By: Nicole Recard, Feature Writer

It is sandal season ladies and gentlemen and before you bare you tootsies in the strappiest of strappy sandals; please take some time to get your feet in order. Let us all keep in mind the common phrase, “put you best foot forward.”

PEDICURES
Whether or not you can visit the salon, you always have the capacity to DIY, do it yourself. Because TCM wants to make sure you receive the best pedicures, as they are the foundation for healthy, happy feet, we want to give you a few pointers to ensure that you receive great pedicures.

1) First, start by soaking you feet in warm water to soften the skin in preparation. Soaking salts or oils enhance relaxation and soften dead skin.

2) Remove your previous polish and then file and buff your toenails. Make sure to file and buff in one direction, to prevent nails from splitting.

3) Apply cuticle remover and gently push it back with an orange stick or cuticle pusher. If you’re at a salon, don’t be afraid to tell your pedicurist not to cut your cuticles. PLEASE NOTE: Cutting the cuticle can promote infection because it leaves your nails exposed. You don’t want to run the risk of infection especially if you are using shared spa pedicure stations. Infected nails and foot fungus are not a good look.

4) Next, use a pumice stone and an exfoliating scrub to get rid of the dead skin. Pay special attention to the heels, as they can get dry and cracked with constant exposure in flip flops. Dry your feet and apply a moisturizing cream. Prep toenails for you polish of choice by applying a basecoat, and seal them with a topcoat to prevent chipping and promote shine.

Now when it comes to color, gentlemen, clear or no color is usually the way to go, but ladies don’t be afraid to lighten up. Ditch the dark colors, and warm up for springtime. Light pinks, blues, and greens are some of this season’s most popular colors. And ladies, If you really want to dazzle them, do be afraid to go for a design.

To keep your feet looking great, make sure to keep them moisturized. Applying a heavy foot cream or Vaseline and socks at night keeps your feet soft and supple. Wearing open-toed shoes means chipped polish is a no-no. Apply a clear coat of polish each day to prevent your polish from chipping. Remember TCM Readers; keep those toes looking flawless for the summer.

Audreyanna Garrett, Feature Editor

What is the value of perfection? Nothing… The air that we breathe, the life we live and the very essence of our being is exactly the same as of someone adorned, or deemed perfect. Society imposes the norm that which so many Americans fix their lives around; the best car, the best figure, the best home, the best family qualities, etc. Happiness, no matter how much we endure to obtain it, should be the object of our perfection. We need to encourage happiness of the simple things in life. So often we learn the essence of life after it is either threatened or taken away. If we can recognize the value in nothing, we will appreciate everything.

Everywhere we turn we see an example of what we need to aspire to be. We see woman and men with the “perfect” figure, the “perfect” career, the “perfect” family and the “perfect” home. I am not trying to entirely criticize and credit society for our problem; parents, in most cases, feed the contradiction by allowing the children to believe that everything they see is what they should aspire to become. Some of these social norms feed into the attitudes of envy, rebellion and hate. I am by no means saying that we should entirely omit social norm because not all are negative, for example, the promotion of healthy living, optimism, education and outlaw of illicit acts; but I am simply suggesting that we reflect on the value of perfection.

Briefly consider life without socialized standards—there would theoretically be no prejudice, segregation or social classes. Social standards encourage social division. If every person is genuinely content in their skin and with their economic situation, there would be no dissension. No rivalry leaves room for peace. The peace that we so desperately long for but do not contribute to. We are guilty of being vulnerable. We are guilty for longing to fit in, so we devalue ourselves; we discredit the very attributes that make us who we are. I am not exactly sure who is setting the standard, but I do know that we are allowing it to continue. We feed into the norm, amplifying the problem by voting against individual choice or frowning upon individualism.

The object of perfection is individual choice and happiness, and with happiness comes wealth. Wealth being defined as an overwhelming presence of peace, love for self, love for neighbors and love for life. If we embrace individualism we will soon understand its gratification. If we consent to expectations acknowledge one another for what we are, we will see the change.

