What I learned from Sam Fine is HAUTE!

Sometimes we meet people who inspire us in ways that we’ve never expected. I can honestly say that Sam Fine is more than an accomplished celebrity makeup artist to me. He’s a great role model for girls in any field… and the magic that surrounds him can easily rub off on you.

In just the brief time that I spent with Sam, during his visit to Atlanta to headline my first Haute Travels Beauty event, I got to meet the guy who is intuitive, smart, funny and so professional. I still remember our conversations in those spare moments before and after the beauty event that always left me with something to think about.

One thing that really stood out, Sam kept telling me to think beyond 2011… because the work of 2012 was already underway. He encouraged me to celebrate accomplishments even when venturing out to do something for the very first time. And he always seems to know when there was something more on my mind. I love that he follows his heart and takes on projects that speak to him or excites him in some way. After all, isn’t that what passion is all about?

I’ve never met anyone who was more generous with his knowledge, wisdom and time than Sam. And I’m thrilled that I got to meet someone that made me think about my next steps six months from now instead of just tomorrow. I’m especially excited that this wasn’t a one-time encounter on a red carpet or step and repeat moment, but a genuine conversation with someone who makes you think and inspires you to dream bigger. Thank you Sam!

What have you learned from MUA Sam Fine?

Who's Who is Haute!

The unveiling of the 13th edition of Who’s Who in Black Atlanta was so much fun particularly since I’m profiled in the book ;). The reception took place at Twelve Hotel at Atlantic Station before about 500 guests. The turnout was amazing and everyone appeared to have had a wonderful time.

As I flipped through the book, I was inspired by so many of the stories told throughout from entrepreneurs to corporate executives who have done wonderful things in their chosen fields. The evening also included an opportunity to network with some of Atlanta’s most influential people along with up and coming movers and shakers over cocktails.

It’s an honor to have been selected for the book. I would like to thank Real Times Media Creative and Operations Director Tamara Allen for selecting me to be in the book along with a few of my friends. This has been a wonderful way to end the year.

How will you end the year?

Haute Travels Beauty Presents Sam Fine

Hosting my very first Haute Travels Beauty event featuring Sam Fine has been the highlight of the year. After picking the perfect team and bringing Mr. Fine on board everything fell into place. I’m a story teller so making sure that the event offered an experience was a priority. Every girl left with her own unique story after getting personal time with the man they most admire in the makeup industry, Mr. Sam Fine. He was engaging, smart, witty, but most of all authentic. He was the perfect complement to a dream come true.

I’m also happy to say that we raised awareness for Living Water for Girls among those in the beauty industry. This is an amazing organization that works to help little girls who look like us escape the world of child sex exploitation and trafficking. It’s my mission to bring the worlds of beauty and philanthropy together to make a difference… and be a Force of Beauty because being pretty is not enough.

For all the girls and guys who came out to support Haute Travels Beauty, I’m excited to have made some of your dreams come true. I’m not a beauty industry insider-but rather a girl who likes to play with makeup. It was very special for me to have you girls say, “Thank you for what you’re doing for our industry.” I’m humbled by all of your support… particularly San Tara and Jennifer who Tweeted, posted info on Facebook and emailed their friends the information about the beauty seminar… and I’ve never met them! But, they are the kind of friends that every girl should have support and invest in her goals, dreams and desires.

I’m not sure what the next Haute Travels Beauty event will look like but it will be HAUTE! My team of dream makers will be there to make sure that everything goes off perfectly… thank you Mary, Ernest, Sam, Robin, Lori, Gwynnis, Jayda, Nubia, Lydia, Crystal, Lisa, Connie, Yvette and my mom for all of your support!

Will you join our next Haute Travels Beauty event?

My Haute Beauty Team

My beauty dream team includes industry legends… Celebrity Makeup Artist Sam Fine was on hand to teach makeup technique and offer business advice to the girls attending my Haute Travels Beauty seminar on October 16th at the beautiful Ernest Washington Studios. When Sam touched my face, I almost died! I’ve admired his work for so many years; I could never have a beauty event without his genius.

