Giveaway Glitch
Heavy sigh. OK, here goes. I love doing Afrobella giveaways, and I try to host them as often as I can. Most of the time, they go extremely well — I review a product I like and I think is worth your attention, end my post with an offer for you lovely bellas to win one of your own, comments flow in, I choose some at random, contact you, send info to the PR, you get a lovely free package in your mailbox shortly thereafter. It’s all good. But there have been some occasional disruptions in the giveaway procedure.
Sometimes I’ll hear from a winner months after the prizes have been sent out, who then says she never recieved her prize. Then I have to contact the PR to ask why, and it gets tricky from there on out. I’ve had some people up and disappear on me, or just shrug their shoulders and say they sent it and don’t know what happened. At that point, there’s nothing I can do except feel bad.
Being a beauty blogger who hosts regular giveaways involves a relationship of trust between myself and the product people, and also myself and you, the reader and giveaway contest enterer. If I don’t hear from you after you’ve gotten your item, I won’t know if you liked it, hated it, or never got it. Or got something you really, really weren’t supposed to. Let me tell you a funny, frustrating story with a super happy ending.
For my birthday, I hosted a Creme of Nature giveaway. Got lots of awesome birthday wishes, came back, chose winners, everyone’s happy, right? Then a month later, I heard from one of the winners. Roshanne. Thank you so much for writing, Roshanne!
She says in part:
“I am emailing to ask you about the contents of the giveaway… Ive gone completely natural and just yesterday i was fed up with my hair and thought about getting a relaxer and saying forget it…..
So today when i opened my box there was a relaxer kit in the box along with a bottle of shampoo..and conditioner….lol…I was like wow is this a sign….but seriously after this long and drawn out email were we suppose to get a relaxer in the giveaway i dont remember..”
OK. Imagine your reaction, if you were me — a beauty blogger with a website called AFRObella, entirely dedicated to preserving and loving natural hair. And a package containing a complimentary box of creamy crack is being sent out on your behalf. OMFG, as the Gossip Girl fans say. I was aghast. Horrified. I immediately wrote back to tell her, NO — this is SO NOT a sign, and I would never ever have asked the company to do that. “Stay strong, girl,” I told her. Sell that stuff on Ebay, or give it to a friend who uses relaxer, whatever you need to do.
Then I e mailed the PR, the lovely Angela, and asked her — did all TEN winners get this additional item in their giveaway package? It took her about a week to get back to me with the answer. Yes. OMFG.
And to think, I would never have known unless one of the winners actually wrote back to thank me and to ask — why the relaxer, Afrobella? Oh jeez.
I am pleased to report, after lots and lots of e mails back and forth, Angela set up a conference call for me, her, and Shawn Tollerson, the VP of Marketing for Creme of Nature. Shawn explained that it was just an oversight, they were trying to just give the readers even more of the products the company has to offer. As it turns out, some are afrobella-friendly, others aren’t. And they just wrapped up a big ol’ package and sent it out without catering to natural hair needs. Shawn was hilarious. She said, “I give you my humblest and most sincere apology. I myself am a natural woman, and my children are natural. When I found out what happened, I was like aaaaaaah! Patrice is gonna kill me!!” She made me laugh out loud. So we talked and talked, and figured out how we’re all going to make this giveaway glitch right.
First things first, the original winners are being sent a brand new Creme of Nature gift pack, which includes the products I like the most — soothing shampoo for dry hair and flaky scalp. the lemongrass and rosemary leave in creme conditioner, and my favorite of all, the red clover and aloe daily breakage relief.
And secondly, for 25 more of you lucky Afrobella readers, we’re offering another chance at a Creme of Nature giveaway. All you need to do is write a comment below that begins by saying, “Pick me, Bella!” And tell me what Afrobella giveaway you’d like to see in the future! As you can tell, I’m trying my best behind the scenes to get you all some of my favorite beauty products out there.
** edited at 6:37 p.m. — I’ll close these comments on Tuesday and pick winners next week!
Happy Friday!
** edited again Tuesday morning, at 8:05 — 155 comments! Whew. I’ve now officially closed entries for this giveaway. You’ve given me a whole lot to read, bellas! Thank you! My goal is to post winners by Friday.