BE YOU. BE INFORMED. BE INSPIRED. BE CHIC.

By: Nicole Recard, Feature Writer

Don’t look drab this fall. Brighten up your look with the season’s hottest makeup trends.

When attempting to implement the new trends, remember to use only ONE focal point on your face, it’s either the eyes or lips. When you use a dark shade for the eyes, natural colors for the lips work better, and vice versa.

EYES

Purple is the popular color this fall. Plum, lavender and violet are great shades for your lids. Purple’s are actually a great compliment to green and brown eyes, so go bold.

EYEBROWS

Thick, natural eyebrows are in these days, so don’t over pluck. Just fill in sparse areas to make them look uniform.

LIPS

Don’t be afraid of a bold lip. Dark reds, bright reds and berry shades are colors that pop. Nude lips are also in style and work best to compliment a bold eye.

CHEEKS

Keep your cheeks neutral with a soft bronze or peachy shade so that you don’t overdo it.

NAILS

Berries, purples, metallic and dark colors are what’s hot. They compliment your makeup and add drama to your look.

MINERAL MAKEUP

The popularity of mineral makeup has really taken off this fall. The benefits are lighter make-up with fewer chemicals that are healthier for skin. There are many different brands to choose from so it’s easy to find the right one for you at the right price. Starter kits for some of the most popular brands are; Bare Minerals for $29.99, Loreal Bare Naturale for $13.99, and Pur Minerals for $35.99.

The trend for fall 2009 for make-up is BOLD, COLORFUL, FUN and with a hint of drama.

By: Nicole Recard, Feature Writer

It’s important to preserve your flawless skin and enviable hair when the harsh winter weather comes around. With the aid of a few modifications to your routine and a couple preventative measures you could eliminate the stress associated with not-so-glowing skin and bad hair days.

Skin is very important, as it should be especially because it’s the largest organ. As the temperature changes, so do the needs of your skin. A heavier emollient, like thick body butter will keep the skin moisturized longer than a body oil or gel.

Products that contain large amounts of shea butter and olive oil are perfect because together they are easily absorbed and form a protective barrier to block the drying cold weather from damaging your skin. Cocoa butter and coconut oil are also great natural moisturizer that work better than petroleum-based products that protect but don’t nourish the skin.

In addition to applying the right moisturizer, you should also make sure that you dress appropriately. Avoiding exposure of your skin to the bitter weather is significantly effective.

We all want our hair to look its best so here are some tips to keep it up when the temperature drops.

- Never go outside with a wet head. The wash and wear look of the summer is over, and if you want to protect your health and your hair, thoroughly dry it before leaving the house.

- If you choose to wear a winter hat to protect your head, make sure it has a lining to protect your hair from rubbing agaisnt it and causing breakage and dryness. If it doesn’t come with one, use your favorite silk or satin scarf.

- Protective styles such as up-dos, twists, and braids that keep your ends from rubbing against your clothes and being exposed to the cold air are best this time of year.

- To prevent dry hair and scalp try a hot oil treatment. If that’s too oil for your hair type, try adding a tablespoon of olive oil to your favorite conditioner instead. This small step will work wonders to prevent flakes and brittle hair.

Think preservation not hibernation this winter. Take care of your skin and hair and with these tips and tricks you can maintain your CHIC look all year round.

Teen Chic Magazine wanted to take a break from the norm of shooting fashion photo shoots and really show the true inner beauty of some of our models. This shoot was super fun and interesting because the models had to really show us what they were made of because there were no props or anyone else in the picture to feed off of. You will see that we shot each model as pure as can be without any makeup and then gradually glamed them up from there.

Special Thanks:

Creative Director - Elle Turner

Make Up - Chaela B.

Hair - Tae Garrett

Art Appeal - Audrey Garrett

Photographer - C’na Roberts

Models - Ke’Era, Ty, Erin and Carii

Intern - Ashton Grigsby

By: Audreyanna Garrett, Feature Writer & Published Author

I am aware that the summers can get very boring!  You get all hyped up about taking a break from school and you waste it away doing nothing; not being as productive as you could.  Anticipating its conclusion and then the bright ideas form about what you could have experienced or done to maximize your summer.