Hair whisper, Robin Groover has turned my sultry brunette tresses into haute, healthy hair that’s all natural. You’ll hear more about my hair evolution in the coming months as we work on various projects promoting healthy, natural hair. You can also follow my tweets (@hautetravels) from my salon visits to Too Groovy where hair magic happens.

And Celebrity Makeup Artist Gwynnis Mosby transformed my face into a work of art with her brilliant work. I’m working on scheduling a makeup class at her makeup academy where she promises to teach me how to create the Haute Travels Smokey eye and nude lips in just the right shade of pink! Click here to learn more
http://www.gwynnismosby.com/HTML/AboutAcademy.htm

Who would you want on your haute beauty dream team?

Living Water for Girls Ambassador in Hollywood

This year has presented amazing opportunities for me to make a difference. Just a few months ago, I signed on as an Ambassador for Living Water for Girls, a program designed to provide rehabilitation services and a safe home for American girls who have been victims of prostitution and sex exploitation.

Last month, I was asked to accompany Living Water for Girls Founder Lisa Williams to Los Angeles where she was honored by Variety and Lifetime Television during the Power of Women luncheon along with Eva Longoria, Mary J Blige, Annette Bening, Lea Michele, Stacey Snider and Olivia Wilde for their outstanding philanthropic work.

As Ambassador, I worked with the ladies from L’Oreal Paris who brought Lisa Williams out to Hollywood to raise awareness for our cause. The beauty company also teamed up with Designer Judith Leiber who created crystal lipstick cases that 10 celebrities signed for auction with all proceeds benefitting Living Water for Girls
I can’t tell you how much this powerful group of women in Hollywood (and men too) embraced our cause and pledged their support. The heads of studios like DreamWorks and company executives from Skechers Entertainment to various A-list celebrities believe in the work that’s taking place at Living Water for Girls… and want to help.

Please join us in helping to save our girls from sexual exploitation by joining our campaign today! https://npo.networkforgood.org/Donate/Donate.aspx?npoSubscriptionId=1001798&code=%2410for%2710!Campaign

Now that you know about the sexual exploitation of American Girls what will you do?

More photos on my Haute Travels Facebook page! http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Haute-Travels-/136037489758372 

Haute Pedi at The Beverly Wilshire

When in Beverly Hills I can’t help but get in a little glam girl time. The girls over at The Beverly Wilshire invited me in to get a pedicure in their new nail suite. I couldn’t say no… so I made my way to the posh and distinctive spa serving the needs of Haute Travels girls as they jet in and out of Hollywood.

The $90 pedicure took about 45 minutes after a stimulating foot bath and massage… my nail tech filed, buffed and smooth my nails to perfection. During my visit, I checked out the latest mags with a complimentary iPad. It’s the only way to catch up on the latest news in the world of fashion and beauty for guests at the Beverly Wilshire.

When my services came to an end, I spent time sipping champagne on the patio while the pink Chanel polish on my toes dried. It was nothing short of bliss, while I sat above Rodeo Drive contemplating my next move. It’s a haute travels girl life but somebody has to live it!

To learn more about The Spa and nail suite at the Beverly Wilshire visit http://www.fourseasons.com/beverlywilshire/spa/the_nail_bar/

Where’s your favorite nail spot?

Vibe Vixen Supports Haute Travels Beauty!

http://www.vibevixen.com/tamireed/2011/10/makeup-godsam-fine-coming-to-atlanta/

Haute Travels Beauty Featured in Rolling OUT!

http://rollingout.com/lifestyle/bold-beauty/haute-travels-brings-celebrity-makeup-artist-sam-fine-to-atlanta/

Confidence is HAUTE!

I love hanging out in Los Angeles so when I have a chance to head west--I do! I was in LA on a philanthropic mission but I did have time to meet friends for dinner and meetings with my American Express prepaid card in hand. I also met two of my Haute Travels followers while in town.

