Every now and then I log in and decide that I want to do a blog post and today is one of those days.  It’s pretty obvious that like half of the world, I too am addicted to instagram.  I’d stay on it all day if I didn’t have work to do!  Here are my tips and tricks to help you enhance your instagram game!

1.  Clean your lens.  Your phone has been in your hand (sweat & grease) or in your purse (crumbs and such) and the lens is not clean.  Before I take a pic, I always wipe my lens and make sure it’s clean.  This is the FIRST step on taking better pics.

2.  Take several pics from several angles.  Don’t ever just take ONE pic.  Get options.  Maybe it’s the old PR girl in me but I like to have 5-10 pics to choose from because there’s always a gem out of the bunch.

3.  Use your APPS!  There are so many fun filtering apps (think: PicFX, CamWow, Over, PhotoCollage).  Have fun with the pics and since you’ve taken more than one, you can play with a few that look the same and get more “action” shots.

4.  Use natural light and kill the flash.  I will admit, I rarely ever use flash (unless its just pitch black) because you can always lighten up with a filter OR use the little “sun” symbol in instagram.  Work with your natural light as often as you can and keep the flash off.

That’s it for me!  Hope everyone is having an awesome weekend.

xo

-My

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

How long are people allowed to say that?  I think this is the last week I’m going to be wishing people a HAPPY NEW YEAR but I think it’s totally fine here since I haven’t blogged since September.  I just went back and read that post and WOW.  It’s great to document feelings because you can go back and see how much you’ve grown (changed).

Shortly after that post, I decided to seek psychotherapy.  There was only so much a friend or family member could offer when it came to the complexity of my feelings – simply put, they weren’t qualified to assist me.  I read all of the comments and many were “keep your head up” and others were to “grow up” (which I completely understood).  It’s easy to suggest how someone should handle feelings that you’ve never experienced before.

You see … The thing about seemingly rapid success is that while it publicly highlights your strengths, it also publicly highlights your flaws.  I had to deal with that.  I wanted to deal with it.  I came to some really interesting conclusions and I will tell you that I am MUCH better.  I always tell my friends that you will think that you know how you will act in a situation until it happens and everything you thought you would do flies out of the window.  Watching videos or reading posts with people saying things that are completely untrue about you (for entertainment I suppose) can kick you in the gut every now and then.  Don’t ever let anyone make you think that they are exempt from feeling that … Ever.  When you set out to destroy someone’s spirit, sometimes it works and other times it makes them even stronger.

I said all of that to say … I’m GOOD!

It’s 2013 and what better time to say … ONWARD!

I’m really excited about this year.  We’re turning 1 next month!  Can you believe it?  We’ve been at it for a year and it’s been an amazing journey.  I’m ready to turn up the creativity and bring even more of the fun ideas I have for this brand to the table.  We’re all growing and learning together and I couldn’t be more enthused to do it right here with you!

People keep asking me what I have planned for 2013 … What’s my next BIG thing?  My next big thing is taking better care of me.  We give to friends, family, work and so on and push and push and push and then one day you realize your internal ATM is overdrawn and you have one of those moments I had last year.  I’m working to avoid that this year.  It’s OK to pour a little bit more into myself and not with things but experiences.  I’m going to be better at nurturing my current friendships.  I’m going to spend time with my friends and family with my phone on silent and IN my purse (and not go to check it every 2 minutes).  I’m going to get out of the house a little bit more (my friend told me last night that people thought I moved away from Atlanta *lol*).  I’m going to talk a little bit longer with you when I meet you at events or in public.  I’m going to do away with my fear of happiness and be vulnerable … And while consistently making these deposits, my hope is to never get overdrawn like that again.

Happy New Year!

Myleik

Myleik Teele, founder and CEO of curlBOX, suggests finding your hair’s favorite oil, one that is easily absorbed and moisturizes without feeling heavy or greasy.  ”My hair happens to love coconut oil, and [certain] oils – olive, apricot, grape seed – will help during the styling and conditioning process,” she says.

