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Natasjía Llydiana for The Big Natural Hair Project.

June 7, 2012 by LeonDale

Natasjia Llydiana photographed by Leon Dale Photographer at LDP Studios for The Big Natural Hair Project!

1. How long have you been natural?

I have been natural for almost 2yrs, feb 17th is my natural-versary

2. Why did you go natural?

I chose to finally embrace the real me, I was tired of trying to define myself with someone else’s standards.

Natasjia Llydiana photographed by Leon Dale Photographer at LDP Studios for The Big Natural Hair Project!

3. Do you have any favorite hair care products?

Olive oil! It makes my hair shine, I mix it with my conditioner and it does wonders.

Organix Coconut Shampoo & Conditioner…no sulfates, very inexpensive
Eco styler gel..it doesn’t have alcohol, great hold4.Do you have any favorite natural styles you want to share?

I like off balanced styles, I’ll pin up one side with a cute bow and just let the other side do its own thing.

Natasjia Llydiana photographed by Leon Dale Photographer at LDP Studios for The Big Natural Hair Project!

5.Is there anything that you do that you want to share? (skills, business, hobby, etc)

I’m an artist and designer, I specialize in charcoal medium

6.Did you do the Big Chop? if so, what was that like?

I big chopped, but honestly when I cut off my hair, I had no idea that there was a name for it or that there were so many other women doing it.

It was very liberating, I felt like me.

Natasjia Llydiana photographed by Leon Dale Photographer at LDP Studios for The Big Natural Hair Project!

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Mickie Lewis of Mosaic Movement

February 4, 2012 by LeonDale

Mickie Lewis of Mosaic Movement

How long have you been natural?

I honestly have no idea. I want to say 2-3 years ago…I’m thinking 2008 was my last relaxer.

2. Why did you go natural?

Umm, it was something that I thought about doing, so I just did it. That’s usually the way things happen with me. I have an idea, and I just go with it. Besides, the cost for a relaxer & “doobie” in Georgia was more than I am used to paying J.

Mickie lewis of Mosaic Movement

3. Do you have any favorite hair care products?

No favorites…I just wash, condition and use grease from the Dollar Tree (castor oil, coconut, or indian hemp). Nothing special. I am very low maintenance J.

4. Do you have any favorite natural styles you want to share?

Favorite styles? Hmmm…I like alot of styles. I love the two-strand twist. Ater a week or two of the twists, I take it out and set it free J. I like cornrows (not exensions), but it takes too long to do. Anyone who does my hair always start out with these tiny little braids, and I tell them don’t braid too small. By the time they get to the middle, it never fails, they say “Your hair is thicker than I thought.” My favorite braided do right now is the braids into a mohawk with twists on the end. I also like to rock it straight (well not bone straight…it has to have the bounce J). I do my own hair, kinky, curly, twists, and straight …sometimes I do my own braids…it just takes too long.

Mickie lewis of Mosaic Movement

5. Did you do the Big Chop? if so, what was that like?

No big chop for me.

6. Tell us about your dance classes.

I teach Hip-Hop Fusion classes to kids, teens, and adults @ Global Athletic Complex in Stone Mountain, GA. Each group gets their own time to work it out and have fun in my class. There is a nice mix of Hip-Hop, Jazz, African, Latin, Caribbean, and House steps all blended within each combination learned during the class. People always say ”It looks hard,” but once they participate in the class they realize it’s not as hard as it looks. All levels are welcome. Since I break the steps down for anyone to understand, everyone finishes the class feeling confident that they have learned the routine. I LOVE it!

Mickie lewis of Mosaic Movement

7. When did you get in to dance and who were your influences?

I’ve always liked to move. I remember watching the T.V. Shows ”Hot Tracks” and ”Puttin’ On the Hits,” with my sister when I was little. We would come up with dance routines in hopes of going on the show when we got older. It wasn’t until Junior High School that I actually performed onstage. It was actually the only time that I wasn’t shy around crowds of people. From that point on, I have been a part of or started dance groups that made up routines for talent shows and other events. In college, I started a not-for-profit kids dance program as a community service project. We met every Saturday morning on my college campus for several weeks per session. At that point, I knew that I wanted to do this until the wheels fell off .

