claire.she.goes

Author: Claire

  • Hair we go AGAIN.

    Go ahead. Take one last look…

    locs6thmonth - March 12 2013

    Maybe it’s the time of year. Or, perhaps it’s all the ladies that I saw at How She Hustles, but I spent several days last week missing my ‘fro.

    If you’ve followed my blog for a while, you know that I’ve been cultivating dreadlocks. Over the years, I’ve tried more than once, and I’ve taken them down. But what about this last go-round? I mean, what was it that got me started?

    I can’t recall if I talked about it before…But quite frankly I was tired of my loose hair. I saw caring for it as more of a chore than a delight. And of course, I wanted to keep growing it out. I’ve re-booted my natural hair via a big chop at least 4 times since my early 20s, and I really don’t want to do it again.

    Yet last week–nine months into the process–I started having visions of undoing my locs within a couple of years.

    This idea brought further questions to my mind. I started to wonder…

    If, indeed, down the road I planned to take my locs down…Is it really fair to use them as a protective style?

    Am I being dishonest..? Am I over-thinking things..? Or is it just…My business?

    Thankfully I said “yes” to that last question. Although I have problems with the expression, at the end of the day, hair really is just hair. And it’s not as though I’ve been aching to get a relaxer.

    Once I came to that conclusion I actually felt better. Because quite frankly, wearing locs when I know I don’t want them in the long run has felt like the equivalent of buying one of these

    hersheyalmond

    so that I can snack on some almonds.

  • Thanks, Beyoncé!

    Because it’s easy to forget yourself…

    This song isn’t only danceable–it puts a smile on my face whenever I hear it.

  • How She Hustles

    On Sunday, May the 26th, a group of women came together to celebrate each other and the possibilities present in their lives. Although from all walks of life, these ladies were just like me–people who work at a day job, but strive just as hard to keep their dreams alive.

    I was at the 4th annual How She Hustles brunch. And I was truly blessed to be there.

    At first I wasn’t even supposed to attend. When I received a notice about the tickets going on sale, I didn’t move quickly enough.* However, I managed to make it onto the waiting list. A few days before the event, I received a message about a last-minute ticket that was available. I made my move, and started thinking about my outfit.

    On Sunday morning I took the train into Toronto. It was hard not to feel joyful–even before I arrived. Walking downtown, the city’s energy was palpable. It was gorgeous outside. But after I stepped into Hotel Ocho, love really began to take over. I felt warm all afternoon–and not just because of the weather.

    Behold, How She Hustles’ host and founder, Ms. Emily Mills…

    EmilyMills

    And her amazing team.

    hustleteam2

    I couldn’t help but smile whenever I looked around the room. Again and again, one thought danced in my head: Just look at what we can do when we come together!

    networking3

    networking5

    networking2

    And I’ll admit it. There’s a reason why I felt so overcome: In my hometown I’ve been living like a hermit. My environment isn’t diverse. Most of my school friends have moved away or are simply unavailable.

    Meanwhile, I’ve spent my days thinking that I loved being alone. I’m an only child. Whenever being around others gets to be too much, I’m thankful that I have my space.

    But on Sunday, I had an epiphany. I realized that I’ve been lonely. Beyoncé spoke the truth in her documentary. There’s truly nothing like talking with other women. The How She Hustles brunch gave me something that my soul’s been craving: The opportunity to commune with bright, intelligent women such as myself. Not to mention diversity, and air that is ripe with possibility.

    I can’t wait until next year!

    *Note to future attendees: Tickets to the How She Hustles brunch sell FAST. The minute you see the message announcing them, JUMP ON IT!! And click here to follow their Twitter account. 😉

  • Hey, Hustlers!!

    Yesterday I went to the Fourth Annual How She Hustles Brunch. A post on that event is coming. It was a beautiful, powerful gathering.

    While I was there, this video came to mind:

    Remember, ladies–AND gentlemen: There’s no shame in taking care of yourself.

    How can you be at your best if you don’t give yourself a chance?

  • Trailer Thursday

  • No room for selfies?

    Remember Afrobella’s words of wisdom? You know. From a few posts ago…

    These days–for reasons that I don’t care to get into–I know that on some level I’m supposed to be preoccupied with my “brand”. I’ve tried picking a photo of myself and sticking it on every social media site that I own. However, lately something’s come over me.

    I don’t want the life that I live to be all about me.

    …This feeling has come at an interesting time. In spite of this sudden desire for modesty, lately I feel as though I’ve been learning to truly appreciate myself.

    Yet not too long ago I was looking at one of my pics. And I couldn’t stand seeing it.

    I know what I look like. My friends have seen me before.

    Maybe it was the shot.

    Who knows?

    But there’s a fine line between subtle self-promotion and being self-serving. And I intend to figure it out.

  • Friends For Life! The OSPCA Walk-A-Thon

    So on the 25th and 26th, THIS is happening:

    Screen shot 2013-05-15 at 5.30.46 PM
    Screenshot Source

    I think a friend of mine is going to attend with her gorgeous dog, Lily. I, for one, have taken the plunge and have launched a virtual campaign. I’ve only got a few days, but I figure every little bit is worth it.

    The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals needs donations. As their site says, the OSPCA is

    one of the largest, most responsive animal welfare organizations in the country, providing care and shelter for tens of thousands of animals every year.

    Yet they don’t receive funding for some of their most critical services.

    If you can help me help them, my fundraising page is right over HERE.

  • Cameron Russell: “Looks aren’t everything…”

    This video truly inspired me. We need to keep considering the realities behind what we’re fed.

    As Ms. Russell showed her audience the contrast between “Magazine Cameron” and “Real Life Cameron”, I was stunned. I know publications use young(er) models. But hearing about the industry from someone in it really haunted me.

    How many times have I been concerned about my body’s dimensions–all because I’ve compared them to someone who was half my age?

    Her words also left me afraid. I found myself hoping that men’s magazines don’t use underage models.

    That may sound like a silly fear to you. But honestly…I figure if presenting high-schoolers in images meant for adult eyes is the norm in women’s magazines, then anything is possible.


    If you’re curious about Cameron Russell’s adventures beyond the world of modeling, she has a Twitter account. She’s also one of the brilliant minds behind Interrupt Magazine.

  • More on this later…

    Afrobella's Wisdom - May 1stThe woman who posted it is right here.

  • Let the bridge speak.

    feelmore