Africa Miranda. You'll Love Her.

This year, we are starting a new monthly series on our site called "Hair Spotlight." It will feature one person who has amazing hair and an amazing story to match. We are such advocates of women who rock their natural hair and we make sure we review hair products to help keep you looking stylish while keeping your natural curls. We couldn't think of a better person to start us off than Africa Miranda. You may remember Africa from Bravo's show The New Atlanta. However, since then, she's been quite busy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6W7EBoRmRLE Africa Miranda is a travel maven, a pioneer for women everywhere, quite the beauty-preneur, and of course, she has hair that will make you jelvious (that's when you are jealous and envious at the same time.) Make sure you follow Africa Miranda on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

A Conversation with Africa Miranda

GGH: Africa Miranda! Ah! We are so excited for you to be our first ever "Hair Spotlight" on the site. So, let's get the big question out of the way. The one that is on everyone's mind...is "Africa Miranda" your actual name?! Africa: I get asked this all the time! Yes, it is my real name. GGH: Great. It's a beautiful name. Okay, so, we've been following you online for a while and were so happy when you decided to speak with us. Now, you travel all over the world (love your Instagram, by the way), but you live in New York, correct? Africa: Thank you! I’m honored to be the first feature on the site. I do travel a lot, but New York is home. GGH: And what do you love about New York? Africa: Everything! Well, almost everything…who loves the subway and the cold? But honestly, I love the diversity, the energy of it all. Every neighborhood has its own personality and you can live here forever and still run across a part of the city you’ve never seen before. GGH: We'll stick with Los Angeles. Can't handle the cold. Let's chat about the entire reason we reached out to you in the first place...your hair! It. Is. Amazing! How often do you get complimented on your hair? Africa: Thank you! I often joke that people love my hair more than they love me. It definitely gets a lot of comments. GGH: And of course we are absolutely LOVING that you are rocking your NATURAL hair! You had a great piece on Hello Beautiful about the struggles with your hair and the pressure of "mainstream beauty standards." Talk to us about your decision to go natural and how that has changed your life. Africa: I’m so glad you enjoyed that piece! Deciding to go natural was a cosmetic decision at first, and then it definitely turned into a more personal and spiritual transformation. I was forced to challenge my thoughts on what was “beautiful” and step outside of my comfort zone. It is hard to undo a lifetime of messages that a certain look or hair texture is what is considered “pretty” and it is definitely a continuous journey. GGH: Our readers definitely want to know what products you use to keep your hair looking this stunning. Can you tell us your favorite hair products and detail your haircare routine? Africa: I definitely have some products I can’t live without: My favorite leave-in hands down is Creme of Nature’s Perfect 7. It is the best detangler if you have thick, coarse hair. Shampoo: Mielle Organics Babassu Shampoo and Eden Body Works Coconut Shea Shampoo. Deep Conditioner: SashaPure Beauty Restorative Conditioning Masque and Mielle Organics Babassu Mint Deep Conditioner. Styling: Creme of Nature Pudding Perfection and SashaPure Beauty Perfectly Defining Curl Cream. GGH: And you have your own skincare line, correct? Africa: Yes! I do! It's called Beauty by Africa Miranda. GGH: You do it all! And tell us about some of your favorite products from your line. Africa: I am SO proud of my products and the response to them! Beauty By Africa Miranda is a global beauty line inspired by travel. I have a Facial Elixir that was inspired by my time in Brazil. It is a multi-purpose beauty oil that hydrates and nourishes skin giving you a beautiful “vacation glow” year-round. The next is the Luminous Body Mist. Inspired by a trip to the south of France, it is a fragrant dry oil that you spray on when you are damp out of the shower for a luxurious moisturizing experience. GGH: Okay, do these products work for men? Africa: Yes they do! Great skin is universal. I’m happy to say I have some very loyal male customers. GGH: Now, we're a hair product review and hairstyle website, so we have to ask...will Beauty by Africa Miranda be releasing any hair products in the future? Africa: Right now I don’t have any plans to expand to haircare, but you never know! GGH: Well, hit us up if you ever come out with a hair product! Each year it seems like you keep pushing the envelope. You do more. You go bigger. How do you stay focused, fit, and healthy? Africa: It definitely is a struggle to find balance and some days are better than others. I work to prioritize the things that are truly important so that I don’t spread myself too thin. And I’m learning to put my phone down :) I’m a pescatarian and try my best to eat as clean as possible. That helps when I’m traveling or my schedule is crazy and I can’t work out as regularly as I should. I also am learning to give myself a break and accept that I can’t do EVERYTHING. GGH: Well, you're better than us. We're a sucker for an In N' Out drive-through. Okay, it's the first month of 2018. What can the world expect from Africa Miranda this year? Africa: I have a major print and commercial campaign launching soon. I also am working on expanding Beauty by Africa Miranda with new products by the summer. GGH: Is there anything else you think our readers should know about you? Africa: I believe that your hair should be a source of fun and not stress. Do what makes you happy and experiment with fun wigs and extensions when you want to change your look without commitment. GGH: Well, my dear! Thank you SO much for taking the time to chat with us! We so appreciate your time and THANK YOU for being such an inspiration for all people across the globe. THANK YOU!! [caption id="attachment_2604" align="aligncenter" width="596"] The one and only, Africa Miranda![/caption]