Gretchen Heber

Ray and Tonya Reed

Sometimes misfortune can turn into the most naturally glorious type of good fortune.

Husband and wife entrepreneurs Ray and Tonya Reed were working in the Houston energy industry when giant Enron collapsed, taking a number of other companies with it.

The Reeds, along with thousands of others, lost their jobs. Lesser souls might have panicked, but not these two dreamers and doers.

In considering their options, the two knew one thing for sure: they never wanted to be at the mercy of another company; they wanted to control their own destiny. “We wanted to be in charge of our own business,” Tonya says.

And so Uncle Funky’s Daughter was born. The 8-year-old salon and boutique in Houston is a seriously fun and, yes, funky destination for women who want cuts, twist-outs, extensions and other natural styles.

“We don’t offer any chemical services. We don’t use curling or flat irons,” says Tonya. “Natural is everything.”

Such an approach eight years ago was trailblazing, Reed says. “There weren’t any professional, natural salons in Houston,” at that time, she says.

When searching for a new venture, turning to the hair business was an easy call for Tonya. She’d enjoyed working with hair her whole life, and had wanted to attend cosmetology school straight out of high school. But her mom convinced her to go to college and get a degree.

The need to control her own destiny was the right reason for Tonya to pursue her dream of doing hair, she says. The time was now right to go to cosmetology school, and she was able to find a program that specialized in natural hair care.

Her business degree and experience, combined with her cosmetology license, and Ray’s added business acumen and retail experience, set the pair up for instant success in the salon business.

“We’ve been busy from the minute we opened our doors,” she says.

In another unusual twist, the flagship store also sells women’s accessories and clothing. “You can get your hair done, pick out a new outfit, and be ready for a night on the town, all in one place!” says Tonya.

And where did they get that super-fun name? “My dad was a funky, fun guy. He had a great style,” she said. “My cousins called him ‘Uncle Funky’,” she says.

“My husband — he’s pretty creative—thought of ‘Uncle Funky’s Daughter’. We wanted the name to be synonymous with the spirit of our company,” she says.

The company recently introduced a line of hair care products that have proven to be very poplar. “They’re selling fantastically. We ship all over the world,” she says. “Word of mouth has done us phenomenally well.”

Houston TV personality Deborah Duncan—a rare TV-news “natural”—loved the salon and products so much, she crafted a segment on her show around Uncle Funky’s.

And Uncle Funky’s Daughter has recently expanded to a second store a couple doors down where they sell natural body and skin care and offer spa services.

We would all do well to learn from the lesson of Tonya and Ray Reed—two amazing entrepreneurs— from adversity can come great things.

Good Hair Leave-in Conditioner video

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“Curly Magic” Product Review

Giacomo Forbes has departed “Shear Genius.”

Fans of Bravo’s hit reality series “Shear Genius” were probably surprised when celebrity stylist Giacomo Forbes announced last week, with the season barely underway, that he was leaving the show.

The A-list stylist did well in the first episode, earning compliments and respect from the judges. But just minutes into episode 2, Forbes interrupted the proceedings to announce to host Camila Alves and the other contestants that the series was over for him.

“I really love the competition but the living together part made me miss my kids,” he said today in an exclusive interview with NaturallyCurly. “I mean, the showers … there was no privacy. It was crazy!”

Part of the show’s drama is the ups and downs of the contestants—all strangers—living together in tight quarters. “It was like a dorm,” Forbes says, “and I’m not into that.” In fact, the curly-haired stylist said he wouldn’t be surprised if, going forward, the show’s producers focused less on the drama of the living arrangement—given the dysfunctional atmosphere— and more on the competition.

He said the whole thing made him think about what was more important, the chance to win $5,000 (as well as some seed money from Nexxus), or being with his kids. The choice was an easy one, he said.

Forbes also hinted that as a well-established industry stylist, with plenty of published work to his name already, being on the show to gain recognition or money wasn’t really necessary for him.

Forbes, who grew up in Rome, is well-known in the industry and has an impressive celebrity clientele, including model Claudia Schiffer and actress Marissa Tomei. After opening successful salons and manufacturing companies in both New York and Los Angeles, he made the move to Austin, Texas. There, Giacomo and his team developed a new line of innovative hair and body care products, meant to heal “hair, body and soul.” Both his talent and products have been featured in national print magazines including “Allure,” “Vogue” and “Harpers Bazaar.” His home base is Bella Salon in Austin.

With his stint on “Shear Genius” over, Forbes will concentrate on releasing an extension to his hair care line in the coming months, as well as a new skin care line that will “blow your mind,” he says. “People who love my Miracle Hair Oil Treatment will love the new products—both hair and skin.”

