There are times when Chakeia Johnson commiserates with First Lady Michelle Obama’s sentiments about feeling like a single parent. For a few months out of the year Johnson, who is the mom of two small children, has to manage a household as well as oversee the day-to-day operations of her and her husband’s businesses while hubby Brandon works as a linebacker for the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers. Every year before training camp it is their tradition to work in tandem to set their household and business affairs in order before he is off to training camp.

“It’s a juggling act but we’re accustomed to it and communicate well with each other to make sure the temporary disruption to our family and business routines runs seamlessly.”

Chakeia owns and operates a successful event-planning business that specializes in destination and special experience events such as spa retreats and weddings. She is also the owner of the Indulge online boutique, which is a new yet burgeoning endeavor to sell beauty products and luxe hair extensions. During football season, she serves as operating officer for Brandon’s LevelUp energy drink company, and in the off-season, they both tend to the Johnson Family Foundation.

Though Johnson relies on assistance from family, she would be the first to admit that while it is her business to make life more beautiful and fulfilling for clients and customers, it takes a lot of work to keep her own life beautiful. She says, “This is a praying house. My husband and I keep God first by calling on our faith to be good stewards of our blessings.”

Family first is her belief, and Chakeia is known for working in the wee hours of the morning as her children sleep and her husband rests. She also makes sound business decisions that support her values. Recently, she incorporated a concierge service for salons, stylists, and busy women who need private and personal assistance with their hair purchases. As she tests human hair extensions or counsels them on the type of hair to use for vacations and during seasonal changes, as an example, she is able to work from her home office and be near her children.

The Kentucky native has a MBA and a master’s degree in Criminal Justice. She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, and a staunch supporter of breast cancer awareness, military families, and children/teens affected by domestic violence and abuse.

“Women work hard to meet the everyday demands of home and work, and my lifestyle businesses are a reflection of my compassion and empathy. My life is made easier when I can make someone else’s life easier.”

Chakeia Johnson in her generosity is extending a special offer to Hope for Women readers. She is currently offering a 10% discount on purchases from her online boutique. Use the code LOVEINDULGEXS at checkout. If you’re interested in her personalized concierge services, call 1-866-930-SKIN (7546).

Read Source Article Here on Hope For Women Magazine.

Merary Soto

We love discovering hair bloggers and Merary Soto’s (photo to the right) blog, Mane Concern, is no exception. Like many of us who are exploring healthier lifestyles, she poses the question Can You Be Vegan and Have Healthy Hair? It’s a great question and she has queried two women with lovely hair for their responses. After the excerpt from Merary’s post you will find a discount code to be used in our online store, where we carry many products (including hair extensions) that are organic and promote healthy hair growth.

Can You Be Vegan and Have Healthy Hair?

Absolutely Yes!  

I have personally considered becoming a vegetarian, at this moment it isn’t a change I am ready to completely commit to. I have done it successfully in the past and at some point I am certain I will go back and make it a life time commitment. For the planet, my health and wellbeing. Lucky for me I belong to a beautiful circle of diverse friends with impressive work and life styles.

To answer this common question I reached out to 2 dear friends and vegan beauties Pilin & Shirley.

Pilin

Pilin  

We at Indulge XS Spa & Salon can offer you a personal consultation and recommend products from our store. You will receive 10% off of your purchase if you use the code: INDULGEXS10. We can tailor a plan for teen girls and prom season. It would be our privilege to help.

XOXO

1. Help her feel confident by asking if she wants to enroll in an exercise, etiquette or dance class. Self-confidence is a teen girl’s best friend.
2. Take her to consultation appointments with hair stylists, nail techs and estheticians. Get in those consultations early to cut down on indecision and disappointment.
3. Schedule appointments with personal shoppers at your local boutiques, formal dress stores and even department stores to narrow down her selections and manage expectations based on budget.
4. Hire a personal stylist to assist in polishing up her prom look.
5. If possible, make her appointments for early morning on the day of her prom. Afterwards, take her to a relaxing lunch.

We at Indulge XS Spa & Salon can offer you a personal consultation and recommend products from our store. You will receive 10% off of your purchase if you use the code: INDULGEXS10. We can tailor a plan for teen girls and prom season. It would be our privilege to help.