I have constructed a list of 20 things that you can indulge in for the summer, have fun and stimulate your brain all at the same time! 

Drive is the hot new quality of teens!  I see so many young individuals maximizing their time by developing new things…For instance why just listen to a song, record or band when you can create one! 

1. Write a song

2. Start your own band

3. Get a summer job

Find something easy and fun for you to endure go the entire summer; i.e. work at an amusement park or water park, favorite fast food chain; or better yet find a job in a potential career field.   Explore internship opportunities at your dream job of choice.  It’s never to late to plan for the future.  Start now, open a savings account and save money.

4. Visit another country

5. Go backpacking

These may not be plausible for all our Teen Chic Mag Readers but for those who can, expand your vocabulary and world experience.   It is never too late to explore world culture first hand. 

6. Become a photographer

There is nothing more powerful than capturing life through film.  The more you explore life the more you will want to remember it.  What better way to capture the prime years of your life than through a lens?

7. Go camping

8. Take a boat ride

9. Go canoeing

Explore the outdoors; appreciate the serenity that lies there.

10. Become a mentor

INSPIRE.  You never know how many children you can inspire and redirect if you do not influence them; become a mentor.  You can make mentoring fun; go to the zoo, museum, read he/she a story, build a tree-house, teach a new sport, inspire entrepreurialism by building a lemonade stand, etc.

11. Learn a new language

12. Work on brain teasers

13. Learn how to sew

14. Work on the car…explore auto-motives

15. Learn to play chess

16. READ

17. Create a website

18. Make a movie

Mental stimulation.  Expose yourself to unknown tasks.  I guarantee you your test scores will be higher and you will comprehend swifter.  Impress your teacher and increase you class rank; it makes for better collegiate acceptance.

19. Research your family tree

Get familiar with your family history; your findings could be extremely interesting.

20. Create a scrapbook of everything you did this summer…

 What a way to remember all that you did or did not do for the next summer.

So, Teen Chic Mag readers, I encourage you all to BE CHIC and OWN your future.  MAXIMIZE THIS SUMMER’S POSSIBILITIES.

HAPPY SUMMER TEEN CHIC MAG!!

By: Stephanie A. Catchings, Health & Beauty Editor

Threading is an ancient hair removal process that originated in the Middle East. Threading practitioners usually hold one end of a thin, twisted cotton strand in their teeth and twisting the other end in their hand to create enough tension to pull the hair out. Then, the thread is placed over the hair and rolled across the skin to pluck several strands directly from the follicle at one time.

Though it can be apinful at first, the threading process usually pulls a very straight line of hair making this method of hair removal more precise than others like tweezing or creams. Another added benefit of threading is that it is less likely to produce ingrown hairs after the procedure is done. Threading is rather safe for people with sensitive skin as well.

Beware of amateur or novice threaders because their inexperience can lead to a painful experience. Those with acne should be careful when having facial areas threaded as it may typically done on bikini areas or legs.

If you are interested in threading, you can call a local salon ot mall near you to see if skilled professionals are available. Be prepared to spend at least $10.00 and 15 minutes of your time for a basic service like eyebrow shaping. Results should last about 4 weeks, however individual results may vary.

Check out http://www.pamf.org/teen/health/skin/bodyhair.html for more information.

By: Maurice Harris, Contributing Writer

When you think of health problems, you wouldn’t consider yourself having those issues. Could it be because you are young and full of life, or the fear of the unknowing is what keep you from being proactive about your health. Health and fitness is a way of life. It is the fuel in our bodies that keeps us moving. Many of us share similar family issues like high blood pressure, diabets, high cholesterol and heart disease. Africian Americans lead in all four of those categories. You don’t have to go through the hard time of health problems like your ancestry. When does the generational curse stop? Well, it starts with you. You and only you can make that change. Just because your grandmother and grandfather suffers with diabetes does not mean you will.

