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?  We don’t.  We will give it to another person before we give it to ourselves because we’ve been conditioned to put ourselves at the bottom of our very own priority lists, even though you need YOU more than anybody else.  I had to really sit with that.  I learned that caring for myself was not self-indulgent – it is certainly an act of survival.

Check out Myleik’s blog about her break down here. More on  psychotherapy here. 

What matters more this year that didn’t matter so much last year? 

Myleik: I’m really into boundaries this year.  The lines used to be really blurred between myself and others.  I’m now OK with enforcing those lines with people (even family).  I’m able to recognize when something doesn’t make me feel good and just say “Hey … see that line right there?  Stay on the other side of it.”

Do you have any regrets from this year? 

Myleik: I don’t have any regrets in life.  Not one.

What did you overcome this year? 

Myleik: I overcame my fear of love.

How are you celebrating? 

Myleik: I’m actually not doing anything too crazy this year. I have my traditional spa appointment at the Four Seasons planned and will more than likely just spend the rest of the day chatting with friends.

Did you do anything this year that surprised yourself?

Myleik: This whole curlBOX thing?  Have you seen it?!  It literally blows my mind every time I think about it.  I don’t know that I will ever fully wrap my mind around the warmth and reception that the brand has received.  I’ve gotten some of the most amazing letters and I’ve had strangers stop me in public and encourage me and tell me that they’re proud of me.  You never get used to that.  More than anything, it has allowed me to meet some of the most amazing people in the whole entire universe and for that I will forever be grateful.

Which goal are you most proud of hitting this year? 

Myleik: I’m really proud of hitting my health goals.  I was one of those “go to the gym for 20 minutes and stay on one machine” kind of girls. Don’t judge my life.  About a month before I started going to psychotherapy, I decided to start working out with a trainer.  Healthy mind and body were my goals and I can tell you that I have STUCK WITH this whole “working out” thing for 9 months now. I’ve not taken any time off.  It has become a part of my life and I’m really glad that I managed to stick with it.  I feel better.

What’s your one birthday wish? 

Myleik: Aaaahhh!  It’s something special with someone special.  Could I be anymore vague?! *lol*

What are you gifting yourself this year? 

Myleik: With the exception of the trip to the spa, I’m not buying myself anything this year.  The greatest gift I could have ever given myself this year was making the commitment to care for my mind, body and spirit.  I feel good now and there’s no “thing” that would make me feel any better on my birthday!  Oh wait … A Chanel watch might actually take it over the edge.  I’m kidding!  Thanks for the LOVE.

Happy Birthday, Myleik!

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? 

Dwan: The aesthetic bites off of the quirky vintage motif that you see in a lot of today’s fashion and interior design.  It’s kind of shabby-chic for hair.  Our Aunt Jackie’s models represent different skin tones and hair textures. I deliberately wanted women to see the models and be able to easily relate to at least one of them.

Are Black beauty brands providing enough competition for mainstream brands that offer products for African-American men and women? 

Dwan: Black beauty brands offer stiff competition.  Products developed with Black women in mind offer far more variety and have formulations that are better for African-oriented hair textures than those in the mainstream. Additionally, they are generally more affordable.  Although Black beauty brands don’t have as much mass market retail distribution as their mainstream counterparts, the OTC (independent beauty supply stores) channel gives our brands shelf space, and are in neighborhoods where they can be easily found.

What’s the ONE most important factor when creating digital campaigns for a beauty brand?

Dwan: Consistently providing a brand experience. By visiting our website, reading our Facebook & Twitter posts, reading emails, or just seeing digital ads, people should feel like they really know Aunt Jackie’s through the way we communicate the brand’s essence.  The last thing we want is for Aunt Jackie’s to be confusing because people don’t understand the brand.

With the spotlight on product ingredients, how does your company choose what goes into each product? 

Dwan: We did extensive research to find out more about what women with natural curls, waves and coils want and don’t want in their hair products.  With that in mind, Aunt Jackie’s was formulated to best address those issues, while doing our best to be eco-friendly and comply with FDA standards.

What inspires you most? 

Dwan: Professionally, I’m inspired by creative thinkers.  I’m motivated by the challenge to develop fresh, innovative ideas or the challenge to put a bright, new spin on an old one.