On this day, I just wrapped a meeting with a swimsuit designer who creates sexy suits for curvy girls. While walking through the lobby of The Beverly Hilton, I noticed the flowers matched my dress so I had to pose for a picture.

Being in Hollywood means that you can’t help but notice that some people are supper skinny. But for girls who rock their curves, we also turn heads because we tend to be more secure in our skin and our confidence shows.

When I walked through the lobby of the hotel… heads turned and people smiled. I think the color of my dress along with my glow brightened their day! And that’s HAUTE!

What do you think about a confident woman?

Haute Travels Beauty Seminar with Celebrity Makeup Artist Sam Fine

Please register at http://hautetravels.eventbrite.com/

Rhone Botanicals and Skincare Scrub is Haute!

After a long day of writing and consulting, there’s nothing like a little me-time in the bath. As you can imagine, I’m a product junky but only if I love it. I was sent a few products by Rhone Botanicals and Skincare to sample. I have to say… I really like the Dead Sea Salt face and body scrub with Eucalyptus. It’s amazing because it can also be used as aroma therapy without applying it to the skin.

Eventually, I tried the scrub on my legs and arms to remove dead skin cells revealing a smooth, soft new layer giving me a special glow. The great thing about the Dead Sea… it’s been a healing source since the beginning of time. These products improve blood circulation and detoxify the skin. The scrub really improves the appearance of dry skin and dark spots.

I’m a fan of products that offer 100% pure ingredients like unrefined Dead Sea salt and Shea butter that nourishes as it cleans and heals the skin. Rhone’s natural skin products offer a lesson in wellness that allows you to relax and release stress or tension before your day comes to an end. When a product makes me feel good… it’s tossed into my haute travels tote!

If you’d like to try Rhone Botanicals and Skincare products visit their site http://rhonebotanicals.com/learn.html and don’t forget to bring your new American Express prepaid card along for purchase!

Are you a fan of natural products?

The New American Express Prepaid Card is HAUTE!

If you’re a girl who indulges in shopping sprees you will love the new American Express prepaid card. It makes life easy because you can set your own budget. I recently decided to test the new reloadable card, while boutique shopping in Atlanta. The card allows you to keep your spending in check. It’s easy to go over the limit that you place in your mind but never actually stays there… however; with the new card by American Express sticking to your budget is easy. You can even go online and track your spending, while reloading for free.
The best thing about the new prepaid card… it’s safer than using cash and credit cards. You’ll never have to worry about identity theft because the card isn’t linked to your credit or bank accounts. Plus, it offers fraud protection and your funds will be replaced if your card is ever lost or stolen.

As you can imagine, I found a number of items to take home along with the security of knowing that I stayed within my budget. If you’re looking for a great way to shop without worrying about fees or overspending… the new American Express prepaid card just may be for you! Order your card today by visiting www.americanexpress.com/Prepaid

What do you think?

Disclaimer: As compensation, funds were provided to use for loading the card in exchange for a review of my experience with the new prepaid card.

The Playboy Club Party at Vanquish!

Sometimes girls just want to have fun at The Playboy Club or at least a pop-up venue created to celebrate the launch of the new TV show on NBC. On Wednesday, some of Atlanta’s insiders turned out at the newly opened Vanquish Night Club to rub elbows with others paying homage to the golden age of the infamous 1960’s Chicago club.

The private event was presented by Rolling OUT gifting arriving guests with keys to the sexy night spot along with sample cocktails from Grey Goose Vodka or a simple glass of cranberry juice for those of us who are non-drinkers. There were also Playboy bunnies on hand to mingle and pose for pictures. But the best part of the evening… the atmosphere offered a perfect backdrop with a safari-theme allowing guests to relax and enjoy the music with their friends creating a seductive night to remember.

“The Playboy Club” airs September 19th on NBC… it’s going to be HAUTE!

Will you tune into "The Playboy Club?"

My Haute Profile in Ocean Style Mag!

Thanks Ocean Style for profiling me in your HAUTE magazine. I love the way you mix, fashion, beauty and travel!