As far as influences, there are quite a few. Of course there’s Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson (her videos were always on point), the Fly Girls from In Living Color, I saw the Broadway play “Sarafina” when I was in elementary school, and I loooooved the energy and movement. I can go on for days…Debbie Allen, Fatima Robinson….oh, I loooove dancehall music and the way it makes you move. So you see my influences aren’t only individuals, it’s music, events, cultures, etc.

Mickie lewis of Mosaic Movement photographed by Leon Dale Photographer at LDP Studios.

8. How can people get in contact with you and your company about dance classes and/or performances?

Like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/MosaicMovement)! Mosaic Movement is the name of the company that I have just started. It is a cultural arts and recreation program that embraces diversity and fitness. The goal of this program is to increase physical fitness, celebrate cultural diversity, and instill confidence in ALL participants. Throughout the year, performance and appearance opportunities will be offered. At the end of this program, dancers will also have the opportunity to participate in the end of year showcase. I have always wanted to have a community center that focused on creative arts, recreation, and culture. At this stage of my life, I am ready to live…my pen in one hand, and my bucket list in the other. Instead of waiting the right time to go for the ultimate goal, I am starting from where I am now. One day the community center will exist, but for right now I am enjoying Hip Hop Fusion with Mosaic Movement.

For more information email: MosaicMove@hotmail.com

Like us on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/MosaicMovement

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Jen Farris of ZDennis Media Group!

January 26, 2012 by LeonDale

Jen Farris of ZDennis Media Group

Jen Farris is a public relations strategist and project manager for ZDennis Media Group. Founded in 2005, ZDennis Media Group’s mission is to be the ultimate resource; exposing positive messages about arts, culture, & entertainment to the “culture curious”.

Employing the creative arts as a powerful vehicle for social change is next on the list of professional accomplishments and running a public relations business with no boundaries is Farris’ ultimate goal. “I want our audiences to experience the arts in every language,” says Farris. “The worst thing ever done to someone is to keep them underexposed and undereducated.”

Prior to founding ZDennis Media Group, Farris was a radio promotions and marketing professional with MCA Records and later worked for the American Society of Composers Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), the first and leading U.S. Performing Rights Organization (PRO) whose constituency encompasses the world’s largest repertory of music publishers and songwriters.

She is a former Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Miss Bennett College ‘queen’ who earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Bennett College in Greensboro, NC and her Master’s Degree from the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC. She is a member of The Recording Academy, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and a Charter Member of Toastmasters International Legacy Builders in Atlanta, GA.

Jen Farris of ZDennis Media Group

Posted in The Spot Light · Tagged dale, farris, group, jen, ldp, leon, leondalephotographer, media, photographer, pr, studios, zdennis · Leave a comment

Naturally Pretty Photos by Leon Dale Photographer!

November 21, 2011 by LeonDale

I was elated to be able to attend the first ever ‘Naturally Pretty’ event by MimiJ and NaturalChica!

There were many Natural Hair vendors happy to show off their wares, make up artists beatin faces, manicurists, DJ’s, poets, superstars and paparazzi in force!

have a look at these photos and find the slideshow at the bottom!

Hosting the Naturally pretty event Mae of Natural Chica

Hosting the first Naturally pretty event, Mae of Natural Chica was stunning in this designer dress!

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Make up Artist and Mentor Mimi J

Natural Chica and Mimi J online host the first ever Naturally Pretty event.

Naturally Pretty Event 2011 – Images by leon dale
Naturally Pretty Event 2011 – Images by leon dale

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Jennifer Ofori interview for The Big Natural Hair Project.

October 12, 2011 by LeonDale

TWA Interview:

When you first chopped, what were your thoughts and feelings? How do you feel now? I did my big chop on January 3, 2011. At first I was indecisive and comfortably in ”half relaxer, half natural” stage. For weeks, I kept having second thoughts because I was afraid of how it would look and if I’d like it. One day, I woke up and said to my boyfriend “Lets go chop it RIGHT NOW!”. We went to the barber shop, and I kept that energy the entire time. Otherwise, I would have talked myself out of it again. As my hair was being cut, all I kept saying to myself was “I can’t believe I’m doing this right now…”I’m not going to look in the mirror until he’s done cutting it off”…”OMG, I’m going to look like a boy”…and my final words(because there was no turning back) was “F*** it! I’m going to own it!” The great part about the experience is that I had a lot of support during the chop, which gave me even more confidence.