Also look for a new show from Forbes and Bravo within the next year or so—it’s still in the planning stages. “It will focus on beauty, food, fashion and health,” he says. “It will be called ‘Giacomo Forbes’ Favorites’ or something like that,” he says. “We’re still working it out.”

The show will highlight Forbes’ favorite small boutiques and shops from around the country.

When Vicki Ude got her economics degree from the University of Minnesota in 2000, she had no idea she would one day be putting that knowledge to work at a company that makes and sells hats designed specifically to not crush curls.

But 9 years, a Nigeria-native husband, pregnancy-induced curls and two beautiful, biracial, super-curly daughters later, Ude and her sister, Lisa Machado, find themselves running Curly Zebra and selling their gorgeous, handmade hats to curlies all over the world.

“We live in Minnesota. My daughters’ hair would get so dried out in the winter. I struggled with always putting on the fleece or acrylic hat, which would damage the hair. But I couldn’t find anything else,” says Ude.

Ude says the idea for something better started churning in her head last winter. Unable to find anything that would protect her daughters’ heads from the cold but not mess up their curls, she asked her mom, an accomplished seamstress, to sew a satin lining into a regular hat.

Vicki Ude and Lisa Machado

Ude was thrilled with the results. Her daughters’ hair looked beautiful even after wearing the hats. “I noticed such a big difference. I noticed their hair was in much better condition,” she says.

Winter gave way to spring and summer, yet Ude kept thinking about the cold-weather hats. She and her sister created more prototypes, and a business began taking shape.

In late summer 2009, Curly Zebra was officially launched, with the hats for sale at Twin Cities-area craft shows. The company went online in early September.

Ude handles the business side of things while her sister is the company’s creative force.

Curly Zebra hats come in three distinct styles

The hats—for children and adults—are offered in three styles: pillbox, chullo, and stocking. The pillbox is the company’s best seller, and the chullo and stocking hats are popular for boys. Because there are many styles, designs and sizes, the stain-lined fleece hats are made to order. And even custom-creating each hat, Curly Zebra manages to get orders out the door in a week or less, Ude says.

Sales have grown steadily this fall, Ude says.

Eventually, Ude says, Curly Zebra would love to have economically disadvantaged women from Nigeria and Angola — the birthplaces of the sisters’ husbands—make some of the hats. “A lot of women and mothers in these poor countries may not have the resources to support themselves,” she says. “We’d like to help.”

Hand Dry Hair Glove

One of the more interesting, not to mention fun-to-use, innovations for the curly world has to be the Hand Dry Hair Glove.

Invented by Patti Coyne, a stylist-entrepreneur from Toronto, the gloves offer a great way to dry curly hair and scrunch shape and volume into it at the same time.

Having heard about all the various drying methods from different curl experts, and having a couple curl experts on her own staff at Delineation salon, Coyne said she knew “there had to be a better way” than paper towels or t-shirts.

“I was in the right place at the right time, and saw the perfect fabric,” Coyne said. She bought the fabric and sewed the first prototype herself.

She had stylists in her salon try the gloves. They loved using them and customers loved the results. Coyne’s mother-in-law helped her sew additional test units, using them in the salon for close to a year before manufacturing and selling the gloves at her boutique, website and other select locations, including CurlMart.

Patti Coyne

Coyne recommends clients apply their styling products first, then use the glove to gently wick out excess moisture.

How do the gloves absorb the water but not the freshly applied styling product? “Water is a larger molecular structure so it absorbs out faster,” Coyne asserts. And what about the deep-pile fabric? It doesn’t rough up the cuticle, causing frizz? “It’s fluffy and doesn’t disturb the cuticle; it smooths it down,” says Coyne.

Customers love it: “I have been using the hand dry hair gloves for 2 weeks now, and my hair feels more amazing then ever, and I am not the only one noticing it. My curls feel so healthy, now that I have stopped using a blow dyer and switched to the gloves, which take the same amount of time!” writes Jenna Lebert.

Industry leaders, too, are adopting the glove. Says Jonathan Torch of the Curly Hair Institute, “The Hand Dry Hair Glove is perfect, especially on those cold winter days. The Hand Dry Hair Glove made such a difference; it reduced drying time by half. As you know that drying speed is a great issue for curly hair styling. It was quick and easy to use.”

Coyne recommends using the gloves to dry the hair about 75% through, then air drying or diffusing the rest. “Low heat and low air flow” on the dryer, she reminds us.

“I have a lazy curl, so I was good candidate. My hair would get so matted.” The gloves seal the cuticle and prevents the matting,” she says. “Second day, you can comb out your hair with a wide-toothed comb, rehydrate with your favorite hydrating product. Then re-scrunch with the gloves and your curls are re-perked!”

