Author Archive: bella
Afrobella is also known as Patrice Elizabeth Grell Yursik, a reformed tomboy from Trinidad.
The Fro Fashion Week Fabulousness
From what I’ve seen in my travels, there are three natural hair meccas. Chicago (represent!), New York (specifically, Brooklyn!) and Atlanta. The natural hair scene in Atlanta is passionate. At events I’ve attended, the women come out in their numbers, dressed to slay, ready to learn and admire and buy the hottest products. It’s a [...]
It’s Carnival!!
Maybe you’re in Trinidad, and woke up at the crack of dawn to slather yourself with oil or mud to play j’ouvert in the darkness before sunrise. Maybe right now you’re sprinkling your skin with glitter before getting into that intricately adorned costume to palance and pose off in your all-inclusive section. Maybe you’re in [...]
Winter Hair Care and a Crème of Nature Argan Oil Giveaway!
Last week there were piles of filthy snow all over the place. This week the skies are bleak and the streets are shiny and wet because of the rain. Chicago’s weather doesn’t quite know what to do with itself, and neither does my hair. Look at that cold Chicago wind just whipping it back [...]
When It Comes to Products, What Kind of Natural Are You?
As your friendly round the way beauty and natural hair blogger, I get sent ALL KINDS of products to review. Some of them are totally the kind of stuff I’d buy myself, made with ingredients I know my hair will respond to favorably. Others…not so much. But I do my best to at least try [...]
We Will Always Love You, Whitney Houston
I don’t want to write this post. I don’t want to write about losing Whitney Houston. I’ve written recent RIP tribute posts for Etta James and Don Cornelius, but this loss cuts deeper. It’s too sad. There’s an ache of deep, disappointed sadness that has been over my shoulders like a shroud since Saturday. [...]
Afrobella Art — Curating An Artful Eye
In the interest of furthering the Afrobella Art series under a knowledgable and well curated eye, I’ve turned over the reins to a new monthly contributor. Bellas, meet Veronica Marshall. She is a self-described interior design junkie, obsessed with all-things home décor, antiquing, midcentury modern design, and collecting art by emerging artists. The owner of [...]
I’ll Be In NYC During Fashion Week with Curls Unleashed!
Bellas, I can hardly keep up with myself this month. Last weekend I was in Atlanta for the truly wonderful Fro Fashion Week event at the Hotel Melia downtown. And this weekend, I’ll be in New York during all the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week madness, for two awesome natural hair related events! And you know I’ll [...]
Nyssa Green Beat My Face to the Gods
From the moment I knew I was going to Atlanta to appear as the keynote speaker for Fro Fashion Week, I had three immediate concerns. 1 – OMG I have to give a speech? And not just be on a panel with other people? Everyone will be looking at me — yikes! 2 — What [...]
What Makes You Pretty Powerful?
Sometimes I really wish that the 32 year old me could go back and talk to 13 year old me, and let her know that everything was going to be alright. I wish I could tell her that the skills and resilience she gained in school would stand her in great stead down the road. [...]
Cicely Tyson’s Red Carpet Beauty Secrets, From Her Amazing Makeup Artist, Damone Roberts!
Let me tell you about when I met Damone Roberts. It was in 2009, I was still living in Miami and still had a regular day job, and I was attending a beauty event dedicated to women of color at Macy’s…I wanna say in Aventura Mall. In those days I was still at the paper, [...]
Party With Me and Kim Coles in Atlanta!!
Bellas, I’m packing a suitcase and writing a speech. Next stop, Atlanta and Fro Fashion Week! I can’t wait to see you stylish, beautiful, brilliant ladies! I’m speaking at around noon on Saturday — and thanks to all of you, my keynote speech is sold out! And that evening, I’ll have to find something super [...]
Octavia Spencer’s Red Carpet Beauty Secrets!
Octavia Spencer has been making waves on the red carpet, but in my opinion – not for the right reasons. Nobody wants to talk about how beautiful she is, how luminous her skin is, or what she’s wearing. The media is obsessed with issues like weight, size, and how many pairs of Spanx she may [...]
Love, Peace, and SOUL. RIP, Don Cornelius
I woke up yesterday morning looking forward to writing a celebratory piece on Black History Month. And then, via Twitter, I read the news about Don Cornelius. I know I’m not the only one with a heavy heart today. For so many artists, Don Cornelius represented a certain benchmark. A sign that you had MADE [...]
Beauty in Trinidad — Local Products and Where to Shop
My visit back to Trinidad was everything and then some. I got to see old friends and spend time with family and revisit my past. I also got to experience new places and things, and appreciate my country and culture in a whole new way. It was a whirlwind visit and just let me know [...]
Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer and The Help Ruled the SAG Awards
“”The stain of racism and sexism is not just for people of color or women. It’s ALL of our burden. All of us… I don’t care how ordinary you may feel, all of us can inspire change. Every single one of us.” Photo via CNN.com. Those were the poignant and wise words uttered by Viola [...]
