A year ago, I was frustrated.
As an avid magazine and blog reader, I wasn’t finding the kind of intelligent, informed beauty writing I hungered for. As a writer, I was hard pressed to find a magazine or website that would provide a platform for expression for someone like me. As a black woman with pride in her natural hair, I wasn’t seeing myself represented in any mainstream depictions of beauty. I was sick of the negativity and emptiness and repetition I was seeing online. I wanted to get my name out there as a writer, but I wasn’t sure how, and I was sick of rejection.
I dreamed up the concept of Afrobella over a bottle of Asti with my husband and our good friend E-Fresh, who was deep into blogging at the time. His openness and honesty inspired me. We tossed around a couple of names. Cocoabella sounded interesting, but turned out to be the name of a chocolate company. Trini bella didn’t have the vibe I wanted it to. I wanted the word to encapsulate hair and beauty and a sense of self all at once. My husband suggested Afrobella, and that was that. We registered the domain name, downloaded a free template, and set up a blog. It was all really whimsical. It’s amazing that something done in such a spontaneous fashion would transform my life the way it has.
My first post reads like a children’s fairy tale, and shows how far back my natural hair issues go. I realize that hair isn’t such a “political” statement for some — more on that later — but the process of going natural did wonders for my self esteem. It means more to me than just hair. It’s part of my identity. I think many of my most regular readers feel the same way, and I try to stay true to that aesthetic. But I want this site to be inclusive and warm and inviting to a variety of people. Just because I feel strongly about my own beauty doesn’t mean that I need to tear down someone else’s. That has never been my intention, and if I’ve ever pissed you off with my anti-relaxer beliefs, please understand that it wasn’t my goal to offend. Some of the proudest moments I’ve had have come from reading comments sent by ladies with relaxed hair, or from readers of different ethnic backgrounds. I love getting letters from different countries, and I’ve had all kinds of women, black, white, Latin, Asian, and Middle Eastern — people from Poland and Kuwait and Korea and Germany — write to tell me they love what I’m doing, and to keep up the good work. Afrobella truly is about embracing all shades of beautiful, and I love knowing that the message has reached so far and wide.
I first envisioned Afrobella as a site about beauty products and hair issues for women of color. But over time, my varied interests have woven their way into the fabric. There are weeks where I’m more than aware that the balance has shifted completely from beauty to music, to controversy. Sometimes I worry when I do controversial posts, especially those about hair or weight or race. It takes me longer to get around to those posts, because I want to make absolutely sure that I’m not just reacting to a hot-button topic, I’m considering as many angles as possible when I state my opinion. But judging from the reaction of my fellow bellas – all of you who read and comment and help to make this site so rich and vibrant — those controversial posts are good. Even when there is anger and dissent, we’re talking about something real and important, something we care about that perhaps isn’t being discussed in the same way elsewhere. I have learned so much from the perspectives of others.
A lot has changed in my life since I started this site. Last year, I was an assistant. Now I’m an editor. I’ve got a much more hectic work load to juggle, and there are weeks where I drop the ball. I used to feel a real pressure to post something every day on the site, but I have to remember that I’m just one person, I’m not a super woman, and I always want my words to be considered and intelligent. And so the frequency of my posts has slowed somewhat. But there are great things in store for Afrobella’s future. I’ve got some exciting new initiatives and so much more to say. My dreams have blossomed, too.
Before, I wanted to freelance for mainstream women’s magazines but I wasn’t sure how. Or wasn’t sure I had the drive to continually face the rejection and pressure of that industry. Now I have a platform of my own, and many of the magazines I once wanted to write for are flailing or have failed — more on THAT later. In the past year I’ve found a voice for myself I didn’t know I had. I’ve made friends and fans all over the world, and realized the weight of my words. I’ve been interviewed on the radio. I’ve had lots of fresh, new bloggers e mail me within the last year, to tell me that my journey has inspired them to start a site of their own. That really makes me happy. And proud. And there is so much more in store!
The photo at the top of the post was taken last Friday, when we were en route from Las Vegas to Lake Tahoe. It’s an eight hour drive through desolate desert, abandoned towns, and incredible mountains. We parked by the banks of a river in the mountains of California. My husband wanted to climb down a steep, rocky embankment to the water below. I didn’t. I said “I can’t.” But he climbed on down like a billy goat, and left me on the side of the road. “Come on,” he called up to me. “You can do it.” I was scared, but I tried. Slowly I made my way down the rocks, to the steep and shifting sand, down to the river with him. He took that photo of me as I climbed back up. I did it! I didn’t think I could, and I did! YAY!!! And that’s totally how it’s been with this site.
