ShopBlack.biz

Recycling money in the African American community!

Complimentary Publication provided by Success Pro Publications

CONTENTS

Publisher�s Note 2 Beauty Tips: Don�t Be Frazzled by Frizz 3 Puzzle Time - Beauty or Beast? 5 Building a Stronger Community 6 Making A Difference 7 History of Braids 8 What�s Holding You Back? 9 Landing the Perfect Job 10 Featured Minority Businesses 11

PUBLISHER�S NOTE: Several years ago, I wondered if I would ever realize the �American Dream� of business ownership, freedom and control of my own destiny, and financial security. I soon realized that I was not alone. There are many ambitious, hard-working minorities who want to be successful entrepreneurs, but who don�t have a lot of money to invest in marketing their products and services. Success Pro Publications was founded in 1999 and is committed to providing affordable marketing solutions that help consumers connect with and support local minority-owned businesses. We are dedicated to helping you recycle your money in your local minority community! We hope you enjoy this free publication, and we invite you to join our online communities and to support minority-owned businesses in your area. Sincerely, L. Whitmore, President Success Pro Publications (614) 886-9922 Visit us on the web, SuccessProPublications.com

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Beauty Tips Don�t Be Frazzled By Frizz!

Our mothers and grandmothers have always told us �your hair is your crown and glory.� In fact in India and the Middle East hair measures a bride�s beauty. But all too often in our quest for beauty we assault our hair with all manner of

chemicals and elements until we destroy one of the loveliest attributes of womanhood.

The main enemies of your hair are:

There are 3 areas of concern in your quest for beautiful, healthy hair: 1. Your scalp: Your scalp is a very sensitive part of

your skin and should be treated as such. It is also where the roots of your hair grow from. A healthy scalp will be able to supply nutrients to your hair roots, an essential part of keeping your hair in good condition. When your scalp gets dry and inflamed it can lead to hair loss, and is a major factor to listless dull looking hair.

2. The structure of your hair: A single hair is made up

of several layers. When these layers get damaged your hair looses its vibrant look, becomes dull, brittle and full of split ends. Hair in this condition falls out easily, resulting in major thinning and bald spots.

3. Your overall health: In order for your hair to look

good you need to maintain your health. You must have noticed when you get sick your hair also looses its luster. Good nutrition will ensure that your hair will get the nutrients it needs to stay strong and beautiful. A healthy lifestyle is critical to maintaining your hair�s well-being.

• Using harsh chemicals, like perms, dyes and

relaxers. Getting rid of the �Frizz� in your hair is not easy, relaxing your hair can lead to many problems that are anything but relaxing to you. Common problems are: Dry irritated scalp, fragile brittle hair and even hair loss. These problems can be avoided with a few simple precautions. These chemicals can be devastating to your hair and scalp. Treat your hair like the delicate substance it is. Hair fibers are surprisingly fragile and using these strong chemicals can and will destroy them.

Be careful to use relaxants that do not contain lye and use good quality conditioners to maintain the health of your hair. This treatment for your hair should always be done professionally, and never try this at home. Your stylist will tell you the right conditioners to use when you relax your hair and exactly how often they should be applied.

• Using the wrong shampoos for your hair. The

shampoos you use for your hair will have a profound effect on its well-being. Ideally the shampoo you use, should be a little on the acid side, to ensure the least damage to your hair and scalp. Always make sure you rinse off all the soap when washing your hair. Residual soap particles can cause scalp irritation and lead to unsightly flaking. Consult your stylist about the shampoos that work best for your type of hair. If you are using perms and relaxant chemicals, your stylist will recommend the right shampoo to use.

Continued on page 4

Don�t Be Frazzled by Frizz continued For oils and conditioners, consult your stylist, as the wrong ones can do your hair more harm than good.

• The high heat of the modern �blow dryer.� This is real torture for your hair and will dry out the fibers. Blow-drying can cause hair to become dry and brittle as it literally cooks the oils out of your hair and will cause damage to the fragile fibers. Use gentle heat and if you can, let your hair dry naturally. However do not sleep with wet hair as this will allow your scalp to remain warm and wet and you will risk skin problems.

Look after your health and hair. Remember your hair�s health is in your hands. When you take a few precautions you can truly have beautiful hair and it will be your �crown and glory� for many years to come.

END

• Harsh brushing with the wrong type of brush. Be

gentle with your hair, never pull and tear at tangles. Use a firm but not hard brush with natural bristles not plastic; try to have a brush with a wooden handle so that static electricity does not build up causing tangles and unmanageable hair. Never comb your hair when it is wet, this can damage your hair fibers and cause them to split. Metal and plastic �picks� are not the best way to brush and comb your hair as they can cause damage to your hair.

