L-R: Melody Harris (Clairol), Terrica Jones (Winning Hair Color Competition Stylist), Briana Cost (Model), James Bronner (Bronner Brothers)

Stylists competing in the Clairol Professional® “Art of Fabulous” Hair Color competition will take “everyday” women and transform them in the “FabU Studio” at each art gallery event. Competing stylists will use products  from the Clairol Professional® Hair Color Collections Liquicolor Permanente, Beautiful Collections and Jazzing to reveal the fabulous new looks on their model’s hair color. The winners from each market will receive $2,500, and the coveted opportunity to compete in the legendary Bronner Bros. International Hair Show in Atlanta, Georgia (source: dryerbuzz.com).

Hosted by Dwight Eubanks,  BRAVO’s Atlanta Housewife personality/celebrity,  the Atlanta event was exclusive to divas and hair mavens. As I walked in it was all about GLAMOUR! Hair. Make-up. Nails. Eyelashes.  The competition was fierce—not that I was competing—-and continues in New York City (July 25), and Chicago (July 31) which will showcase Clairol Professional® hair color products that are available to African-American stylists nationally and internationally.

Professor Cali on the Red Carpet with Dwight Eubanks. Photo by Ralph Smith

As I scoped the scene, in walks Mr. Eubanks himself—looking fab. Black suit, swanky white tie, square toe black shoes and flawless skin…well make-up. Because I was there assisting with media and participated as media–thanks to this blog–I interviewed Dwight first.  Ummm…so what do I say? Well, thanks to some prep with Professor Mac a couple days before, I was ready.

The art of “fabulous” is being able to define your beauty. According to Dwight, being a diva, “I’s not just hair and make-up, it’s a complete package.” He also mentioned that fashion should always be an expression—how do you have it put together from top to bottom?

Considering we were at a hair event, this famed Atlanta stylist offered some tips. The most important point I took from our conversation: be adventurous with your hair as long as you have a knowledgeable stylist who truly knows about hair and your hair.

Dwight’s Tips:

Change is good: Every three months hair trends change and so should you especially to freshen up your look. And color can be a part of that new look.

Style: Find a stylist and build a relationship. Easier said than done right? It’s like finding a good church… a process so be patient—that’s my two cents.

No Plain Jane: Change it up and make sure your stylist does too. They should not be stagnant in their creativity.

Now don’t go coloring your hair or cutting it because you think you can do it yourself  after reading this post–lol—get a professional. What will be your next hair step? Let us know in your comment. Mine will be a weave—yes, a weave–post to follow.  It’s truly time for a change and I am ready. The hair journey continues!

Smooches,

Professor Diva Cali

ALBN is a nonprofit organization in Lake Charles, Louisiana. It was initially founded with plans to open a Residential Treatment Center (RTC), serving adolescent boys, ages 12-18, that have emotional and/or social difficulties. However, realizing the need to strengthen the family unit, ALBN provides parents, who are at-risk of losing their children, the skills needed to accomplish daily living.

We had the opportunity to catch up with Tameka: a diva committed to making a difference and looking good while doing it.

 What is your definition of a Diva?

A diva is someone with style, class, and sophistication.  A diva is a lady who is professional in all situations with the ability to overcome any obstacles with successful outcomes.  When I think of a diva, I think of a lady who sees the struggles as opportunities and the trials as testimonies.  

Name a Diva that you identify with or admire.

I identify with Oprah because she did not let her past define who she is.  Regardless of loss faced early on in life that I lived through, I continue to work hard to help other people work hard also.  I feel that Oprah overcame her obstacles and made great advances to become the Diva that she is today.

What’s your latest Diva Deluxe purchase?

I consider myself completely diva-ish when I wear pearls.  My latest purchase: a silver pearl necklace and bracelet; I am a pearl girl.

What is the one Divafying item you can’t live without?

No matter where I am, who I am with, or where I go, I must keep an ink pen and note pad.  I am always taking notes on what the world needs so that I can provide it. 

