “ or their own ignorance.

I have often heard people suggest that if you are talented people will find you... Is this true ? If it were so why are there so many undiscovered talented people? Or what I’ve seen so many times...is when someone they “value” or hold in high regard comments about your achievements, ambition, talents,gifts , intellect or character and they immediately react differently.

I have this belief that at the right time opportunity will meet Purpose ( your gifts and talents) if you are consistent.

This is why i challenge you to choose to look at situations like this in a positive light .

Maybe God needs to reveal the truth in who they are and He is covering and protecting you until the time is right( rejection is often Protection) Or may be they are just not your TEAM.

I mean do you really want to be connected to someone who can only see your value through another person eyes? This often speaks a lot about that persons character . If a Man/woman needs someone else to co-sign you and they know you ... ummm they are not much of a leader ... more of a “yes man” runnnnnn.

Whatever you do keep pushing! Know your worth, stay humble and Trust the process ... Everything has a season ...

It often amazes me the things that are birthed through our challenges (pain) . Bella Couture lip gloss,butter and therapy. Is a product line (company)that came about through my daughter's challenges this year. At the beginning of 2018 she started having sever headaches which became more and more constant. Eventually leading to our visits to a neurologist. During a series of testing the doctors detected mass in her breast. We both have great faith. But a “cancer scare” is not what you want to hear for anyone especially not your child.

I could see her strength but could also see the change in her. She slept more, lack of motivation and began wearing really baggy clothes. At that point I realized she was dealing with depression and maybe even body shaming( trying to process what she was experiencing with her health body and mind). Prayer and our annual mother/ daughter trip was not enough.. she was still seeming depressed ... so I thought “I'm praying but ,how can I get her mind focused on something else... “I had to find something. Something that was hers, something she could control, develop and put her energy and creativity in to. Thus birthing “Bella Couture Lip gloss , butter , vinyl, and lacquer...

This has given her something else to focus on. She is in better spirits an eager to help and support others dealing with similar challenges.

Often in life we miss out on the real journey or true experience because we are focused on the wrong things Like competing with co-workers, neighbors, friends, family, trying to outdo them, prove that we are more successful or more important....

We spend so much of our time and energy running after them and we miss out on our own path to destiny.

The problem with unhealthy competition is that it's a never ending cycle. There will always be somebody ahead of you, someone with a nicer car, higher paying job, more money , a larger house, more education, a prettier wife, a better looking husband, better behaved children, more connects and the list goes on.

Once you realize your only true competition is “you” .You then release yourself to be the highest version of you.

Some people are insecure because they pay too much attention to what others “ARE” going, doing,wearing and driving.

Take what God has given you, the flaws the beauty, the wisdom the challenges, the height, weight and personality. Dress well and wear it proudly, you'll be blessed by it. Walk in Your Truth ! Be what God called you a “Peculiar” person ... Genuine in all you do. Stay focused there is no competition in Destiny.

*Run your own race and wish others well.*

There is a time or season for everything Once you understand this, it leaves no room for doubt, worry or jealousy.

Thankful, Grateful ,Blessed, eventful and challenging are a few adjectives that I choose to use in describing this year. At times I did not understand what or why . But I did understand fight, stand , “you are a survivor “ you are more than a conqueror. Now I understand. Pressure always comes to bring forth Purpose. To prepare you for the next level. What brought you to one level cannot carry you to the next level.

I was happy to be invited into rooms that had previously been closed to me. Thankful for all of the opportunities God has bestowed upon me. Now I fully understand the importance of having a seat at the table. Stop being satisfied with being on a list. Change happens when your “voice “not just name, is added to the conversation. There is no “box!’” NO LIMITS ...Create your seat and or your lane ...adjust your crown! Remember change is inevitable,live authentic, be Grateful, work hard and Watch God. Know! “I’m mean really know “and embrace being you. You are amazing. Never forget your worth. Always remain thankful for the “no’s” the rejections . It clears the path for real Power . It will make you stronger. Continue to work harder an become a FORCE to be reckoned with.

P.I.T /Pain Is Temporary

I hope this inspires someone to never give up. Stay the course. God is preparing you for GREATNESS

P.S. Continue to check on friends and family this Holiday Season... Though it is an amazing time of year Suiside is extremely high this time of year.

On a more Positive note be grateful for life. Enjoy your family and friends. Live free,Dream big, laugh long, Forgive quick, LOVE hard, travel often, eat things you’ve never heard of and experience everything you’ve ever Dreamed of.

Bellabeautycollection.com

Being a stylist and working in the industry as well, has allowed me a look into many lives and be an ear to many stories. You quickly learn depression,illness , drugs etc don’t discriminate.

It’s amazing what you learn about people if you really take the time to listen. Not to respond or judge but to truly hear their heart.

Often, those that we look at as strong, need someone to hear them as well. It baffles me as to how once people realize you are truly human (not super human ,as they initially thought). They seem to loose a level of respect for you. Making it even more difficult for those “strong friends “ to be transparent. We should always allow our friends to be human. Never hold them to a higher standard than we hold ourselves.

So many strong people have committed Suicide. I’m sure there were signs but often because the pain is mask with a smile or humor, people closest to them say they had “no idea”

But if you only Listen.....the cry though silent is loud ...