XOXO

1. If it is an unopened product that is not old and you do not want it, put it in a gift bag and offer it to your friends or take to a women’s shelter to brighten someone’s day.
2. If it is an opened product that  you no longer use, trash it.
3. You only need three categories for cleaning: Keep, trash and give away.
4. Keep a pad and pen nearby to write down a list of items to replace.
5. Go through your makeup and without second guessing yourself throw out anything that looks un-hygienic.
6. Organize everything by type.
7. Keep regularly used items within reach and in a separate place.
8. Wipe out, clean and even disinfect areas that have loose makeup or spilled product.
9. Clean beauty brushes for both hair and skin (makeup applicators).
10. Take yourself shopping to Target, The Container Store or even Bed Bath and Beyond for beautiful containers to keep your beauty essentials organized and ready for use. Don’t forget to clean that makeup bag in your purse too.

To make all of your efforts worth the while, Indulge XS is offering 10% off of your first purchase in our online store. Use this code at checkout: INDULGEXS10 for your gift.

XOXO

Big beauty brands have courted her to use their products as well as work as a consultant.

This newest phase of makeup artistry superstardom involves her entering into partnership with Fashion Fair Cosmetics the world’s oldest and premiere beauty brand for women of color. She is now their global creative director, a role that has her behind the scenes in the beauty industry offering her expertise in business and artistry.
We’re very excited for Tia and wish her the very best.

XOXO

1. Treat the skin on your face gently and tenderly. Forget the need to scrub until your face is raw and red. Forget harsh products containing alcohol that burns.
2. Include your diet in your plan or protocol. Drink more water and consider infused waters for extra health benefits and enhanced taste. Water hydrates from the inside out.
3. If you work at home as a stay-at-home mom or from home as someone’s employee, consider using your calendar to schedule spa treatments like facials and expert exfoliation. You can also use your calendar to schedule in your daily care too.
4. Make preventative skincare appointments with your esthetician and your dermatologist.
5. Eat for your skin’s wellness. Reader Digest has a guide to 8 foods for beautiful skin.
6. If you’re athletic or workout often, pack your skincare in your gym bag and clean your skin when you shower. Indulge XS has bag-sized products such as Cosmedix Clear.
7. Reduce your stress and anxiety by taking up meditation or simply taking up “me” time as a regular part of your wellness plan.

Shop our Indulge XS store for great skin care products that are necessary for beautiful skin. Receive 10% off of your first purchase by using this code INDULGEXS10 at checkout.

XOXO

Usually lines across the forehead reflect an imbalance. Congestion or acne in this area represents digestive congestion and possibly poor detoxification. Red and dry or flaky skin is an indication of lack of fluids in the digestive tract.

Between the Eyes

This is the liver zone. A red patch between the eyes is a possible indication of poor liver detoxification and even heavy metal toxicity (particularly mercury). Vertical lines in this zone indicate Liver imbalance.

Under the Eyes

The top of the eye and directly below the eyes is the kidney zone. Puffiness and fluid retention in this area is a sign the body is holding on to too much fluid (watery and swollen with a blue tinge) or is mucus congested (fatty and swollen with a yellow tinge). Salt intake should be monitored, as should excessive sugary drinks such as fruit juice and soft drink. To reduce mucus congestion, reduce fat and dairy consumption. Blue circles or white under the eyes indicates tiredness or even exhaustion. A yellow tinge shows the liver and gallbladder are working too hard.

Dry, flaky or red skin in the creases above the eye shows liver stress.

The Nose

The nose tip corresponds to the lungs while the bridge reflects the health of the stomach. Congestion in the form of blackheads usually represents poor stomach digestion and possibly low hydrochloric acid levels.If the nose is red or has broken capillaries, this usually indicates excessive intake of heating liquids including alcohol, coffee and tea.

The Cheeks

Represent the respiratory & circulatory systems. Pimples or congestion in this area are often the result of a high fat and mucus forming diet (simple sugar, dairy and processed foods).Pale cheeks may be a sign of low iron levels whereas overly flushed cheeks show poor circulation and the consumption of too many hot foods such as alcohol, coffee and spices and poor elimination. A greenish tinge indicates liver congestion.

The Mouth

Generally represents the digestive function. White or very pale lips may indicate low iron levels and poor circulation. Dry flaky skin or wrinkles can indicate dehydration. Cracks or sores in the corners of the mouth are signs of low B vitamin or iron levels. Red, hot or bleeding gums are a sign of a hot or over-acidic stomach and so animal fats, simple sugars and heating food & drink needs to be avoided.

The Chin

Corresponds to the kidneys and digestive system. Once again congestion in this area can be a sign of a diet high in processed foods, sugars and fats. It can also indicate unbalanced kidney function, which is usually the result of pushing the body by working too hard, stress or going beyond normal physical endurance.

The Jaw and under the jaw line

Often a hormonal influence, particularly if worsens in accordance with monthly cycles. Cysts rather than pimples may indicate lymphatic toxicity, which may result from medications, environmental toxins or a highly processed and sugar rich diet.