5 TIPS TO LOVE YOUR LOCKS

Check out our 5 Tips to Love Your Locks with our favorite hair products.

Read more from the Feb Issue and see 5 Tips To Love Your Locks in mag.

HOW TO DRESS | LIKE AN OLYMPIAN

From curling, luge, speed skating and more, the world's best has converged upon PyeongChang, Korea for the 2018 Winter Olympics. While we're enjoying the games for our favorite sports, it's also a great time to take a few style cues that will get us through the winter as we dream of the Spring!

Read more from the Feb Issue and see How to Dress Like an Olympian in mag.

HOW TO CALM CRAZY WAVES AND UNRULY CURLS INTERNATIONAL CURL EXPERT SHARES TIPS

For those with naturally wavy, curly hair of all coils and textures it may seem like an endless battle to find ways to tame the mane. Some may turn to relaxers, weekly blowouts or extensions. Others just want to master their natural hair in whatever mood it seems to be in. To help girls get a handle on their curls we connected with Maya Smith, founder of The Doux salon and product line of the same name both specializing in making the absolute most of the natural hair you’re born with. When it comes to healthy sculptured, cool looking curls of all types, Maya’s two decades of experience with curls worldwide makes her a true expert. Here she offers tips on how to calm crazy waves and unruly curls.

#1: My naturally wavy hair is flat at the top and then waves start in the middle with tighter curls at the back. HELP!

Genetics determine curl pattern and density. It’s totally normal, in fact, quite common for several different textures to exist on the same head of hair. These inconsistencies can cause the hair to look uneven, and are most apparent once the hair has dried. I created The Doux’s Mousse Def, to help define waves and curls in the less curly areas, and to combat frizz in the areas that are tightly coiled. To balance the look of curly and wavy hair, we recommend using a combo of a mousse on the straighter areas, and then a balm like The Doux’s Bonita Afro Balm Texture Cream for added stretch and control in the tighter areas. The goal here is to keep hair shiny, touchable, and soft. If shrinkage or frizzing remains an issue, don’t underestimate the power of a great haircut. Awesome products combined with a professionally-shaped set of layers is my signature Rx for accentuating curls that vary in texture.

#2: I have curly hair and let it dry naturally. The second it rains, I get frizzy at the roots. I find myself revolving my hairstyle around the weather report. HELP!

Thirsty hair will try to “drink up” moisture in the air if it’s not adequately hydrated.

The key to eliminating frizz due to humidity exposure is to make sure that the hair is thoroughly conditioned before styling products are applied. This exact problem is what inspired me to create a solution in the form of a Fresh Rinse Moisturizing Conditioner, followed by The Light Shine Mist helps to hydrate and stabilize the cuticle, making it less prone to reversion. For added control at the roots, we apply a small amount of Bonita Afro Balm, which is our secret weapon for keeping curly hair from swelling in harsh weather conditions. These products can be found at select Target stores nationwide and at TheDoux.com.

 #3: I often wear my curly hair slicked back into a tight low bun or ponytail. Will this damage my hair? 

Style in moderation. Traction alopecia is a major epidemic among women with textured hair. This is typically the result of too much tension being applied to scalp for an extended period of time, and usually occurs due to hair styling such as braids, extensions, and tight ponytails. To avoid irreversible thinning of the hair, it’s important to avoid hairstyles that place constant pressure on hair, particularly in the temple and nape areas. Ponytails and “slicked” styles should be taken down at night, and tight accessories, such as headbands or scrunchies should be worn less frequently. 

#4: I wear my naturally kinky hair twisted and braided. How long could I leave this style in and how best to shampoo my hair while in this style?

I recommend shampooing once per week for hair with fine-to-medium density. I urge clients with high-density or extremely long hair, not to exceed more than 10 days without cleansing the hair and scalp. This helps eliminate bacterial growth that causes itching, flaking, and dandruff on the scalp. We use The Doux’s Sucka Free Moisturizing Shampoo to remove product build-up and dead skill cells, and Fresh Rinse Moisturizing Conditioner to soften, hydrate, and balance the hair’s pH. We’ve incorporated Shea Butter and Sea Silk to smooth the hair shaft and aid in moisture retention.

#5: What are some ingredients to avoid that many products for curly hair contain? Why is this damaging? 

Petroleum-based “grease,” as well as products that contain mineral oil may be old-school favorites, but are often the cause of dry hair. Heavy products that aren’t water soluble can coat the hair shaft, disrupting the hair’s natural ability to retain moisture. This dryness may go nearly undetected, because the hair is covered in product, however, the underlying dehydration causes hair to be brittle and stubborn. We recommend cream-based products that shampoo out easily, and allow the hair to “breathe.”

Check out the Jan Issue of Athleisure Mag

GET ALLANIZED

We're always on the hunt for the next best item to add to our vanity and Laura Geller when it comes to highlighters, is always in our rotation. Recently, we just saw the launch for Alannized and we wanted to know more about the product and where this collaboration came from. Martine Williamson, President & GM, Laura Geller New York shares, "It started when we noticed that Alannized was featuring our Gilded Honey Illuminator often on his social media channels. He really grabbed our attention with the looks he created, particularly his mesmerizing highlighter application - which meshed seamlessly with Laura's background. Sharing a love for highlighting is where this kit came to life. The relationship took off from there and we've been collaborating on projects both small and large ever since."

For those who may not be familiar with Alan from Alannized, he always shares the importance of beauty is a one size fits all across his social media. His followers know that not only does he love his highlight and lipgloss, so the collaboration that was created with the brand was one that was natural. "I was super involved in my collaboration with Laura Geller New York. From product selection to packaging! It's been an amazing experience to see such an amazing brand believe in my vision and to trust me with carrying out such an amazing collaboration. I wouldn't trade this experience for the world!" This beauty influencer has been dedicated to showcasing how beauty has become a part of his everyday life and believes that being Alannized means, "being able to express myself creatively through makeup, and being able to do what makes ME happy."

Check out the Jan Issue of Athleisure Mag

4 CUSTOMER SERVICE TIPS FOR SALON OWNERS

Have you ever wondered why there are some hair salons that stay around longer than others? It is usually due to the fact that the owner of the salon understands what it means to provide excellent customer service, and provide exceptional services for the community they serve. The fact is that running a salon that is successful requires more than just trendy décor. Doing things like hiring call centers can help you focus more on your business and less on fielding calls. Some ways that you can ensure that your salon will be one of those that “hang around” is with the following tips.

1. Know Who Your Clientele Is

You need to cater to your surroundings. Consider the community and the type of people that will be coming into your salon. If you live in a diverse area, be sure to offers services to meet the needs of any client who may walk in. The last thing that you want is to make mistakes during your interactions with customers due to a lack of preparation. Taking the time to get to know all of your customers and what they like will serve you well when trying to set yourself apart. Giving this type of personalized attention to customers will allow you to keep them loyal for a long time to come.

2. Be in Control of Your Staff

You need to be in charge. Do not allow stylists to take over. You should ensure that they are not only licensed, but also able to provide all the services advertised by your salon. Also, you should ensure they are willing to accommodate clients and ensure that appointments are on time and that they behave in a proper and professional manner. Failing to have ground rules in place for your employees can lead to a variety of mistakes being made. You need to work on devising an employee handbook. This handbook is a great way to ensure your workforce knows what is expected of them and how they need to conduct themselves around customers.