One of the beauties of the glove is that it allows you to style your hair while you’re drying it, Coyne says. Cleaning the glove is a cinch, too: just throw it in the washer and then let it air dry.

See the Hand Dry Hair Glove in Action!

With the change in seasons sometimes comes the need for a new skin care regimen. What worked for summertime temps and humidity levels may not work come fall.

If you and your skin are feeling the need for something new, something to protect your skin from the winter wind, you might want to check out the Gentle Cleanse Kit from Clinical Care, available at BeautyShoppe.Biz.

Clinical Care Skin Solutions is a skin treatment program formulated by Charlotte Bates, a pioneer in the medical aesthetic field. For more than 25 years, her products have successfully treated thousands of clients for acne, wrinkles, age spots and other skin problems.

The Clinical Care Gentle Cleanse Kit

The Gentle Cleanse Kit includes The Green Stuff Facial Cleansing Gel, for cleansing and removing makeup; Clinical Care Splash Ginseng and Chamomile Toner, which protects and calms normal and over-sensitive skin; Clinical Care Destroyzit Zinc, a product whose high concentrations of Sulfur and Camphor clear blemished skin; Later Alligator Vitamin C Day/Night Moisturizer, a cream containing grape seed oil and Vitamin C, which provide the ultimate protection from devastating and aging effects of free radicals.

One customer who recently purchased the kit said she could feel a difference in her skin. “It definitely feels much more moisturized. The night cream smells awesome — it has a citrus smell and my skin feels so great when I wake up,” she writes.

Clinical Care Acne Care Kit

If you’re battling acne, Clinical Care has another great designed just kit for you. The Clinical Care Acne Care Kit is a mild, anti-bacterial gel designed with amino acids and anti-inflammatory properties, gently and effectively removes excess oil, environmental impurities and make-up. Its cleansing action revitalizes and restores a healthy appearance to oily, acne or combination.

The kit contains Clinical Care Cleanzit Foaming Acne Cleansing Gel, amild, anti-bacterial gel designed with amino acids and anti-inflammatory properties that gently and effectively removes excess oil, environmental impurities and make-up; Clinical Care Destroyzit Zinc, a product whose high concentrations of sulfur and camphor clear blemished skin; Clinical Care Tonezit Oil/Acne Toner, a reviving formula that offers antiseptic properties, which help soften the epidermis, clear clogged follicles and regulate the activity of sebaceous glands; and Controlzone Oil Control Moisturizer, a creme that has astringent, anti-bacterial, anti-septic, anti-inflammatory and healing properties.

Clinical care products are packed with natural ingredients with a variety of extraordinary benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, softening and invigorating properties.

Soldiers and military spouses at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas, were treated to an inspirational day of beauty and motivation yesterday, featuring two of the hair industry’s biggest names.

John Paul DeJoria, co-founder of John Paul Mitchell Systems, and Geno Stampora, salon owner, trainer, author and industry icon, thrilled the crowd with motivational stories and much gratitude for the audience members’ sacrifice for their country.

Geno Stampora wowed the crowd with his humor and his positive message.

“We have here spouses and those in arms. It is a privilege to go in front of you to thank you for your service,” said DeJoria. “You all help preserve the American dream.”

Stampora, who had the audience doubled over in laughter much of the time, told the crowd, “You make the moment matter. You make the day matter.” Heads nodded along as he said, “This base is not a place for ego; it’s a place for heart.”

DeJoria, who revealed he is an admiral in the Texas Navy (who knew Texas had a Navy?), echoed Stampora’s positive message, “We feel that success unshared is failure.” He added to the military spouses, “You’re already doing it. You’re already giving back.”

John Paul DeJoria blesses and thanked audience members for their service to country.

DeJoria mentioned the Paul Mitchell brand will have “more unique products coming out” in the coming year, but didn’t provide details. He said that Paul Mitchell hasn’t raised its prices in a couple years — “America doesn’t need that right now.”

In addition to the speeches, the approximately 300 audience members were invited to fill their NaturallyCurly-donated tote bags with oodles of products provided by a variety of hair care companies, including Aquage, Paul Mitchell, Conair, Circle of Friends, Paul Brown, Sorme and Spornette.

Students from the Paul Mitchell School in Austin were available to offer product consultations.

A Paul Mitchell School student, right, offers product advice to a military wife.

It’s time to celebrate International Curly Day!

It’s a day to celebrate! In the Northern Hemisphere, it’s the first day of fall, a day that — symbolically, at least — ushers in cooler temperatures and lower humidity.

