It's exactly one week until my Sisterlocks family will converge on San Diego to celebrate Homecoming 2017!  This event is the culmination of months of planning the classes and activities that we can all enjoy, learn from and experience together.  I love it when people come to Home Office for this event because they get to experience, "coming home to Sisterlocks."  That phrase originally meant embracing Sisterlocks the hairstyle.  For Homecoming it means, come home, learn, grow, celebrate, laugh, love and kick up your heels!  This is another important element of the Sisterlocks Lifestyle.

Hopefully, you're planning to join us in San Diego, July 7-9th for all the festivities and excitement we have planned.  Let me know in the comments.  Also, look out throughout the weekend for different messages from Homecoming Live!  I've got to get back to tending to these last minute details!  See you next week, Dr. C! #SLHomecoming2017 #kickupyourheels #letskickit ​​

"Specialty Classes" at Homecoming Event
​July 7-9 / Home Office
2043 El Cajon Blvd. San Diego, CA 92104
When people pay for Sisterlocks services, they expect professional services! When people choose to wear Sisterlocks, they expect good information on how to care for and maintain them in the healthiest way. These are a couple of reasons why we offer "Specialty Classes" during the Sisterlocks Homecoming. Our courses are taught by Sisterlocks professionals, and follow consistent, tested guidelines and procedures. Here's what's in store at this year's Homecoming:

"Hands on Styling"
Official Sisterlocks Class

​This class covers basic principles for styling Sisterlocks. The majority of techniques taught can be applied to other natural locks and twists. The class focuses on proper care and prep, using the right styling aids and techniques, using proper products and styling for the face shape. Both Consultants and clients are welcome to enroll.  
​Hands on Styling

Business Coaching Workshop

Could your business use a shot in the arm? Sit with Michelle Bryant, the Sisterlocks National Training Supervisor for this intense, practical workshop on ways to maximize the success of your Sisterlocks practice. Open to Sisterlocks Trainees and Consultants, active or inactive.
Business Coaching Workshop

"Cuttin' & Stylin' with Calla
Two Cutting/Styling Classes for Cosmetologists / Professional Stylists

​For Cosmetologists/Professional Stylists wanting to learn more about how to achieve professional styles with properly cut/shaped Sisterlocks.
​Cuttin' & Stylin' With Calla  - Part 1: Cutting
​Cuttin' & Stylin' With Calla  - Part 2: Styling

On July 7-9, 2017, we will celebrate our annual Homecoming celebration.  The Friday kick off will be a casual, festive BBQ to welcome guests to Home Office and the San Diego area.  The Live Life Locked theme will provide educational classes and thought provoking, solution oriented panel discussions. 

We welcome our special keynote guest actor/comedian Phyllis Yvonne Stickney.  Ms. Stickney will participate in various activities at Homecoming including hosting the Saturday evening event featuring our Styling Showcase throw down.
 
The Sisterlocks Trichology Analyst Certification class is offered to Certified Consultants.  Trichology Analyst (TA) students will be armed with the ability to work with clients experiencing hair loss.  TAs work directly with Sisterlocks approved Trichologists.
 
“Cuttin’ and Stylin’ with Calla” is a 2-part class for Sisterlocks Consultants and Cosmetologists.  Attendees will learn to properly cut and shape locks and proper roller placement for various types of curls.  Various workshops, games and entertainment will be featured throughout the weekend.  Sisterlocks Master Stylists will provide activities including pop-up styling demos, contests and games. 
 
More information is available on our home page www.sisterlocks.com #SLHomecoming2017

I can not say enough about how much I admire and love this Sister!  For years we have seen her boldly and unapologetically show up and be herself.  Phyllis Yvonne Stickney has graciously agreed to accept our invitation as our special guest at Homecoming.  If you've never experienced her acting or comedic performances, you've missed out.  Fortunately, she will be up close and personal at Homecoming, July 7-9, 2017.  Don't miss out.  Register at www.sisterlocks.com.  Her details will show just how powerful a presence Ms. Stickney is.  See you at Homecoming!
                                                              
PHYLLIS YVONNE STICKNEY has longevity and staying power in the industry. Phyllis began her education at the University of Delaware, where she became an Associate in the Theater Department. She was soon called to New York City where she continued her studies at the Institute of New Cinema Artist but Hollywood would soon take note of this dynamic performer.
 