3. Create a Great Atmosphere

You need to ensure that your customers are comfortable when they walk in the door. This means having clean floors, easily seen products and awaiting area that is relaxing and inviting. Doing things like giving customers gifts like a flatiron and curling iron set is a fantastic ideas. While these gifts will cost you a bit of money, it will be worth the investment. Your new customers will appreciate the gesture and will probably recommend you to their friends.

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4. A Neutral Atmosphere is a Must

This can be accomplished by implementing a sort of uniform for stylists. Black will help to create the most neutral tone for the salon and make it easier for customers to envision their new look.

5. Offer a Wide Array of Services

If you have the ability to handle many different services, you will be able to attract more customers, this is just a fact. While it may take a bit of time to build up personnel that can offer a wide array of services, it is worth the effort and investment. Essentially you will be able to provide more services to more clients.

6. Reasonable Prices

If you offer your services for a reasonable and competitive price, you are likely to have more return customers. However, if your prices are too low, customers may receive the impression of poor quality of services. Before setting prices for your services, you will need to take some time to research the market in your area. Calling around to your competitors is a great way to get a feel for what they are charging. Once you have this information, you will be able to set your prices competitively.

The time and energy that you put into optimizing your salon will pay off when you are able to attract more customers.

4 TIPS TO GET BACK ON YOUR SLEEP TRACK AFTER TRAVELLING

Take the road less travelled. Venture off-the-beaten path. Escape the tourist trail.

Such route-based clichés are thrown around with wild abandon when we refer to travel. But there’s one we seldom remember to advise upon: Get back on your sleep track, when you return.

Ok, so it might be a less catchy piece of advice. And you’re unlikely to see it adorning posters in a travel agent’s window, or on a piece of distressed wood in a hipster coffee joint. But it’s one that’s well worth bearing in mind.

After all, travelling isn’t all paradise beaches or perfect sunsets. It’s cancelled flights, dodgy stomachs and lost passports. Sure, there’s the adventure of the unknown; but there’s also the loneliness, chaos and pure exhaustion of being thrown into a surreal environment. It can be downright stressful, at times! And of course, it can wreak havoc on your sleep patterns.

A combination of different hotel rooms, overnight buses and noisy neighbours can make it hard enough to sleep when you’re away. Then there’s the homecoming – when you have to readjust to a new time zone, catch up on all the sleep you’ve missed during your journey and get used to it being dark during your morning commute when just last week, you were up for a sunrise jog on the beach 3 hours before.

Such disturbances to your sleep can make those post-holiday blues a whole lot darker. Luckily, I’ve got a few tips to help you stay in the light.

1. Stay up and don’t crash out

Climbing into bed after a long journey might seem like the best idea in the world...until you wake up in the middle of the night, thinking it’s breakfast time. Or not being able to get up before 2pm for a week after you’ve landed.

Unfortunately, giving into the temptation to crash out post-trip is a sure-fire way to jetlag. This knock to your sleeping pattern will leave you feeling lethargic, irritable and emotional. On the other hand, by making it through a day of pure exhaustion when you land, then having an amazing, deep sleep that night, you’ll feel like a new person come morning!

I know which person I’d rather be after my holiday.

2. Resist the urge to party

Not to be a total killjoy here but jumping straight into a “welcome home, me!” party when you land isn’t a great idea, either. Sure, you might be high on adrenaline and excitement that night but the repercussions can last for days…giving jet lag another look in when you should be kicking it firmly to the kerb.

My advice? Lie low for at least a day or two when you land. Get to sleep a little earlier than usual and allow yourself more time in bed in the morning, too. Catch up on missed sleep in those first few days and you’ll look better, feel healthier and be more energetic for that reunion when the time comes!

3. Beat off the bug

Of course, the travel bug is something that you’ll probably never shake off. But there are other bugs linked to travel that you definitely can…like the mysterious flu that always seems to kick in right after take-off.

Whether it’s the cabin pressure, or the combination of a laughably thin blanket and ice-cold air con or the hotbed of germs that long-haul journeys seem to involve, falling ill after a flight is a fairly common occurrence.

To avoid this happening to you, drink plenty of water during the flight, make sure to get enough sleep between movies and steer clear of caffeine and alcohol if you can. (I know. The teeny flight bottles are so cute. But they’re not your friend.)

After you get home, keep your hydration and Vitamin C levels up with plenty of orange juice and bundle up in lots of layers to help your body adjust to the change in climate. If you must show off that new beach dress, at least pair it with leggings and boots!

By staying healthy when you land, you’ll be able to sleep more easily; and better sleep will lead to you feeling even healthier! Win-win.

4. Listen to those in the know

Whether it’s your partner sensibly talking you out of a mid-week cocktail party (you’re not still on holidays, after all!) or the experts who know their sleep stuff, be willing to take whatever advice is offered. Take it with a pinch or with a shaker of salt if you prefer but take it all the same!

Because if you’ve just returned home from a trip, with full-on travel blues, chances are you won’t be in the soundest of minds. And if you’re sleep-deprived, you’re probably feeling more irritable, less motivated and incapable of making wise decisions. On the other hand, if you take the advice of those around you and get to bed early, rest rather than partying and so on…well, let’s just say you’ll know what’s good for you come morning!

Your eating, sleep and work habits will improve, making the return to reality a whole lot easier.

That’s about all for now, travel fans! Here’s to a great trip, wherever you go next…and to sweeter dreams when you return.

WHAT WOMEN REALLY WANT | VALENTINE'S DAY CONFESSIONS

Think about how you spend your Valentine's Day and what you would really want to. There are a number of options out there and Summer's Eve released results on "How Ladies Do V-Day" to show how women today are redefining the holiday to modernize it for their needs. Participants are women from across the country and we have a few of the results below - enjoy. 

Make sure to check out Summer's Eve and their micro-site which allows you to find out about a fun series of experiences that you can enjoy when you purchase two items.

Who Will Be Mine?:

• While women’s views of Valentine’s Day have changed over the years, the excitement around being with their lover on the special day has remained the same - yet the lack of a date hasn’t deterred them from finding ways to celebrate the day. Survey results found that 61% of women spend Valentine’s Day with a date or significant other, 30% fly solo by spending it alone and 9% pal up with their friends.

#Binge&Chill:

• When it comes to the great debate of going out or staying in, a majority of women (58%) would rather skip the crowds and spend Valentine’s Day at home chilling out rather than on an extravagant date.

A Date with Intimacy:

• What’s on the to-do list this Valentine’s Day? Survey results found that 62% of women view getting intimate as a priority on Valentine’s Day. Millennials (74%), are especially eager to get under the covers, compared to older generations. 

Cuddling Up Won’t Cut It:

• Survey results found that the pressure is on when it comes to getting it on! More than half of women (58%) agree that Valentine’s Day is the best time to try new things in the bedroom! In fact, that number is even higher among moms (67%) and ladies who are married or in a relationship (65%).  