Does your job influence your personal hair choices? 

Dwan: My lifestyle and life-stage have always influenced my personal hair choices. I love versatility and get very bored with the same style for too long. For many years, I’ve switched back and forth between natural, relaxed and texturized.  Right now, I’m in the 3^rd stage of hair development where it is changing texture and not growing as fast. So, it is cut short in pixie-ish layers with bangs. My current look is quick and easy to style, very versatile and hides some of my hair flaws.

What’s HOC’s mantra? 

Dwan: We don’t have a mantra, per se, but with every product we develop, we hold ourselves to the standard: High Quality – Affordable Price.

What are your three favorite HOC products?

Dwan: Hard to narrow my favorites to just three, because they change depending on what I’m doing to my hair.  When it is:

Natural:  Aunt Jackie’s In Control Conditioner (it softens and prevents shrinkage)

Relaxed:  Organics Thermal Radiance HeatGuard Thermal Styling Protectant (feather-light weight heat protection that leaves my hair feeling silky & moveable and damage-free)

Texturized:  Texture My Way Texturizing System (my hair is not naturally curly, but this loosens my natural texture just enough to make it look like I have a head of natural silky curls).

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?

Yasmine: At the time, when I started hosting, I had already grown my hair out and I knew how to do my hair. So, no.

What are some of your favorite styles to wear on-air?

Yasmine: It depends on how I feel. Every morning, I co-wash my hair and put in some product. I really just love playing with different textures. Some days, I like it really curly and other days I’ll stretch it out. I’m not opposed to it being frizzy, either. My co-workers love my hair and I think my signature look is simply the fact that I can do anything with my texture.

Do fans comment on your hair?

Yasmine: Yes! We are in the age of Twitter, so when I first started hosting, I got tons of tweets. When people first saw me, they really loved my hair and my style. What I love most is the effect on kids. On Monday, I went to visit with a friend and her daughter’s hair is curly, but her parents’ hair is not. Seeing me made her realize that there are other people with hair just like hers. She was always asking her mother to straighten her hair because she didn’t have anyone to identify with.

Have any celebrities commented on your hair? Have any of them tried to touch it?

Yasmine: (laughs) No, celebrities won’t do the things that other people might do. But I distinctly remember Sia, an Australian singer and songwriter who’s worked with Beyonce, really complimented my curls.

What are your top three products?

Yasmine: I love Hair Rules Quench Ultra Rich Conditioner, Hair Rules Kinky Curly Cream and coconut oil.

Do you ever wear it straight?

Yasmine: Not often. However, when I do get it straightened, I go to Hair Rules New York and Anthony Dickey does it. I get a “ting treatment” every Saturday morning. Dickey has created this concoction of oils that he uses to blow out my hair. The heat infuses those oils into your scalp and your hair. I normally wear a little halo braid but I never wear it completely straight.

Where do you shop? What brands do you love?

Yasmine: Rachel Roy. Her sh*t is perfect. It’s TV friendly and it’s my style. I will try some stuff on at work – because they shop for me and style me – and ask ‘where’s that from?’  I’ll go and buy the exact same clothes at Macy’s when I leave.  Oh, and I love Bar III.  I guess Macy’s is my secret!

How do you feel about your hair ten years later?

Yasmine: It’s crazy because I’m still learning how to do my hair. I’m still re-learning my hair. There’s so much to know. Like, dealing with colored hair during NYC winters. With me, I really need to moisturize my hair. I have to section it when I shampoo. Hair Rules has really taught me how to take care of my hair. But I love walking around with a mop on my head. Like a freakin’ superstar. Like Tina Turner.

You can follow Yasmine @yasmine.

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.

Foundation: Those with oily skin should try a matte foundation and/or powders depending on their desired coverage. MAC makes great foundations for oily skin. Those with dry skin should lean towards moisturizing foundations like Makeup Forever,  Ko Gen Do and Studio Tech.

Blush: I love are Nars, MAC, Cargo. Those with dry skin should try MAC cream color bases and blushes and Georgia Armani fluid sheers.

Bronzer:  CoverGirl Queen Collection, Cargo, NARS, Guerlain and MAC.

Concealer: Kevyn Aucoin, Bobbi Brown, and MAC Studio Finish.

