Introducing the Tootie Jean Collection

Check out this new collection of one of a kind, earrings, skirts and hats. They are a part of the Tootie Jean Collection and they are priced to sell. Please visit the site here to see more jewelry or to contact the designer.


















model: Empress Nine

Queen Lateefah

by Tamara Natalie Madden



I recently met Lateefah when she came to shoot with her sister. A creative soul, and natural beauty; I thought that she would be a perfect addition to the garden.







Here's what she had to say about herself and her natural journey:


"I'm from the Atlanta area and I graduated from Kennesaw State University in 2004 with a degree in Psychology and Biology. I have been working in pharmaceutical research Field for 9 years which has allowed me to see many great places.

I enjoy crocheting clothing and blankets for friends and family. I am currently working on hats and scarfs for the homeless shelter for the winter. I also have many baby projects in the works at the moment.

I also love to run, jump rope and any type of exercises that can be fun.

I started transitioning in the summer of 2007 and completed the big chop in January of 2008. It was a challenge at first but I have no regrets and will never go back to relaxer or pressing. I like to do my own hair most of the time."











Check out some of my paintings on my website and some more photography here.

-Tamara Natalie Madden

The Collaboration...

...with Tamara Natalie Madden and Vincent Christie

Recently, I collaborated on a shoot with The Pangeas Garden founder, Vincent Christie. I was obviously humbled because he's such an amazing photographer. We shot model, ButtaFly, for a campaign for Charly Palmer's upcoming line of jewelry. Take a look a some of the pics below and let us know how you feel.

Jhavia the Exotic

by Tamara Natalie Madden

Jhavia is a young vibrant sista who is creative, eclectic and exotic. She has beautiful eyes and a marvelous spirit. She's a full time student who enjoys writing poetry and shooting pictures in her spare time. You can learn more about her here.


















All styling and makeup done my Tamara of TNM Photos.

Please check out some of my paintings on my website and some more photography here.

-Thanks

In depth with Naturally Leslie...

I've spoken about the positive influence Naturally Leslie has had on the content of the Pangea's Garden Project and I have mentioned her blog. I may not have mentioned how widely popular it is and the fact that Leslie is one of the GO-TO Personalities when it comes to natural hair and its techniques, styles and culture. She is also a popular columnist for the Coil Review. Her balance of serious insight and lightheartedness makes her pearls of wisdom valuable to all who are fortunate to partake. I told her that I would like to ask her few questions about herself. She provided me with a few answers...

Q: You are a a highly popular blogger and a sought-after columnist. What do you attribute your incredible following to?

I think there are so many women out there who crave positive and helpful information about going natural. I also think people like having a consistent, familiar place to go to in order to establish a sense of community and support. I think my blog is all of those things for many people.

Q: Have your views on your blog and why you do it changed since you began it nine months ago?

When I first started out, my blog was not meant to focus solely on natural hair. I created it to branch out and stretch myself a bit. It has since become more hair-focused although it still touches on other topics. I have been natural for 10 years and I though I had something to add to the natural hair blog mix. Some days, it can be frustrating because of other commitments. But, at the end of the day I love having it as a release for myself and it has become a wonderful way to connect with people I otherwise would not have met.

Q: Do you think the popularity of the natural look is fading, growing or simply a cultural aesthetic alternative?

I think it is definitely growing! It seems like everywhere you look, Black women in mainstream media are being represented by women with natural hair. Magazines, commercials, and internet ads tend to feature Black women with curly or kinky hair a lot more than they used to.

Q: How do you see the natural aesthetic? Do you see it as a rejection of standards of beauty? an alternative beauty to the conventional pretty look? the ultimate or original beauty? or something else?

I think it is all of that and possibly more. For some people, it is a deliberate rejection of a straight-haired aesthetic. For others, it can be a style option. I don't think every woman goes natural for the same reasons and I think people should not judge one another if a reason is different than their own.

Q: Do you think natural beauty is sexy?

I do think natural beauty is sexy. Then again, I think most woman have sex appeal because it comes from within. Really, it is not about the outside when it comes to exuding sensuality or beauty. The outside can always help but a great attitude goes a lot further.

Q: What are your thoughts on the media attention placed on the natural aesthetic in the African-American community? Is it taken too seriously or not seriously enough? And what, if anything, is left out of the discussion?

I think sometimes it can get too serious. I think when women first go natural, it can become almost like an obsession in terms of products, styling, growth, length attainment, etc. I also think the media is simply picking up on what is going on around the country which is Black women are tired of struggling to conform to a standard of beauty that is unattainable. I don't think there is much more to add to the discussion in terms of how to care for natural hair. But I do think that as more women/girls return to their roots, there will always be a place for discussion, reflection, and mutual encouragement. I am not one of those people who think "it's just hair" but at the same time, it cannot eclipse my social/professional/romantic life to the point where I am controlled by it.

Q: What would you want young girls to know about natural beauty as they start to make their own decisions about their look and style?

I want young girls to realize that the minute they declare themselves beautiful, they regain their power. So often, we turn to tv or magazines to tell us what is acceptable, so we are constantly giving away our power. I think young women need to know that they actually have their own power and can choose who they want to be versus allowing outside influences to totally define them. So whether it is their look or their career or whatever, girls need to be aware of their inherent strength and power to map out their paths.

Please check out Leslie blog for more of her insightful musings at Naturally Leslie

-Vincent

Fit and Sensual with Makeda Voletta...

Makeda is a woman of African and Native American descent. Born and raised in Harlem/Washington Heights, NYC but she currently spends time between New Orleans and NY.

Makeda is dedicated student of the body and all of the methods involved with bringing the body to it's highest level. She has a B.S. in Exercise and Sports Science with a concentration in Strength and Conditioning and a minor in Nutrition. Afterwards, she went on to complete two years of graduate work at Columbia University in Applied Physiology and Nutrition. In addition to that Makeda has done plenty of self study and considers herself to be a body science nerd.

Makeda has many fitness and nutrition clients all over the country and I have published several articles. She's also a freelance fitness/swimsuit and fine art model. Makeda is a trained and professional dancer in a variety of dance styles from the Carribean, South America, North America and Africa.

I've only scratched the surface of this woman who is so diversely talented and insightful. You can see and learn more of her, here and here.

-Vincent

Afro Glam!

stefanie's features are lovely; she has great cheek bones and big bodacious eyes! it was fun making her over!:)

this was stefanie's first time modeling, but she caught on quickly--she looked like an old pro! i need to send her on to tyra.;)














Check out some of my paintings on my website and some more photography here.

-Tamara Natalie Madden

Cold as Ice!

It was 30 degrees outside when I took these pictures. My model, Aiesha, didn't seem to be bothered at all! I was freezing! :)













Check out some of my paintings on my website and some more photography here.

-Tamara Natalie Madden