One out of three African Americans suffer with some type of health related issues. What are some of the things you can do to avoid becoming a part of your family’s health issues? There are three simple steps you should follow. One, make better choices with the foods that you eat. Instead of eating fried food, try eating grilled foods. Grilling is better for your heart. For example, frying your food in trans fat which are bad for your cholesterol and even worst for your heart. Grilling will avoid that exposure. Grilled foods lower your transit fat intake by 60 - 80%.

Two, get up and get moving. Walk around your neighborhood or go to a nearby park to take a casual walk, this also helps relieve stress that builds up over time. Just doing some type of activity will help you burn those extra stored calories in your body.

Three, get plenty of rest; this is what many of us can’t get enough of. Nearly 60% of people do not get proper of rest at night. Instead of staying up late watching that movie, DVR it and go to bed. You will notice a big difference in your energy level when you get an extra hour of sleep.

These three steps can lower your risk of becoming part of your family past health issues. Proper diet and exercise is given to people everyday by their doctors as an order to improve their health. I know sometimes that being a teenager you may feel invincible, but what you do now is laying down the tracks to your future. If you create good healthy habits as a teenager it will carry over to your adult years, then the cycle of unhealthiness is broken. With your life changes, your kids become healthy and that positive cycle has started.

**Maurice Harris is a Certified Personal Tranier, Sport Specific
Specialist and a member of the IDEA Fitness and American Senior
Fitness Association.

By: Stephanie A. Catchings, Health & Beauty Editor

The date is getting closer which means that the amount of time you have left to pick the perfect “do” to go with your fabulous prom dress is running short. Consider these 8 tips for choosing the right look to make you glamorous and chic from “hair”  to toe.

1.  Look at the mood of your dress. Is it dressy and elegant or laid-back and Bohemian?

2.  Consider the shape of your face, round and square faces are brought out by up-dos. Oval shaped faces are complimented by long hair that frames the face or a half-up, half-down hairstyle.

3.  Keep hair away from the necklineof you dress if it is a focal point so that the attention to detail can be admired by all.

4.  Check with your hair stylist to be sure that he or she can do the style you want by showing them a picture. If they are unable to style your hair they way you want, have them recommend someone who can so that you won’t be disappointed with the styling experiment.

5.  Try the style out before the big day to be sure that you are not showering the dance floor with bobby pins or sporting sticky, droopy curls in the pictures.

6.  Work with the natural texture of your hair. Play up your curls or waves by shaping them with moose or promade and accenting them with a matching flower or simple diamond clip. Please remember that Tiaras at prom are no longer chic!

7.  If you plan to use hair extensions for your perfect look,  please seek a professional who can secure them and make them look natural so that people can recognize you and your beauty - not your beautiful tracks of hair showing through the curls.

8.  Wear a button-down shirt to the hair salon to protect your tresses from the t-shirt mess up.

Prom is all about fun, so be sure to get your hair done in a style that suits you and your style. That way, twenty years from now when you and your children look back at your prom pics, you won’t have to offer any excuses. You can proudly say - I was CHIC!

By: Britt Sorrells, Intern

STAYING FIT WITH BRITT

Have you ever looked in the mirror and said, “Man I look fat!” Well, you are not alone, 7 out of 10 teens have felt insecure about their body image one way or another. In today’s society, Glitz and Glamour has become an ideal life style for teens around the world; however does this “Glitz and Glamour” define who you are as an individual? As a teen growing up in a fashion forward time period, personal image is a major part of my social life.

Here are my 7 STEPS to a HEALTHIER LIFE!

Step1:
Surround yourself with positive people

♥ They will help you stay motivated and keep you on a positive track.

Step 2:
Determination and Will Power

♥ Stay determined and positive, challenge yourself to create your “perfect” body image.

Step 3:
Have Confidence

♥ Set a realistic goal and ACHIEVE IT!!!

