Alexus Rhone, Shemora Sheikh, & Dr. Amanda Maples posing by the sign.

"The function of art is to do more than tell it like it is--it's to imagine what is possible."    --Bell Hooks

"Throughout most of history, Anonymous was a woman." 
                                                       --Virginia Woolf

Words cannot explain the energy of this experience--of being in the same room with so many amazing dynamic talented artists. Painting Jazz Empress Nnenna Freelon (world-renowned jazz singer, composer, producer, arranger & 6 time Grammy Nominee) was truly an honor. She embodies grace, resilience, & creativity--the jewel of Durham. 

Amazing Artists on Set:
Indigenous Make Up (henna x tribal paint): Shemora Sheikh
Make Up Artist: S. Davis Make Up Artistry
Photography: Chris Charles
Hair: Styles by Anes
Wardrobe: Katina of Azani Couture

If you are interested in henna, tribal paint, headwrapping for a special event or photoshoot, book Rites of Passage Institute for a practice session.

You haven't seen gold till you've seen African Gold!! Rites of Passage Institute had the honor of creating geles (headwraps) for the North Carolina Museum of Art Good As Gold: Fashioning Senegalese Women Exhibit where you can see lots of African gold!! Bling, Bling! And the exhibit is virtual or you can go and experience the exhibit in person (available till Jan 3, 2021). These headwraps were created to complement pieces by world renown Senegalese fashion designers Khadija Aisha Ba of L'artisane and Rama Diaw of Rama Diaw Fashion.

It was nice to see it all come together when I visited the exhibit in person with my family. 

Building geles for the Good as Gold Exhibit was special because not only do I have Senegalese roots, but Rites of Passage Institute has been teaching Wrap Stars: Headwrapping Workshop for over 10 years. Our workshops are hands on and we provide historical background, culture, and use of symbolism. As with any Rites of Passage Institute workshop, it's a whole experience. Catch a Wrap Stars Workshop HERE. Also, special shout out to Exotique Boutique of Durham where we purchased the fabric for the geles for the Good as Gold Exhibit.

Moon Awareness is Self-Awareness. Women are in sync with the phases of the moon. We are all affected by the moon because the moon governs liquids/fluids and it affects our bodily fluids, especially our fertility cycle. The Full Moon is a mini celebration/release every month that nurtures us mind, body, & soul. Rites of Passage has Moon Swag Bags for every Full Moon every month to aid you in maximize the experience. This upcoming full moon will be a Full Moon in Gemini (November 30, 2020). If you really want to deepen your experience take a Moontracking Class. In the meantime, spread Lunar Love! xoxo

Next time you do a face mask, do an underarm mask too! If your armpits breakout, get swollen, if you are sensitive to deodorants, if you are ready to transition to a natural deodorant (like Aurafresh by Rites of Passage Institute) after years of using chemical conventional deodorant--it is time for an Armpit Detox!! 

You need:
1. Apple cider vinegar
2. Bentonite Clay
3. Water
4. Optional: Coconut oil

Do not use a metal spoon or bowl. I read that you should do the armpit mask everyday for 2 weeks, but I only did it everyday for 1 week. Leave the mask on your armpits for 10 minutes the 1st time, then increase the time everyday until you reach 25 minute.

During the armpit detox you cannot use any deodorant! Shits about to get real. That's why you need to do this in the winter during quarantine!

Do not go back to a synthetic toxic deodorant after an armpit detox. Use a natural deodorant like Aurafresh from passageinstitute.com

Have you ever tried this? Would you try it?