Check out the entire article: 10 Easy Tips For Going Natural after the jump!

I had this idea to share what a typical day in my life is like and every time I think about it, I start and then I get busy or I try to remember and when I actually have a chance to sit and document I have forgotten most of it and I’m just so darn tired that I just say to myself, “they’d much rather have good products and service and images or WHATEVER as opposed to ME sharing MY daily ins and outs.”  I felt differently today … Today is my first day off since July 7th.

This won’t be a “at 10a I did this and at 7p I did that” but something that gives some perspective and sheds a bit of light into a typical day or week of mine.  I will start with my break down yesterday.

Yesterday was my last day in New York and my flight at 5:30P would end my insane travel schedule.  I woke up and smiled as I looked out of the window from the Eventi hotel (the only place I stay when in NY) and said to myself, “you made it!”  I have been going nonstop working every single day since July 7th and I didn’t complain, I didn’t cancel anything, I just DID everything I was obligated to do.  I put on my workout clothes and went for a walk … Saw these girls walking without shoes on and still dressed from the night before and chuckled to myself – they’re living the life.

I then went to my favorite drug store C.O Bigelow and bought goodies and then I got a instagram that I was tagged about the disappointment in the September curlBOX.  I can typically handle such things.  Though it will never make me feel good, I had to come to terms with the fact that I will never be able to please everyone (though I would like to).

I saw the note and my first reaction was anger because it was from someone that I thought would have felt comfortable with just calling me and saying, “hey … not feeling it.”  I’m OK with that.  This is someone that I had convinced other companies to send products to because I felt she had so much influence.  I even asked to treat her to lunch when in NY the last time because that’s how much I LOVED her.

So the next feeling was hurt.

I walked back to my hotel … My smile that I got from laughing at the party girls turned into a frown.  I put the key in my hotel room door … dropped my bag and collapsed on the floor and the tears flowed.  I have never been a “woe is me” kind of person but I literally was just like “I’m TIRED … My body is TIRED and now my soul is under arrest.“

What many don’t understand is that all of this business is done from my heart.  I want you to have more and better so when I’m striking up deals, I offer up myself (my person) (appearances, blogs, videos, hosting events, etc) in exchange for MORE ounces and exceptional brands.  Whatever they want me to do so that you can get more than just “a .25 oz sample,” I’ll do.  If that means I will get on 12 flights in 30 days, I’ll do it.  If that means I miss baby showers, birthday parties, house warmings, and so on, I’ll do it.  If that means I have to stay up 24 hours to get everything done, I’ll do it.  Whatever it takes … I WILL do it.

So to be contacted on the day before I would have my first rest day in two and a half months devastated me.  I’m human.  In my mind I think that there could be a box of ALL samples and regardless of how much the full sized cost, if you had a box of little samples the cost of each wouldn’t really matter right?  BUT what if we could get some in full sizes?  Isn’t that better than 1 oz?  1 oz of everything or surprise you each month with some full sized goodies?  But then the comparisons begin … I wanted that because she has it or I think that has more value than my product though the purpose of the program is to try everything for a lot less until you find your staples.

When you have a public persona people will convince you that you have to be concerned with your “public persona” and make sure that you always appear to be OK.  In doing that, people turn to vices, become unhealthy and even suicidal because they have been lead to believe that showing emotions is a sign of weakness … I do not believe that to be true.

It is OK to say that something hurt you.  My thought process is that the reason that there are ranges in emotion is for us to use them all.  You will never be in one all of the time but you absolutely have the right to rest in any of them anytime you see fit.  Feeling sad?  Feeling blue?  Feeling fly?  Feeling amazing?  From day to day … You are entitled to experience them all and I am too.