Jennifer Ofori for The Big Natural Project by Leon Dale Photographer.

I love my natural look! I can’t keep my hands out of my hair, I can’t wait to see how it grows and I’m having so much fun experimenting.

How did you cope with the responses from your family and friends? This wasn’t hard. I had support from almost everyone around me. Anyone with negative feedback… I just brush it off.

Jennifer Ofori for The Big Natural Project by Leon Dale Photographer.

What are your plans for your hair (do you plan to grow it out, keep it short)? I plan to grow it out(Solange Knowles)and see how I like it. I can always go back to a TWA if I have an issue.

Do you find it necessary to ‘doll up’ your look to feel more feminine? Most times,Yes for work and going out. When I am in chill mode I’m very simple.

If so, what are your favorite accessories, or go to ways to glam up your look? My favorite accessories would be big earrings. I like to use color eyeshadow or earth tone colors that pop, mascara and lip gloss.

How do you keep it moisturized? By adding Miss Jessies Baby Butter(1-2 times/week) and Jojoba Oil/Water in the mornings.

Jennifer Ofori for The Big Natural Project by Leon Dale Photographer.

What products and techniques do you use to style? How often do you style? I style once a week(Sundays) and hope it last for the week(haha). My weekly routine consist of cleansing my scalp with Devu Curl No Poo; Deep conditon every other week with Shea Butter conditioner or just regular conditon with Jane Carter between deep conditions. For styling, I use Jane Carter Leave-in conditioner or Garnier Fructis Leave-in-conditioner cream, add Kinki Curly Custard or Jane Carter Curl Defining Lotion and always seal with Miss Jessies Baby Butter for moisture. I occasionally do the wet-n-go with Eco Styler Gel and Jojoba Oil.

How do you get your waves or curls popping? By using a lot of the product I mentioned and defining my curls by seperating them with my fingers.

How do you preserve your curls at night? A satin scarf lightly tied.

Jennifer Ofori for The Big Natural Project by Leon Dale Photographer.

Posted in Big Natural Hair, leondale · Tagged big, dale, hair, interview, Jennifer, leon, leondale, leondalephtographer, natural, ofori, photographer, Project, the · Leave a comment

Brandi Cohen Interview for The Big Natural Hair Project

October 8, 2011 by LeonDale

1. How long have you been natural? I have been natural for 7 years.

2. Why did you go natural? At the time that I went natural, there wasn’t a lot of info on natural hair care and the term “going natural” wasn’t popular yet. Really, I just wanted to stop relaxing my hair, nothing deep at the time. It was costly and my very thick hair would never get completely straight. My hairstylist would relax my hair and then apply a lot of heat, sooo all of the heat was defeating the purpose of the relaxer. My hair was long, but not very healthy. I was at a crossroads, because I didn’t see “going natural” as an option. I was watching an episode of Girlfriends and was captivated by Joan (Tracee Ellis Ross’s) hair.

Big_Natural_hair_project_Brandi_Cohen_LDP_Studios

After seeing her big, beautiful mane, I was determined to get that hair. Only thing….I wasn’t sure what my hair texture was anymore. So I decided to let the relaxer grow out a bit and began to see some nice wave formations. I let it grow for about a year and a half and then I cut the remaining relaxer off…..let the journey begin. Although I don’t have Joan’s hair, I love my own hair! In the beginning there wasn’t a deep, philosophical meaning to me going natural, but over time, I feel as if I’ve become more free and expressive. My confidence has grown, which it has to when when you’re walking around with enormous hair!

Brandi Cohen for the Big Natural Hair Project

3. Do you have any favorite hair care products? I love Shea Moisture’s Curl Enhancing Smoothie. Thick creams work wonders on my hair. I’m also in love with Jessicurl’s Weekly Deep Conditioning Treatment. This product will save your parched curls.

4. Do you have any favorite natural styles you want to share? My favorite style, of course, is wearing my hair out…big and free. I do wear all types of other styles, but I will say that one of my other favorite style is a high bun because it’s the complete opposite. It’s also my go-to sleek style.