A decorated Actress/Director/Author/Producer/Community Activist/Motivational Speaker and more, Phyllis is best know and respected for her work in film, stage, television and comedy.

THE ACTRESS
A diverse and acclaimed actress, Phyllis has an unmatchable range from an articulate attorney to a feisty comedy club diva, to a Jamaican mother of class and status to one of the most intelligently hilarious comic talents recognized in HBO’s The History of Blacks In Comedy. Phyllis’ most notable roles are in films such as New Jack City, Die Hard With A Vengeance, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, The Inkwell, What’s Love Got To Do With It? and Malcolm X, among her in-depth film credits. Her recent contribution to the screen is Gun Hill written and directed by Reggie “Rock” Bythewood starring Larenz Tate BET’s first dramatic series. Phyllis made television history by portraying an African Centered character on The Cosby Show spinoff A Different World. A trend setter, a visionary and a consummate artist, Phyllis was named by ESSENCE MAGAZINE 25TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE “One of 200 African American Women Who Changed the World.” An ambassador of arts, Phyllis has performed comedy in Israel, danced in Senegal and studied the European form of cabaret production in Germany.

THE DIRECTORIn 2001, Phyllis directed the stage show BEEN THERE DONE THAT with Judge Mathis and gospel artist Fred Hammond. The production was the first of the genre to sell out the Paramount Theater at MADISON SQUARE GARDEN. She received special notices and favorable reviews for bringing integrity to gospel stage play.

THE AUTHORA writer in the anthology, “Nine Black Comedy Plays” Phyllis is also a published author of “Loud Thoughts for Quiet Moments”--a collection of poetry and personal perspectives. Selected pieces are recorded on her CD with the same title which Phyllis performs during live events. She is currently writing a book for aspiring performing artists.

THE PRODUCERIn 2013-2013, Phyllis produced “Calling All Comics”, “Are You Kidding Me” and “Comedy Revue” at MIST Harlem of the Interactive Comedy Show & Clinic . She is also the driving force behind the Soulful Saturday Series in Los Angeles, “Laughter and Lyrics” in Jamaica, “The Upper Room Poets and Playwrights Workshop” in NYC/LA, Host of “The Comedy Connection” at the world famous Cotton Club in Harlem and “P.S. I’m Still Standing”—a one woman production set to tour 2015.

Through all of her accomplishments publicly, Phyllis is a Community Activist who has taken on the “crack houses” and “shooting gallery” in Harlem to help the local community establish and organize a Tenant’s Association. Completed just three (3) years ago, the building now has 52 livable units, safe for families to reside.

MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKERA crowd pleaser for over seven (7) years, Phyllis was the keynote speaker with African-American Woman on Tour and had been a part of the Essence Musical Festival Empowerment Seminars for four (4) consecutive years.

In addition to a wide range of talents, Phyllis developed an entertainment industry training program--Alternative Careers--that offers hands on training in the technical and administrative discipline of television/film and record production. She has also developed a clothing line of affordable coutour—Culture Chic by Phyllis Stickney—a line designed for fuller figured women. She also designed Anointed Adornments Fashions Fit for the First Lady, scheduled to launch in Fall 2014.

We've got our noses to the grindstone working out the final details for Homecoming.  Stay tuned for the announcement of our special celebrity guest.  With that said, we feel that everybody who attends Homecoming is a star...a Super Star!

There have been many details released about the activities and classes planned for this year's event.  Friday, we'll welcome you with a special backyard BBQ.  There will be choices for everyone from meat to veggie options.  Saturday kicks off our classes, workshops, photo shoots and activities with the Sisterlocks Master Stylists Team.

Saturday evening we'll commune together at The Lafayette Hotel for horderves, entertainment and our Styling Showcase Throw Down!  Guests stylists will present their styles on the runway.  This is always a guaranteed blast!