Category: Hair
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I am stuck in a serious hair rut, pick me Bella- I am in a new city and I need new products!
Pick me, Bella!!!
I would love for you to have a Deva Curl give away. I want their hair dryer
DevaSun Dryer DevaFuser.
http://store.devachansalon.com/Detail.bok?no=25
Pick me, Bella!!!
I am desperately trying to teach myself how to care for my own hair w/o having to run to the salon when I want to look hot. I would like a carol’s daughter giveaway. I’d like to try there oils and pomade.
Pick me, please! I in a serious try-new-products mood!
@Eminar — whenever I need a translation (like the recent title of one post was TTFN — I was like, whaa?? I too am of a certain age :-]), I type in “what does TTFN mean” or whatever acronym you’re trying to figure out in my search engine. I always find the answer. That way I can pretend to be all up on the lingo of the generation that probably did not ever type on an actual typewriter! Just a tip.
Pick me Bella!
More beauty giveaways please!!
PICK ME BELLA!!!
I am wondering why the people who have been fortunate enough to win some contests have not given you feedback…. if the stuff didn’t work for them, I think their review would be great information for future giveaways. And Creme of Nature really gets the side eye for sending relaxers! It is wonderful that they are are redeeming themselves, though. As far as other giveaways, I liked the t-shirt and earring giveaways. More cool things like that to show off how awesome we all are. However, I really like all of your giveaways….. if only I could win one!
PICK ME BELLA! PICK ME!!!
Pick me, Bella! I would love to see a lipgloss giveway (any of your favorites will do) or maybe a mineral makeup giveway. I want to try some kind of mineral makeup, but I don’t know which brand would be good for me. I was one of the winners of the Ambi Even & Clear moisturizer. Unfortunately, it broke my skin out into a rash that took a week to clear. But that’s what happens sometimes. I still love to try new products and would love to try anything you give away. Thanks!
Pick Me, Bella! I would like to see a giveaway from LUSH. They have all sorts of goodies. I discovered them about a year ago and I absolutely love their Herbalism face cleanser. I would like to try other LUSH products but I don’t live near any of their retail stores, so I have to order online. More makeup giveaways would be good too (like IMAN or MAC).
Thanks!
Pick me, Bella!!!
I LOVE this blog, and it is your suggestions that have made my hair so happy this past year that I’ve been a reader. My natural hair is getting long, and with the length come more tangles and more challenges. I would LOVE to try these new products. Please, bella, I need an energy boost for my head!
In terms of other giveaways, I would love to see products for managing the hair- like brushes or other “comb out in the shower” or “refresh after a day or two” tools that people use. I mostly use my fingers, but again, as my hair grows and grows I find I need to figure out better tools. Any giveaways looking like that would make me most happy
.
I love your site with a special type of love because you’re Miamian- I grew up in Carol City/Opa Locka and I miss my tropical city. I hope I-95 isn’t giving you too much hell!
Thanks!
Pick me, Bella!!!
I’ve read your blog for a while but always miss the giveaways?!! Anyway, I’m really interested in Giovanni’s Direct Leave-in. I’ve read that it is a detangling master and I need something powerful to get through my thick mass of kinky coils! Great site!
Pick me, Bella!!!
That was a CRAZY story about the Cream of Nature relaxers. I have been sporting locs for seven years and sometimes I have a nightmare about my hair being relaxed again! Anyway,I would love to see a Natures Gate giveaway. They have great shampoos and conditioners.
I was one of the original winners of the CON giveway. I thought the relaxer was odd, but figured the company was just trying to push their product. Not to worry Bella, I wasn’t offended! I just gave it to a co-worker in my office, so now I’m the Hair Product Fairy!
Wow, that’s a whole lotta comments to get in a day! I will have to elaborate on the rules more clearly up at the top — I’ll close these comments on Tuesday and pick winners, bellas. And thank you TXGirl for commenting and then e mailing me — she got her package today, y’all! That makes me happy. Yay!
Pick me, Bella! Pick Me!
I am an admitted product junkie and lately the budget has been tight. A new conditioner would make my day!