Big_Natural_hair_project_Brandi_Cohen_LDP_Studios

5. Is there anything that you do that you want to share? (skills, business, hobby, etc) I’m an actress and I was pretty nervous at times about how I will be cast with my hair being natural. Especially the size of my hair. But I’ve come to realize that at times my hair is what gets me called in for auditions. There are pros and cons to that, though. One con, outside of acting, is that people assume a certain personality/lifestyle comes with natural hair, or that you’re some “earthy” type. Although, that may be true for some, not all naturals are burning incense. (laughs) Just like those who rock short spiked hair, long straight hair, weave, no hair, we are individuals with our own individual styles and personalities.

6. Did you do the Big Chop? if so, what was that like? No, I did not Big Chop.

Big_Natural_hair_project_Brandi_Cohen_LDP_Studios

Posted in Big Natural Hair, leondale · Tagged big, brandi, cohen, dale, hair, interview, leon, leondale, leondalephtographer, natural, photographer, Project, the · Leave a comment

A shout out to NaturalChica.com!

October 7, 2011 by LeonDale

Check out our feature on NaturalChica.com!! http://www.naturalchica.com/2011/09/leon-dale-photography-the-big-natural-hair-project/

Natural Chica shout out from Leon Dale Photographer.

Posted in Big Natural Hair, leondale · Tagged chica, dale, hair, leon, natural, naturalchica, out, outs, photographer, Project, shout · Leave a comment

Habesha–No Culture without Agriculture

October 3, 2011 by LeonDale

Just a few Days ago, Photographer Rahmeek Rasul came and got me from my Studio and took me to ‘Habesha’ a gathering of Natural folks selling shea butter and giving healthy fook cooking demonstrations. I grabbed my camera with its fixed 50mm 1.8 lens and was glad I did when I got there.

Rahmeek Rasul was in his element. He’s traveled the world from the U.S to Turkey to Ethiopia capturing people and places in their daily lives as if he were a part of it himself. He manages to capture great photos of people without interupting and without intruding–some thing I could learn alot from! He’s not exactly fly on the wall, he’s out there buzzing around, crouching, lying on the floor and getting the good shots. You can see his work here at: http://www.rahmeekrasul.com/

Rahmeek rasul documentry photographer Catching a shot at the Habesha event in Atlanta Georgia.

There was also in attendance, I believe the man who put the event together, talking about agriculture. he took us on a tour of a big garden and explained a bit about how and why certain plants were planted. one of the things that stood out in my mind was when someone asked how he controlled the insects. We knew it wouldn’t be pesticide because these were Natural folks. they are concerned with the land and the earth, they strive to live in harmony with the land. Mass murder of insects because they were an inconvinience was just out of character. His answer was a wonderful one:

“we’ve just got to plant enough for all of us,” he said. There were many nods of aggreement. there was a word I forget for a technique in which plants that the insects like are planted. sort of catering to the needs of the insects so they would leave the plants the Humans coveted alone. Take note folks. This is how we act when we have a connection to the Earth we live on.

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A fellow photographer at the Habesha event

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mama_mariposa_by_leon_Dale_photographer

Mama Mariposa was so beautiful! I got lost in her face while talking to her! Mariposa, she informed me, is butterfly in spanish.

as I am not a writer by trade, I just copied and pasted her facebook page info tab, but please read on–she does some important work for the community.

“Mariposa” is the spanish word for “butterfly”. Mama Mariposa is available for the creative edutainment of children of all ages.

Mama uses music/instruments, color, manipulatives, texture, BOOKS, puzzles, games etc to stimulate the minds/spirits/images in a culturally relevant format.

Mama Mariposa recognizes how important it is for our children to see themselves in the books they read, games they play, and anything they come in contact with. Our youth deserve to learn about their history, along with the many various, rich cultures around the world! Mama Mariposa understands that we all learn in different ways and that all of these learning styles should be nurtured!

Mama does Festivals, birthday parties, private+ cultural events galore! Mama also teaches crochet classes to small groups or one on one.

Stay up to date with Mama Mariposa here or email @ MamaTheMariposa@gmail.com
if you/your business/organization are interested in Mama being of service.

Please support Mama Mariposa in her endeavours!

