TeenCHiC ~ Educating Young Adults on Beauty, Wellness and Confidence

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TeenCHiC participants at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum See larger image

COCOACHiC set forth its annual community service program of beauty, wellness, and confidence in late-April for young women. The TeenCHiC workshop was held at the Brooklyn Children's Museum (BCM), an appropriate setting as the museum was expressly created for children when it was founded in 1899. Aiesha Turman BCM Coordinator of Adolescent Programs shared, "The sixteen young women who participated in the COCOACHiC program at Brooklyn Children's Museum absolutely loved it. Many of them didn't have previous experience applying makeup, nor had they been a part of a facilitated discussion with their peers about the health and beauty connection."

The daylong program of events opened up with an introduction from T. Bernie, CEO of COCOACHiC, on her company and its outreach program TeenCHiC focusing on young girls acknowledging C.O.M.P.A.C.T. This is an acronym for: Confidence, Own your beauty, Manners, Poise, Articulate, Center around God, and Togetherness. "I created this program for becoming young women because today there just aren't enough resources or references in an intimate setting to instruct on applying the right tools and building up womanhood," Bernie said.

Kickoff: Confidence

Krystal practices her public speaking skills discussing why a magazine ad appealed to her perception of black beauty. Girls gather around Bernie, CEO COCOACHiC Beauty, demonstrating how to style tie the CHiC Classique Silk Scarf. See larger image

Kicking off the day, Bernie led interactive icebreakers to put the young women at ease and get them energized. The "The Name Game" exercise required the girls to introduce and project themselves while keeping a synchronized clap and stomp beat.

Next, Bernie introduced products from COCOACHiC Beauty. Select girls chose a product that caught their eye and explained how to use it and what they liked most about it. The trendy CHiC Classique Silk Scarf was a favorite and Bernie demonstrated some of the fashionable ways it can be worn. "It looked so cute," said Victoria about the style tied tightly around her head with a knot in the back. The girls felt the pink and brown colors of CHiC Glam Tanks complemented all of their skin tones. "The flashy rhinestone pattern brings a lot of fun attention" expressed Samantha. Another item that the girls picked up was the CHiC Cosmetic Clutch saying that the great thing about it is that it's cute and can fit everything. They all rushed to touch the CHiC Powder Brush big, so-soft bristles. Bernie impressed that the CHiC Brow Lash Brush is a must have: "Even if you don't wear makeup, all you need is to have your brows groomed well. It's good to start brushing them into place young so that the hair grows in a groomed manner." Each of the girls admired the items and was very excited with the COCOACHiC line.

Race issues, such as Don Imus's negative comments of the Rutgers women's basketball team, were discussed in an open floor forum. A number of national magazines were distributed for the girls to thumb through and locate images they identified with. They practiced public speaking by voicing their opinions on black women's misrepresentation in national magazines. Insightful and educated feedback was given on both issues.

An Image that Works

Netchem practices a firm handshake, eye contact and smile introduction with image consultant Tammy Adams. See larger image

Tammy Adams is president of her own firm, Luxe Image, LLC. In her Professional Image workshop she offered the girls career options, job interview tips, business attire, and wardrobe dos and don'ts. Her message to the young women was that it only takes 7 seconds for people to make preconceived notions about you based on your appearance; therefore always look and be on point. Her interactive PowerPoint showed pictures of typical women, many of them were dressed inappropriately, and the girls took on the roll of fashion critic pointing out what was wrong with each outfit. After this activity, the girls were adamant that modesty is key when going to work. Tammy encouraged that it's important to look appropriate, but that you can also be fashionable and the participants agreed. Tammy commented on the overall experience of TeenCHiC: "I was in their same shoes. I was fortunate to have mentors. I find TeenCHiC valuable. It's gratifying to participate in this event to help the girls. I see myself in their faces and think that more programs like this need to be done."

Healthy is a Good Look

Dr. V leads a nurturing Q & A discussion revealing the truth to common myths and misunderstandings affecting teens. See larger image

An anesthesiologist at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, Dr. Varnado also co-hosts a weekly health segment on the nationally syndicated radio show "Keeping it Real" with Reverend Al Sharpton. Dr. V's coaxing personality won over the adolescents who put embarrassment aside and openly asked puzzling questions during her workshop on Health, Wellness & Nutrition. She advised on health issues and tackled the truth about many common myths, e.g. candy, chocolate, and pizza do not trigger acne. Dr. V captivated the girls with her comforting demeanor and they hung on every word; they bonded with her and each other over the topics related to body image, the influence of drugs in their community, menstruation cycle, and puberty in their daily lives. "Good lifestyle habits are having good hygiene and eating right. It's important to start a good regime early in life so that you can learn to be fabulous, and the TeenCHiC program embodies that. What you put into your body reflects on the outside, after all you only get one body," said Dr. V. She then recited her favorite quote from Maya Angelou. "A woman who is convinced that she deserves to accept only the best challenges herself to give the best. Then she is living phenomenally". Dr. Varnado is available to answer your health questions at www.askdoctorv.com.

Visit CHiC Pro profile of Dr. V in Fall 2007 at www.cocoachic.com/content/chicpros.php.

Start with Good Skin

Licensed Esthetician Rukiya Jeffers instructs that a great look begins with great skin care — cleanse, tone and moisturize. See larger image

The importance of skin care was taught by Rukiya Jeffers licensed esthetician and owner of Abebi Beauty Boutique & Spa in Long Island City, NY. With her soothing voice, private label formulated creams, and smooth expertise she brought spa tranquility to the workshop. She focused on targeting acne and having a natural glow. Kamika was the lucky participant selected to be the demonstration model to receive a mini teen facial. First a mild cleanser, then toner, and lastly moisturizer were applied all over Kamika's face. Rukiya stressed adding moisture to the face in order to create that natural glow. When Kamika completed her facial she looked into the mirror and her eyes glowed along with her face. "I love the way I look," Kamika said. The girls then followed the same instructions to perform their own. By the end of the facials, each girl had a glow that came from within. "I enjoyed watching the girls come out of their shells the most about TeenCHiC," Rukiya said.