As a board member of ALBN, please support this cause and visit and “like” A Life Brand New on Facebook.

Smooches,

Professor Diva Cali

veezzle.com

As a woman who has always loved the arts, theatre, and dancing, I was thrilled the first time I had the opportunity to see an Alvin Ailey show in Washington, D.C., at the Kennedy Center. It was an experience so grandeur that I am reminded of it every February when they come to town. This weekend, this dance theater will be in Atlanta and perhaps the Valentine’s Day fairy will come down and send me to the show (that would be a hint to my husband–tee-hee).

In any event, every time I have seen the show, it has been beautiful– I am literally at the edge of my seat. The way the dancers move, their bodies, the jumps, the leaps–all of it is just amazing. It also makes me think of the inner dancer inside of me. I’ve always wanted to take a dance class but never really signed up for one. Maybe I’ll make that a goal for 2012.

Ms. Jamison has danced her way on stage with several notable performances, including 1967’s The Prodigal Prince, 1969’s Masekela Language and 1971’s Cry, which was a 15-minute solo piece. Audiences also remember 1976’s Pas de Duke, a duet with Mikhail Baryshnikov set to the music of Duke Ellington (biography.com). She also starred in the Broadway musical Sophisticated Ladies in 1980.

She has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Kennedy Center Honors in 1999 and the National Medal of Arts in 2001. Her autobiography, Dancing Spirit, was published in 1993 (biography.com).

But every icon takes a bow. This legend has decided to retire after serving decades with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater as their artistic director. Recently honored this past September by our First Lady Michelle Obama, Ms. Jamison is a true testament to beauty, grace, and artistic ability beyond imagination.

This last dance is for you Ms. Jamison and my favorite: Revelations

Smooches,

Professor Diva Cali

Join Tamika’s cause by adding the butterfly twibbon to your Facebook and/or Twitter profile picture, follow  @tandherfrenz on Twitter, tweet #PreventCC to show support, share survivor stories and/or share memories of women that lost their battle with the disease.  You can also participate in awareness events this month:     

January 15, 2011 Walk to Beat the Clock (Summerville, SC)
January 19, 2011 Wear Orange Day (Worldwide)
January 25, 2011 Cervical Cancer Day on the Hill (Washington, DC) Watch

Divanaire:  Tamika Felder

Who:

Tamika Felder, founder Tamika and Friends, Inc.

What makes a  her a Divanaire?

Tamika is a 10 year cervical cancer survivor.  After recovering from the disease she launched Tamika and Friends, an advocacy organization that raises awareness about the link between cervical cancer and HPV, which supports women battling the disease and their caretakers. The name of the organization is an homage to the network of people that rallied around Tamika during her cancer treatment.

Tamika travels the world sharing her story and the message of prevention.  She is also a survivor spokesperson for the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

What is your definition of a Diva?

A diva is a woman of confidence and purpose.  Her sole purpose is not only to look good, but to do good in her community.  True Divas have style and substance.

What’s your latest Diva Deluxe purchase?

Perfume. I have very expensive taste when it comes to perfume and I like to mix it up, so I have many, many bottles. I always keep people guessing when I enter a room.

What is the one Divafying item you can’t live without?

My Gucci Shades. They just make me feel so sexy and really put me in a Diva mood. You know how Wonder Woman has her cape and bracelet, well I have my Gucci shades. LOL

Air Kisses,

Professor Diva Mac

And because I have been able to reconnect with a lot of friends through Facebook, I am featuring my friend from middle school—WOW! Her name is Deanna Morgan and she is definitely a diva doing her thing in Tucson, Arizona .

Deanna works for the FOX affiliate, KMSB-TV, in Tucson as well as the independent affiliate, KTVK-TV, in Phoenix.  Her career in journalism has taken her to Florida, Washington, D.C., and Germany.  She has interviewed celebrities such as George Clooney, George Lopez, American Idol winner Jordan Sparks and David Cook.