Lipstick: YSL, Mac, Christian Dior,

Eyeliner: Makeup Forever, YLS, Stila Liquid Liner,

Powder: Cargo, MAC, Iman, Bobbi Brown

Highlighter: Bobbi Brown Shimmer brick, MAC gold loose powder,

Lipgloss: MAC, Stila, YSL, Bobbie brown

Who’s ready to get glam?

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?

NC: I was so blessed to be able to work with stylist, Tamika Fletcher of the Natural Resources Salon in Houston to come up with my wedding hairstyle. Since she lives in Texas and I live in Atlanta, we were emailing each other initial style ideas months before the wedding, which helped me realize I wanted to wear my hair in a bun. Once we had the general idea, Tamika surprised me and had a hair model come into her salon, where she tried out all of my style ideas on the model!

That evening consisted of Tamika sending me pictures of the different looks while I would text her my feedback in between looks. A couple days before my wedding, Tamika flew into Atlanta and we had our first in-person hair trial. With Tamika’s amazing styling skills and my supportive bridesmaids, we came up with the side bun style with the fishtail braid accent in the front and two strand flat twist on the side for a soft, romantic look. Overall, Tamika is AMAZING and such a genuinely sweet person. I am so thankful for her lending her talent for my special day!

Was picking the dress as stressful as everyone says it is?

NC: It wasn’t stressful for me at all. I will say though that I’m glad the different bridal shop assistants encouraged me to try on dress styles that I initially avoided without actually having tried them on. A lot of dresses look COMPLETELY different when they are on your body and not on the hanger. Once I became more open with my choices, it was a lot more fun. I actually went to three different shops before I found my dress. I found my dress when I went back to Maryland, which was great because my mom and my matron of honor were able to come with me! Funny thing is that my dress was the last dress of that particular style in the shop and was about four sizes too big. I was so in love with it though that I was determined to find an amazing seamstress in Atlanta that could work their magic! I mean, this was the only dress I shed some tears in after trying it on, so it had to be the one (lol)!

Did you consider wearing your hair straight for the wedding?

NC: Before I was even engaged, I knew I wasn’t going to wear my hair straight. I’ve learned over the past three years of being natural that natural hair styling can be so versatile and I wanted to have some fun with my hair on my wedding day. During our engagement period, my husband also expressed his wish of me keeping my hair in it’s natural state since that’s how it was when he met me : )

Your makeup was soft and simple – how did you come up with your look?

NC: The day I got engaged, I reached out to my friend and celebrity makeup artist, Mimi J. Having worked with Mimi over the past couple of years, I knew I could trust Mimi to be able to understand the look I wanted. I’m not a huge makeup wearer, so I knew I didn’t want to look like a completely different person on my wedding day. After showing a couple of pictures of looks I liked to Mimi, she was able to come up with a look that I felt comfortable in and that lasted all day/evening too! I was so grateful to have worked with her. Once again, another extremely talented and sweet individual to work with!

What’s your one tip for every bride?

NC: Wow, I could give so many but if I have to focus on one, it would be to remember that your wedding is only one day and that your marriage is a lifetime! Remembering this during your wedding planning process will help reign you in when you start fretting about the small things that you most likely won’t even remember or pay attention to on that day itself! Yes, we all love getting into those wedding details (and Pinterest boards!) but remember that building the relationship you and your fiancé have is priority number ONE!

What was your top wedding hair product?

NC: The Monoi Hair Milk that Tamika used from her line, Earth’s Nectar Hair Care.

Have other natural brides asked for your assistance in curating their special looks?

NC: I have received emails for help with wedding hair style suggestions. Now that I have a little bit more time, I want to revive the tumblr page I created a while ago, http://naturalhairbrides.tumblr.com, where I had started collecting and sharing photos of natural hair brides before I was even engaged. I want people to know that yes, you can wear your natural hair for a wedding style and it can be elegant and beautiful!

What did your hubby think of your look?

NC: He thought it was beautiful : )

What’s the most memorable moment of your wedding?

NC: There were so many memorable moments that it’s really hard to choose just one! One memorable moment was being announced as Mr. and Mrs. and it settling in that Anthony was finally my husband. Hugging our parents after the official announcement and walking back down the aisle with Coldplay’s “Viva la Vida” being played by a string quartet in the background was such an amazing moment!