Click here to read my story on page 110 http://issuu.com/oceanstylemag/docs/v6002



My Haute Summer Travel Beauty Tips!

When traveling for business or pleasure a Haute Travels girl knows looking good with minimal effort for maximum appeal is part of our travel package. When preparing for a trip, some things are just as important as my ticket, passport and carryon bag—my haute look.

Here are eight tips that will keep you looking haute.

-I love a great rosewater spritz to keep my skin hydrated while traveling by plane.

-Haute hair is a must-have so I keep my brown tresses hydrated with frequent steam therapy sessions to keep my strands from drying and breaking.

-When tanning in Miami, Las Vegas, the Caribbean or any where that’s warm and sunny, I always follow up with an after sun moisturizer and self-tanner to seal in my glow. My favorite is by Clarins.

-I can’t leave home without perfectly manicured toes… although when staying at some resorts with great spas I make it a point to hit them first for a fresh pedicure.

-A great lip gloss keeps my kissers fresh and moist while adding color even when I go nude my lips stay haute.

-A great bronzing powder makes my face pop with a fresh flawless look.

-Great brows are important in adding instant glam.

-No matter where I go during the summer, I travel with Skin So Soft by Avon to keep the bugs away.

Staying haute is what it's all about... but most importantly be sure to use products with an spf and use sunscreen to keep the rays at bay.

What are your summer beauty tips?

The Beauty of Business in Las Vegas

When it’s time to get away for a beauty event in Las Vegas… there’s just one thing to do—make it happen. CosmoProf is one of the largest international beauty shows in the world. There is so much to see and sample in the world of makeup, nails, and hair. It really is a girly girl’s paradise. Every new trend, product and tool is right here for beauty industry-insiders to sample.

When my days at CosmoProf North America wrapped over at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center it was on to The Trump Hotel for poolside relaxation and networking. That’s right… the beauty of business never stops! But it doesn’t have to because the opportunity to expand networks and net worth is always a top priority.

While in Vegas, I didn’t get to hit the party scene like I did a few months ago because this trip was all about research and development for a Haute Travels project that I haven’t made public yet, but stay tuned. However, I did make time for dinner over at Caesars Palace with brand strategists from Zone Management, Lila Brown of Ella Bee PR and natural hair guru Robin Groover. But, as you can imagine, when a group of smart people get together they talk about what else… the evolution of rap music! And the guy with all of the insight was a white guy from Boston! It was the most fun that I’ve had in a while. I love multicultural connections.

 

If you’re a girl who loves beauty products and cutting-edge technology that’s revolutionizing the beauty industry—you must attend CosmoProf. Another show will soon head to one of my favorite haute European destinations—Italy in 2012!

What's your favorite Beauty show?

Note: I left my camera at home and had to use my blackberry for photos... *sigh*

My Haute Hair Evolution!

Two months ago natural hair guru Robin Groover (yes, that Robin Groover from Sutera and Too Groovy Hair Salons) launched a campaign to take me from keratin to completely natural. She promised me that in 90 days she could make my hair stronger, longer and more manageable. I’m thinking really?? We’re now about 60 days in and my hair has fallen under her spell! It’s like somebody opened the flood gates and now my hair is cascading down my back just past my shoulders.

So what’s the secret? Robin keeps my hair hydrated with weekly stream treatments and she only uses her own products… Groove Therapy to customize my personal hair care needs. She’s also growing my keratin ends out and trims them every three to four weeks. I’m absolutely in love with the results.

So what’s next? Robin is growing my hair out about three more inches and changing the color. By the time my hair affair is over… I’ll be completely natural with haute hair that’s way too groovy for words!

So what do you think about the transformation?

My Haute Life!

There’s so much for me to smile about today. I’m stretching and growing in ways that I’ve always dreamed about. There is also so much more of me to reveal and that’s what makes my brand bigger than what you see on the blog.

So what’s in the works… a beauty project with a fabulous new Haute Travels investor, an escape with my followers to an exotic locale for a fashion event mixed with a beauty seminar and collaborations with other great brands that see the growing influence of my personal brand.