Step 5:
Make Better Choices

♥ Choose the BEST foods to stay CLEANSED physically, mentally and emotionally in balance.

Step 6:
Cook More and Eat Out Less

Step 7:
Active Life

♥ Make time to exercise at all times. For example, instead of taking the elevator, take the stairs.

These steps are not here to establish your PERFECT body, but rather a guide to help you achieve what you feel is “staying fit.”

By: Stephanie A. Catchings, Health & Beauty Editor

Due to the ease, accesibility and cost-effectiveness, shaving is the most popular method of hair removal used by men and women. Disposable razors come in all shapes and sizes and are contoured to fit specific regions of the body based on the gender of the user. Using a razor to cut hair is not always the best choice because it does not remove the hair at the follicle. As a result, the hair keeps growing and the blunt cut makes it easier to see in a few as 2 - 3 days. Futhermore, shaving can make the skin more prone to ingrown hairs lead to unsightly razor bumps.

In order to make the best of shaving, try these steps to improve your outcome.

1. Wash the area that you are going to shave with soap and lukewarm water before you begin.

2. Use a shaving gel or cream with moisturizer to lubricate the skin and the razor.

3. Always use a clean and sharp razor blade.

4. Shave in the direction in which the hair grows. For example, if the leg hairs grow toward the feet, gently glide the razor from the knee to the ankle.

5. Rinse the razor blade often while shaving and do not press hard against the skin.

6. Rinse the area when shaving is complete and apply a good moisturizer to the clean-shaven area.

By: Stephanie A. Catchings, Health & Beauty Editor

Spring is here which means summer is just around the corner. Since winter cover-up is no longer necessary, more skin will be seen as people head to parks, beaches, and other outdoor activities. The more skin you show, the more likely you might need depilation or hair removal. Although the decision to remove body hair is a personal one, few people appreciate being flashed and armpit bush during a nice afternoon at the pool.

To help you with the decision to shave or not to shave, Teen Chic Mag is introducing several methods of hair removal throughout the spring and summer months. Each article will feature a different hair removal techniques and its advantages and disadvantages. Those with sensitive skin or a low tolerance for pain should consider the unfortunately popular feminine mantra, “Beauty is pain…” enjoy! 

By: Inez T.S. Woody, Feature Writer

Valentine’s Day is a special day marked by love. Chocolates, flowers, candies, jewelry and greeting cards are exchanged to express one’s love. Whether or not you have a boyfriend, nothing should stop you from having the most fun possible channeling your inner gooddess. So don’t fret if a romantic date is not on your agenda. You can “Pretty it Up” for yourself, a girl’s night out or for your special Valentine. Glamorous makeup is the key to living this holiday to it’s fullest. Focus on girly colors like pink, peach, brown or even purple. Make sure you do not over do it! Instead, pick a feature and focus on it.

ALL ABOUT THE LIPS:

A pouty lip is the look to go for that will stop traffic, but the key is making them kissable and not goopy. Always apply a lip balm with at least SPF 14 before hand. Although red may seem like the way to go for Valentine’s Day, it can be a bit too much. For a hip look, take a pink fuchsia shade like Sephora’s Cream Lipstick in #67 ($6.00 on Sephora.com), put on a coat and then quickly blot most of it off. Next, very gently run a thin coat over your bottom lip and press your lips together for a perfect look that’s not over done.

Cargo, PlantLove Botanical Lipstick, is environmentally friendly and the design is the cutest little Valentine’s Day tube is so adorable. It is silky smooth, conditions and colors your pout to pucker perfection.

A SMOKY EYE:

A smoky eye is a must ; however you do not want to lay it on too thick. As you get older you can work your way to using darker colors but in the meantime, enjoy playing with whimsical colors that look best on you. First, apply BADgal Lash Mascara in rich black, it really builds up huge lashes. Then you can line your upper and lower lash with a dark brown pencil (Sephora - Slim Pencil, Eye in Dark Brown 212) to make your eye more defined. You can use a really light shimmery pink on your brow bone like Hard Candy Eye Candy in Cotton Candy for $12.50 and then use a slighty darker shade of pink in the crease of the eye. 