I have known Deanna since the 6th grade and we all used to refer to she and her sister as “the twins;” yes her twin sister Ramona is also hot stuff. So. . .  I proceeded with a Divanaire interview.

What is your definition of a Diva?
 A woman who grabs people’s attentions, not so much because of her physical beauty, but because of her inner beauty – beauty that includes strength, generosity, courage, love, humility, honesty, happiness, faith, and confidence.
 
Name a Diva that you identify with and why.
Although I’m far from being a diva of this magnitude, I identify most with Oprah.  She’s overcome huge obstacles in her life and managed to be successful.  I can relate to that.  She’s an independent black woman, which is hard to be in this day and age.  I can relate to that.  She’s a former journalist.  I relate to that.  And, she strives to change the world one person at a time by donating a tremendous amount of money and time to people in need.  I can relate to that.  It also doesn’t hurt that I’ve met her, which not everyone who isn’t a nationally known celebrity,can say.
 
What’s your latest Diva Deluxe purchase?
I’m not much of a Diva in the way of purchases.  I tend to be very frugal. I did, however, treat myself to a nice Mexican dinner the other day.  And, I enjoyed it in the company of good friends.  I love good food, so any good meal is a Diva Deluxe purchase in my book!
 
What is the one Divafying item you can’t live without?
I can’t live without my HTC Droid Eris phone! However, I look forward to replacing it with an iPhone in 2011. 

Deanna is also the recipient of the 2010 Rosa Parks Living History Makers Business Leader Award and volunteers in her community. So if you’re ever in the Tucson area, look her up and give her some diva love!

Check her out here!

Smooches,

Professor Diva Cali

veezzle.com

Yes, yes, yes . . . today is Professor Diva Mac’s birthday so I decided to recognize her beauty, knowledge, and pure diva-ness. She is truly a gem and we all have love for her.

Let’s start off with the basics. She’s obviously a Virgo, born and raised in beautiful South Carolina, is a true metropolitan, loves to shop and read,  travels all over the world, and still has time to drop knowledge on her students.  She is a daughter, sister, niece, aunt, and friend to say the least. The first time I met Professor Diva Mac—hmm? I really can’t recall because we have been friends for that long. I do know that a mutual friend–actually one of my BFFs–the lovely LA Beauty–introduced us. The interesting thing is that she and my husband attended the same college so I guess our paths were bound to cross eventually.

When I first heard that she was going into the world of academia, my first thought was “WOW!” She has an invaluable amount of knowledge from her days as a producer at NBC plus not to mention she is just plain smart. She undeniably is an asset to the college where she teaches and I imagine her peers and students look to her for sound advice. The fact that she recently proposed and will moderate a media panel this October at South Carolina State says enough.

So I lift my wine class and virtually toast her birthday. Professor Diva Mac you are a true friend, I luv ya like cooked food, and wish you many more birthday blessings!

Smooches,

Professor Diva Cali

Sylvia Webb, founder and president of 40 Girls and Some Shoes, has organized shoe drives and fundraisers for the past three years to simply help those who need take the first step. And this step is out of homelessness and into transition with a pair of new or gently worn shoes. This non-profit’s basic principle: to be an agent for transformative change in the lives of those who are experiencing homelessness. Each year 3.5 million Americans experience homelessness and 23% of these individuals are children (source: National Coalition for the Homeless). Sylvia and this wonderful non-profit have managed through a vast network of partnerships and associations to provide 4,000 pairs of free shoes to these underserved groups since its inception.

Professor Diva Diaries had the opportunity to catch up with Sylvia as she was in full throttle of planning her next shoe fundraiser.  As she prepares for this event taking place this weekend in Atlanta, we wanted to capture her as the diva that she is–giving back to her community, realizing the importance of this, and just doing good and looking good too. 