PICK ME BELLA! It would be nice if you would do a give away for beginning natural bellas! It could include all of your favorite products for natural styling hair, and maybe a natural hair book to get the lucky winners started! If this is the giveaway you choose, then please, oh please, PICK ME BELLA!!!
PS. I have used this site so thoroughly to start my transition.
Pick me, Bella! (I submitted to soon up above–this one contains my suggestion.)
Pick me, Bella! Pick Me!
I am an admitted product junkie and lately the budget has been tight. A new conditioner would make my day!
I would like to see a giveaway for health friendly products such as aluminum-free anti-perspirants/deodorants.
Pick me, Bella!
Love your blog. I would like to see a giveaway for hair products made by African-Americans(Kinky-Curly, Blended Beauty, Qhemet Biologics, etc.
Please pick me, I’m a 44 years young full-time student living on a tight budget. I NEED something for my dry a_s hair. I love the site; this is where I come for inspiration to be happy and nappy. To give up on this dry hair of mine; I’m still trying to find the right products and route for my hair.
Pick me, Bella! I’ve been lurking for a while now. I recently relaxed my hair after several years au natural (long story). I predict I will be starting over again shortly. I’m interested in highly recommended hair products, and make up too! Any gifts is good.
*Any gift is good.
Pick me, Bella! My scalp itches as I write this. I’d love to try out that new dry scalp shampoo they have. Haven’t seen it around where I live.
Future giveaways? I’m clueless about makeup, I’d like to see a product a la temptalia.com that shows you how to apply eyeshadow, etc. Also, since it’s hard to find someone you trust with your hair, I’d like to know what I’m doing when I give myself a trim, what scissors should I use, how to care for them, at what angle to do I hold them, etc.
Love the site. Thanks.
Pick Me,Bella,because this product works so well on my hair.I have used up all of my leave in,and it is time for me to restock my supply so please pick me.I would love to see more scents,maybe a hair makeover,and some gift cards.
Hey Bella
I just wanted to say thank you so much!! I just received my new package today and I was so happy. I am also happy to say that I am still natural..and I am transitioning(hopefully i spelled that right) my 8 year old daughter….if I am not putting the crack in my head..why would I put this in my daughters head..ya think….but thank you once again….Roshanne
Pick me, Bella!
In the future, I’d like to see a giveaway of a natural hair care directory. It would include tips for styling, maintenance, etc. but also list natural hair salons/specialists in US cities (maybe just the major cities to begin). I’m not sure if something like this exists, but readers could submit their stylist’s/salon info and when compiled it could become this lovely, little resource sold on hair/beauty sites! =)
Pick me, Bella!
I would like to see a give a way with Oyin, Qhemet, or SheScentIt.com. All of these are companies that I have been dying to try, but as a broke college student, have not got the oppurtunity!!
Pick me bella!!!
I’m transitioning to natural and would love to find products that cater to natural women. So this would be perfect for me. Pick me!!!
Pick me Bella!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow!!!!!!!!!!! I love your website. It has truly done wonders for my hair. I recently went natural almost a year ago and I would love to see products which will help my hair become softer to comb after I wash. Of course, any products that will help benefit my natural hair would be AWESOME!!!!!!!!!! (especially a good hot comb). Thank you afrobella!!!!!!!
Pick me bella!
I would love to see a giveaway of Nars makeup or the Budget Fashionista’s book. Oh, and tell Shawn if I win and she sends me some perm, I’ll hunt her down. Just kidding! I’m happy you all got it resolved amicably.
Pick me, bella! I’d love to hear your take on Moroccan Oil. I hear many a fabulous celeb use it for their natural hair namely Angela Bassett. Thanks!! Stay fabulous!
Here’s some more info: For centuries Argan oil has traditionally been used by women in Morocco to treat hair and nails in order to counteract the effects of the hot climate and aging. The Argan tree only grows in an area of South West Morocco called Argana. It flourishes in the desert-like conditions and produces lush fruits much like olives yet larger and rounder. Inside the fruit grows a large nut that houses up to three almond-shape kernels which are the source of the miraculous oil. Argan oil contains unsaturated fatty acids and is rich in tocopherols which works like vitamin E (nature’s most powerful antioxidant agent). Argan oil naturally renews cell structure and always consistently restores shines to dull lifeless hair
Pick me, Bella!