Although, the blog is quickly growing into a lifestyle brand it’s still my personal labor of love. It really does make me smile when I think about its evolution from a place where I could write about my travels to the site that’s launched an entire new career and business opportunity doing things that I get excited about.

All that I can say is stay tuned because the best is yet to come! And don’t forget to check out Ocean Style Magazine for an upcoming profile on me… that’s right, I’m getting international press! I’m thinking that Paris is next! Now that’s Haute!

What are you doing that makes you smile?

72 Hours of Solitude at The Half Moon Resort

In my world, travel is not always as glamorous as it seems. But there are those spare moments in which I do get-a-way and it’s life-changing. Generally, this happens when I can just go some place and relax on a beach. I suppose it’s a Pisces thing.

Recently, I was in Jamaica for a variety of reasons… none of which turned out the way they were planned. But I soon learned that was the way it was intended… the universe had other ideas. I needed to spend some time reflecting on thoughts that were occupying my mind. So I headed to the exclusive Half Moon Resort in Montego Bay to connect with my mind, body and soul.

In just 72 hours, I had time to think about a subject that brought fear, anxiety and excitement to my life. I had no internet and occasional signals on my blackberry that kept me connected to life outside of my cottage. For a minute, I thought that I was being punked! But somehow I stayed semi-connected with a friend who helped me sort out my feelings and devise a plan to move forward in an area of my life I usually avoid. But again, isolation doesn’t allow you to escape what’s on your mind… and neither does the exclusivity of paradise.

 

My cottage was amazing… every morning I opened the French doors and took in fresh air with an ocean breeze that offered a level of peace that escapes those of us who live in metropolitan cities. The simplicity of it all was priceless and so was the privacy.

Tranquility and solitude became my confidants allowing me the peace of mind to conceptualize a number of stories for my blog. But Ironically, I can’t write a lot when I’m not in the confines of my home. I have to be completely settled. But the creativity that’s sparked when I’m away allows the words and thoughts to pour out when I am in front of my computer. I suppose that’s the method to my madness as a writer, but it works.

So what did my three days at the Half Moon Resort offer… the luxury of time, peace, and a view of the world that captured my thoughts in a way that few places have the ability to do. I had time to purge any thought that made me feel as if I was not in control of my own choices. I changed my thinking… as a result things that seemed out of the realm of possibility became Godwinks. The beauty of a Godwink allows you to receive a sign of affirmation that you’re on the right path and eradicate uncertainty and worry.

Sometimes all that you have to do is search your soul for the answers to life’s most perplexing and provocative questions. Every single time that I do that… I always get the answer that brings everything else into perfect alignment and clarity. The lesson—when facing a challenge, settle your spirit so that you can see through it and rise above it.

 

While sitting on the beach looking at the Caribbean Sea… I surrendered all the things that brought me uncertainly and traded them for the knowledge that I’m shifting and growing. The vision for my life has never been clearer. The value and worth that I place on myself determines the people and experiences that I attract into my life… and nothing is more powerful or beautiful.

Once I stepped outside the cottage door for the last time… I was confident that I was embracing a heart and mind at ease inspiring me to take a risk and see what happens.

Where do you escape to center your mind, body and soul?

Beautiful Skin is HAUTE!

The next time that you head to Las Vegas you may want to pamper your skin. I checked into the spa at the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas for 80 minutes of pure bliss. I was invited to indulge in the amazing Lightening and Brightening Facial designed to rejuvenate the skin and give it a glow! My therapist began the treatment with a gentle peel, enriched with copper, followed by a facial massage and mask. Nearly two hours later, my skin felt hydrated and refreshed. This treatment, available only at the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas, utilizes a new, all-natural Hungarian product line called Omorovicza. The product incorporates nutrient-rich minerals found in Hungary’s legendary thermal waters. You can actually witness the healing powers when you look at your skin following the facial. I loved the results and can't wait to go back. Beautiful skin is HAUTE!