So often we limit ourselves by thinking we can’t. Sometimes all it takes is that first burst of courage, that push to try, to make you realize that you really can do anything you put your mind to. If a scaredy-cat like me can do it, so can you — whether your goal is to go natural or be fit or find a better job or take better care of yourself or do something new that you’ve been afraid to try. My goal in the next year is to keep on trying new things, to be the best Afrobella I can be, and to keep on writing from my heart.
So on this first anniversary, I have to say thank you to my family — to my husband for always supporting me, my parents for offering their wisdom and insight, and my sister and brothers for reading and commenting and always making helpful suggestions. Thanks to my friends E-Fresh and Lauren for always being supportive sounding boards. Thanks to all of my blog friends — Angel and Fresh and Motown Girl and Nichelle and so many others. You’ve helped me to make this site better. Thanks to Anita Grant for being the first person to advertise with me. And thank you all for reading and writing in and making my life so full. The best is yet to come, bellas!
Thanks for filling the void. I have been reading this site for awhile, but this is the first time I have commented. I too am of Trinidadian descent with both of my parents being from there. I was raised in New Jersey. I thank you for letting me know about all the wonderful natural products for black women.
Congrat Bella, your blogs are well written, concise and truly inspring. I love your site, I love what you satnd for. Kep up the good work.
THIS IS A WONDERFUL AND INSPIRING PIECE. I ALWAYS TOLD YOU THAT YOU CAN DO ANYTHING YOU PUT YOUR MIND TO, AND I MEANT THAT WITH ALL MY HEART. YOU ARE NOT JUST AN INSPIRATION TO MANY BUT GROWING INTO A NEW SPIRIT AND ENERGY THAT WILL SEND POSITIVE VIBES AND STIMULATE INTELLECTUAL DISCOURSE ALL OVER THE WORLD. CONGRATULATIONS!! YOU ARE AN EXCELLENT WRITER AND I AM STILL LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR FIRST PUBLISHED NOVEL.
A THOUGHT; HOW ABOUT A BOOK INCORPORATING YOUR MOST POPULAR AND INDEED CONTROVERSIAL POSTS AND THE DEBATES AND SOMETIMES VERY INSIGHTFUL COMMENTS FROM YOUR READERSHIP.I THINK THIS COULD BE A FUTURE PROJECT.
AGAIN, CONGRATULATIONS AND STAY POSITIVE.
D
Wow…your dad is so sweet and encouraging.
I just wanted to say thank you so much for sharing.
Aww. I love you, Dad! And you’re right – you always told me that I could. I just didn’t believe you yet! =)
Your words of encouragement mean so, so much to me. And yes, the novel is coming! We’ll talk later. Off to my work deadline!!
Congratulations bella!! You are such an inspiration. I found your site just a month or two after you started, and i was hooked!! At the time, i was going natural, and your hair and makeup advice was invaluable. I look forward to all of your posts… you know i have you on my feed reader, right?? 😉
Look, let me stop before i get verklempt. 🙂 Thank you, and congrats!!
Congratulations to you!!!!
I must say that through you I’ve got the blogging bug and will get my own blog up and running by this weekend. Thanks for dropping a shout out for Korea. I live here and it’s a way for me to keep abreast on some of the issues facing our diverse Black community. My other friends African-American and other ethnicities have gotten into your blog as well.
Keep up the great work!
Blessings!
Congratulations! I’ve just started reading your blog and it is wonderful!!!!!!!!
Keepup the great work and many happy returns!!
I AM SO PROUD OF YOU! CONGRATULATIONS. I LOVE YOUR SITE. IT HAS BEEN A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE AND INSPIRATION. Many blessings to you and your family. Your dad is a wonderful person. I see where you get it from! I wish you continued success and prosperity of heart, mind, and spirit! Peace!
Bella,
I have run across an article that brings up some concerns I have as a natural sister in the professional world. I have been struggling with this issue as I am preparing currently waiting my bar results to be an attorney. I don’t like the idea that my hair will keep me from opportunities but I really don’t want to have to press my hair daily just to get my foot in the door but then I ran across these comments from the Glamour article and I am wondering if that is really the best way. Or perhaps I could get a weave for the interviews and then reveal true hair after I am already hired.
I would be interested to hear your thoughts on this issue.
