New York blogger Monèt Fitzgerald wants you to know that her blog, Curls and Mo, is about “more than just curls”. You’ll get natural hair tips and product reviews but you can also look to Curls and Mo for lifestyle topics like reading, healthy eating and life planning. Read on to learn more about how Curls and Mo got its start, what Monèt feels is the most rewarding aspect of blogging and what’s in her ultimate hair care arsenal.
In 3-4 sentences, tell us a bit about who you are and what you do.
My name is Monèt and I work in corporate America. While I love what I do, it doesn't provide the creative outlet I need. The creative voice I have found through my blog and my Etsy shop has shown me that it's quite possible to create the life you want. My goal is to always have a balance between my profession and my creative side since that's when I feel the most complete.
What inspired you to begin blogging at Curls and Mo?
My blog was created in May 2012. When I stopped relaxing my hair in November 2009 I coincidentally also started couponing. Every time I posted something I bought at a deep discount my friends would ask me how. Or when we went shopping and I used coupons they would ask me where I got them. After being asked the same questions repeatedly I decided it was easier to put all of my savings tips in one place and began my blog. I also thought it might be cool to throw in a few natural hair tips sporadically. I chose the name Curls and Mo' because Mo is a play on my name, Monèt, but it also means "more". I didn't want to be a natural hair blogger or beauty blogger at the time. I wanted to be a lifestyle blogger. But because I had natural hair I incorporated it into the name. Once I started attending more events and getting a little buzz in NYC, I realized how much I love blogging about natural hair and beauty and it's been amazing ever since.
What is the most rewarding aspect of blogging?
Changing lives. Blogging in NYC has afforded me the opportunity to attend amazing brand events and also host some of my own events. Connecting with people face-to-face is a part of blogging I never anticipated but that I absolutely love. Talking to someone in-person allows me the freedom to be much more transparent than I am on my blog. The opportunity to connect in real life has been very special to me. Readers have kept me updated on life changes they make when we see each other and have even told me that my story inspired them to make some hard decisions. That's powerful and it's during those encounters that I realize this is about more than hair and beauty.
What is your natural hair story? Tell us about your hair and what inspired you to go natural.
In 2009 I watched Chris Rock's movie Good Hair. While I knew that the chemicals in relaxers are very harmful for us, I don't think I ever really thought about how harmful they are. That movie put a lot of things into perspective for me. And, as I sat and watched it, I decided relaxing my hair was no longer an option. I didn't know how I was going to maintain my hair but I knew I did not want those chemicals being applied to my scalp anymore and the relaxer I had a week prior to viewing the movie was my last.
What 3 items are in your Ultimate Hair Care Arsenal--those Holy Grail products your hair just can't do without?
What product ingredients do you avoid and why?
I try to stick to all-natural ingredients as much as possible but if a product has a "taboo" ingredient in it, I might still use it. It really depends on how many bad ingredients are in the product and their placement on the ingredients list.
Do you have a tried and true summer hair regimen? If so, walk us through it.
No. I pretty much do the LOC Method year-round. Typically the only thing that changes are the products I use, which depends on the season. I use much heavier oils like castor oil and Argan oil during the winter but I use coconut oil during the warmer months.
How does your natural hair influence your personal style?
When my hair was relaxed I dressed a lot trendier. Now my style is much more classic. I notice that I often choose outfits based on how I'm styling my hair that day and because I work in corporate America I usually choose styles that are more professional - I wear a lot of protective styles during the week. I find that classic pieces not only look a lot more put together but also work more with my hairstyles.
If you had just two hours to pick out an outfit from head to toe, where would you shop and why?
Banana Republic. I love their clothes because you can find outfits that are business appropriate but they definitely have pieces you can dress down. Plus I really like how classic all of their pieces are and when they have a sale, they have a sale! Lol.
What is the one beauty tip you would give to all women?
Always look your best. When you look good you feel good. Even if you're running errands take a moment to put on a little mascara and lipgloss. You'll feel better about yourself plus you never know who you might see while you're out and about.
Get Monèt’s natural hair tips at her blog, Curls and Mo, and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Other COCOBlogger of the Month interviews you may want to check out:
Nicole Walters: Naptural Nicole
Yolanda Renee: Etc Blog Mag
Patrice Grell Yursik: Afrobella
In 3-4 sentences, tell us a bit about who you are and what you do.