Passion Prep:

• With all the time set aside for bedroom antics, women will be engaging in extensive beauty routines this Valentine’s Day – even prioritizing feminine care over getting a hot outfit! The top ways women plan to get ready this February 14th are:
• Shaving or waxing (63%)
• Picking the perfect scent (50%)
• Selecting special lingerie (43%)
• Using feminine hygiene products (36%)
• Buying a new outfit (35%)
• Women are taking their sweet time to get ready for Valentine’s Day! Nearly half (47%) of women who ever go out on Valentine’s Day estimate they’ll spend at least an hour preparing for their V-Day date.Millennials will be starting their routine earlier than their older counterparts, requiring an average of 60 minutes, compared to a slightly speedier 47 minutes for Boomers.

For The Love Of Money:

• Looking good for Valentine’s Day is not only time-consuming, but it’s also breaking the bank. On average, women spend about 30% more getting ready for a Valentine’s Day date than they do for a regular date. Millennials are the biggest spenders when it comes to dolling themselves up for love, with more than a third (34%) estimating they spend 50% or more on their Valentine’s date prep than a regular date, while only 19% of Baby Boomers said the same.

I’ll Be There For You:

• For some women, Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating bonds with their best buds. Given the choice between a few famous duos to spend the holiday with, more than 1 in 3 (38%) of women picked best Friends Jennifer Aniston and Courtney Cox as favorites.
• This was followed by 26% who would choose funny women Amy Poehler and Tiny Fey, 19% would want to chill with pop princesses Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez and 12% with early morning favorites Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb. In last place – catwalk superstars Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid with only 5% of women wanting to hang out with the trending models.

Reel Love:

• Get ready to que up the cliché romances on your streaming service this Valentine’s Day. The Ryan Gosling tearjerker “The Notebook” is the most popular choice of women (27%) for V-Day date watching, followed by the ’90s classic “Pretty Woman” and the risqué “Fifty Shades of Grey,” with 24% of women choosing each.
• With the “Fifty Shades Freed” film’s release on Valentine’s Day, most women are viewing it as foreplay for the night. Indeed, 52% would prefer to watch it with a date to “set the mood,” versus48% who would opt to take it in with friends as conversation fodder.

WIN THIS | #GETINMOTION

A few days ago, we went to ((305)) Fitness to workout with DJ and HBFit.com's Hannah Bronfman as well as to check out Tampax Pearl Active which has a MotionFit™ core that conforms to your unique shape so that you can literally do any workout that you can imagine. We love the idea of inspiring women to #GetInMotion and to find a routine that keeps them active all year long. Think about the idea that you can workout on your normal schedule without having to skip a few days when that time of the month hits. Although many power through, there are a number of people that don't and pain aside, it comes from the concern of leakage and others knowing that it happens! Enter Tampax Pearl Active and even Hannah agrees that, "It takes 21 days to form a habit and that means in just one month you can create an active routine you can stick to this year. This also means you will need to push through your period and keep moving throughout that week. Tampax Pearl Active with MotionFit technology moves with you for 100% Leak-Free workouts."

We're not known to be Stingy so we're giving one reader the opportunity to win a pack from our friends at Tampax Pearl Active and HBFit.com. It includes Tampax Pearl Active as well fitness goodies that will help you in your workout as well as recovery. Simply tweet @AthleisureMag as well as @Tampax to share with us the workouts that you enjoy doing and that you don't want to stop just because it's your time of the month - include #GetInMotion. We will run this contest throughout this month and will select a winner on March 1st!

THE KNOCKOUT WITH BRANDI RHODES

If you don't know Brandi Rhodes, you're missing out on this stunner who embodies #GirlPower and #CoupleGoals. While you get to know more about her through her social, you can catch her wrestling with Women of Honor alongside her hubby Cody Rhodes (as she is apart of wrestling royalty)! You can also catch her this month in the debut season of E! WAGS Atlanta, where she is one of the breakout stars.

In addition to shooting her fabulous editorial for our anniversary issue, we talked with her about how she got into the industry from modeling, her start in the WWE, being in ROH/WOH, her busy schedule and how she maintains her site, Not a Basic B for her fans to get to know her more!

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us how you got into wrestling and what your journey was into the sport?

BRANDI RHODES: I was scouted by WWE as I was modeling in Miami, FL. They contacted my modeling agency and expressed interest. From there I had meetings and then a try out to assess my athleticism. Then I was offered a contract to come to Florida Championship Wrestling and begin training. The rest is history!

AM: We know you were with the WWE and are currently with WOH - can you tell us about your experiences with both and what you're looking forward to within this league?

BR: With WWE I was an announcer, and unable to wrestle (which is what I wanted to do all along, but once it was discovered that I was good on the mic, I was placed in that position and
unable to transition away from it). In WOH I am of course a wrestler and am able to spread my wings and grow and learn so much! I also am able to work with my husband in ROH which is so
much fun. ROH/WOH allow me to do everything in the realm of wrestling, which is very challenging and fun.

AM: What's it like being married to Cody, who is also a wrestler and is in ROH?

BR: I’m the luckiest woman in the world to be married to Cody. He is incredibly smart, ambitious, handsome and has such a big heart. It’s inspirational to get to work with him in ROH. I learn a lot from him, and I have a front row seat to this time, being the most successful of his career. In Wrestling, many times wives have to stay home and watch their spouses compete from afar. I’m grateful to be on the road with him and able to see some of his most important
matches.

AM: How do you balance your schedules as we interviewed WWE Superstar Natalya Neidhart last year and Danielle Moinet/Summer Rae last year and know that as an athlete, you guys travel a lot to global matches? When your husband is also doing these, how do you connect
and find balance?

BR: We are big on having our fun. We plan our downtime just like anyone else. This month we are looking forward to a long awaited ski trip after heading to Japan for WrestleKingdom, one of the biggest wrestling events of the entire year! But sometimes it’s a trip to Disney or Universal Studios to recharge and connect, others it’s a trip to our favorite movie theater, and other times, we have to find time to have dates on the road! Last week we had to see The Last Jedi, in New Jersey because we were working, but refused to miss out on seeing the movie right when it came out. No matter how busy our schedules are, we can always find time to do things we love together. We make it if we have to!

AM: When we looked through your blog, Not Another Basic B - we were obsessed with your accessories and style - tell us more about your blog, why you created it, and how important is it to you as a creative outlet?

BR: Initially I created Not Another Basic B as a way to express my creativity. I was very bored and just not satisfied in my previous career. I couldn’t control that at the time, but I could challenge myself by creating the blog and the content that I put into it. I loved fashion and often would have people tweeting me trying to find out what brands I was wearing on TV, and this blog made it easier to connect with these folks and get them that information! From there, the blog took off to become more than fashion. I started sharing my travels, things about my
family and my marriage and personal stories as well. Now people look to the blog as a place for everyone. From the fashionista to the wrestling fan, to the traveler! I’m so proud of what it has
become!

AM: How did you become apart of the cast of WAGS Atlanta?

BR: I was living in LA working on another TV project and Casting reached out to my management asking if I would be willing to do a Skype interview to get to know me. I did the interview and a week later was sent over a contract to do the show! It was really fast! I later
found out that I was the last member cast. They were looking for someone who had an existing fan base and presence, and thankfully I have the most loyal fan base and following from the
wrestling world and they are really excited to see me on the show!

AM: We know that the season just started, but would you come back for another season, and/or be open to future reality shows?