Below are the articles I was talking about:
http://www.stereohyped.com/hair/how-to-succeed-in-business-get-a-relaxer-20070814/#comments
http://jezebel.com/gossip/your-roots-are-showing/glamour-editor-to-lady-lawyers-being-black-is-kinda-a-corporate-dont-289268.php
I gotta also say, in case any of you wondered why Mama Bella doesn’t post – she’s internet-shy. But she gives me just as much love and support as my Dad does. We just talk on the phone instead. =)
My family is wonderful. Love you guys!
Congratulations bella! I love, love, love that picture. I have been following you from the beginning and am so excited to read every new post. You have inspired me to start a blog also, since my first aspiration as a child was to be a writer. I am brimming with ideas, but no posts yet. You’re right though, there’s nothing to do it but to do it. 🙂
Happy Anniversary P!
CONGRATS!!!
Bella your Dad is spot on with his comments.
When your book is published put aside a signed copy for me please, cheers me dear!
Much love to you darlin’!
All the best
Anita
Congratulations, Bella! As blogs come and go, yours has only gotten better and stronger over the past year. I don’t have natural hair (YET!…maybe I’ll be brave enough one day) but I love visiting your site and reading what you have to say. Take care and hair’s (Ha!) to another year.
good for you bella. congratulations to you. that’s a wonderful picture of you. it radiates positivity, strength, accomplishment, and of course, a great ‘fro.
Congrats Bella,
Your blog is a bright spot in my morning.
tan
Congratulations. That picture has a Mary Tyler Moore vibe! I guess you made it after all. Your blog is informative and fun. (I didn’t even know you were married.)
Congratulations, I have been reading your blog now for about 4 months and I find it is informative, enlightening and just plain readable.
Your words inspire me, as a mother of two who has relaxed hair, I struggle with trying to teach my girls how to love themselves and their hair whilst i continue to alter the structure of my own.
Reading your blog is helping me to take steps towards the decison that I know I will make eventually
Happy Anniversary! Afrobella
Thank you for starting a blog about natural hair, makeup and everything in between! I love your writing, it inspires me.
Again thank you and CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations of a year well done and well lived!
I love coming to this website for varied perspective (from you and commenters) on everything from hair and beauty products to the latest news.
Also, I just want to give your Dad a hug. He comes off as amazing on so many levels.
Happy Afrobella-versary Bella!!
I’m one of the relaxed hair sisters and I’ve never read your writing as judgemental towards relaxed hair sisters. You are right, some of those coversation get so heated! You’re a brave one cos I sure would not write on those topics if I were in your shoes!
Well here’s to countless more afrobella-versaries and from one scaredy-cat to another…keep on taking those leaps of strength!!
🙂
Congrats Bella !!!! Love your blog.I stopped reading beauty mag. you are my source for everything Beauty.
Hey Afrobella, Congrats on your anniversary.. and many more (maybe in Print one day!!!)
Congratulations, I love your blog. You inspire me to make my own. Looking forward to your book.
Congrats congrats congrats! Little sister your joy is my joy, and I am feeling the love and positive energy from you and all your readers! I am and have always been proud of you! Like Dad I am also looking forward to your first novel, that ran through my mind the other day when I passed the picture of you with Sir Errol Walcott at home. All the best Afrobella, peace and love!
Congrats Lady! I’m here everyday..
Keep up the inspiration..
Congratulations bella!
I have been reading your blog since you first started. Your words have been an inspiration to me and it feels good to come onto a site that talks about topics that I can relate to, not have a lot of mean and negative things posted by readers. This latest post was really touching for me, it inspired me to try and make my dreams come true, even when the challenge looks too difficult. Thanks again bella!
This was most defintely an inspirational piece bella! Thank you sooo much for it. I began reading this blog about 5 months ago, and three weeks after reading and taking in all of the information you have blessed all of us with, I shaved off all of my hair to become natural. And being that I am only 18 it was hard because I was worried that I wouldnt be accepted by my peers and other people in general. Reading your site everyday, however, helped me to keep my head high with my bald head :)and to be the person that God intended me to be. Ever since than I have been reading your blog religiously. And I have a TWA now! lol (I have to admit that I get kinda mad when you go away because I know that you wont be able to post as much lol.)You were the one who opened the door to the world of natural hair and beauty to me, and for that I’m forever grateful. But I just want you to know bella that you inspire me, to become a better writer…a better everything. And your words of wisdom are like magic to me. You have inspired me in so many ways and I can honestly say that this site has helped me to become a better me, and I would like to Thank You for that Bella. I pray that God will continue to bless you, your family, and your craft. And this comment is coming straight from the heart. You are one of a kind! Happy Anniversary
Happy Anniversary!! I read and lurk mostly, but your posts touch me all the same. I love being able to visit your site and leave feeling beautiful. You always write in such an inclusive an uplifting way. Thanks for all the hard work you put in!