My name is Monèt and I work in corporate America. While I love what I do, it doesn't provide the creative outlet I need. The creative voice I have found through my blog and my Etsy shop has shown me that it's quite possible to create the life you want. My goal is to always have a balance between my profession and my creative side since that's when I feel the most complete.
What inspired you to begin blogging at Curls and Mo?
My blog was created in May 2012. When I stopped relaxing my hair in November 2009 I coincidentally also started couponing. Every time I posted something I bought at a deep discount my friends would ask me how. Or when we went shopping and I used coupons they would ask me where I got them. After being asked the same questions repeatedly I decided it was easier to put all of my savings tips in one place and began my blog. I also thought it might be cool to throw in a few natural hair tips sporadically. I chose the name Curls and Mo' because Mo is a play on my name, Monèt, but it also means "more". I didn't want to be a natural hair blogger or beauty blogger at the time. I wanted to be a lifestyle blogger. But because I had natural hair I incorporated it into the name. Once I started attending more events and getting a little buzz in NYC, I realized how much I love blogging about natural hair and beauty and it's been amazing ever since.
What is the most rewarding aspect of blogging?
Changing lives. Blogging in NYC has afforded me the opportunity to attend amazing brand events and also host some of my own events. Connecting with people face-to-face is a part of blogging I never anticipated but that I absolutely love. Talking to someone in-person allows me the freedom to be much more transparent than I am on my blog. The opportunity to connect in real life has been very special to me. Readers have kept me updated on life changes they make when we see each other and have even told me that my story inspired them to make some hard decisions. That's powerful and it's during those encounters that I realize this is about more than hair and beauty.
What is your natural hair story? Tell us about your hair and what inspired you to go natural.
In 2009 I watched Chris Rock's movie Good Hair. While I knew that the chemicals in relaxers are very harmful for us, I don't think I ever really thought about how harmful they are. That movie put a lot of things into perspective for me. And, as I sat and watched it, I decided relaxing my hair was no longer an option. I didn't know how I was going to maintain my hair but I knew I did not want those chemicals being applied to my scalp anymore and the relaxer I had a week prior to viewing the movie was my last.
What 3 items are in your Ultimate Hair Care Arsenal--those Holy Grail products your hair just can't do without?
- A tortoise shell comb - because of the way it's made, there are no snags or tears to your hair when using it.
Camille Rose Naturals Aloe Whipped Butter Gel - this cream gives my hair the perfect amount of shine and definition.
Karen's Body Beautiful Sweet Ambrosia Leave-In Conditioner - I have tried many leave-ins but this one will always be #1.
What product ingredients do you avoid and why?
I try to stick to all-natural ingredients as much as possible but if a product has a "taboo" ingredient in it, I might still use it. It really depends on how many bad ingredients are in the product and their placement on the ingredients list.
Do you have a tried and true summer hair regimen? If so, walk us through it.
No. I pretty much do the LOC Method year-round. Typically the only thing that changes are the products I use, which depends on the season. I use much heavier oils like castor oil and Argan oil during the winter but I use coconut oil during the warmer months.
How does your natural hair influence your personal style?
When my hair was relaxed I dressed a lot trendier. Now my style is much more classic. I notice that I often choose outfits based on how I'm styling my hair that day and because I work in corporate America I usually choose styles that are more professional - I wear a lot of protective styles during the week. I find that classic pieces not only look a lot more put together
If you had just two hours to pick out an outfit from head to toe, where would you shop and why?
Banana Republic. I love their clothes because you can find outfits that are business appropriate but they definitely have pieces you can dress down. Plus I really like how classic all of their pieces are and when they have a sale, they have a sale! Lol.
What is the one beauty tip you would give to all women?
Always look your best. When you look good you feel good. Even if you're running errands take a moment to put on a little mascara and lipgloss. You'll feel better about yourself plus you never know who you might see while you're out and about.
Get Monèt’s natural hair tips at her blog, Curls and Mo, and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Other COCOBlogger of the Month interviews you may want to check out:
Nicole Walters: Naptural Nicole
Yolanda Renee: Etc Blog Mag
Patrice Grell Yursik: Afrobella