I would love to see more giveaways for women with locs. I don’t know all of the products that are out there, but I don’t enter a lot of your giveaways because I think the products would be better suited for someone with a ‘fro. I’m not hating because I rocked the ‘fro for a long time, but could you help a sista out now too?! Lol
Thanks!
Pick me Bella!
I have been browsing your site since last year and I love it! I would love any products you give out on here on giveaways. However I am starting into make-up, so I would love to see more make-up giveways, particularly L’oreal HIP makeup. I am just now going back to perming my hair, and Creme of Nature products are some I been wanting to try, so I am excited to see those on here! Thanks!
Stacy
Sorry Afrobella and all the other natural sistas, just read the post about the products, I hope that doesn’t take away anything from me saying I started back perming from pressng my hair. I would still love them, though!
Please choose me Bella –
I came across this site about 2 months back and I think it’s wonderful. Been sporting the natural for 2 years along with braces. Both of these signifigant changes are progessing nicely. But having twists with braces makes me look like I’m 12 and I’m in my thirties. I would love to see make up giveaways so I could update my look.
Pick me Bella! I haven’t used Creme of Nature in ages. Being picked for a give away would be a great excuse to try it again.
God bless you for still being willing to offer give aways. It sounds like a big pain. Thanks for not giving up!
Pick me, Bella!
This is my first post, but I’ve been reading for a couple of years. You had some great posts this month, especially the one with “Little Bella” & the one with the link to The Frugalista!! Little Bella is actually the reason way I found you because I have 2 Little Bellas & my goal is to keep them chemical free. I did the big chop, well, my husband actually did it in December. I have grown to love it!
I’d love a giveaway with things for Little Bellas (age 10 & younger, books, products, accessories), Qhemet products, books or anything really. I’m easy.
>>>>>>> *~* Pick me Ms. Bella! *~* <<<<<<<
Ok, so I am a new reader of your blog (dude, you’re awesome!), and honestly, you would never know how happy I am to find a site on natural “ethnic” hair (I say that because I’m Cuban and Black, and trust, I’ve had my fair share of [hair] fallouts with hair shop relaxers and other chemicals). I’m the girl that swears by olive oil, deep conditioners and the infamous Dominican blow-out (they seem to be the only ones that know what to do with my hair…). I’ve got that thick, coarse, and curly stuff that doesn’t hold braids and waves up when QP holding gel is slicked onto it. I’m always looking for the hair product that makes my hair much easier for me to take care of, because trust, its a hella handful!
But enough about me, just keep writing those fab blogs of yours!
xoxo!!! -Diva
PICK ME BELLA!!
I love my people!! When you talk about free, here we come boy!!
Me included!!
Anywho, after being natural for over 8 years I have relaxed my hair and I HATE IT!!!!! My hair was thick and curly and now that I have relaxed it, my hair feels limp and DEAD. (tear) I think my hair is sad and depressed. It no longer has any life or umph like it used to. I used to enjoy picking the beedy-bees from the nape of my neck on a daily basis. (One of my pastimes and those days are gone)
Now I have this lifeless, dull, depressingly, unoriginal hairstyle. I feel like everyone else now. When I had my curly natural I was different,I felt like a warrior or a soldier. Now I feel like an idiot for doing this when I know better. Don’t get me wrong, I am not knocking sisters with relaxers but i just regret my decision to revert to one again. My hair is even falling out. I am not sure if it is because I decided to relax it myself after so many years, but I have been relaxing my own hair since I was 11 years old. (long story)
As you all will see I most assuredly NEED the Creme of Nature products.
Oh, I do hope you can give away Phyto products. I received a free sample from Sephora and I LOVE IT!!!!! Now I know to avoid products with Petroleum and petrolatum in them, as they are BAD FOR THE HAIR!!!!!
PICK ME BELLA!
i am struggling to find a hair treatment that moisturizes well but doesn’t weigh my curls down too much i.e. can’t take too much grease or i look like something straight of the soul glow ad in coming to america- just let your SOOOOUL GLOOOW lol.
i’ve been hearing about this brand “mixed chicks”
are you familiar with it? whats the low-down? could these be a possible giveaway?
natural hair 4eva!