I’ve been reading everyday for a year! Congrats Bella on this great anniversary … Keep the greatness coming!
*singing* Happy Anniversary! Happy Anniversary!
I stumbled onto your blog earlier this year and I have been hooked ever since! It is so uplifting and encouraging to see someone stepping out on faith and living their dreams. You have even inspired me to take up my writing again…you are mos def a “friend in my head” and many of the things you talk about on your blog are things I discuss to my offline friends.
Keep positive, keep doing what you do so well!
Beautiful picture and post.
Congratulations! I discovered your blog early on, and read it faithfully. You’re an inspiration!!!
Congrats Bella! I love ur site, there’s always something new to think about, appreciate & recognize :o) Thank u!
Asti tastes so good with a Sunday dinner ;o)
I’m so happy that I was led to your blog. I’ve been educated, entertained and inspired. Finally, content that I can relate to. Even though you clearly have a passion for what you do here, I know it is not always easy. I appreciate you so much!
Peace and Blessing Bella
Happy anniversary, Bella! A whole year! It seems like it was a just a week ago when I saw you link on Crunk & Disorderly and decided to click based on the name alone (WTG, for husbands with creative ideas). I can’t wait to read another year of fabolous and insightful posts!
Curlyj that is one interesting article and some of the comments on the Stereohyped blog gave me a lot of food for thought. Thanks for the link.
Yay! Bella! Congrats!
I’m glad I found your site this year. You look like you are on to the world. And with good reason, thanks for being such a blessings to us. Continued success and prosperity.
On Top of the world(correction to previous post)
Congratulations Patrice! Happy Anniversary!
Afrobella is an AMAZING website and I know it will continue to grow by leaps and bounds. Keep up the great work and keep spreading the word and inspiring others about how beautiful it is to wear our hair in its natural state!
Peace and Blessings
Shelley Davis
Happy anniversary bella! You have inspired so many and continue to drop knowledge on life, music and beauty in the most interesting ways. You have many more afrobella anniversaries to come, keep it up!
Cheers to you, bella! Keep it going.
Congrats Bella! I have been reading your site almost a year now, and you have truly been an inspiration. Thanks so much for all that you do.
Sorry afrobello, it’s true. I’m lucky enough to have been married to Mrs. Bella for just over five years. In celebration of this fine occasion, I feel the need to make my first(!) post.
I’ve left the writing to Patrice and her loyal readers, in part because I end up hearing most posts before they go up online, in part because I spend plenty of time just reading everyone’s comments and appreciating the world perspective that this site embraces. I’ll also say that I do still get a little excited when I see ideas that I mention to Patrice in conversation wind up on the blog from time to time.
Here’s to celebrating this first year – Patrice puts an immense amount of effort into this site, and every day I get to see her encouraged and invigorated by the comments from all of you, her loyal readers. So thanks to all of you readers, and I can guarantee that it will only get better from here.
Congrats baby sister!I see you did as babybella when she says “I did it!” *grin* you have grown even more in depth of mind and spirit….in love..in health and body….the picture is a beautiful one…it symbolises determination, intention, achievement, satisfaction, happiness..it reveals your womanliness..your power and strength from the top of your curly hair to the tips of your toes…..
and write the novel already! love you me
Congratulations on your first year anniversary. I love your blog and come here daily. It always makes my day. I don’t know what your plans are for the next year. Maybe Afrobella to be a magazine or a tv show. I say dream big!! Remember this when your not sure of what to do next: Fortune favors the bold.
Much love and hugs to you.
Congrats!! I just discovered your site about a month ago. I would have never thought it has only been a year since you started this wonderful, powerful and uplifting site. Keep up the excellent work, you have talent and depth to go along with it.
I started reading your site this month & I just want to say congrats to you! Your spirit is positive, fun, warm and welcoming. You and this site have inspired me and so many others to go natural, which I am very excited about. Thanks for making this a place where we can all come and learn about us!