• Weather: Hot sun and rain can both be detrimental

to your hair. Sun will bake the oils and nutrients out of your hair leaving it dry, brittle and hard to manage. Our mothers and grandmothers knew what they were doing when they covered their heads with hats and scarves, in the old days. Rain is not pure and has gathered many pollutants from the atmosphere, so when you get rained on, your hair has been doused with quite a few chemicals, none of which are good for your hair. If you do get your hair wet in a storm try to dry it off as soon as you can, to prevent these chemicals from sticking to your scalp and hair. Chemicals of any sort left in your hair can cause skin problems and irritation.

How to repair damaged hair:

• Conditioners: Always use good conditioners that will replenish the proteins and nutrients in your hair. Leave them on for a longer time, so that your hair can absorb the proteins, and nutrients.

• Oils: Be sparing with oils; they can build up on your

hair leaving it dull and listless. A little oil massaged gently into the scalp can help with dry skin but should not be used too heavily. Coconut oil has been used for many years and there are other lighter oils now on the market.

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Building A Stronger Community

During a recent telephone conversation with my sister, she mentioned she wanted to schedule doctors� appointments for her family. She and her husband had recently

switched health insurance providers and she wanted an African American physician. She explained that she had searched the internet and had even contacted the local American Medical Association, but to no avail. She asked if I knew where she could find a local minority health care provider.

ShopBlack.biz is not alone in its quest to connect the growing number of African Americans online with local businesses.

There are other sites that provide similar information to consumers, but usually at an expensive cost to the retailer or professional. Many minority businesses can�t afford the cost of a web site, and are missing a great opportunity to expand their business. We provide an affordable way for any business to advertise on the internet.

I thought for a moment, and then I recommended she visit ShopBlack.biz. ShopBlack.biz is a nationwide directory of minority owned businesses and professionals. The recently launched web site targets consumers that are eager and willing to purchase products and services from African Americans in their local area. �We recognize that most small businesses

are working with limited resources. Our low-cost advertising solutions will fit any budget and are targeted to small businesses and individuals, � comments Lori Whitmore, the creator of ShopBlack.biz. �By combining the purchasing power of numerous minority-owned businesses, we are able to generate powerful and effective media campaigns designed to increase the exposure of all the businesses in our directory, both on and off the internet.�

We can build a stronger community by recycling our dollars within our own neighborhoods. Many other cultures and ethnic groups readily embrace this concept, and �keep their money in the family�. For African Americans, the idea of doing business with minority-owned enterprises is somewhat limited. ShopBlack.biz strives to bridge the gap between consumers and business owners using the power of the internet.

Making A Difference

Celeste Payne shares her mission to encourage at least 5,000 people per month! Discouragement and a lack of hope can lead those close to you to depression and maybe even suicide. Sadly, suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people ages 15 to 24. In 2001, nearly 4,000 suicides were reported in this group (Anderson and Smith 2003). According to the CDC, more than 116,000 people were treated and released from emergency rooms for attempted suicide in 2004. Warning Signs of Depression Some of the warning signs that someone you know (or maybe even you) may be suffering from depression include: • Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood • Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness • Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities

that were once enjoyed, including sex • Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down" • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making

decisions • Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping • Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight

gain • Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts • Restlessness, irritability • Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to

treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain

Source: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/depression.cfm

Celeste M. Payne, Publisher

People need encouragement The reality is that one little word can help people through a hard time and push them closer to their destiny. �As I lived through some trying situations, I sometimes found little compassion and encouragement. Knowing what it feels like to be all alone, I realized that I needed to make the effort to encourage as many people as I can, � says Celeste M. Payne, the publisher and founder of SeedstoEncourage.com. Seeds To Encourage distributes graphically pleasing postcards to be shared with family, friends, and colleagues. Each postcard features a different theme of words and images to encourage people around the world. �Our goal is to reach at least 5,000 people per month with our inspiring and encouraging themes�, remarks Payne. Seeds To Encourage hand distributes the postcards in the Central Ohio area. Subscriptions are $5.99 per year which covers 12 months of postcards and $.23 to mail each postcard. To subscribe or for more information, visit www.SeedsToEncourage.com.

