On today's episode... We chat about why representation matters in the area of beauty. Melanated Mention (00:50 - 5:30):&nbsp;Dr. Kristian Henderson of&nbsp;Blk+Grn BLK&nbsp;+&nbsp;GRN&nbsp;is an all-natural marketplace by all&nbsp;Black&nbsp;artisans that connects women with natural lifestyles to quality&nbsp;Black-owned toxic-free products.&nbsp; From the BLK + GRN website: At BLK + GRN, we never bring in junk—only joy. If it’s not sustainably made, plant-based, or cruelty-free, we don’t put it in our homes, on our melanin or otherwise allow it to clog our self-care. There are currently over 1,500 harmful chemicals banned—or highly restricted—by the European Union (EU). Yet, in the U.S., the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has only banned 11 toxins in our personal care products and cosmetics. We’ve compiled a list of the most harmful offenders backed up by most leading regulating agencies and the Environmental Working Group. As part of our commitment to help you achieve a holistic lifestyle, we thoughtfully select the most nourishing, cruelty-free products from Black artisans around the world. https://blkgrn.com/| IG: @blkandgrn | FB: blkandgrn More on Dr. Kristian Henderson at&nbsp;www.drkristianh.com Melanated Moment in HERstory (5:40 - 9:38):&nbsp;  Esther Jones (the original Betty Boop)&nbsp;-&nbsp;known by her stage name "Baby Esther", was an African American singer and entertainer of the late 1920s, known for her "baby" singing style. She regularly performed at the legendary Cotton Club&nbsp;in Harlem.&nbsp; After watching Esther’s cabaret act in 1928, white jazz singer Helen Kane adopted Jones’ singing and scatting style. Kane also changed the interpolated words “boo-boo-boo” and “doo-doo-doo” to “boop-oop-a-doop” while recording her hit single “I Wanna Be Loved By You.” Kane never publicly admitted to appropriating Esther’s singing style, but the truth was revealed when Kane filed a lawsuit againstÂ&nbsp;Max Fleischer, the animator who created Betty Boop in 1930. Ironically, Kane claimed that Betty Boop was imitating and profiting off of her image. --Source:  Black Enterprise Talk a Topic (17:08 - 57:08):&nbsp;Representation Matters in the Beauty Industry We chat about why representation matters in the area of beauty.&nbsp;We highlight our favorite beauty brands and the change-makers that focus on diversity and inclusivity in the area of beauty and cosmetics. Rapid Fire Questions (57:38 - 1:06:02): Would you rather speak every language in the world or speak to animals? Would you rather be best friends with Beyonce or Rihanna? Quick Mentions: &nbsp;---Eiffel Tower Bon Bon Candies&nbsp; We are not sponsored and do not receive any compensation for any products and/or organizations/companies mentioned in the episode. OUR NARRATIVE FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE! Connect with us Click Here To Join The Melanated Conversations Collective  Facebook:&nbsp;https://www.facebook.com/melanatedconvos/ Twitter:&nbsp;https://twitter.com/melanatedconvos Instagram:&nbsp;https://www.instagram.com/melanatedconvos/ [music: "Fly" by&nbsp;Makaih Beats]&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Representation Matters Part. 2 - Beauty Edition

On today's episode... Have you considered the Big Chop? Are you transitioning? Are you relaxed?&nbsp; Whether you're relaxed or natural this is the episode for you! In this episode, we talk about why we chose to go natural and we even share insecurities that we each struggled with as we embarked on our journey.&nbsp; Melanated Mention (00:45 - 11:00):&nbsp;Shana Brown Shana is a self-taught freelance make-up artist out of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. With no formal training, Shana has perfected her talent through her Instagram and YouTube channel Kingdom Beauty. She educates herself on the current trends and what's hot in makeup and shares various make-up looks and tutorials for the everyday woman.&nbsp; &nbsp;YouTube:&nbsp;Kingdom Beauty&nbsp;IG: @kingdombeauty2627&nbsp;| FB:Shana Brown &nbsp; Talk a Topic (23:30 - 1:23:30):&nbsp;Natural Hair Diaries Our natural crown. It's more than a hairstyle. It's a force, guiding and defining our lives. This week we chat about our personal natural hair journeys, share about our mindset before and after we chose to go natural, and get candid about how it affects our personal and professional lives. Rapid Fire Questions (11:10 - 23:24): Would you go see a movie alone? Which movie do you pick and why? "Waiting to Exhale" or "Set it off" OUR NARRATIVE FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE! Connect with us Click Here To Join The Melanated Conversations Collective  Facebook:&nbsp;https://www.facebook.com/melanatedconvos/ Twitter:&nbsp;https://twitter.com/melanatedconvos Instagram:&nbsp;https://www.instagram.com/melanatedconvos/ [music: "Fly" by&nbsp;Makaih Beats]&nbsp;&nbsp;

Natural Hair Diaries ft. Shana Brown

In this week’s episode, we recap our season 1 show guests and share our insights, experiences, and gratitude for an awesome season.&nbsp; Listen in as we speak about our journey in amplifying the voices and stories of black women. What you'll learn:   Our mission of shining light on our melanated queens and sharing our lessons and celebrating our successes. Recap of all the wonderful women that have been guests to the show.&nbsp; Special love and gratitude to all of our listeners. When you can expect our Season 2 Return. How you can stay connected with us during our brief hiatus.     OUR NARRATIVE FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE!    Connect with us Click Here To Join The Melanated Conversations Collective  Facebook:&nbsp;https://www.facebook.com/melanatedconvos/ Twitter:&nbsp;https://twitter.com/melanatedconvos Instagram:&nbsp;https://www.instagram.com/melanatedconvos/ DON’T MISS AN EPISODE OF MELANATED CONVERSATIONS! Click here to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Click here to subscribe to&nbsp;us on Stitcher. Click here to subscribe to us on Spotify. Click here to subscribe to&nbsp;us on&nbsp;Google Podcasts.&nbsp; LOVE&nbsp;THIS EPISODE? PLEASE CLICK HERE TO LEAVE US A REVIEW ON APPLE PODCASTS!&nbsp; [music: "Fly" by&nbsp;Makaih Beats]&nbsp;&nbsp;

018: Season 1 Wrap & Recap

We are (podcasters/bloggers/youtubers/influencer/etc.) united to condemn the tragic murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and many many others at the hands of police. This is a continuation of the systemic racism pervasive in our country since its inception and we are committed to standing against racism in all its forms. &nbsp; We believe that to be silent is to be complicit. We believe that Black lives matter. We believe that Black lives are more important than property. We believe that we have a responsibility to use our platforms to speak out against this injustice whenever and wherever we are witness to it. &nbsp; In creating digital media we have built audiences that return week after week to hear our voices and we will use our voices to speak against anti-blackness and police brutality, and we encourage our audiences to be educated, engaged, and to take action. &nbsp; Here are three ways you can participate:  Share this statement and call to action with others.  Donate a portion of your show proceeds and ask audience members to donate to any of the following:  George Floyd Memorial Fund:  Minnesota Freedom Fund:  Black Visions Collective:  Campaign Zero:  Black Lives Matter:  Minneapolis NAACP Branch:     Sign A petition &amp; Ask Your Network To Sign:  Text “Floyd” to 55156 to sign a petition a demand justice for George Floyd Sign-up at Color of Change:  to be notified of more opportunities to take action       #melanatedconversations &nbsp;

Yana Reynolds