Please register by clicking on the Homecoming link on our Homepage.  Early registration entitles you to a few bonus gifts in your grab bag.  Don't miss out, register today!  I look forward to seeing you, Dr. C

Sisterlocks has developed a Sisterlocks Trichology Analyst certification to address the matter of hair loss among our natural hair care clients.  The class is offered to Certified Sisterlocks Consultants and will be held during Sisterlocks Homecoming, July 7-9, 2017 in San Diego, CA.  Lock Trichology Analyst Certification students will learn:

1. To provide hair loss advice and provide the right products for your clients.
2. Learn how to do an in-depth analysis of your clients’ scalp conditions and partner with a Trichologist to address these conditions.
3. Learn how to properly measure and fit your hair loss clients with a “Compliment” unit. The Compliment is a hairpiece that uses either the client's own Sisterlocks or donor Sisterlocks. 

 
​Through the years, Sisterlocks Consultants and Trainees have encountered the issue of hair thinning, alopecia and a plethora of conditions causing these visible symptoms.  We have all commiserated with our clients over what causes hair loss, what to do about it and how.
 
Clients may have consulted with medical professionals including general practitioners, dermatologists and gynecologists.  Most are told they have traction alopecia and should remove their “braids.”  This advice may be valid for some, except, Sisterlocks are not braids and do not cause damage to the hair follicles.  We concede that former braid wearers may have residual side effects, i.e. thinning at the edges.

In 2015 Sisterlocks collaborated with beauty expert, Cheryl Morrow, to create the certification course.  The Lock Trichology Analyst course will be offered over a 3-day period, July 7-9, 2017 at the Sisterlocks Homecoming event.  This class is open to Certified Sisterlocks Consultants who will be taught to work with a Sisterlocks Trichologist Partner to perform a proper analysis of the scalp, using a scope to take photos of affected areas.  Trichology Analysts will work closely with the client.  When necessary they will consult with a Trichologist partner who will advise on treatment.
 
This class also provides attendees training to become Sizing Technicians for The Compliment - Sisterlocks' answer to hair thinning and hair loss.  This customized prosthetic unit provides fullness and confidence, and “compliments” a hair loss client’s Sisterlocks.
 
To learn more and enroll in the Sisterlocks Trichology Analyst class on the Sisterlocks website 
http://2017hc.sisterlocks.com/uploads/8/3/4/6/8346058/trichology_2017_cert_use.pdf 
For registration information:  ​http://2017hc.sisterlocks.com/ 

I’m gearing up for this year’s Homecoming, celebration!  There’s a lot that goes into putting on this event – our family reunion, of sorts.  Everyone who knows me knows that I put everything into making certain this event lives up to its reputation for providing continuing education and learning opportunities, exposure to the many components of the Sisterlocks lifestyle including workshops on healthy nutrition classes, natural healing, business strategies and life planning.  And of course, food, fun and fabulousness are always on the menu!
 
Having most of our activities here at the Home Office building is particularly satisfying to me.  I love it that people can arrive in San Diego, CA and have an eye view of Home Office and meet the people who are here every day making all things Sisterlocks happen.  I always say we have a few people making lots of big things happen. 
 
I’m constantly hearing from Homecoming attendees about how happy they are that they came.  I think it enables us to develop deeper, more familial relationships.  People are able to see a more festive environment and experience the true heart of Sisterlocks.  There’s never a shortage of oohs, ahs and hugs!
 
I’m looking forward to Homecoming, this year.  I find that each year our event is a bit different and always better than the year before.  I do hope to see you in San Diego, July 7-9th.  Check the web site often for updates on classes, speakers and special guests.  Here are the details See you there!  

​Dr. C

WORK
Rihanna
Work, work, work, work, work, work
You see me I be work, work, work, work, work, work
You see me do me dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt
There's something 'bout that work, work, work, work, work, work
When you a gon' learn, learn, learn, learn, learn, learn
Me na care if me tired, tired, tired, tired, tired, tired

While we love Ri-Ri, one thing we don't want is for this to be our theme song.  With that said, it's difficult to maintain balance when a) you love what you do,  and b) your skills are in demand. Trust me, I get it!  

We live in a society where every moment of our time is consumed with a million things to do - sometimes all at once. The children go to school, tutoring, cheer, dance and drama classes. They have class projects, the movies and Dave & Busters play dates. The significant other is just as busy with work, school, the gym, etc.   As women, we get the overflow detail:  work, grocery shopping, cooking, laundry, cleaning, homework and on and on. 

Factor in being employed, and/or self-employed with the ability to control your own schedule, and we think we can do it all. Wrong!  When every moment of our lives is filled with the responsibility of caring for everyone in our lives,  we inadvertently neglect ourself.  As the saying goes, before you put the oxygen mask on the person traveling with you, put your own mask on first.  