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!

Are doing what you thought you’d be doing five years ago?

Adama: Five years ago, I wasn’t entirely sure but I knew I wanted to be in either the beauty or fashion industry. When blogging became popular, I started my own blog and became addicted to watching Youtube product reviews and how-to’s. Right after college, my first job was assisting with the online marketing for an apparel website. I fell in love with the online space and knew that this was the career path I wanted to take.

What’s the hardest part of your job?

Adama: Staying on top of all of the new changes and trends in the digital space. I devote a good part of my day to catching up on the tech and digital blogs. There are always new products or technologies launching, so it’s a must to stay updated and knowledgeable!

What’s the most important factor when creating digital campaigns for a beauty brand?

Adama: Understanding your customer is KEY. This involves interacting one on one with your Facebook fans, watching their Youtube videos or seeing what they post on Instagram. I believe that social media has democratized the retail industry and allows customers to speak directly to brands. We absolutely pay attention and you have a direct effect on our marketing plans!

Do you think the overwhelming amount of curly girl products on the market have helped women or further confused them? 

Adama: Ouidad and her husband Peter Wise founded the first curly hair salon in 1984 right here in New York. She started the curly hair category because having struggled in the past with her own curly hair, she saw a need to teach women to embrace and take care of their natural curls. Fast forward to today, we have a lot of choices and techniques on the market. I think that it’s wonderful that we now have so many unique options. Different products work for different types of curls! The best way is to read reviews from women with your hair texture, ask brands questions and sample. A service like CurlBox is a GREAT way to try out new products and find what is right for you. We think it’s fabulous.

What inspires you most? 

Adama: New York City! I love the energy, fashion and perseverance of all of the women living here. As they say if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. I get inspired by style that I see on the street and incorporate them into my own wardrobe. What inspires my work at Ouidad is all of the fabulous curly bloggers and customers! Thanks to Myleik and the CurlBox crew, I have met so many wonderful ladies. They are so confident about not only their natural curls, but the way that they carry themselves. It has made me more comfortable with my own hair and gives me so many great marketing ideas.

How do you feel the web has changed our perceptions of curly hair?

Adama: The web has given those with curly hair a place to connect, learn and bond with each other. Embracing ones natural texture is far less intimidating because we can literally go online and learn from someone who has already gone through the transition. You don’t feel as alone and I think this is why a lot of women are choosing to go natural in recent years.

What’s Ouidad’s mantra? 

Adama: Ouidad herself believes that curly hair is a gift to be embraced and celebrated. As a brand we are dedicated to inspiring confidence in our customers by empowering them with the knowledge, tools, products and services to help them look and feel their most beautiful!

What are your three favorite Ouidad products?

Adama: I CAN NOT live without our Curl Recovery Whipped Curls, Curl Recovery Cleansing Oil and Mongongo Oil! They are uber moisturizing and help keep my color treated hair healthy. I never really need anything else besides these for a good hair day.

Like Ouidad: www.Facebook.com/ouidad

Follow Ouidad on Twitter: @Ouidad

Follow Adama on Twitter: @AdamaBSesay

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?

Diana: The curlBOX culture is flexible in terms of environment because we all work somewhere different,  but it’s SUPER hectic as it relates to the amount of work getting done, the pace and demand.  The curlBOX culture is all about hustle, follow up and just plain getting it done.  While our work environment is flexible, there is a TON of work to be accomplished to keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

What’s the hardest part of your job?

Diana: Hmmm.  The hardest part of my job has to be the amount of follow up, check in’s and circling back on circling back that has to get done to ensure everything is in on time, counted and with as few defects as possible before we ship each month between the 7^th and 12^th.  That’s everything from ordering boxes, product from vendors, warehouse staff and planning, and so on.

Did you come on board before the curlBOX explosion? If so, did you expect it to grow and become THIS big? 

Diana: I did come on board before the explosion.  I actually worked with Myleik part time when she was operating her PR company, Art of Facts PR.  From the time Myleik started discussing the idea with me, I really never had any doubt it could be THIS big and bigger.  She has a vision and executes.

How is it working with creator Myleik Teele?

Diana: Myleik keeps you on your toes.  Every “I” has to be dotted and “T” crossed.  She likes to say I’m the hardest working person she knows…outside of herself (lol.) The attention to detail is unyielding but it makes you better in everything else.