Wow, congratulations Afrobella! I’ve been reading your blog for quite a while thanks to an early shout out from YBF, it quickly became one of my favorites. When I first starting reading your blog I’d gone from natural to chemically straightened and felt a tremendous guilt. Reading your blog somewhat intensified my anguish but also made me realize how proud I was of my hair. I’ve since restarted the process, thank you for your inspiration and breath of fresh air in the blogosphere.
Happy Anniversary to Afrobella! I have been a reader for the past four months and it’s been a warme and welcome place.
To many more!
Happy Anniversary and congratulations! You do amazing things and will continue to with this site. There was one post that gave me a much needed wake-up call, and several others that touch and encourage me deeply as a young woman. Thank you so much for having the strength, creativity and resilience that makes Afrobella so beautiful.
*woot* *woot*
I just wanted to tell you to keep up the great work! I ran into your blog this summer and have been reading it quite religiously! (When I can) I love that such a website exists! You are truly inspirational.
Bella, I’ve been reading your blog for a while now and there are a few things to note: 1) You’re an amazing writer. Your voice, thoughtfulness and spirit shine in every post; 2) I’m so glad you are in the workplace and online world (the world period!) repping in a strong and positive way for the sistas – keep up the good work; 3) The family you have is a blessing. Reading their comments warmed my heart and got me a little emotional with happiness for you; and 4) BIG CONGRATS on a job well done. Keep it up!!! I’ll be reading to make sure you do! =D
Congratulations!! : ) One year is quite an accomplishment. Keep it up. I still read Afrobella every day. A new look for the new year should keep things fresh and heading in the right direction. You rock.
Congrats on your one year anniversary! Please keep those posts coming! lol
Congratulations Bella
Congrats bella, u are doing a wonderful job. Keep it up!
Congratulations! Thank you for providing a great, informative and inspiring site.
Well done you. You should be very proud of yourself. I launched my own publication a few years back and found it very fulfilling. I also know how hard it is.
Bella,
I’m so very happy for you…you have a wonderful site. I wish you nothing but the best!
Congrats Bella. This is my first post as well (although I have emailed you kudos before). I adore your site and visit everyday.
Congrats! Afrobella,keep on doing what you do best. May,God continue to bless you through out the many days to come! Did you get my email?
Bella, you are one of the reasons why I (very recently) started a blog. I feel blessed to have found your voice online. Congratulations, and much happiness to you on your first anniversary.
Not sure, CeCe, I will check when I get home. I’m at work now, and didn’t have time for my daily post. Sorry, bellas! The pressure’s on me. I’ll have a fresh post up later for sure.
CONGRATULATIONS BELLA! Happy 1st Anniversary. I’m so happy I found this site. It’s a breath of fresh air. Keep up the the great work.
I sincerely congratulate you on Afrobella’s first year. However, your achievemnet in this and other literary ares I always expected. You may not recall sitting chatting with a former Senior Cabinet Minister when you were seven years old who told your Dad, that you were Prime Minister material.
I am sure you will recall when you were fifteen telling your Dad and I after visiting an honourary aunt with tears in your eyes that there was a diminshed presence about her and sadly you were correct.
You have always had the gift of seeing and feelinmg beyond the obvious.
Love always Mom
I really appreciate your insight and information here at Afrobella. I’m a subscriber…eventhough, my hair is not.
My experiences parallel yours in many ways and am glad to find a network that understands. Keep bringing original content and I will add you to my blogroll at charlotte.greasyguide.com..
PS. I just did a post on the death of magazines..aren’t you glad you got out when you could? Blessings!
Congratulations Bella! Your blog has been a fresh of breath air in a world full of stankness. I don’t even remember how I found your blog but I’m so glad I did! Keep on doing what you do…and here’s to another great year!!
I can’t honestly tell you when or how I stumbled onto this site but I know it has been on my favorites toolbar since i discovered it. I love the perspectives you give your readers and the help and insight into hair and beauty products you offer are delightful. Keep up the great job, hon. I wish you many more years and I too am considering making a site of my own. Once I do, I can only hope it’s as honest and diverse as your site it. Thanks for the inspiration!
Congrats Bella!!!!!!
Thank you for your inspirational words. You have me looking around for something to conquer or try for the first time. I love your blog and appreciate your commitment. Best of luck with the awards!
Congrats Bella to you for hanging in there for one year. YOu would be surpised at the number of bloggers who hang it up after a few months.
Happy Anniversary, Bella! Keep up the amazing and inspirational writing! 🙂
Congrats Bella,I love your blog. I like the friend that you spoke of am rockin the “librarian bun” out of boredom. I almost considered reliving the lye. Thanks to your blog and the other sites that it has lead me to,I shall remain natural. Thanks for being so informative and for being such an inspiration!