I literally cringe when Sisterlocks Consultants share that they work seven days per week or their number of clients has hit the triple digits.  I can’t help but wonder how they maintain balance in their personal lives.  It’s imperative to have adequate time off each week to manage our personal needs and to foster our relationships.
​
Unfortunately, this saga doesn’t  apply to Sisterlocks Consultants alone, either.  Many tell me that their clients literally run to their appointments, often late, having barely had the time to properly shampoo their hair.  The time it takes to find space in their calendar for their next appointment is sometimes exhausting.  To have difficulty carving out a 2-4 hour time slot every 4-6 or 8 weeks to do something for yourself, is simply not okay.

Having an eight day work week and 28 hour days seems to work well for us…until it doesn’t.  Some of us crash and burn sooner than others but eventually, it’s bound to happen.  Think back to when you saw a friend or family member who was overworked and over extended.  How did they look?  Tired, right?  That’s not a good look!  It happens sometimes but if that’s your norm, if you find yourself proclaiming often, “I’m so tired!”  it’s time to make a change.  Don’t wait until you flatline!  I encourage you to find  balance sooner than later.  

There’s no cookie cutter example of achieving balance because we all have different circumstances.  With our finances, we’re taught to pay ourselves first.  The same applies with our time.  We have to put ourselves on the calendar first. Even if you don't know what to do during your scheduled time off, schedule it, anyway. Doing nothing at all can be an option. 

Take baby steps.  Start by putting you on the calendar, FIRST.  Schedule a few months in advance and put your “me day”  each week/month on your calendar.  Highlight those times in your favorite color in your day planner and/or electronic calendar and email a copy of the schedule to yourself.   Set reminders and do not give your time away.

Strive for a couple of hours each week to do something for yourself.  In the beginning that may be something as simple as a bubble bath.  Eventually, you’ll look forward to your free time.  Being pampered is something only you can define.
​

• Enroll in a class or learn something new.  Having a new interest can be invigorating.  It also gives you something new to talk about with family and friends.
• Once a month treat yourself to a relaxing experience;  a mani-pedi, a leisurely lunch with a friend, browse a bookstore or visit a botanical garden.
• Unplug from your phone, tv, etc. for at least an hour a couple of evenings each week.  Spend that time having a meal with the family or play a board game.  I know people who turn off their phones once they arrive home in the evenings and it stays off until the next morning.  I’m not quite there, yet!

Even when your schedule is hectic, don’t forget to step away from work/responsibilities to have lunch.  A midday break, even thirty minutes, can replenish you. A ten minute nap works wonders and you’ll feel refreshed.

I’m a firm believer that while we can’t have it all, we can have most of it.  But we also want to be here to enjoy it in good health.  How will you find balance?  Please share some of your tips for “me time.”  Remember:  take care of you!

Everybody knows Sisterlocks offers the absolute best natural hair care system and training available. The 4-day training course is designed to produce Trainees who are ready to successfully start a Sisterlocks business. Yes, in four days they are more than qualified to operate a Sisterlocks business. ​

​To find a Consultant or Trainee:
The first step to sharpening skills and becoming a good Consultant/Trainee is establishing Sisterlocks on a mannequin head. This is actually the “first client” for each Trainee. We start working on these mannequins in class with the goal of finishing this task once class is over. Completing the mannequin head enables Trainees to observe the progress of their work, note their mistakes and receive additional coaching on anything they don’t understand. A mannequin, with a full head of Sisterlocks, serves as a wonderful model to display for potential clients.
The 2017 training schedule is available. To find a 4-Day training class:

We highly recommended Sisterlocks practitioners take advantage of ongoing education by taking periodic Refresher classes, either in the classroom or online. Reviewing the training information is key to becoming a good Consultant. The convenience of taking an online Refresher class is something that Consultants and Trainees who wants to review the training information can do in the comfort of their own home. Either method, online or in class, a Refresher class is a great way for our professionals to enhance their knowledge and skills.