Visit CHiC Pro profile of Rukiya in June 2007 at www.cocoachic.com/content/chicpros.php.

Makeup for Starters

Makeup Artist Aisha Ferguson shows how to apply makeup that looks 'cover girl' ready on the demonstation model using concealer, shade-matched foundation, groomed brows, mascara and lip gloss. See larger image

The participants were excited to discover that Professional Makeup Artist Aisha Ferguson, CEO of Intense Images and of BET J hit fashion show "My Model Looks Better than Your Model" hosted by Eva Pigford, would teach them the correct way to apply makeup. The biggest obstacle that all the girls faced was finding the right shade of foundation to match their brown complexions. The girls watched intently as Aisha explained how to select the right shade again using Kamika as the demonstration model. "Kamika looks really pretty" everyone awed and oohed. "I had a great time. It was a lot of fun and even though I don't like to put on make up at all, I found it to be fun anyway," Kamika said with a smile. Everyone proceeded to apply their own makeup or work with a buddy; Aisha, Rukiya who is also a makeup artist and Bernie were on hand to help. Real Cosmetics and Clinique Perfectly Real makeup foundation were used to match the girls skin and CoverGirl Queen Collection was used on eyes and lips for the finishing touch. The ladies all looked so COCOACHiC when done.

Aisha's TeenCHiC Makeup Tips:

• Blending is the main focus in applying makeup. You don't want to create any harsh lines.
• Eyebrows frame the face so it is important to keep them groomed and to choose the right shape. A round brow is perfect for teens and a youthful look.
• When applying eye shadow, use the lighter shade over the entire lid.
• An eyelash curler gives you an instant eyelift. Get one that has a rubber grip between the clasps.
• All you need is a little mascara and lip gloss.
• Use an upward stroke when applying blush. Wine and ruby shades look lovely on cocoa skin tones.
• Never sleep in makeup!
• Throw away makeup after a certain time because it is a breeding ground for bacteria.

"Makeup is a universal conversation piece. Makeup brings women together. It's an all girls club that we're all a part of and its great that TeenCHiC creates a club," Aisha said.

Visit demonstration video on How To Use Brushes featuring Aisha in Fall 2007 at www.cocoachic.com/howto.

Wrap-Up: Fresh, Fierce, Fun

After each speaker completed their workshop, they chose a young woman that was the most influential to receive a copy of Kimora Lee Simmons's book "Fabulosity" and that young woman praised the speaker on behalf of the class presenting them with a thank you gift provided by COCOACHiC Beauty. At the end of the day, everyone was given a fabulous gift bag full of products from sponsors CoverGirl Queen Collection, Elasta QP, Tia Williams's book "It Girls", Quotable Cards and a COCOACHiC compact mirror. When the girls look into their pink COCOACHiC compact mirrors, they will remember to reflect on the beauty she beholds. "Suffice it to say, they are still talking about the program, and I can see the impact that this one-day workshop has had on them," BCM Coordinator Turman said. Netchem said, "I loved TeenCHiC! It was such a rewarding experience. I learned so much from the seminar I wish I could do it every year!"

Gift Sponsors: CoverGirl Queen Collection mascara/lip gloss/notepad, Elasta QP hair product samples and t-shirt, Kimora Lee Simmons's book "Fabulosity", Tia Williams's book "It Girls", Quotable Cards inspirational magnet/calendar and COCOACHiC compact mirrors. See larger image

(Above) View TeenCHiC Winner 2007 Tamika video (Left) See larger image

The TeenCHiC one-day workshop allowed all the girls to bloom. Each had to give a final presentation of their beauty culture, favorite products, a beauty tip and why they felt they were COCOACHiC. The young woman that best exemplified the concept of C.O.M.P.A.C.T. was named TeenCHiC and received a special COCOACHiC shopping tote filled with additional goodies. The winner Tamika thanked everyone and said, "My beauty culture and style comes from Brooklyn from the way that people wear their jeans to the way the girls wear their head scarves...I feel that I am COCOACHiC because when I look in the mirror I know I'm fabulous, I don't need anyone to tell me differently!"

By Melissa Cornelius

LaWanda Abel of Jai Correll Events produced TeenCHiC 2007 serving as the day-to-day COCOACHiC/TeenCHiC point of contact for speakers, confirming commitments from our sponsors, and securing logistics. She found and selected Brooklyn Children's Museum (BCM), an amazing community partner. We were blessed to have her as a resource, BCM's flexibility, the generous in-kind donations of our sponsors, Melissa journaling the day, and Joseph Hayes of BriterFlix Photography truly captured memorable images of the event's spirit of beauty. I am thankful and humbled that the workshop presenters Tammy, Dr. V, Rukiya and Aisha gave their time and talents and that everyone involved contributed to a vision of empowerment and inspiration to celebrate the beauty of women of color, particularly that of young girls.

~Bernie
CEO COCOACHiC Beauty

About COCOACHiC® Beauty
COCOACHiC is a collective online exchange of resources that personify the legacy and future of black beauty. Cosmetics. Comment. Community. COCOACHiC blends comprehensive and relevant cosmetics, beauty and wellness information, with strokes of confidence and encouragement, to enhance radiant chocolate faces for the world to admire.
www.COCOACHiC.com

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