BR: There are a lot of factors that come into play when determining what happens next and when. But I am happy to have this opportunity to be a part of the E! family, and for viewers and our existing fans to have the opportunity to get to know us a little better!

AM: How do you stay in great shape?

BR: I train very hard daily! My workouts are 6 days a week and incorporate weight training, interval exercises and plenty of cardio. I’ve found a balance with training, it’s something that challenges me, but also that I enjoy greatly.

AM: What do your workouts look for a match versus just maintaining when you may be in a few days of downtime?

BR: I really don’t deviate from routine when I have a match coming up. I compete pretty frequently, sometimes multiple times in one week, so for me it’s important to stay consistent at all times. In the summer, however, I do tend to add runs into my workouts simply because I love running outside!

AM: What are 3 go-to power foods when you're working out versus 3 splurges when you're treating yourself?

BR: When I’m working out I love a good protein shake, my favorite is from a place called Kale Me Crazy. I’m also very big on tuna packets, because I can take them anywhere and they do the trick! Then I love almond butter. Put it on my toast every morning. Splurge foods: pizza, burgers and any kind of cake. I have a ridiculous sweet tooth!

AM: You travel frequently what are 3 beauty products that you swear by that keep your skin fresh and vibrant?

BR: I always travel with Foreo. It’s a face cleansing device (similar to Clarisonic) but they come in Travel sizes and are so easy to use and keep clean! I also need my Dermologica face lotion
which is lightweight and SPF50! Lastly, I always have a good mask with me, I tend to go back and forth between charcoal and mud masks.

AM: How do you take time for yourself?

BR: Honestly... I watch the Hallmark Channel and HGTV and grab a glass of wine in my big moments of relaxation ha! I’ll take a bubble bath if I’m feeling REALLY edgy :)

AM: What do you wear when you go out for brunch, versus when you're running errands?

BR: I definitely dress up for brunch! A sundress with jewelry and heels in always up my alley. For errands, however, most of the time I am dressed “gym fab” because I’ve either just
come from the gym, or I’m on the way to the gym! Often time that’s head to toe Lululemon or Lorna Jane!

AM: What are your goals this year in wrestling, business, the site, family etc?

BR: This year I’m hoping to chase the dream of becoming WOH Champion! I’m looking forward to taking the blog to new heights this year with some upcoming partnerships! There are a few exciting things underway so just keep your eyes and ears open for me!

AM: What charities/philanthropies do you give your time to?

BR: I’ve always had an interest anything that helps with cancer research. Over the past few years my family has known too many families that have lost kids to childhood cancer. I’m always passionate in that research and spreading the word about ways to help.

AM: Anything else you'd like to share?

BR: The best ways to connect and interact with me! Those are my social pages: @TheBrandiRhodes - Twitter and IG and of course NotAnotherBasicB.com! Aside from that I’d like to wish everyone an amazing 2018! It’s going to be as great as we make it!

Read more from the Jan Issue and see The Knockout with Brandi Rhodes in mag.

WHEN YOU'RE A #BOSSINHEELS

In today's age, whether you work for yourself or are looking to climb the corporate ladder, there are so many things that you have to juggle in addition to being skilled at what you do. Having someone that can ensure that you're well rounded by providing confidence and direction are essential skill sets that may not come natural to you or need to be tweaked. We sat down with Heather Monahan to find out how she got into this business, how she empowers, an exciting partnership with Perry Ellis' line - Rafaella and how she juggles this in addition to being a single parent.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about your background and how you came to be a life coach and business expert.

HEATHER MONAHAN: Growing up poor, I had limited access to resources and mentors. Through sheer hard work, I muscled my way to the C-suite in media. What I realized once I got
there was, it didn’t have to be so difficult. Unfortunately, I had never had a female mentor along the way to help me and teach me the tips that I needed to advance so I took a much harder route. The more successful women that I encountered in business were cold and more concerned about holding women back instead of mentoring and advancing others. I realized that other women must be in the same situation that I was in. Once I realized this, I became dedicated to sharing my insight and offering the same mentoring that I provided for the people that worked for me and for others. This is how and why I launched my website initially and my social handles. Being qualified to be a business expert is a testament to my work experience and the various business segments that I have worked with or collaborated with over the years. In high school and college I, worked in the restaurant/bar business; after college I got into the
Wine/retail business; and finally into radio. What I was able to accomplish in radio was gaining insight into other industries and helping them to drive revenue in their respective industries. This opportunity to partner with so many companies in different industries really allowed me to see the commonalities in business that were necessary for success in any vertical. I had never
thought of myself as a life coach until Elvis Duran called me one on his show. The “life Coach” title came as a natural evolution from me advising businesses and then people on how to advance at work. The natural progression from advancing at work leads to how to advance in life in general and overcome adversity. This taps into my own personal life experience and is grounded in my transparency in my own struggles and fails.

AM: What does your job entail and how do you assist businesses and those who work within them to put their best foot forward?

HM: After 22 years in corporate America, I have finally taken the leap into entrepreneurship. My track record in business has attracted companies looking for my consultation on how to drive revenue, create a positive culture and connect with and win better talent. As my schedule allows I also work one on one with those trying to identify their superpowers, find their voice, get promoted, launch a personal brand or otherwise. My primary goal is to share what I have learned over the past 43 years with those looking to advance or get ahead at work and in life.
I recently finished my book on how to build confidence and leapfrog the villains along the way. My hope is to empower others to sidestep the landmines that I walked straight into. My job
entails identifying the right corporate partners for my brand to enable me to extend my reach and help more people achieve their dreams. I evaluate partnerships daily against my overarching strategy of empowering others to advance themselves. Every day there is a larger amount of companies looking to empower their employees and customers and impact change, creating an experience is the new way of doing business and this is what I am bringing to market.

AM: Tell us about #BossInHeels, why you're focused on this and what its purpose is.

HM: “Boss in Heels” means a few things to me. When people hear the term “Boss” often times they think of a male stoic figure. To me, “Boss in Heels” is representative of being you and for me that means celebrating that I am a woman while still commanding respect and delivering results in the workplace. “Boss in Heels” is about treating employees, partners and clients well and having a vested interest in their success. “Boss in Heels” is a more modern way of leading. I focused on this initiative because for me what I saw in leadership roles were older men or cold, frigid women. I didn't see leaders that looked different, we're open and transparent and rocked their own vie with confidence. I was always my own person and by not following traditional guidelines I found my superpower. My purpose is to help others find their superpower and through that, make the world a better place.

AM: Right now, the culture of women in the workplace, whether in film/TV, corporate ladders and even those that are entrepreneurs, are coming to light in the challenges that many of us have faced as we work in the space as well as advancing - how does this affect your work and guidance to women seeking your advice?

HM: It is amazing! I launched my initiative two years ago and now to see the world ready to receive and discuss these topics is overwhelming. Every day I wake up to some new opportunity and potential collaboration, this is a constant reminder to me that putting your best foot forward with good intent will always pay dividends. This timing has allowed me to have a much broader conversation that otherwise would have been limited to my social handles and my website. Media is not only open to the topic, they are looking for ways to address it daily. I am so appreciative to all of the women in the world that have started this movement and continue it daily. The outreach that I have received from various women has escalated over recent months. It truly is the domino effect where one story has allowed for the next, and now it is up to us to keep this momentum going to ensure we change the landscape moving forward.