What inspires the curlBOX team?

Diana: Honestly, I am a go getter.  The true come up story inspires me because we don’t often get to see that happen so close to someone we know personally.  That motivates me.  In addition, the stories we get each month just letting us know how much our efforts in this space are moving people, starting conversations and inspiring others, inspires me!

How do you handle the criticisms about curlBOX?

Diana: The criticisms are never easy.  I am not going to lie.  Being in this from before the beginning makes it personal for me.  I am someone that cares more about the things I do than just the paycheck (yes I want to get paid, too), so it’s hard to read, hear and watch the negative feedback at times.  I review almost all of it and we take it into consideration on how to do things differently going forward.  You’ll see some of that feedback implemented with our next curlBOX Natural. Stay tuned!

What’s the future for curlBOX?

Diana: Oh man, honestly the future is so bright for curlBOX and Myleik in general.   When you’re an innovator, the skies the limit!

What are your three favorite curly products?

Diana: My household has SO many curls it’s ridiculous. Seriously. My girls, brother, sister, fiancée’… we ALL have different curls.  I can’t wait to gift curlBOX Man to the men in my life, but I digress. Anyway, my three favs are:

• Dr. Miracle’s Strong Hold Gel
• Curls’ Curl Gel-les’c – Curl Serum/Gel
• Nunaat’s  Karite Hair Mask

Check out Diana on Instagram @dianamhm.

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

Rules:

1.  Post pics of your hair and the ALL-NEW Pantene Truly Natural products you received in your February curlBOX!

2.  Use the hashtags on your photo:  #pantene #tru2u #curlBOX

3.  Enter as many times as you wish!

Tips:

Try the apps: Instapic Frame & Picstitch to make your pics awesome!

What do you win?!  An ultimate Stella & Dot Arm Party worth $500!

**photo shown is NOT prize**

Prize:

“Arm party”

• Julep Bangles (3)- Ivory , Green  and Blue $19 each
• Rhea Bangles- Gold $79
• Christina Link Bracelet $49
• Zinnia Bracelet $49

Necklace

• Dot Bloom Necklace $198

Let’s GO!

]]> http://www.curlbox.com/blog/2013/02/15/pantene-contest-win-the-ultimate-arm-party-worth-500/feed/ 4 http://www.curlbox.com/blog/2013/01/30/beyond-the-box-pr-dynamo-nicole-garner/ http://www.curlbox.com/blog/2013/01/30/beyond-the-box-pr-dynamo-nicole-garner/#comments Wed, 30 Jan 2013 15:44:33 +0000 curlboxkim http://www.curlbox.com/blog/?p=1136

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?  

Nicole: Learning how to delegate and balance my workload.

What’s the hardest part about being a publicist?

Nicole: You’re only as good as your last campaign or event.

What three steps did you take to snag your dream account? 

Nicole: Step 1: I prayed and visualized a successful outcome.

Step 2: I carefully courted them so they could become familiar with our agency’s efforts.

Step 3: I presented them with innovative ideas and an out the box ideology that would completely refresh their brand.

What’s the most satisfying part of your job? 

Nicole: Seeing ideas come to life! Whether it’s a campaign, an event concept, or a burgeoning brand trying to claim its share of the market, I get an inner joy that’s unexplainable. No matter how many times it happens, I continue to get just as excited as the first time.

Who gives you ultimate career inspiration? 

Nicole: My parents. My father encouraged my passion for reading and exploring at a very early age, which fuels my constant inspiration to stay innovative. My mother inspires me to thrive in my femininity and celebrate my womanhood.

You’ve recently become a health nut. What are your top three healthy must haves?

Nicole: (Lol) I never thought I would be considered a health nut, but to last in such an intensely high level occupation, I knew I needed to concentrate more energy towards my health. My three must haves are my ninja blender, my juicer, and my jump rope, which leaves me no excuse on the days I can’t make it to the gym.

What’s your daily muse?

Nicole: Instagram – I follow so many positive accounts (including curlBOX) that post some of the most amazing thoughts accompanied by pictures.

What’s your number one goal for the next five years?

Nicole: To stay ahead of the curve.

We’d be surprised to find out that Nicole is….