I have created many positive ways for us to have dialogue and I’d love it if we used them.  The way change happens is by coming together as adults and having dialogue without attacking one another.  If I slam my foot on your toe to get your attention, I will have it but you won’t be happy … But if I tap your shoulder and say “excuse me” and bring my concerns to your attention, I bet I have all ears and CHANGE will happen.

I’m not sure if I’m doing this right or if I’m doing anything right but I want you to know that I do my absolute best every single day.  I give this all that I have and even some stuff I don’t have.  I’m not asking for pity but I am asking for understanding, patience and consideration.  I promise to give you the same.

xo

MT

It’s September!  It’s the infamous “fourth quarter” … A chance to finish strong or accept defeat and prepare to start 2013 out the right way (focused, disciplined, etc).  Either way you cut it, it’s a good time of the year.  And I love Fall!  Don’t you love it?  You’re right on the edge where you can pull off some of the looks that could be side-eye worthy … Or maybe I’m the only one ready to wear daisy dukes and cowboy boots (don’t judge my life). *lol*  I guess that’s more like those few weeks right before Fall begins.   Anywho … Without further ado … This is what I’m feeling this week!

1.  Kate Spade New York “Marianne” Reading Glasses | nordstrom | $68

The doctor prescribed “readers” to me after she learned how many hours I sit staring at the computer.  She said that I should wear them because staring at the computer for hours on end (which I do) is a great way to ruin perfect vision.  I asked her if it was fine if I just bought my own readers (instead of paying for “prescribed” readers) … She said it was fine as long as I didn’t get them at the 99 cent store. *lol*  So I settled on these.  They’re cute and a lot better looking than the last pair I had.

2.  Cole Haan Lunargrand Wingtip | Cole Haan | $278

I actually caught these on sale during one of those times the whole store was 30% off or something.  I like them.  I bought them to wear on marathon meeting days in New York.  They have the Nike technology so you can wear them with skinnies or boyfriend jeans and look super cool.  I guarantee you won’t go 10 minutes without someone complimenting your kicks.  Love the little pops of color!

3.  Ouidad Mongongo Oil Multi-Use Hair Treatment | Ouidad | $36

I was able to try this early and I just love it.  It smells crazy amazing and it is great for those days when you want to refresh your curls without wetting them (either with water or spray leave-in).  Highly doubtful anyone will be disappointed with this product.

4.  Vita Coco Pure Coconut Water with Peach & Mango | Whole Foods | $1.99

Right now this is the only flavor that I’m super into.  It’s soooo good and some what addictive.  I LOVE using it in my green smoothies now.  I genuinely just like the way this tastes … I’m sipping one right now.

5.  Driven From Within by Michael Jordan | iBooks | $24.99

One of my favorite things to do is read biographies and memoirs of the greats.  There’s always a common denominator when it comes to greatness.  Over the years I’ve been able to hone in on how these people excel and then I do my best to apply some of those qualities to my life.  It usually always begins with being true yourself (honoring whatever your calling is) and then working your butt off!  I’m only a few chapters into this but MJ talks about the “Jordan” brand in the beginning so you know I’m all ears.  The Jordan brand is STILL selling out in a day.

Until the next week!

Last August I spent every Wednesday night for a month with my good friend Fredara.  Each morning we’d get up and talk about new technology, new businesses, men (she even had me signing up for e-harmony) over my infamous spinach and mango smoothies.  One of the mornings that we were talking about business, we started talking about beauty sampling programs and it hit me almost immediately.  I had to do this for the natural hair community.  Sure, there was sampling already happening but I wanted something that I would love – something wonderfully attractive.  I always felt like other groups of women have a different experience with their beauty products; they experience things luxuriously and high-end.  That is what I wanted for curlBOX.  I wanted something that not only looked good but felt good when it showed up on your doorstep.

A few months later we launched and Essence.com was the first to spread the news.  We shipped the very first curlBOX on February 7th and I watched one of the the very first review videos for it and the joy coming through that video let me know that I was spot on with creating the “experience.”