AM: We know that you're partnering with Perry Ellis with their line, Rafaella - tell us about the line, partnership and what we can expect from this union?

HM: I am so excited to share this with you! Rafaella is all about fit, style and comfort which for me has been elusive most of my life. I will find brands I love that have fantastic style, but that
don't fit in a way I feel comfortable or confident in. Much like a recent conference I had in NYC when I put on my new and stylish designer pantsuit only to have the seam rip before I left the
hotel room. Comfort and fit are paramount! Rafaella shatters this story by bringing a form fitting, stylish line to women to empower them to feel and look their best. With sizes ranging from 4-24. Rafaella has built their business on the belief that women feel their best when they are in clothes that fit them best. Most importantly, Rafaella finds a way to do this that doesn’t
break the bank and makes it possible for women to invest in themselves. Our partnership is focused on bringing to life the element of empowering women which is so deeply ingrained
in both of our brands. I am proud to have the opportunity to represent the line and create content on their behalf while speaking to women on the power of our own choices in fashion and otherwise. Helping to create an experience around this heritage brand and bringing this concept to life is one of my most exciting opportunities for 2018. This is going to be an amazing partnership which I am hoping you will follow over the coming months because
you will LOVE IT!

AM: What do you feel are the biggest challenges or perceived obstacles that face women and what advice do you give to those that need a little push to take charge of their lives?

HM: The biggest challenge or perceived obstacle any woman faces is herself. The advice that I give to those needing to take charge of their lives is to accept that truth that they are the ones creating their lives and are to blame or to applaud for the life they have created.

I understand that some will say that is harsh, but I have been there on food stamps in awful situations and I have worked my way out of them, then I have gone through divorce, then I have reached the highest level of success and been fired, I have some experience in this whole thing and in understanding standing the role I play in it all. At the end of the day we are the
hero in our own story or we can be the villain that causes us to fail. We all have choices, they may not be easy choices, but they are our own and up to no one else. I suggest firing the negative people from your life, claiming responsibility for your life, stopping the blame game, picking your head up to see where it is you want to go and building a plan to get there. I suggest taking action each day to do something you are scared of and writing it down, what is
the worst that can happen? In order to change you need to do something different, why not start today?

AM: What philanthropies/charities do you give your time?

HM: City Year has been my preferred charity since I have lived in Miami. I have also worked with various charities across Florida to help those in need including Children’s Home Society among others.

AM: As someone who works on so many projects and is a single parent, how do you take time for yourself and how important is this?

HM: Getting divorced, while having been difficult, has forced me to make time for myself. When my son is with his father, I find myself free at night to go out and do things I want to do, which is fantastic. I now realize that making myself my number one priority is key to my success. When I was younger, I saw this as selfish, now I realize it is my job, If I am not happy and feeling
healthy and excited, how am I going to loft those around me up? Today, I put the oxygen mask on me first before I give it to everyone else. The airlines wouldn’t stay in business if they were
wrong.

Photos courtesy of Heather Mohahan

Read more from the Jan Issue and see When You're A #BossInHeels in mag.

IT'S ALL ABOUT RESOLUTION WITH BILL + GIULIANA RANCIC

When you think about the month of January, it's all about having that clean slate to really get into those activities that will take you to the next level personally, in your career, friends, family and your personal relationship with your significant other. It's about goal setting that we all do, regardless of who we are and what we do.

We sat down with one of our favorite power couples Giuliana and Bill Rancic. We know them from their successful show together that gave us insight into their lives and how they manage running their businesses, their family etc. We know that Bill is an entrepreneur with a number of successful projects under his belt and of course, Giuliana is synonymous with interviewing celebrities on and off the red carpet for E!. Together they are raising their son Duke, involved in an array of businesses that include lifestyle oriented ventures of food, beverage, apparel and more within their portfolio. But just like us, they are looking to optimize their life making key foundational decisions that start with their resolutions, accountability and of course, adding a bit of glamour in all that they do!

ATHLEISURE MAG: How important is it to make resolutions?

BILL RANCIC: I think it’s very important. It’s a way to create a roadmap for what you want in life and where you want that year to take you. If you want to get to the desired destination, you’re never going to get to where you want to and what you want to achieve in 12 months without it.

GIULIANA RANCIC: Bill’s all about the roadmap. And I love that about him. We always say that his .99 solution is a legal pad. He always says that the solution to where you want to be is only
.99.

BR: Well it’s not real until you write it down. 

GR: Well you know, what we love to do is the family resolution – it’s the new resolution. The individual resolutions get broken early as there is a study that says it’s broken by the second week of Feb! But the family resolutions are those that can be written down together and you can help and support one another in terms of sticking to them.

BR: Well that’s what we do so if we’re kind of getting off the path, she pulls me up and if she is, I pull her up. Pretty soon, our son will be able to pull us up, one by each hand!

GR: That’s why you want to set family resolutions.

AM: Tell us about how your family, resolutions and your partnership with Marshalls will allow people to set and keep them as we continue through 2018?

GR: We’re really big fans of Marshalls. You should see me walking through here – I mean everything I’m wearing right now is from here – my shoes too! I love their clothes as they have a lot of high-end products, designer labels at affordable prices, wellness and they’re really focused on family. I don’t know if people really realize how family oriented it is. Everything you need for your family is there. Some store you go to, they have women’s shoes and men’s, but nothing for kids. For us, one of our family resolutions is to carve out a game night. So we do dinner as a family obviously, but what we want to do is to make a dinner and start it from scratch and then play a game. We’re able to do that as we can come here and get our games (I mean I’m talking to you and they’re right there) and then we can get our cooking items here – they have wonderful olive oils, pots and pans. In terms of home they have you covered and they’re very into wellness. They have activewear, foam rollers, fitness gear, even little kid weights.

BR: Our son loves working out with those!

AM: Is Duke a little yogi in training?

GR: No he likes lifting weights!

BR: He loves pumping iron haha. You know that apparatus where you strap yourself in and then go up? He wanted to go in there and do it.

GR: They did it together.

BR: Yes I helped him haha!

GR: In our home gym we have the foam rollers, mats, weights, and things we use at home. He can use them with us as obviously, we don’t take him to the gym with us. It’s fun and he likes to roll on the foam roller and he stretches with daddy on the mat. I buy all my soaps from here, candles, picture frames and I did a lot of them for Christmas as gifts. It’s really a family destination.

AM: What are your resolutions that you are making?

BR: First and foremost, Giuliana and I are going to do dinner at home one night a week with no cell phones allowed. Cook together with our son cooking and having that game night. Making it healthy and that’s the big one – we want to improve the quality of our time together.

GR: Do you know what’s nice about doing it together as a family and having a child involved? The resolution really starts to teach you more than just a resolution, it’s also about keeping it and having that conversation when there are set backs. If we miss a week because of a vacation, we know it’s ok because we can recover and come back from that. These are qualities that he can add into his life.

AM: How can other people adopt this and make themselves accountable?

BR: Well, once again, you have to write it down as it's not real until you do that! It needs to be in places that you see it. For us, I put it on the mirror of the bathroom. So every morning when you’re brushing your teeth, it’s a constant reminder of what you want to do.