Finish off the eye with a dark brown eye shadow right on your eye lid with Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Stray Dog which you can find on Sephora.com for $16.00. This total look will create a pink inspired but yet smoky eye that will have you looking smokin hot! Remeber to choose a smoky eye or a pouty lip but not both because you do not want to over do it.

No matter if you have a beau or not, celebrating Valentine’s Day can be fun wether you are having a fun and romantic date or a night out with your girls. Be beautiful and try not to break too many hearts!

By: Stephanie A. Catchings, Health & Beauty Editor

5 Ways to Boost Your Activity Level without Working Out

1. 1. Turn baby sitting into play time with the kids.
   Instead of talking on the phone or watching TV with your younger siblings or babysitting clients, go outside and play. Some fun active games are “Red Light, Green Light” or “Freeze Tag.” Not only will you and the kids get some good exercise and a few laughs, but you can also get them tired enough to take a nap and give you some free time later.

1. 2. Take the stairs in public places rather than using the elevator or escalator.
   Taking the stairs helps to burn calories and tone leg muscles. Taking those few extra steps can make the difference in changing those chicken legs or dimpled thighs into show-stopping limbs.

1. 3. Park farther away from the entrance to buildings and stores where you intend to shop.
   Rather than scouring the parking lot for the spot nearest the door, park in the rear of the lot and walk briskly to the entry door. Be careful to do this only when the area is well lit and populated by others who can help you in case of an emergency.

1. 4. Use canned vegetables for more than eating.
   The vitamins found in vegetables can boost energy levels when part of a balanced diet. However, using canned vegetables as hand weights can also help shape your muscles and strength your grip. While watching television or lounging around the house, hold the canned good in one hand and do short controlled bicep curls for a period of about 15 minutes per arm. Catching a rerun of CSI or Gossip Girl never made you look this good!

1. 5. Spruce up the garden in the yard once a week.
   Gardening may seem like a pastime for the elderly but in actuality, it truly is a wonderful way to burn calories, get sunlight and do something that you will eventually be proud of. With spring quickly approaching, pulling weeds, spreading mulch and planting new flowers can become a relaxing way for anyone to stretch their muscles and work up a light sweat. Scan a few horticulture books to see which plants would work well in your area to maximize your gardening efforts.

*As with any health care regimen, speak with a physician before beginning any vigorous activity, especially in the presence of a pre-existing medical condition.*

By Stephanie A. Catchings, Health & Beauty Editor

There is an old saying that goes, “Eyes are the windows to the soul.” Well if that really is the case, you’d better make sure that your windows have some good curtains to make your soul outstanding!

Eyeshadow is an important makeup accessory because a little bit of color applied in the right way can do wonders to enhance your personal style. Cindy Fernandez, an Independent Senior Sales Director for Mary Kay provides teens with some helpful tips in applying eye makeup for daily wear or special occasions.

1. Always begin with a clean washed face
2. Use an eyeliner applicator for precise color placement and a brush for a more even application
3. Finish the look by applying mascara and eyeliner after applying the eye shadow

4. Never share eyeliner or mascara

Below are popular shades from Mary Kay Cosmetics to help you achieve three distinct looks.

Color #1 - Use a light color like Sweet Cream (labeled 1), to soften the eye.

Color #2 - Select a darker tone Sienna (labeled 2) to add drama to the area nearest to the brow.

Color #3 - Add a shimmery dark tone as Granite to dazzle your audience.

Maintain the Natural Look for everyday wear.

Try the Classic Look for a night out on the town.

Get jazzy with the Dramatic Look at your winter formal or prom.

Still unsure about which look is best for you? Test the waters before you dive in. Visit www.marykay.com/cindyhere4u and click on the Virtual Makeover tab. Then upload your picture or use the models provided by the site. One you find the look that you love, wear it with confidence and know that you are super chic!