 To learn more about spa treatments offered at the Four Seasons Las Vegas visit
http://www.fourseasons.com/lasvegas/spa/facial_treatments_for_her/

Do you get professional facials?

Laughter is HAUTE!

This morning a friend’s call got me out of bed… catching up can be good for the soul. But one thing that resonated with me was her observation about my life. I’ve known her for more than 20 years and she’s always been extremely honest. So it’s no surprise when she told me that she observed something about me that I never thought about… my ability to make laughter a staple in my life. She said, “I saw you in a photo with someone and the two of you were laughing!” And based on that fact alone… she concluded that we must have a great friendship. Well, it happened to be somebody that I had just met the day before and even though that photo was taken months ago during one of my trips… she’s right. As I’ve said before, travel opens up a unique opportunity for me to meet all kinds of people. Because I enjoy meeting people, I tend to draw like-minded people into my zone and if we click or vibe… we stay in touch!

My friend also said that the next time she gets into a relationship; my photo reminded her that there has to be a degree of laughter that’s part of open, honest communication. So now, she’s got me to thinking about that… I’m always laughing at something so for me it wasn’t anything that I thought about. But after that conversation, I realized that laughing out loud with people is the best way to stay healthy, happy and sane. And when you’re in a relationship with someone special—it has to be a requirement. My relationship with men has always been one where I can be comfortable enough to laugh at myself. Silly? No, but fun and light-hearted conversation that’s good for the heart. Oh well, maybe a degree of silliness! Lol Who am I kidding? Life is serious enough so make it count by filling your circle with people who make you laugh and smile no matter what’s going on around you because you just never know who may be watching. Remember, active plus happy equals attractive!

Who makes you laugh out loud?

Embracing the Love of Friendship is HAUTE!

When it’s time to escape, it’s time to get away to some place haute, but sometimes no matter where I am… I can’t escape what’s on my mind. When something weights heavily, I find that I’m forced to deal with it. I’m not the type to compartmentalize like some people. But when real emotions start to come out… I’m grateful that my friends lift my spirits to make me stronger and wiser. As a result, I can approach whatever is unpleasant or that lesson in progress with clarity. Their strength offers a shoulder and the understanding that I have to resist the temptation of trying to control something that I have no control over so I learn to let go and trust the process.

I’m one of the lucky ones to have a friend who is half way around the world call me on a tropical island to say something that empowers me or laugh out loud at another friend who sends me text messages with jokes mixed with “real talk” to help me understand that my life is shifting in ways that I may not understand, but I’m better for it. One of my friends of many years always asks the same question… “What’s the lesson?”

 

It’s an amazing feeling to know that no matter where I am… I’m never really alone. I’ve always found that friendship and time are the two biggest investments that I can make in people. And you never know when you’ll need to cash in so I try hard to pick my friends carefully. When the storms come along… you’ll need someone to shield you from whatever makes you hurt… with a promise that everything will be alright again. Your real friends show up to support… show empathy, compassion and love. They guide you through the disappointments of life to carve out a place of acceptance, while pointing you in a new direction… helping you get back to the right path. But they also understand that what works for them may not work for me so they allow me to have my own process and victories… they always say examine your heart… and that’s when something remarkable happens. As the process unfolds, the confusion, disappointments and hurts unravel to reveal a life full of endless possibilities to remind me of my own specialness and blessings. “The past always serves the future and a foundation for all the days that follow.” So I’m trying harder to live and love in the moment… and when the storms come along learn to dance in the rain.

To my friends, you know who you are… you matter to me more than you know. Everyone deserves friends like you.

What kind of friend are you?

Being Beautiful is HAUTE!

