TMC's Natural Hair Blog Year in Review: 2013 Accomplishments

The end of the year often calls for a deep reflection of the past year where many will sit down to think about their success and failures during the year. Some of us might even dig out our list of New Year resolutions and goals for the year so that we can check off the goals that were accomplished in that year. Although I didn't really write specific goals for the blog in the beginning of the year, I did set some goals for myself at the beginning of each month. But instead of feeling disappointed at the tasks that were not crossed off the list, I have decided to highlight key accomplishments and opportunities that I was blessed with in 2013.  

January – April: I mostly wore my hair in protective styles as I tried to balance school life, family, and blogging. I was also juggling between two blogs, mainly this one and my other blog on Expat living in China. Some technical screw ups on my part made me put the site on hold until I get everything fixed. This also gave me some extra time to spend on my hair blog instead.

Summer 2011, waiting for the Batong line (八通线）in Beijing

May: I decided to channel most of the time I was spending lurking and commenting on other blogs on my own blog and so my blog posts started to increase gradually. One of the blogs that I spent a lot of time on was AfricanNaturalistas and so I guess that was the reason why I was asked to be a contributor on the group blog, since it seemed like I had so much to say when it came to hair. And so I blogged every Saturday for the Nigerian based group blog for the next 8 months.

July: I took on a dual challenge where I wore my hair in 31easy styles in July and I went to 31 different places around Toronto to take pictures.

@ Yonge and Dundas Square

I also opened my Facebook, Tumblr, Pintrest and Instagram pages.

August: I attended my first Natural Hair workshop which was hosted by Yemi of Shakara Natural Tips, although the workshop only lasted for about 25 minutes.  

Yemi of Shakara Naturals

September: I attended my first Natural Hair show, the Toronto Natural Hair and Beauty Show. I also conducted two workshops on the Saturday and Sunday on “How to be an effective Mane Captain”

Co-organizers of  the show, Stephanie & Marsha

Me and Ange (a volunteer at the show) and now my co-organizer :)

My Article, “6 Reasons why I can’t afford to go to the stylist” was reposted with permission on BGLH on Sept 2^nd, although this article can no longer be found on the website.

October: DiscoveringNatural agreed to come on board to offer her firsthand knowledge on Kids Natural Haircare. Every Friday on the blog, she provides practical tips to parents (mothers & fathers) on how to embrace Afrokinky hair by properly caring for it and letting our little ones know that their hair is beautiful as is.

November: I launched my workshop series on Natural haircare titled, “A Natural Hairducation “ on November 16^th. I was fortunate to have many local businesses come on through sponsorships and promoting the events through various social media avenues.

T-shirts should be available at every workshop

My articles on protective styling were reposted on CurlyNikki, via African Naturalistas on November 12 and November 19.

December: I conducted “A Natural Hairducation” in the Greater Toronto Area for those who are unable to make it out for the first one.

I hope 2013 was a good year for you and I wish you a better 2014. I look forward to your support next year through comments, shares, likes and participation in next year's events and workshops.