By: Madison Jones, Feature Writer

By: Stephanie Catchings, Health & Beauty Editor

TCM: Your company is named based on who you are - what does being Carol’s Daughter entail?

LISA: Being Carol’s Daughter means loving yourself and others. It means having the courage to follow your passions and to know that hard work can make your dreams a reality. I am so blessed to be Carol’s Daughter and to have had the support of my mother while working to create my brand.

TCM: Tell me about the passion you had in starting Carol’s Daughter.

LISA: My love for fragrance began when I was a little girl. I started creating my own scents and creams because I loved to experiment-it’s always been a hobby and passion of mine. When I realized that it could also be a business, I began working to make my dreams come true.

TCM: Why might the Carol’s Daughter products be better for people of color than other products?

LISA: The Carol’s Daughter line includes over 100 unique products for face, hair, body and home - allowing for product combination’s and possibilities for every man, woman and child regardless of skin type, tone or need. The healthy ingredients in all of my products mean that they naturally nourish and hydrate, inside and out.

TCM: How are your ingredients different from the ingredients in other cosmetic products?

LISA: My products have “good-for-you” ingredients that are inspired by nature and love.  You will not find any parabens, sodium laureth sulfates, petroleum or mineral oil in any of my products.

TCM: At what age should young people begin using skin care products?

LISA: My mother began taking care of my skin as a baby and I can bet that her mother also started then.  Skin is our largest organ and it deserves special TLC - it works so hard to keep us healthy, soft and vibrant.

TCM: Should skin care products be used even if there are no obvious skin problems?

LISA: Of course - skin requires the necessary hydration for it to protect us properly.  Our products are designed to exfoliate, hydrate and nurture skin.

TCM: Describe the effects of Carol’s Daughter products on different hair types.

LISA: Normal to dry hair will be super-conditioned, as the products infuse strands with moisture and sheen. Excess oils are reduced in oily hair.

TCM: The Candy Paint Lip Gloss has some wonderfully bold hues and the fragrance line has lots of versatility. Do you play an active role in their creation?

LISA: I am intensely involved in the creation of all Carol’s Daughter products from beginning to end, giving my input on everything from scent to color.

TCM: Since the Carol’s Daughter products are made from natural ingredients, would you say that diet also plays a role in healthy skin and hair?

LISA: Of course it does. I’ve always heard that a balanced diet rich in vegetables and fruits with plenty of water helps skin maintain clarity.

TCM: If so, what foods do you think promote or enhance healthy skin and hair?

LISA: See above

TCM: Your products have been endorsed by Jay-Z, Jada Pinkett Smith, Brad Pitt, and others. How did they come to know and love your products, and how do you feel considering your company began in your kitchen?

LISA: All of our friends of the family learned about Carol’s Daughter through word of mouth.   DJ Jazzy Jeff told Will Smith and Jada about my products, and everything just took off from there. Like the formulas themselves, the buzz has been homegrown and the product of love.

TCM: I’ve noticed a Carol’s Daughter counter at Dillard’s, Macy’s, and Sephora stores, when did that come about, and are there any other expansion plans?

LISA: Carol’s Daughter’s first boutique opened in 1999 in the Fort Greene neighborhood of Brooklyn and the flagship store on 125th Street opened in 2005.  Since then we have opened stores in Roosevelt Field, Los Angeles, Jersey City, Maryland and another location in Atlantic Station in Brooklyn as well as TK counters in Macy’s, Dillard’s and Sephora.  We plan on expanding to…

TCM: What is your favorite Carol’s Daughter product?

LISA: I love all of my products, but I especially love Hair Milk. If I were trapped on a desert island, the one thing I could not do without is Hair Milk. It is the only product I have found that can make my hair shiny and manageable.

TCM: You took your passion and created products that combined your self-confidence with your knowledge and passion. What advice do you have for teens that want to do the same with a product or idea of their own?

LISA: When it comes to success, ignorance is not bliss. Knowledge is the key ingredient in my recipe for success. Find the lesson in each experience and grow from it. With *that* recipe, you will never fail.