GR: Obviously it’s also about having the right products. If one of your resolutions is that you feel like you don’t print out enough pictures (I was actually thinking about this the other day), I
was like, “Bill can we add another thing to the resolution?” We all have a million pictures on our phones and maybe our computers, but do we print any of these out? Where will they end up one day? You want your family and friends to be able to one day open up a book and see these pictures and not have to go looking for your old phones to get them! SO I wanted to make this a resolution to begin printing them out. So every month, I will go online and print a bundle of them out to create photo albums and journaling. So buying a few albums, picture frames, the journal etc – if you buy these items you’ll more likely to follow through. It serves as a great
reminder.

AM: We're in the thick of Awards Season and you looked amazing as you always do – what are you looking forward to?

GR: You know, I love glamour. The red carpet is the time to be glamorous and to wow us! You have to do something different. Red carpets have been around for some time now and have
been popular for the past couple of decades at least. So you've seen a lot of styles and silhouettes.

AM: Absolutely right now, our Style Director is focused on the Grammys as she's styling a few clients for it.

GR: Yes, so you know how it is! I was just trying on my dress for the Grammys the other day and I was like, I want to do something different – should I try a high boot? I never really do that with an evening gown but why not, because it’s about breaking the rules a little bit and changing it up. It’s ok that you’re not “Best Dressed”. I always say that the true fashionista is on the Best Dressed List and The Worst Dressed List as she’s taking chances and not just being safe.

So for me at the Golden Globes, for instance, it wasn’t a traditional hairstyle and I was like, “let’s do a knotted ponytail”. It was just fun. I do 6 big red carpets a year and I’ve done that for 15 years – you do the math, but my point is, I have done a lot of hairstyles to change it up. So resolution, I said I’m going to do something different at each one that is a departure – so I’m hoping to see that also translating to those walking the carpets this season.

BR: It gets you out of your comfort zone and I'm putting it on the list.

AM: So how is it living in Chicago?

BR: I’m from Chicago and I love raising our son there and having four seasons. And the people – it’s something about the Midwest, it’s hard to articulate it. When they see someone that is lost, you stop and say, “hey can help you get to where you’re going?” It’s pretty cool and people have great work ethics. The winters there are great character builders. It’s a great
character builder for mommy!

But I think that Chicago is one of the greatest cities in the world. We have world class museums, the lake front is spectacular and we live across the street from one of the greatest beaches that you could ask for – 6 months a year and then food! We own a handful of restaurants there.

AM: When are we getting an RPM in NYC?

BR: Hopefully soon!

GR: We’re looking at our next one and we have an announcement coming up soon. But we’re looking at NY, LA, Dallas, Nashville and a few other cities. I’m not from Chicago and am from the East Coast – from Maryland. Even I have embraced Chicago wholeheartedly, and for our son, it was just a deal Bill and I made. We have been married for 10 years, together almost 12 –
that was our deal from day one before we got engaged. We wanted to raise our son in Chicago and it’s been great.

The other day at school, our son was asked what Mommy’s job was and he said, “she’s a singer.” I was like thank you – he has no idea that I am a TV host and a reporter. He just knows that I love to sing and we sing together at home, we have a karaoke machine and microphones. So he doesn’t think that Mommy is on TV interviewing celebrities – he just thinks that I sing. He says, "we sing together and we have a band." It's really cute.

AM: What other projects are you working on that you can share?

BR: We just launched Giuliana Prosecco with our partners Terlato Wines (a luxury wine importer with over 80 global brands). Most importantly trying to be a great dad!

GR: Yes he’s a great husband and a great dad – great friend. We have so much fun together. It’s so important as time is so precious. Bill always says that you have to reverse engineer your life. Start at the end and work your way back. What will you say that you wish you had done more of versus what you would have done less of. You will never say that you wish that you had less time with your family or your kids. You’ll probably never say that you wished that you spent more time at the office for work. We’re really trying to use the past couple of the years and those coming to have a great family foundation and to nurture that.

We’re working on a couple of other things we have the wine, restaurant and I have my clothing line on HSN.

BR: We have a project we’re launching together as well – soon.

We'll have our eye on Giuliana throughout Awards Season as she reports Live from the Red Carpet on E! to see the array of looks for each show and how Giuliana continues to change it up on the carpet as well.

PHOTO COURTESY | PG 108 + 112 Courtesy of E!, PG 110 Photo by Stuart Ramson/Invision for Marshalls/AP Images

Read more from the Jan Issue and see It's All About Resolution with Bill and Giuliana Rancic in mag.

IN OUR BAG | WORKING OFF SITE

When you're working off site (whether that be out of your office, home office or co-working
space), we have some items that we suggest that you take with you to keep the workflow moving!

| MILKADAMIA Unsweetend Vanilla Macadamia Milk | SMASHBOX Be Legendary Triple Tone Lipstick | THE DAILY EDITED Overnight Bag | PALMER'S Coconut Oil Formula with Vitamin E Hand Cream | PRIMAL KITCHEN Dark Chocolate Almond Bars, Chocolate Hazelnut Bars, Coconut Cashew Bars and Macademia Sea Salts Bars | DAY DESIGNER Daily Planner White Marble |

Read the Jan Issue and see In Our Bag | Working Off Site in mag

ATHLEISURE LIST | PAINTBOX

Nestled in Soho, Paintbox is the perfect destination for getting your nails done in a luxury setting. Known for an extensive menu of nail art (although you can also get your nails done without the art), this luxury salon focuses on manicures only and has a number of hues and combinations that you can select from to make your look your own.

Before setting up your appointment at Paintbox, we suggest visiting their website to see a number of nail designs and trends that they are focusing on at the moment. It helps to narrow
down your options and to get an idea of what you think works for you. After check in, you're handed a book that shows a number of designs as well as those that are curated for the current month. They also have a nail menu that shares gel and lacquers that are available. If you don't see your shade, simply describe the hue that you're interested in or the polish brand that makes it and they have a diverse selection that you can choose from.

We always enjoy having a glass of bubbly while we wait and of course while we are having our nails done. The sleek and minimal nature of this location is calming and it makes it the perfect
place for an event, a solo treatment or to bring a friend along. When your treatment has concluded, you also have the option to share your nails as you can Instagram them on the premises which is a fun touch.

Everytime we have had our nails done here, it's always fun to have the staff see what you selected as there is such pride in the art of nails here.

PAINTBOX
17 Crosby St.
NY, NY 10013

www.paint-box.com

Read more from the Jan Issue and see Paintbox in mag.

ATHLEISURE BEAUTY | YOUR FITNESS KIT

When you're off to the gym, you generally are coming from one place to the next. We always carry a clutch with our must have items to use in addition to the amenities offered at whatever gym or studio we work out at.

| URBAN DECAY COSMETICS All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray | YUNI BEAUTY Shower Sheets | SPHYNX All-in-1 Travel Razor | QUILTED KOALA Custom Cosmetic Clutch |

Read more from Jan Issue and read Athleisure Beauty Your Fitness Kit in mag.