Nicole: Somewhat of a dare devil. I went skydiving last year and I will give anything a shot at least one time.

What’s next for The Garner Circle?

Nicole: We will be conducting the “PoweR Plug” PR conference in Atlanta this year on March 23, 2013. For more information visit www.powerplugPR.com

Check out Nicole’s E-book here, and follow her on Twitter @thegarnercircle.

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.’ I knew all along I had a PASSION for editorial. I did my best at those retail jobs and am still so grateful for my “detour” and the amazing people I met along the way.

In Jan 2011, I finally made the terrifying decision to quit my corporate job and enrolled in grad school full-time, with no clue where my next paycheck would come from. But God stepped in and just one month later—ONE month later— I miraculously ran into the ESSENCE.com fashion editor Zandile Blay on the New York City subway which led to me landing a paid internship at ESSENCE.com in February 2011. That internship turned into a part-time freelance job in September, a full-time freelance job in January 2012, and, finally, a permanent job in March. My story still humbles me DAILY. God is so good and I absolutely love going to my job every single day. Go forth in your passion and purpose with prayer and focus. He will always open doors that will guide you to your destiny.

What three steps did you take to snag your dream job? 

NM: I know it sounds trite, but network, network, network. I had met Zandile five years earlier. I kept in touch over the years via email and she remembered me that day on the subway train.  Also, proofread your cover letter and resume. It’s a simple step, but I do think typos and errors are the quickest way your resume will end up in the reject pile.  Lastly, clean up your social media feeds.  There is no way I’m recommending someone for a job or internship who is posting all kinds of nonsense on Instagram or Twitter. Trust me, it’s happened. I’ve seen it before and it’s sad.

What’s the most satisfying part of your job? 

NM: There are three, actually.  I love being able to inspire women to look and feel beautiful.  Hair, skincare, and makeup is a large part of who we are and something we all work at every day in our own way. Whether you’re a ponytail and baseball cap kind of girl or you love to go all-out glam, hair and beauty is something we all can relate to in some way.

I also love giving new writers and photographers the chance to have their stories or work featured on the site. The thank you emails I get just warm my heart. I know what it’s like to want just one chance to write for a major website, so now that I am able to give that chance to others is humbling and a blessing.  Lastly, I love being a part of the Essence legacy. Essence has meant so much for so many Black women for decades and I’m honored to contribute to such a strong brand.

How important is your hair? 

NM: I’m a big advocate of letting women know that our true value does not come from our appearance, but it comes from Christ.  Today, if you asked me to do the Big Chop, I would do it and not care.  I’m always going to keep my hair healthy and presentable, but I know my light comes from God, not a twist-out.

What’s your daily muse? 

NM: I don’t think I have one. lol

Are there any undiscovered beauty treasures in NYC?

NM: If I had to name one, it would be my dermatologist’s office. Her name is Monica Schadlow at Sutton Place Dermatology. I battled adult acne from 2010 to 2012 and I’m finally back to maintaining normal skin.

What was it about “beauty” that lured you to that specific beat? 

NM: It was definitely my acne dilemma.  Nothing was working for a long time and I was very discouraged. It wasn’t until I began to really research skincare and discover the science behind sebaceous glands, hyper pigmentation and glycolic peels that I got really interested in skincare. I also went natural in 2010, so that journey brought me to the whole natural hair blogosphere, YouTube and product junkyism. lol.  Prior to 2010, I was completely obsessed with accessories, which is what I did for five years in my previous jobs.  I still LOVE a good “jewelry jam.” (Note: “Jam” is a Nicoleism that’s added to the end of things she loves. We also dig “salad jam.”) I’m truly blessed to be able to work in both fields in my career thus far.

We’d be surprised to find out that Essence.com is…

NM: Our team is really like a family.  I love my coworkers to pieces!   The media and entertainment industry can be really cut-throat, but I have not experienced that at Essence.com at all.  Also, there is a lot more that goes into our jobs than just writing posts for the site.  Writing is just one piece of our jobs. We all have to monitor the site traffic, do extensive photo research, build relationships with publicists and brands, attend planning and brainstorming meetings with other departments, learn to edit images in Photoshop and Lightroom, produce stories in our content management system, manage freelancers and manage social media.

Whew! That’s one hardworking gal!