Posted in atlanta, Big Natural Hair, Community, leondale · Tagged agriculture, atlanta, culture, dale, habesha, hair, leon, mama, mariposa, natural, no, photographer, rahmeek, rasul, without · Leave a comment

Threads For the Intellect

October 2, 2011 by samchupp

100% OXOSSI, Protectors of The People

Photo shoots, no matter how bohemian or leisurely they look, are typically not. There’s a makeup artist rearranging the features of model. A photographer tinkering with his camera, moving lights to achieve the perfect shot. It’s a process, and normally the only thing that’s pretty and whimsical is the finished product. But not this sunny Sunday in Atlanta. As gentle and easygoing as the breeze that’s making a home in Leon Dale’s apartment, the models walk in one by one. They’re quintessential “everyday people”. I am pleasantly surprised – not to mention intrigued – to see their bare faces uniquely made up of only their God-given characteristics. I soon learned that this is what the OXOSSI clothing line is all about; accepting and embracing who we are as individuals.

“OXOSSI stands for protector of the people. It’s more or less of an intellectual revolution,” explains designer, Atu Nii-Owoo. His zeal goes beyond gushing over fabrics and cuts. OXOSSI is not just about pretty patterns. It has a point.

“Our shirts are a silent protest. You are what you wear. People can look at your clothing and decide a lot about you. Versus talking about it, you can wear a statement that you feel strongly about. I’m an artist, and I felt like fashion was our best medium to get our expressions out,” he adds on.

The brand currently houses T-shirts and hats, but they’ll soon be expanding their fashion offerings, along with their message. “Our mission is to remedy the glorification of the negative aspects of our world culture,” fellow designer Tai Rotan explains. The OXOSSI collection incites hope and intellect through its display of iconic characters such as Huey P. Newton, Dizzy Gillespie, and Oxossi’s emblem, which showcases words like freedom, peace and love enclosed in Africa’s country outline.

Similar to the unity-embracing aesthetics of the United Colors of Benetton, Atu reaffirms he and his partner’s dedication to “inclusion,” in an industry that looks down on lower economic on-lookers. “We’re trying to merge into the middle tier where we’re not excluding anybody. It’s not just Black, it’s not just White. We tried to make our clothing attainable because we’re trying to merge substance with fashion.”

Like, most of us in a post-Obama era, Tai reveals that long before our charismatic president resurrected change, OXOSSI was already employing the principles that drove his campaign. “We push ourselves and those around us to be better, which is in alignment with Obama’s campaign strategy. Another element would be President Obama’s use of positive affirmations – Yes we can – which is a cornerstone of OXOSSI ‘s ideologies.”

Void of a materialistic motive, one might contend that designers Tai Rotan and Atu Nii-Owoo place more importance in statements, than style. Not true. The collection is impressive to say the least. It’s unmistakably eclectic and slips easily into the uptown girl or skater boy’s closet. Filled with vibrant colors and eye-catching designs, OXOSSI leaves a lingering desire to know more about the intent behind the threads. Mission accomplished.

Check OXOSSI at: http://www.oxossi-classics.com

Article By Kimberly Walker

Posted in Fashion · Tagged atlanta, atu, classics, Fashion, leondale, leondalephotographer, ni-owoo, oxossi, people, protector, rotan, tai, upgrade · 783 Comments

Reti!

October 1, 2011 by LeonDale

I was Blessed to have Atlanta Hip Hop artist RETI at LDP Studios a while ago and managed to get a couples questions out to him.

1. Where are you from?

I’m from Vacherie, La its about an hour from New Orleans. Im from La. but I was raised in California, Texas, Tennessee. I love La. but I like the fact that I got to live in different regions because it gave a unique mind state.

Reti Stargazer by leon Dale Photographer

Atlanta Hip Hop artist RETI from Stargazer

2. At what age did you become serious about hip hop and why?

I became serious about hip-hop when I was 19. It was passion of mines to express my thoughts to people thru the music. Why? Because I decided I was ready to take on this industry. I built up my drive and talent for the entertainment industry.

3. Who were your early influences and who do you think is hot in the game right now?

Some of my early influences were N.W.A, Fresh Prince, Run DMC and plenty others. I think im hot right now (lol) other than that im digging Weezy, Nas, Jay, and Kanye right now.

Atlanta Hip Hop artist RETI for Stargazer

4. Where can fans learn more about reti?

I’m on facebook under retimusik@gmail.com and twitter under _RETI

5. Are you currently working on any albums?

Yeah I’m working on a mix tape right now called “It Aint Hard to Tell” and my anticipated album called “Crack Muzik”. I’m also working Tai ‘Upgrade’ Rotan on a project as well.