National suicide hotline 1800-273-8255

“And Your Later shall be GREATER”

Registration is open now ... You don’t want to miss this

https://www.eventbrite.com/account-settings/

Tip of the Day

It’s 4am often if I’m awaken from sleep or can not sleep I pray. A very close friend sent me this video. Very few people know of my private life. I’m sharing with you in hope that it will help others as well.

Have you ever had someone in your life, that you wanted to hold on to forever? I remember growing up my mom would often tell me “ Baby, some people are in your life for a reason, some a season and others a life time. Me being the “I want to love everyone “ type of person have had several realationships (friendship,family,business)that had run its course but I did not want to let it go. Let me tell you... I would pray , fast , continue to support send books (messages) of why I was special.. why we should always be in each other’s life ... asking almost in a panic “ oh, did I offend you in anyway? , if so forgive me”.....

Well, sometimes in order to grow, when you are going to a NEW level , you have to be Broken. I had to decide to release anything that no longer wanted to stay . No matter how much I love them , how influential they are, how much wealth or power they have. If they leave they are not tied to your Destiny.

In this Part of my journey, I’ve learned more about me, My true Worth and who my Father say I am and who I know I am. If a person is truly for you , you will never have to compromise or prove your worth ( they already see it,and honor it) if you have to force it , beg for it or you have to give more of you and it’s not reciprocated, it no longer serves the higher you let it Go. This does not always mean they are bad people ... it just means they are not your people.

God has a new level for you babe. Cut that dead weight and Grow babe GROW !

During the month of October we would like to bring more awareness and support to Domestic violence and Breast Cancer

Domestic Violence Statistics

Every 9 seconds in the US a woman is assaulted or beaten. Around the world, at least one in every three women has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused during her lifetime. Most often, the abuser is a member of her own family. Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women—more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined. Studies suggest that up to 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence annually. Nearly 1 in 5 teenage girls who have been in a relationship said a boyfriend threatened violence or self-harm if presented with a breakup. Everyday in the US, more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends. Ninety-two percent of women surveyed listed reducing domestic violence and sexual assault as their top concern. Domestic violence victims lose nearly 8 million days of paid work per year in the US alone—the equivalent of 32,000 full-time jobs. Based on reports from 10 countries, between 55 percent and 95 percent of women who had been physically abused by their partners had never contacted non-governmental organizations, shelters, or the police for help. The costs of intimate partner violence in the US alone exceed $5.8 billion per year: $4.1 billion are for direct medical and health care services, while productivity losses account for nearly $1.8 billion. Men who as children witnessed their parents’ domestic violence were twice as likely to abuse their own wives than sons of nonviolent parents.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1- 800-799-7233 (SAFE). Your safety is the most important  ...

U.S. Breast Cancer Statistics

About 1 in 8 U.S. women (about 12.4%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. In 2018, an estimated 266,120 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 63,960 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer. About 2,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in men in 2018. A man’s lifetime risk of breast cancer is about 1 in 1,000.Breast cancer incidence rates in the U.S. began decreasing in the year 2000, after increasing for the previous two decades. They dropped by 7% from 2002 to 2003 alone. One theory is that this decrease was partially due to the reduced use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) by women after the results of a large study called the Women’s Health Initiative were published in 2002. These results suggested a connection between HRT and increased breast cancer risk. About 40,920 women in the U.S. are expected to die in 2018 from breast cancer, though death rates have been decreasing since 1989. Women under 50 have experienced larger decreases. These decreases are thought to be the result of treatment advances, earlier detection through screening, and increased awareness. For women in the U.S., breast cancer death rates are higher than those for any other cancer, besides lung cancer. Besides skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. In 2017, it's estimated that about 30% of newly diagnosed cancers in women will be breast cancers.In women under 45, breast cancer is more common in African-American women than white women. Overall, African-American women are more likely to die of breast cancer. For Asian, Hispanic, and Native-American women, the risk of developing and dying from breast cancer is lower. As of January 2018, there are more than 3.1 million women with a history of breast cancer in the U.S. This includes women currently being treated and women who have finished treatment. A woman’s risk of breast cancer nearly doubles if she has a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Less than 15% of women who get breast cancer have a family member diagnosed with it.About 5-10% of breast cancers can be linked to gene mutations (abnormal changes) inherited from one’s mother or father. Mutations of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genesare the most common. On average, women with a BRCA1 mutation have a 55-65% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. For women with a BRCA2 mutation, the risk is 45%. Breast cancer that is positive for the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations tends to develop more often in younger women. An increased ovarian cancer risk is also associated with these genetic mutations. In men, BRCA2mutations are associated with a lifetime breast cancer risk of about 6.8%; BRCA1mutations are a less frequent cause of breast cancer in men.About 85% of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history of breast cancer. These occur due to genetic mutations that happen as a result of the aging process and life in general, rather than inherited mutations.The most significant risk factors for breast cancer are gender (being a woman) and age (growing older).

Please make sure you get your annual mammogram

Bellabeautycollection.com

Will be donating a percentage of all proceeds during the month of October to Breast cancer research and our local office for Domestic violence