It’s the day we here at NaturallyCurly have decreed International Curly Day, a day to celebrate waves, kinks and curls — textured hair of all types.

In honor of this day, we’re announcing the winners of our Bathroom Cabinet Contest — the contest where we asked you to throw open wide the doors to your previously secret stash of curl products.

The entries were so fun — curlies are very creative as to where they store their product! Who knew there were so many possibilities?

Without further ado, we are pleased announce ~mixedchick~ as the winner in the Most Organized category, and empressri — with her empressive series of no less than 7 images — wins in the Most Chaotic category.

We offer our deepest thanks to all the Bathroom Cabinet Contest participants.

Each curlygirl receives a $50 gift certificate to CurlMart and a $50 gift certificate to The Container Store. Have fun shopping, ladies!

So while ~mixedchick~ and empressri definitely have something to celebrate, so do all curlies, everywhere! Take pride in your gorgeous textured hair. Treat yourself to an ice cream sundae or to a new styler — just treat yourself. You rock, your curls rock — shout it from the rooftops, proud curlygirl!

Watch our fun International Curly Day video!

Jeff Lewis, right, stars with Jenni Pulos on Bravo’s “Flipping Out.”

Has anyone caught Chaz Dean, creator of the Wen line of products, on Bravo’s “Flipping Out”?

Dean has hired the star of the show, obsessive-compulsive house-flipper Jeff Lewis, to renovate the Chaz Dean Studio, a cluster of bungalows in Hollywood that serve as the celebrity stylist’s salon.

The storyline made its debut Sept. 1 and will continue for a few weeks, with the big reveal occurring Oct. 13 or 20, according to Dean spokesman Omar Cunningham. “Ratings have been high,” says Cunningham, so he wouldn’t be surprised if the studio’s reno makes an appearance next season.

Chaz Dean

“Chaz is amazing, I have tremendous respect for him and his product. Jeff and Chaz are similar, they are both extremely talented but want things done a certain way,” writes the gorgeous curlyhead and Lewis sidekick Jenni Pulos on her BravoTV blog.

Three 1920s-era homes — one of which once served as Dean’s home — make up The Chaz Dean Studio. Work on renovating the house that is now the reception area began in January and is the focus of the “Flipping Out” episodes now airing. Lewis continues work on the other two houses, says Cunningham, and episodes featuring work on those buildings may be a part of Season 4.

“Flipping Out” airs Tuesdays at 10 eastern/9 central.

Does your cabinet look like this?

In honor of International Curly Day, we’re having a contest!

Until now, only you and your roommates/partner/spouse have seen the dirty depths of your bathroom cabinets. Well, now we’re asking you to throw open wide those cupboard doors, take a photo, and offer it to the world to see!

Take a photo of your bathroom cabinet — the one packed to the brim with your secret stash of curl products — and upload it to our special gallery . Write up a little blurb about why your cupboard looks the way it does — are you a neat freak? Is “chaos” your middle name? How’d you get the way you are? How’d your cabinet get the way it is? Has the Health Department ever come calling? Are you a candidate for TLC’s Clean Sweep TV show?

We’ll have two prizes — one for the neatest, most-organized shelves, and one for the most chaotic. We’ll reveal the winners on September 22, International Curly Day, here on NaturallyCurly. The winners will receive a $50 gift certificate from the Container Store and a $50 gift certificate to CurlMart.

So head on over to the CurlPix area and upload your photo. Be sure your NaturallyCurly profile has your most current email address, so we can get in touch with you if you’re the winner!

Tyra Banks

Supermodel-turned-TV-star Tyra Banks has announced she will leave her weave behind — at least temporarily — when she launches the new season of “The Tyra Banks Show” in early September.

“This season on ‘The Tyra Show’ we’re taking it to the next level and getting more real than ever before by encouraging women everywhere to own and rock what they’ve got and be proud,” Banks said in a statement. “For the Season 5 premiere, I will be doing just that — no fake hair, I’m rocking my REAL hair.”

Tyra is hoping her de-weavement will encourage others to show off their natural ‘dos.

“This will all be going down on September 8, 2009, which we’re declaring National Real Hair Day,” Banks’ statement continued. “We welcome everyone to go natural with me!” And NaturallyCurly, of course, welcomes this wonderful lead-up to International Curly Hair Day on September 23.

CurlTalkers offer a mixed view of Bank’s announcement.

Alice_42 writes, “You don’t get cool points for going one day/episode without a weave, Tyra.”

But CityGirl81 contributes, “Natural” women get such a bad wrap it’s nice to see she is willing to let her “soul glo,” even if for one day.”