Here we are nearly a year from my “idea” and 6 months away from the first curlBOX.  In an effort to enhance the curlBOX experience, I worked with an incredibly special group of people to lay out the all-new curlBLOG.  They all have worked with me from day one so they understand the passion and energy that I put into the brand each and everyday.  Please understand that this was designed with you in mind.  I wanted you to have something different.  I wanted a place that dials in positivity because true beauty is in your attitude.  I wanted something aesthetically pleasing … fun and light.  It’s hair – it’s our crown but it doesn’t have to take up so much of our lives.

Like curlBOX,  I sincerely hope that you enjoy the all-new curlBLOG.  We’ll be adding more and more content and making a few tweaks so bear with us.  We have to have you on here and using the blog in order to make it perfect.  I want to thank my team for pulling this together and putting up with me (I can be something else to deal with because I know exactly what I like and I always want it earlier than I say *lol*). I also want to say WHAT UP to a very special crew – they are known on internet as:

I.love.you.

Now lets set this thing OFF!

myleik teele | founder & ceo “chief experience officer” | curlBOX

Join us for a very special brunch with Eden Bodyworks!  If you’re in Charlotte, NC please RSVP because we want to meet you!  Deets after the jump.

Hellooooooooooo!

Welcome to the launch of our all new curlBLOG!  I’m incredibly grateful for everyone that pitched in to see to it that this happened.  This is a bit of what I’m feeling this week.

1.  Rick Ross “God Forgives, I Don’t” | $13.99 | itunes | I’m a fan of Rick Ross as an artist in the way that he selects beats and the consistent art direction of all of his singles.  I just love the way he works.  A few weeks ago he dropped this amazing album.  I’m rotating between: 3 Kings, Amsterdam, Presidential, Ice Cold (Shout out to Omarion! Don’t judge my life).

2.  Bond No. 9 Broadway Nite | $160.00 | Saks | I originally bought this to wear at night and then I wore it a few times at night and just fell in love with it.  I started wearing it during the day and got tons compliments.  You  just feel so sexy when you wear this.

3.  Le Grande Cafe Candle Jar in Blackberry | $49.99 | Amazon | My friends call me a “candle snob.”  I really don’t know WHAT it is with me and these candles but I LOVE to always have one lit while I’m working.  I love just having that scent flowing.  This is amazing and it was on sale!

4. La Croix Peach Pear Sparkling Water | not sure | Publix | I drink sparkling water instead of soda so I always have these in my fridge.  This is a new flavor and I can’t say that I’m mad at it.  It’s pretty darn good!  I usually have graprefruit or berry.

5.  Qhemet Biologics Aethiopika Hydrate Twist Butter | $14.95 | Sage Naturalceuticals | CharyJay used this on my hair one time and fell in love with it.  I think my hair is just in LOVE with Mango Butter.  It smells good and the twist outs are super defined and moisturized!

Until next week!

Myleik said:  This is the first time I’ve ever had a “meet up” and I had such an AMAZING time with this group!  So much so that I feel like we’re family in our own special little Miami way.  I’ve since had another meet up and when they come out I can’t wait to see them (FYI: Miami is like my second home … *lol*).  After this meet up I felt more in tune with my purpose.  Sure … We gather in the name of hair products but we’re connected by love, inspiration and the quest for being better together.  You can’t really beat that.  I shared this blog with my Dad too (I’m close with both of my parents) and my Dad replied back with:  ”What a way to live your life!”  I couldn’t agree more. 

I was elated when I received an email from Curlbox informing us their founder Myleik Teele would be in Miami, and was planning to do a meet-up! I was even more excited when I realized we’d be meeting at the famed Fountainebleau - I will take any reason to go there Myleik’s work ethic, intensity for business and passion for Curlbox can be felt through her social media platforms, so I knew nothing was going to stand in the way of me attending the meet-up. I’m always inspired by Black women who have taken the road to entrepreneurship as I have always aspired to do the same.