While not required, we strongly recommend completing the steps to become certified. Certified Consultants have submitted evidence of their work and demonstrate a strong understanding of Sisterlocks theory. Once the documents and photos have been approved or any necessary coaching has taken place, a certificate is issued from Sisterlocks Home Office. Re-certification (submitting evidence of their work) is required bi-annually. This process, we’ve discovered, enables Certified Consultants to continue offering Sisterlocks services as they are intended.

For clients, it’s important to do business with a Consultant or Trainee who is in good standing with Home Office. We encourage clients to check the Consultant and Trainee Registries on the Sisterlocks web site, often, to find and confirm their Consultant or Trainee’s status with Home Office has not changed.
Training, certification, ongoing education and Sisterlocks product knowledge are key to becoming a good Consultant. Performing Sisterlocks services, as they have been taught, is imperative in order to be a successful Consultant or Trainee.

Finally, Sisterlocks is a natural hair care system complete with specially formulated products. Consultants are educated on the use of the proper products to maintain the integrity of the locks. Good Consultants take the time to educate their clients on the products, as well. Understanding the importance of Sisterlocks products will help clients to protect their investment and take the best care of their hair. To withhold this very necessary information on the Sisterlocks journey from the client is neglect. ​

Training to become a Sisterlocks Consultant will change your life. Our professionals are in high demand and are scheduled months in advance! Sisterlocks has also changed the Client/Consultant relationship. Clients are very loyal and our professionals are extremely reliable - resulting in very low percentages of canceled appointments. There's room for professional growth with various levels of certifications/services to add to your business. Find out about all things Sisterlocks and enroll today www.sisterlocks.   Sisterlocks clients deserve the very best.

Where are you on your journey?  Is it time for a change?  At various times in our lives we discover we may have to re-route, detour, change lanes or just start over on our journey!  It doesn't mean that our journey prior to the change wasn't rewarding.  Oftentimes, it just means we're ready for the next step life has to offer.  In order to GROW we have to be open to change.

At the end of the day, isn't it true that we all want the same things:  good health, happiness, love, financial security and fill in the blank?  Unfortunately, there are times in our lives that we experience stress, discontent and overwhelm because we don't make changes in as timely a manner as we should.  We get stagnant, not to mention the component of "fear" sometimes involved with change. Not only do we doubt ourselves, we sometimes fear what others may think of the choices we make.  "Why's she doing that?  Things were going well for her, I thought."  These comments are made by lookey loos who feel privileged to comment on the choices you make.  Dismissed!

Had I listened to naysayers, I would never have developed Sisterlocks as a company.  Fact is, I probably would never have WORN Sisterlocks had I listened to what others said or made my choices based on how they felt.  When I look back, I'm so happy I was open to change and ultimately, growth.  I didn't allow the opinions or others, or my own concerns, stop me from what is clearly a huge part of my life's path. 

By wearing Sisterlocks, I gave myself, and eventually others, the courage to love and accept ourselves just as we are.  When I think of the positives that have resulted from starting  the Sisterlocks company, I get chills.  The number of men and women who benefit from a career as independent Consultants is something I'm very happy about.  These Consultants had to face the fear of making change in their own lives and  they have to possess the desire to help others on their journeys.  There are throngs of clients who are able to benefit from and participate in this hair thing.  Whenever I'm around the Sisterlocks family, I hear amazing stories of how Sisterlocks has changed their lives.  I assure them that by taking the first step, they made the change - I just provided a vehicle to accomplish their goals.  Because of a personal choice I made to step out and do what I felt had to be done:  develop a system that enabled us to reach our maximum growth potential:  hair growth, personal growth, professional growth.  Total growth!

Change is not usually easy.  Sometimes, to make significant change we have to pull from deep down inside ourselves to find the strength and the wherewithall to even think about making a change.  But we have to do it.  We owe it to ourselves to do and be what we want and to live the lives we want. 
 
Sit back and look at your own life.  What path are you on?  What are the next steps needed to accomplish your goals.  Whatever it is, you can do it!  How does Sisterlocks factor into your journey?  Are you a wearer or potential wearer?  I always say, with Sisterlocks we reach our unlimited growth potential!   It's evident in the photos, right?  Is being a Consultant something you ponder?  Sisterlocks provides tremendous opportunities for entrepreneurs.   Wherever you are on your path, remember:  it's a journey, not a race!  
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Next time we’ll tackle the topic of achieving balance as we do all that we do!  Stay tuned.