PICK ME BELLA!!!
I’d have to say i’m down for a gallon of gas give away. These prices are KILLIN a sistah!
But ok ok…since I know it would be a bit of a stretch to send that in the mail lol, i’ll have to be more realistic and go with Miss Jesse’s. I love your reviews, but the price range is just a bit too steep for a struggling college student such as myself. I’ve also heard great things about Oyin items as well. And i’ve been attempting to crossover to more natural based products and break away from some of the cones. So anything in that area would be great. But honestly, any product of your choosing would be great in my book. Afrobella knows how to pick em
Kenya
VB
Pick me, pretty please with cherries on top!
I’d love to try something new. Even though I’ve discovered and highly recommend another product for dry/damaged hair (natural or otherwise).
My hair is color treated and natural. Because I’ve ligthened it, it requires regular deep conditioning treatments to keep it from looking and feeling like straw. Voila: Kiehl’s olive fruit oil repairative hair deep conditioner. There’s also a companion shampoo. They leave my hair feeling and smelling amazing.
PICK ME BELLA!!
Because,
1. I live in South Korea. LOVE IT, but
2. I soooo miss seeing my favorite haircare products. I try not to be a product junkie, but
3. I am a big supporter of natural brands–Aubrey Organics, Jason, DevaCurl, KCCC, etc. I have always made a lot of my own concoctions for body and hair, BUT,
4. Being here I’ve missed out on a whole new world of black-owned haircare companies started by other mixtresses, and
5. I’m just dying to try Mixed Chics and Oyin to name a few!
6. Oh and one more thing. I’ve been natural forever, having had only 3 or 4 curly crack attacks ever in life (thanks Mom). I have inspired who knows how many women to join the natural tribe and helped them to learn the ropes. I am truly passionate about natural hair, and that is why you should PICK ME BELLA!! Love you…
Pick Me Bella!!
I would love love love a Carol’s Daughter giveaway if you haven’t had one already, or a Curly Pudding.
PICK ME BELLA!!!! PLEASE
I have been natural for almost two months now and I could really use some new products to try! I am in that stage of still trying to figure out what works for me and what DOESN’T…by the way my hair is color treated and natural….lovely though
Pick me Bella!
I have devoted the last six years of my life to obtaining my Ph.D.. At times, my hair game has suffered. I am still natural but I am sometimes too tired to really put the time and effort into creating easy to-to, beautiful afro styles. I would love to receive the Brunsli hair accessories and/or the Miss Jessie’s Buttercream. I’m an infrequent commenter but an avid reader and am soooo proud of the success your experiencing. Kudos sista’!
That is sweet.
I was surprised but figured, beggars cannot be choosers!
I ended up sending my mine to a pregnant friend
who wanted to go back to the relaxer after she had given birth.
That leave-in sounds great
Pick me, Bella.
I would LOVE to see a giveaway and review of Anita Grant products! All of her stuff sounds so wonderful that I am having trouble deciding where to begin with my purchase.
Also, the Shu Uemura cleansing oil you mentioned in a previous post sounded absolutely DIVINE. That would be a great giveaway.
Having the opportunity to win a Denman brush would be awesome. I have read so many great things about them that I’d love to run one through my kinks and curls.
I’ll stop now, because I could go on and on. Thanks for your dedication to this site and celebrating the beauty in Afrobellas around the world!
Pick me, Bella!
I returned from the dermatologist yesterday with a diagnosis of sebhorreic dermatitis. I don’t think it’s true, since I don’t have the symptoms-but that means I’m still looking for something to soothe my scalp and stop my hair issues. This sounds perfect! Please pick me!
PICK ME, BELLA!
i would love for you to pick me b/c i/m 15 yrs old natural who has no money (parents won’t give in) to go by the products that love/would love to try and the Creme of Nature brand i definitely something i would love to try.
PS: In the future a Miss Jessie giveaway would be fantabulous!
You’re the best!
V.
Pick me, Bella! I think a giveaway of Oyin Handmade or Qhemet products would be great. They both cater to those with natural hair, plus I’m all for supporting independent businesses.