97004 By Design vol 49 resized - released date July 5 , 2016

18 & Up
Written by Vanessa Price
Hey there my friends! Do you realize how important you are? Yes, you! You
have the power to influence anyone that comes within your zone. How, you ask?
Because YOU are YOUR Natural you, and no one can change who you are. Your
originality was whipped up just for you from the day you were born. And now
that you have reached the blossoming age of 18 and above, you get to share your
beauty, handsomeness, and character with those around you.
So how about starting with an afro, or say, a set of afro puffs? But wait! Don't
leave out the Mohawk, or the “twist out.” What’s that? You don’t have to have a
string of hair!! But of course, I'm sure you have your own style. You've had that
since the day you shaved your eyebrows off, creating your own “new trend” at the
age of 5. Remember when your mother came in the bathroom looking for you,
only to find your eyebrows gone? Oh yes, I'm sure you created many styles back
then. I can even remember twist outs before they ever came out. It was the day I
watched a girl get her neatly platted braid get cut off by this mischievous little boy
only to find a natural beauty as her braid slowly untwisted. She then shook her
head causing the natural curls that we all have, to sling around her beautiful face.
We all by nature are beautiful creatures, and you, my friend, are at the beginning
of a new life. You have the power to be in charge of your own beautiful, natural,
influential, self.
And guess what? You'd be surprised at how many people would follow you if
you'd stop following them. Make a U-Turn today. Do what you do! But do it with
a good and grateful heart. Wear your reds, wear your greens, find your biggest
earrings, or just call it “Bare face Monday.” When you're yourself, others around
you find serenity in you. So just watch how much things will change in you and
others when you let yourself be your natural you