Congratulations!
CONGRATULATIONS Afrobella! I really appreciate your words and your attitude. Keep it up! Women in general, and black women in particular, need to hear you. 🙂
Bella,
Thank you so much for giving a voice to so many of our thoughts. It’s funny how some words on a page can so accurately capture what’s in our hearts, or challenge ideas we once thought were so engrained….I thank you for taking the risk–and I wish you the very very best for your dangerously promising future! (I’ll most definitely be keeping an eye out for your upcoming projects too!)
With love, positivity, and blessings from Montreal, Canada…
Cheers!
Happy Anniversary!!! Thanks for your wonderful blog.
CONGRATS PATRICE!! It’s already been a year? lol. Anyway, I’m so happy for you. Keep doing your thing because I love this blog. And you know a sista is here for you if you need anything!
have a great weekend.
Congrats!!! Thanks for taking the time and energy to bring your light into our lives.
hi nice post, i enjoyed it
just adding my congratulations! writing from jamaica. preparations for dean are finished, at least at our house. just waiting. and relaxing with a little bella news while it is raining. — all to say, it’s a wonderful blog and know that you have indeed added positively, catalytically to discussions, internal and between folks, about how we’re going to live in our fullness, be pretty and do our work. looking forward to continue to growing with you over many years to come.
Hi Bella! I remember I found Afrobella last year when you had about 3 posts up. I thought you were an amazing, inspirational writer and I was really looking forward to reading more. Since then, I’ve kept up with every post and I can truly say that I admire a strong woman like yourself. You’re so intelligent, beautiful and sweet and your husband is very lucky to have a woman like you by his side. Even though I’m not Black (I’m Hispanic) I can totally relate to what you write, and I feel very welcome here at Afrobella. Good luck with everything you do, and I wish you much continued success and prosperity.
*applause* *whistling* *stomping feet*
Congratulations on your one year anniversary! It has been a joy to watch your blog develop this past year. A true inspiration for us all!
Gotta love the “not so subtle” put down of all black bloggers and black magazines. Way to go!
and to CurlyJ- I dont think anyone answered your question about what to do about your hair vis a vis your upcoming job search…here’s what I would do
1-get a perm ASAP or
2-get a wig or
3-get a weave
The last thing you need to do is have people think you’re making some kind of political statement when your just trying to pay some bills…girl, what do you think this is…AFRICA??? Black people’s hair is a massive no no in the USA, and in ALL OF THE AMERICAS as well, and you outta know better than to even go there, so best you can do is “take care of that mess” before it “takes care of you”! Good luck.
Hey Curious Onlooker – that was NOT my intention. I wasn’t out to give a “not so subtle” put down of all black blogs and magazines”, there are many black blogs and online magazines that are trying to be diverse, positive, and informative. Clutch, Honey, and Concrete Loop come most immediately to mind. My point about there being too much negativity on the blog scene goes for sites of all ethnicities, there’s just so much to gossip about, and there’s a ton of blogs all covering the same people. And what I was trying to say there was I noticed a void in available online reading material for my particular demographic, and I sought to fill the void as best as I could.
Here’s hoping your second comment was meant to be sarcastic. I’m going to be writing about the “political hair” thing this week, when I get some free time.
Congrats on your first year, sis!!!! I am so inspired by you! I also want to publish my writing and work in the magazine field and you are the true and living example of what hard work, positive energy and a needed message can do!!! Continued blessings and best wishes for the years to come!!!
Bella Congratulations. I actually just started my own blog. You have really inspired me. I can only hope that in a year I can see the type of growth your site has experienced. check me out sometimes
I am sooooo soooo glad I stumbled on this website. Girl, where was your inspiring self when I was growing up?? Oh, the turmoils we nappyheads have to endure…I am just relieved that there is a whole community out here now being developed while I’m still alive and able to enjoy it on the positivity of nappyness. Nothing against those relaxed sistahs (though I have admit I really find the look disturbing nowadays), but relaxing ought to be a choice not a necessity! I shouldn’t have to DO something with my hair!! What a wonderful thing you have done creating AFROBELLA. What a mind explosion, soul exploring, heart rejoicing experience this is. Bless you sistah. Keep on keeping on!!!!!
I’m more than happy to find this great site. I need to to thank you for your time due to this wonderful read!!
I definitely appreciated every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to look
at new stuff on your blog.