The

History of Braids Hair braiding is an ancient art, practiced by the Ancient Egyptians as long ago as 4000 BC. Today it has become a �hot � fashion trend with many styles, weaves and colorful ornamental beads. Not only women but also men have embraced this beautiful art, creating color and style beyond our ancestors wildest dreams. How and where did braiding begin? Hair braiding, as we know it today has its origins in West Africa. The different and often complex designs signify the social status, age group and village a girl has come from. The braid patterns are made up of different geometrical patterns and can become quite complex for special occasions, such as marriages. Braiding is traditionally a social art. Because of the time it takes to braid hair the women took time to socialize while braiding and having their hair done. It begins with the elders making simple knots and braids for younger children. Older children watch and learn from them, start practicing on younger girls and eventually learn the traditional designs. Here in America you see mothers and grandmothers braiding and putting colorful beads in little children�s hair. This carries on a the tradition of bonding between elders and the new generation. The difference between ancient and modern braiding: Nowadays, as well as the colorful beads and intricate designs of our ancestors, hair weaving has become part of the traditional braiding technique. This opens the door to a whole new assortment of styles and looks. The Hip Hop industry has taken hair braiding and weaving to a whole new level of popularity and style, allowing people from all walks of life to enjoy creating a fashion statement with hair braids and weaves. Hair weaves range from real hair to a vast array of different colors and textures made from synthetic hair. The traditional beads are also being developed into all sorts of shapes and sizes. Hair Care for Braiding and Hair Weaving When you decide to braid your hair or use hair weaves, your hair needs to be in good condition, or you will experience breakage and damage. Your hair should have elasticity. This is a natural condition of hair fibers and will be present in all hair that has not been chemically treated. If you have used relaxers, bleaching, or perms, these chemicals make your hair dry and brittle, it is very important to use good conditioners on a regular basis to restore your hair�s natural elasticity. Be sure to discuss this with your stylist, so that you can enjoy braiding styles without damaging your hair. Hair braiding and weaving can be quite costly, so it is essential to go to stylists who are experienced and knowledgeable. Make an appointment with your stylist for a consultation, before you have your hair done. Discuss what style is best for you, the cost and how to maintain your hair braids or weave. Proper care of your hair when braiding and using hair weaves will prevent damage to your hair and scalp. Hair braiding is one of the most versatile ways to style your hair and truly make yourself unique, with this beautiful and ancient art form.

What�s Holding You Back? Most Americans face financial crises at some time in their lives. Whether the crisis is caused by illness, the loss of a job, or simply overspending, it can often be overcome. The key is to prevent your financial situation from growing from bad to worse. A bad credit history can haunt you for a long time�seven years or more. Bad credit can affect your ability to get more credit and to even get a job. Many employers use a credit report when they hire and evaluate employees for promotion, reassignment or retention. The Truth About Credit Repair You�ve seen the advertisements in newspapers, on TV, and on the Internet. You hear them on the radio, and may even get calls from telemarketers offering credit repair services. They promise to erase your bad credit�even bankruptcies and liens. Don't believe these statements. The truth is, they can't deliver. After you pay them hundreds of dollars in up-front fees, these companies do nothing to improve your credit report; many simply vanish with your money. Only time, a conscious effort, and a personal debt repayment plan will improve your credit report. The first step toward taking control of your financial situation is to assess how much money comes in and how much money you spend. Start by listing all your sources of income. Then, list all of your expenses-your regular monthly bills (such as your mortgage payment or rent, car payment, and insurance premiums) as well as those expenses that vary, such as entertainment, recreation, or clothing. Writing down all your expenses is a helpful way to track your spending patterns, identify the expenses that are necessary, and prioritize the rest. The goal is to make sure you can make ends meet on the basics: housing, food, health care, insurance, and education. If you're not disciplined enough to create a workable budget and stick to it, consider contacting a credit counseling organization. Many credit counseling organizations are nonprofit and work with you to solve your financial problems. Reputable credit counseling organizations can advise you on managing your money and debts, help you develop a budget, and offer free educational materials and workshops. Their counselors are certified and trained to arrange repayment plans that are acceptable to you and your creditors. They can also help you set up a realistic budget. These counseling services are offered at little or no cost to consumers. You can find the office nearest you by checking the white pages of your telephone directory. While a debt repayment plan can eliminate much of the stress that comes from dealing with creditors and overdue bills, it does not mean you can forget about your debts. A debt repayment plan does not erase your negative credit history. Accurate information about your accounts can stay on your credit report for up to seven years. A demonstrated pattern of timely payments, however, will help you get credit in the future. Need Help? Don't Despair Just because you have a poor credit report doesn't mean you won't be able to get credit. Creditors set their own credit-granting standards and not all of them look at your credit history the same way. Some may look only at more recent years to evaluate you for credit, and they may grant credit if your bill-paying history has improved. Although no one can legally remove accurate and timely negative information from a credit report, the law does allow you to request a reinvestigation of information in your file that you dispute as inaccurate or incomplete. There is no charge for this. You can do it yourself, legally, for little or no cost. Learn how by contacting the Federal Trade Commission Consumer Division at www.ftc.gov/ftc/consumer.htm.

ONE MORE STORY HERE

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