WIN THIS | DERMALOGICA

We're pretty excited to announce a MONTH of giveaways that will take place throughout the month of love this February! If you follow us on Twitter, you know we love tweeting throughout The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. ALSO if you read our current issue, you saw that our cover girl, Brandi Rhodes, wrestler of Women of Honor and cast member of E!'s WAGS Atlanta swears by Dermalogica! Our Style Director, Kimmie recently tried it and has put it into her routine so we wanted to give 10 of our readers the chance to win Dermalogica's Healthy Skin Besties Kit that was created in collaboration with BFFs Jo Jo Fletcher (The Bachelorette) and Becca Tilley (The Bachelor).

This limited edition kit includes the brand's best selling products that give a deep clean Double Cleanse. It's perfect for prepping for Spring and for a jetset lifestyle!

Although this kit is available for $22 at Ulta Beauty and Ulta.com, it is valued at $60 and all you have to do to win is to follow @AthleisureMag on Twitter, @Dermalogica on Isntagram and join our newsletter so you won't miss out on Spring goodies coming up!

The travel-friendly kit includes:

• PreCleanse Balm with mitt (0.5 US FL OZ)
• Special Cleansing Gel (1.7 OZ)
• PreCleanse Balm & Special Cleansing Gel Foil Samples (to give to your bestie)
• $5 FaceFit Skin Treatment Voucher
• Turquoise blue zippered makeup bag personalized by JoJo and Becca

Our giveaway starts now and continues through Jan 31st at 11:59pm EST. Winners will be announced on Feb 1st! Throughout the month we will have fun giveaways and this is the first that will be given away!

Read our Jan Issue

BAOBAB BEAUTY

The Baobab Tree (known as the Tree of Life) is one of the most nourishing trees that holds gallons of water in its trunk and is beloved by elephants. The tree also produces Baobab Oil which appears in these products.

MISSHA Super Aqua Ultra Water Full Clear Cream | EMMAUS Softness Bliss Body Lotion | FREE YOUR MANE Baobab Brilliant Restorative Hair Oil |

Read more from the Jan Issue and see Baobab Beauty in mag.

TALKING LOCKS WITH ANDREW FITZSIMONS

Awards Season brings a number of our faves together and we had the moment to catch up with Andrew Fitzsimons, Celebrity Hair Stylist. We caught up with him to find out about must have tips that we should use when we're prepping our locks, how he got into the business and what he's up to.

ATHLEISURE MAG: You have rocked amazing hair on some of our favorite celebrities. Tell us when you realized that you wanted to be a hairstylist and your journey to becoming the stylist for the Kardashians, Joan Smalls, Ashley Graham, etc?

ANDREW FITZSIMONS: I fell into hair styling at a very young age when my mom got me a summer job at a local hair salon when I was 13. I loved the work so much that when I returned to school, I realized school wasn’t for me. After much begging, my mum allowed me to pursue my dream full time, but with the conditions that I be kind to everyone, never take a sick day and work to the top of my field. I’m still working on #3!

AM: As the Alterna Hair Care Brand Ambassador, what does this role entail and how did you become this?

AF: One of the biggest parts of my job as Alterna Haircare’s brand ambassador is teaching women how they can use the products to get healthy, shiny, red carpet-ready hair! A lot of women struggle with styling and caring for their hair, but with the right products, it can be much easier. In addition to education, I work with Alterna on product formulation, trend forecasting, photo shoots and video shoots, events and so much more! I love getting to share my love of beauty.

AM: We're in the thick of Awards Season right now - what are 10 products/tools that you always have on hand?

AF: Toothbrush – My secret weapon for cleaning up baby hairs and flyaways!

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer – This dryer is super lightweight; light tools are essential for hairdressers.

GHD Curling Irons – I love these irons because they heat up so fast and are ceramic, so they help protect the hair more than most curling irons. I also like that they’re all matte black, it makes my kit look really chic.

Glam Seamless Extensions – I carry extensions in every color imaginable, and lately, I've been stocking up on these, which I love.

Babylisspro Nano Titanium Flat Iron – This is my favorite flat iron ever, been using it for years. It gets hair perfectly straight and shiny!

Alterna Haircare Anti-Frizz Omega+ Nourishing Oil – I’m obsessed with this moisturizing, super lightweight oil. It’s extremely versatile, so I’m able to use it on all of my clients, no matter their
hair type. It gives the hair a beautiful, healthy shine and provides light definition without weighing the hair down at all.

Alterna Haircare Caviar Working Hair Spray – This buildable hair spray is a must for all of my jobs! It gives you a great brushable hold with no stickiness or tackiness.

Alterna Haircare Caviar Repair Multi-Vitamin Heat Protection Spray – My clients put their faith in me that I’m going to take care of their hair, so heat protection is a must! So many people skip this step, but it’s essential for keeping your hair healthy and strong.

Alterna Haircare Perfect Texture Finishing Spray – This spray is the perfect combination of the hold of a hairspray and the buildable texture of a dry shampoo. Perfect for those effortless
looking, model-off-duty vibes.

Rita Hazan Root Concealer – This is perfect for root touch ups!

AM: You're fresh from the Golden Globes, can you tell us as a stylist what the prep is like before Awards Day in terms of coordinating the hair inspiration with the other components of the look, what your schedule was like in terms of how many/who you styled that day, your prep to get ready, how much time you spent styling each of the looks and once completed what do you after a long day of this nature?

AF: Usually before a big awards show, I’ll be in regular contact with my client, my client’s stylist and my client’s makeup artist. We all review the dress and I create a mood board of ideas based on the dress. At the recent Globes, I had two clients: Kendall Jenner for the Globes and Shay Mitchell for the parties. Typically, there are 2-3 hours for glam and getting dressed, so it’s not unusual to have several clients in one day. Once all my clients are done, I typically rush home with my assistant so we can watch the event coverage – it’s fun to see the looks on the red carpet.

AM: As someone who is constantly on the go from set, red carpets etc how do you take time for yourself?

AF: I really enjoy working out – it helps get me into a zone where I’m just focused on one thing (typically I’m juggling a bunch of jobs and projects, so there’s a lot on my mind). It’s a good way to “press reset” in a way. Yoga is another workout I love, and if I’m having a really busy day, I try to meditate for a few minutes in the car between clients.

AM: When you have downtime, what would we find you doing?

AF: Down time?! I don’t have that… In seriousness, I work every day and am always working on new projects and ideas.

AM: What are 3 places that we would find you grabbing a drink in LA, having a meal with friends and where do you workout?

AF: To me, having wine at a friend’s house is much better than going out! It’s so much more relaxed and fun. For a meal, I love Casa Vega – it’s a staple in the Valley and I love it’s history
(and of course the delicious food!)

For workouts I love Barry’s Bootcamp and Soul Cycle.

AM: What's your personal style in terms of what you wear when you're out with your friends brunching, versus what you were when you're on your way to meeting your clients for Awards
Season to get them ready for the red carpet?

AF: I have a very consistent wardrobe – I’m typically wearing an oversized white tee, black jeans, black boots and a black leather jacket (depending on the weather!). I like to have a fairly
clean / consistent uniform.

AM: What charities/philanthropies do you support?

AF: I actually recently partnered with the LA LGBT Center to launch the Trans Cosmetic Donation Program, an innovative charity program in which beauty professionals, influencers and celebrities can donate unused personal care products to the LA LBGT Center, and they redistribute the products to various charities that serve trans women of color in Southern California.

