In honor of our phenomenal creator’s birthday, we interviewed Myleik on her whirlwind year. Check out the ups and downs of our curlBOX queen. You’re sure to be inspired!

Did you exceed your expectations for yourself this year? How?  

Myleik: Hmmm … The funny thing about this year is that I don’t think I really had any expectations of myself.  I was really looking to find the center – a place that was more balanced than anything I’ve ever experienced.  I’m one of those “go” girls.  I love working and I’m constantly setting work goals and in many ways I managed to neglect some other parts of me that are important to being a “whole” person.  So not putting any “expectations” on myself and really focusing on being a more balanced person was my goal.  I think I’m going OK.

What’s one event that sticks out in your mind that really helped you in terms of growth?

Myleik: I had a bit of an emotional break down last year.  I was in New York on my umpteenth work trip and out of nowhere it just seemed like everything was closing in on me.  I was exhausted personally and professionally.  I had spent countless hours staying up all night long, always making sure I was on, always being OK to anyone who would ask.  I collapsed and decided to spend the next seven months in psychotherapy – what an amazing thing!  I’ve always been ambitious and set these real, sort of “concrete” goals, but how often do we put that SAME energy into ourselves? Read More…

We hooked up with Dwan White, Director of Global Marketing & Product Development for House of Cheatham, to discuss brand aesthetics, ever-changing hair and mainstream competition. You probably know the beauty house from their Africa’s Best and Aunt Jackie’s lines. Publicists, innovators, beauty gurus and stylists, take notes.

How has the curly hair industry surprised you?

Dwan: What caught many in this industry off guard was that the curly/natural trend, which usually cycles in and out every decade, quickly morphed from trend to movement.  Within a couple of years, women of every ethnicity joined the “texture” conversation. That conversation led to a texture movement that has changed how we approach product development.

What thoughts go into the creation of your brand’s aesthetics? Aunt Jackie’s has a nostalgic look and many of your models are chocolate-toned and gorgeous. Is this on purpose?  Read More…

Meet Yasmine Richard – cool curly girl and the host of FUSE’s ‘Trending Ten.’ When the NYC dweller is not interviewing Justin Beiber or covering the latest music festival, she’s busy caring for her bodacious curls. Check out how she manages her look.

How long have you been natural?

Yasmine: Hmm. Since 2002. A little over ten years. I basically just cut all off. I did do some braids and a few weaves, but I really just cut it off and it was short for a while.

Was there any apprehension to wear your hair natural on-air? Read More…

Malika James is the kind of makeup artist you wish would just move in and replace your morning makeup ritual. Though her hands have been deemed magical, having painted the faces of Janelle Monae and Lauren London, it’s her warm spirit that you’ll love most. She’s worked on ‘The Game,’ ‘The Walking Dead,’ ‘Single Ladies’ and most recently, the VH1 TLC biopic, Crazy, Sexy, Cool. You’ve also probably seen Myleik sing her praises on Instagram, as the duo frequently engages in impromptu glam sessions.

“I recently had a full circle moment shooting the movie Crazy, Sexy, Cool based on the lives of the group TLC. I’d grew up watching their videos, wearing baggy clothes and studying them. Each girl was special in her own way. Twenty years later, I’m helping recreate these images so an audience will be able to go back down memory lane, and a new audience will be introduced to them,” remarks Malika on living her dreams as a makeup artist.

We asked Malika to give us the top brands for chocolate girls. Check it out. Read More…

With her warm spirit, gorgeous smile and enviable locks, it’s no wonder the natural hair world went crazy the day famed natural hair blogger, Natural Chica, tied the knot. The beauty gave us the dish on her breathtaking look. Dig in.

How did you feel when you walked down the aisle?

Natural Chica: It was such a surreal moment for me! It took everything within me to refrain from flat out bawling while I walked down the aisle (lol). What held me together was the peaceful and loving look on my husband’s face. It is a look that will forever be ingrained in my memory. When I focused in on him, everything and everyone else around me became such a blur.

How did you come up with your hairstyle? Did you do a storyboard? What was your muse? Read More…

If you love your curls, you’ve absolutely lavished them with Ouidad, an intensely moisturizing line for every texture. Natural hair hero, Adama Sesay. navigates the digital world for the popular line as its assistant manager of digital. Check out her thoughts on the booming world of curls.

What is your actual position at Ouidad? 

Adama: I’m the Assistant Manager of Digital. I coordinate our online marketing and digital initiatives for Ouidad.com.  I love this channel of marketing! I can be creative and experiment with new strategy and ideas. It is always evolving and changing so there is never a dull moment.

How has the curly hair industry surprised you?

Adama: Until I started working at Ouidad, I had no idea how to take care of my hair properly and which products I should be using. I am surprised by all of the wonderful information that is now out there for us to learn how to take care of our natural texture! Read More…

Let’s go behind the scenes of the curlBOX workplace. This elite squad is based all over the United States and this week we sat down with Diana. She’s so awesome, she doesn’t need a last name. Check out what it takes to be a Chief Happiness Officer. Intrigued already, huh?

What is your actual position at curlBOX?

Diana: I am the Director of Brand Relations, all things Customer Service and overall Chief Happiness Officer!

What’s it like working directly with curlBOX subscribers?

Diana: I love the excitement and buzz of it all.  Servicing so many customers with a small team keeps me very busy but I really enjoy the challenge of it all – problem solving and strategic planning month to month.

How would you define curlBOX culture? Read More…

We have the MOST EXCITING contest for you with Pantene!  The rules are simple and we can’t wait to see your pics!

Read More…

They don’t call them “Power Girls” for nothing. Nicole Garner, one of curlBOX’s favorite publicists and dear friend to the brand, loves a challenge. The CEO of the The Garner Circle, a high profile events planning, fashion and lifestyle, public relations and marketing firm, reps clients like Strength of Nature (African Pride, Elasta QP) MillerCoors and The Lincoln Honors. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the Georgia State University and Fashion Institute of Technology grad helms the ship of an ever-evolving team in the nation’s new hub for all things entertainment. Get a load of her journey.

What was your big break in public relations? 

Nicole Garner: One of my first clients was “Three Brown Girls” (Kim Porter, Nicole Johnson, & Eboni Elektra). They produced the fashion night for the Congressional Black Caucus hosted by Sean “Diddy” Combs. I handled the national PR and doors began to open more and more after that.

What was your biggest barrier in becoming an entrepreneur?   Read More…

ESSENCE.com beauty editor Nicole Melton is nothing less than inspirational. The Howard University alum shared some wisdom on how to get your dream job, along with her ultimate curly girl must haves. Dig in.

Who gives you ultimate curl inspiration? 

Nicole Melton: I’ve been inspired by so many naturals, it’s impossible to name just one.  I love celebs such as Tanika Ray and Adepero Oduye.  I also love bloggers such as CharyJay and Baroness Countess.  Overall, the entire natural hair community inspires me. These ladies have so much style, creativity and flair.

What are your top three curly girl must haves?

NM: Huetiful Hair Steamer, Curl Junkie Curl Rehab Hair Treatment and a satin bonnet.

Let’s rewind and go back to the beginning. What was your journalism launch pad that led to your current position? 

NM: I started in high school as editor-in-chief of my yearbook.  In college, I also worked on the yearbook staff and interned at WWD and Suede (awww, RIP Suede).  After graduation, I couldn’t find a job in magazines due to the economy —this was when Honey Mag, CosmoGirl, etc. were all folding and layoffs were rampant. I ended up as an accessories assistant buyer and merchandiser for five years before I said, ‘I need to follow my passion and I need to do it NOW.’ Read More…