What is your definition of a diva?
A woman who isn’t afraid to be herself; she is confident and understands her purpose and her gifts. A woman who doesn’t need stilettos to stand tall; she stands tall in all the SHOES she wears.

Name a diva that you identify with.
All women and women who stood up for women’s rights; the right to be free, the right to choose what happens to their bodies, the right for equal work and equal pay, and the right to choose who they love (Black, white, brown or other).

What is your latest diva purchase?

A black Tadashi Shoji dress and a great pair of shoes from Italy

What is the diva item you can’t live without?
My Mac Currant Lip Liner and Mac gives back you know?

As Sylvia stated, “shoes do not educate, nor do they guarantee a home or employment, but they can provide an increase in esteem and protect the “soles” of those looking to take what may be that first all important step in getting to the other side of their lives.”

So if you can donate divas, please do. Besides, donating a pair of shoes means room for more shoes in your closet!

Smooches,

Professor Diva Cali

What is your definition of a Diva?

A diva is a lady that has charisma, confidence and integrity.  She knows what she wants and will not compromise her moral or ethical principals.  Secure in who she is and does not need the validation of others to affirm her.  She is loyal and committed to family, her friendships are deep and binding, her inner beauty is expressed in the way she lives and she understands that her life is blessed by God.

Name a Diva that you identify with and why.

Renita Jackson.  When she walks in the room she will change the atmosphere.  If you are having a good time, her presence makes it better.  In a span of a couple of years she battled with breast cancer, the death of her mother-in-law and the death of her sister.  In all of this, I would say that she stayed “fit for the fight.” She is a full-figured woman that dresses like a run-way model, walks like you better recognize, and she is not a hater but a celebrator.  This diva is an educator in her profession and an educator in her lifestyle.   I have learned some valuable life lessons from Renita.   It seems that her trade-mark jewelry gets bigger and brighter with every challenge she faces.  She is a real diva.

What’s your latest Diva Deluxe purchase?

Golf clubs, shoes, gloves, and lessons by a pro (a true diva).

What is the one Divafying item you can’t live without?

A handkerchief which belonged to a diva who was in a class of her own, my grandmother, Ms. Celia.

So with that said, we hope you enjoyed this week’s divanaire; I did as she is my lovely stepmother!

Smooches,

Professor Cali

They’ve cradled us, told us that lipstick is important, to be independent when it comes to being a woman, not tell all our beauty secrets, and to never the leave the house without spraying on perfume; these women we call our mothers. They are the true divas who have pretty much taught us about love, life, and all the other stuff in between. We decided to feature them this week as we celebrate Mother’s Day. Without our mother’s or those mother figures in our lives, where would we be?  We’d say lost.

She has taught me a lot along the way about being a woman of grace and style. She loves to cook and makes a mean pound cake and sweet potato pie. She’ll talk to anyone (and for that matter they’ll talk to her too) and truly loves life. My mother, Deborah Ann Johnson is  tough, sweet, kind, and caring all in one package. I couldn’t ask for more except to be as good as a mother as she is. I can not say how much I appreciate her in a card or poem, but hopefully she knows.  

When I was younger, two things that stick out in my mind: her perfume and accessories.  From earrings, to bracelets, to Fendi fragrances and body lotions, she always had something on and I would think to myself, “I don’t think I’ll ever be like that.” Well I’m here to say, that I have fallen into the trap and that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. I LOVE ACCESSORIES. I can’t get enough of them and I am always looking for something good to spray on. If I don’t have on accessories and perfume before I leave the house, there’s a problem. This is why I keep earrings, perfume, and usually a bracelet in my purse. 

In the last two years, she has lost my stepfather, grandmother, and uncle and will still smile every time you walk into the room. For anyone who is dear to her heart, she’ll say “love you much” as she gets off the phone all the time. Plus not to mention, she loves kids and her family. She’ll bend over backwards and jump through a hoop of fire to help her family. She’s humble and caring and will wear strappy sandals, heels, red lipstick, and a dress with a slit (not too high!)  in a New York minute. She also likes to dance–yes, including the “Stanky Leg.” What can I say, still a diva at almost 60 years of age. 