AM: We can see you having a haircare line, extension brand etc - how else do you want to extend your skills for those that may not be able to have you personally do their hair?

AF: I will be launching a YouTube Channel soon! I’m really excited to have an online platform where I can translate the red carpet styles of celebrities to more women. There are few more
projects I can’t talk about quite yet…

Read more from the Jan Issue and see Talking Locks with Andrew Fitzsimons

DOING THE DOUX

Maya Smith has been showing love to hair of all textures for years as an International Master Trainer who got her start as an assistant to celebrity hairstylist, Tracy Johnson. This military wife and mother of 5, opened The Honey Comb in Germany while her husband was stationed there. Her clients spanned from those in Europe as well as Africa as she was known for styling hair of all texture types.

Maya launched her haircare line with a cult following, The DOUX® initially overseas in Germany, France, Italy and Netherlands. When she came back to the states, she opened The DOUX salon in Macon, Georgia. This Christmas Eve, THE DOUX will be sold nationwide in Target. With the colder weather setting in, she shares tips on how to work with curly hair, select products and care for it.

People with wavy or curly hair are always looking for new products, tips and tricks to lock in their desired look. Whether they want to blow it straight, create looser curls or maximize their tighter coils, she shares her best tips for girls with curls who want to revel in their natural hair and create a style they love.

Understand the battle between oil and moisture.

The first thing people must understand is that there are opposite things going on at the same time. “Due to the shape of curly haired strands, the hair tends to be under moisturized. On the other hand, the curly haired scalp can get very oily. Managing these opposite demands is the struggle of girls who wish to keep their curls. The key here is knowing how best to address both,” explains Maya who led the movement for women to transition from relaxers to natural curls.

Be gentle when washing curly hair.

According to Maya, kinky, thick, coiled textures tend to appear “tough” and strong enough to withstand heavy manipulation. "in my experience, these hair types are actually the most delicate, and should be handled with care, she recommends.”

Step One: Pick your products wisely.

Maya applied over 2 decades of research and development based on working knowledge of hair texture and listening to what people wanted. “I created The Doux™ SUCKA FREE Moisturizing Shampoo and FRESH RINSE Moisturizing Conditioner as the one-two step that delivers both deep cleaning plus exceptional nourishment necessary for styling.”

Step Two: Prep for shampoo.

Maya’s professional instructions for curl mastery begins with rinsing hair thoroughly with water for a minimum of 30 seconds. “This helps to eliminate any water-soluble product buildup, such as hair gel or heat protectant. It also helps you save shampoo! Assuming you’re shampooing in the shower, letting the water run over the hair in a downward motion helps prevent further tangling, and allows the hair shaft to swell and the curl pattern to fully rebound.” For those with extremely thick hair, Maya suggests separating hair into 4 sections prior to wetting the hair for increased manageability.

Once the shampoo is applied, Maya recommends light manipulation at the scalp, going from the crown of the head to the nape of the neck. “Squishing” the hair up toward the scalp is a no-no. “Shampooing this way can cause unforgivable tangling and matting. I recommend repeating the shampooing process at least once.”

Step Three: Condition and comb through like a pro.

If your scalp was properly shampooed, conditioning is easy. “This time, you’re focusing on your thirsty ends first, working upward toward the scalp. Gently detangle with a wide-toothed comb
or detangling brush (the favorite is Felicia Leatherwood's "Brush with the Best” detangling brush) before rinsing, starting at the ends, working up toward to the roots. Remember to rinse with cool water which snaps cuticles shut, locks in moisture, makes your hair shinier and reduces frizz.”

When it comes to “co-washing” or “conditioner washing,” Maya equates the popular trend to washing your clothes with fabric softener. “In my experience, co-washing causes build-up on the hair, coating the cuticle and impairing the hair’s natural ability to absorb water. Oils, waxes,
and product residue harden on the hair shaft, making it more brittle and less porous over time. When the hair can no longer effectively absorb water, the elasticity of the hair is compromised, leaving the hair “crunchy” and stiff, where it is more likely to break. The result is hair that feels
dry and brittle, no matter what product you use to moisturize it,” explains Maya.

One of the things Maya Smith and her team of stylists are known for is their ability to restore hundreds of their clients’ curls, simply by getting them to trade in the co-wash for a gentle, pH-balanced moisturizing shampoo, like The Doux’s SUCKA FREE which properly cleanses hair of product residue. “Once you have the hair thoroughly clean it “drinks” up the necessary amount of moisture, and returns to its natural softness,” Maya clarifies.

Avoid alcohol and kick the crunch to the curb.

Styling products high in alcohol give curls a crunchy feel. They suck up every last bit of moisture. Hair spray tends to contain the most alcohol, while gels, mousses and anything that provides hold or lift come in second. “I recommend water-soluble gels that don't feel sticky on your skin, and aerated mousses or foams that resemble beaten egg whites, to give hair fullness,
control, and non-brittle curls," Maya says.

She adds that she created The Doux so it can be used on hair that is worn curly or straight. "Our clients purchase one set of products, and apply them differently to achieve the style they want. If you’re rocking curly hair today, you’re using The Doux’s Mousse Def and Bonita Afro
Balm for softness and definition, and The Light for shine. If you’re wearing a blowout, you’re still using the same products, but applying them less liberally, and using the shine mist as a heat protectant. It’s super simple and easy to follow once you’ve seen the results each of them deliver,” Maya explains.

Blow-Dry with a diffuser or hooded dryer.

Maya’s first choice for curly styles is to air dry. “If you don't have the time to air dry, then dry with a diffuser or hooded dryer on a low heat setting. A regular blow dryer nozzle disrupts the curl pattern and focuses hot air on one small section at a time, while a diffuser, dries curls evenly for a full, uniform look,” she explains.

Maya recommends always applying a heat-protecting product, then flipping your head upside down using a diffuser at the roots and mid-length making sure to dry the area completely to lock in volume. “It’s important to leave the ends for last, and leave them only semi-dry. Air drying the ends is your best option.” Care for the curls you were born with!

Read more from the Dec issue and see Doing the Doux.

PEPPERCORN BEAUTY

Beyond adding peppercorn to savory dishes, it's a beauty ingredient that fights wrinkles and exfoliates the skin. We suggest adding these to your routine.

| CRABTREE & EVELYN Rosewater & Pink Peppercorn - Hydrating Body Gel | MOLTON BROWN Black Peppercorn Body Wash | NAKED PRINCESS 24K Love Dust - Boudoir Blush |

Read more from the Dec Issue and read Peppercorn Beauty in mag.

#TRIBEGOALS | RECOMMENDED FOR YOUR TRIBE TO EAT, WORK & PLAY

After the ball drops and you had the most epic night at the Marquee Las Vegas at The Cosmopolitan Hotel, to begin a prosperous New Year, you'll want to give your body extra love. We have our three must haves for proper TLC.

| VASELINE® INTENSIVE CARE Cocoa Radiant Smoothing Body Butter | CO2LIFT Single Pack Anti Aging Treatment | ICONIC PROTEIN Grass Fed Protein Drink |

Read more from the Dec Issue and see #TribeGoals in mag.