There’s something about a man who tells me that I’m beautiful… he makes me smile. I’ve heard a lot of conversation lately about an article that expresses a particular take on whether black women are beautiful. I must be one of a few women who thought nothing of it. In fact, I had a conversation with a few girlfriends who had different opinions about it. I just really don’t get plugged into debates like that because it’s pointless. People can have the right to their own thoughts but at the end of the day that old saying rings true “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

Well, over the course of my life I’ve had men tell me that I was attractive to them. I’ll never forget when some of them (who are fathers with daughters) would pay me the highest compliment… they told me that they wanted their girls to grow up and be just like me. When a man tells you that—it’s mind blowing because men are extremely protective of their baby girls. I often asked them why and generally it had to do with a couple of things… the fact that I live life on my own terms and I value and validate black men who allow me into their world uncensored. They respect and value my friendship often as a result of unspoken shared experiences… it’s about loyalty, trust, and bringing peace into a world full of drama and rejection.

Recently, someone reminded me that I was “Beautiful” to him and made a point to say you’re enough just the way that you are so don’t try to change based on what you think someone else wants you to be. Well, when I saw his note it made me think about something else that I read recently… when a man says you’re sexy; he’s telling you that you’re physically desirable. But when he tells you that you’re pretty… it means that you’re attractive to him. However, when he gets past those two things and looks into your heart and soul—you’re beautiful to him. Being beautiful to a man means that your entire being makes you extraordinary in ways that really matter. You’re not only pretty and sexy but you glow! Your confidence, inner vixen, charm and intelligence is a compliment to even the sexiest man on the planet—you enhance him! Think about it... why opt to use the word beautiful instead of pretty or cute :)?  

When I mentioned these thoughts to my female friends they came back with… “Do you need a man to tell you that you’re beautiful to feel it?” In response, no, I don’t need a man to tell me that because my confidence level is pretty high plus my mother and friends co-sign often, but let’s face it if a man that matters to you or that you find attractive or desirable offers a level of validation that every human-being innately seeks (because we all want to be loved and accepted as we are)… then that’s powerful. Sometimes I don’t feel pretty or cute but when someone who sees me on one of my “what I think is my not so good day” says to me I think that you look amazing… it validates me and instantly changes my view of myself. We all need cheerleaders. I think that if more black men or men who love black women told us that we’re beautiful… articles that seek to reinforce the opposite would never have some women questioning their worth, value or beauty… it wouldn’t stir anger because we already know those who truly matter will step up through their words and actions… and silence those critics . The focus instead would be on stepping into our own light and allowing our inner and outer beauty to shine with the men who love us smiling at just the thought of us!

What makes a women beautiful?

Rocking Your Curves is HAUTE!

No matter where I travel in the world, I represent the women who are thicker than super models, but just as beautiful.

My butt is bigger than most unless you live in the ATL... where thicker girls with hour glass figures rule! And that’s alright with me. I would often hide my assets with clothes that conceal but one day a man who made my heart smile asked, “Why do you hide it under a dress?” So when this guy who is super haute, sexy and smart encouraged me to let my curves out―I did! I figured if he was cosigning… I’m all over it!

Southern girls with killer curves, ample thighs, full lips and hips that sway know that the secret to being a confident woman starts with the mind. We also know that for those who walk behind us… we inspire curiosity and acceptance. But for those who can’t get past our apple bottoms (two words) don’t hate!

 

As I travel the globe, I’m rocking my curves… whether in New York City, London, Paris or the Caribbean. I hope to represent girls like me who once thought that containing our best asset was the best way to be taken seriously because you want men to look at you (above the neck) when you’re talking. But as I’ve learned it’s all about how you present the total package… be unapologetically the best you possible. So go ahead be a bombshell with brains! Rock your curves, celebrate what makes you different and watch the world take notice.

Disclaimer: This post was inspired by a Nike ad… http://www.nikeblog.com/2010/07/26/new-nike-women-ad-my-butt-is-big/

In this photo I'm wearing a Gottex Katalist Shoulder Swimsuit courtesy of InStyle Swimwear at the exclusive Half Moon Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica. To order visit http://www.instyleswimwear.com/

Use this discount code HauteTravels15 to receive 15% off you entire order from Instyle Swimwear!

Half Moon Resort http://halfmoon.rockresorts.com/default.asp

What's your best asset?