Speaking of age, she carries it well. I don’t ever recall her having any beauty remedies besides just washing her face and applying her make-up–especially the lipstick; “O, let me put on my lipstick,” I can hear her say everytime she takes a picture. Also, there doesn’t appear to be any wrinkles and that makes me  happy. Hopefully I carry those genes. They say that we have the same mannerisms and body make-up (thanks for hips Mom) but that I am my Dad’s twin. My great grand-mother used to say “That Joseph, he spit you out.” Yes, grandma, I know…maybe I should have been named Josephine? Nah.  I do notice as I get older, how much we are alike in the way that we think and talk. At, times I have to catch myslef and say, “Is that Deborah talking?”

Growing up I was blessed to have her. She put her trust in me and I knew that I had to make her proud. I hope that I have done so as she gives me so much without her even knowing.  As I continue to mature, if I only have one-half of her strength, I’ll be doing well. But I’m hoping for all of it as she is a true diamond.  I quote by saying, “love you much” Mom and Happy Mother’s Day 

Smooches, 

Professor Diva Cali

Aunt, KC’s wife, Miss Willie Mae, sister, friend, grand moma,  are all monikers for my Mommy.  I’m adding diva to the list.  She would definitely disagree.  Diva is not even a word that she uses but she is known as much for her style (especially her hats) as she is for her spirit. 

Mommy is a quintessential southern lady.  She loves her family and the Lord, is a fantastic cook, looks nice always (even when gardening,) has a sharp tongue, but also huge warm heart.  I often joke that she could blackmail half of the county because she’s a confidant to so many.   She indulges me with her wisdom and others recognize this quality in her.  Mommy is a great listener and frowns upon gossip. 

She set the bar high on behavior, manners and grades and expected her five children to exceed it.  Along the way I didn’t realize that she was also giving me lessons in style by example.  Nothing ever seems out of place at my childhood home.  Her flower beds are pristine and she grows fruits and vegetables. She has managed to master a combination of eye catching and understated with her decor.   Her style of dress is the same, except some of her hats are in indescribable shapes.  She has all the fashion staples: black pants, skirts and dresses, tailored shirts, and trench coats.  Mommy loves perfume and just about any scent smells good on her.  She never leaves home without perfume, powder on her face and a necklace.  Even if she forgets earrings she never forgets to wear a necklace and she has a million of them. Her skin remains flawless, even now pass her 70^th birthday.  While I obsess over eye creams and beauty products, a Dove beauty bar and Ambi keeps her glowing.   

It’s cool now to recognize my Mom’s influence and for others to see it too. Growing up, I always heard “you look just like your Daddy,” and it’s true.  I’m also tall like he was, whereas my mother is short.  People still come up to me and say “You must be KC’s daughter” regularly.  It even happened in New York City once.   When I’m at her house I often put on my makeup as she’s applying hers.  I stand behind her and am able to see my face fully in the mirror. My look of full curly hair, sheaths, V-necks, A-line and empire waist dresses is all a take on Mommy’s classic style.  I wish I could wear white pants and they looked they way they do on her. I have the love of earrings although she describes mine as”bracelets in the ear.”  And I’m still working on wearing necklaces,   something she advises I should do almost every time I see her. Last summer I was even growing basil in my condo window, blanching, storing and cooking with it.  Even, Mommy was baffled.  My response was you raised me. She preserves peaches and pears from the trees at our house every year.       

While visiting one of my uncle’s friends she commented that every time I come over I’m wearing a beautiful outfit.  Before I could thank her my Uncle Burley said, “Well that’s to be expected from Willie Mae’s daughter.” I said thanks and most definitely! Hopefully I am exuding her inner beauty as well.

Happy Mother’s Day and Air Kisses,

Professor Diva Mac