Challenge 8 - Politics As Usual?

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Challenge 8 - Politics As Usual?

Challenge #7

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I chose Christina for a well written essay with her description and what her piece represented and how she related the miss NP contest and Nzogzi Jewelry. You chose a beautiful piece with great color.

I chose Teesha for the photo shoot.  Again great photos.  loves your location and background. Your choice of wearing that beautiful black outfit was excellent.  The black made your chosen piece pop and standout.  My eyes were immediately drawn to the piece.  Great choices.

Challenge #6

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I chose Teesha for he essay and photos.  Your updo was beautiful with the twist and braids on the side.  very unique.  you look so elegant and sophisticated.  You would definite ly stand out at the white house with this unique style of a queen.  This style would be great on Michelle Obama.  Great work!

Challenge 7 - Ngozi Jewelry Challenge

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KARLA - Very well written essay.  I love how you really researched the details of amber and carnelian stones and explain why you feel connected to them.  The nature feel of your photos is also very effective and you look lovely in all of them.  Well done!

TEESHA - I can appreciate what you wrote in your essay.  Perfection is not always symetry or what is conventional.  I actually agree with it.  But I felt like your message was not as clear as it should have been.  As fas as your photos are concerned, you are simply beautiful and you always photograph well.  But there was that something extra missing from this particular challenge.

TOSHIA - Your effort seemed very rushed for this challenge.  I wanted more from your essay and your photos are not crisp.  They seem repetitive and uninspired.  I am a little disappointed.

CHRISTINA - I love your essay.  You really tied Ngozi and goingnatural.com in very nicely.  And your essay is very well written.  Your photos are lovely.  You are beautiful.  And like your competitors, you chose nature as your background.  However, the photos are repetitive.  It would have been more interesting to see more of a range in your photos.

SAFEEYAH - I think you showed the most versatility with your photos, choosing 2 different backgrounds, different outfits, and showcasing different moods.  Thank you.  But your photo quality is still lacking.  I love that your essay expressed how "queenly" Ngozi jewelry made you feel.

My choice for winner on this challenge is Karla.  Congratulations!

Challenge #7 - Jewels, nature & natural hair

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Jewels, Nature, and Natural Hair -some of  my most favorite elements blended together...

 

Challenge #7

 

Karla

I truly enjoyed Karla's story and the picture accompanying her story is gorgeous!  Karla's hair in this pic looks full, defined, and made me want to reach out and touch her hair.  The story speaks to her connection with nature and with the beautiful gemstones used to create her necklace.  The information provided  on the attributes of the stones and their source was very engaging.  Great story and pic.

Loved the way Karla's images made her appear as an integral and organic part of nature, naturally blending into the scenery.   Beautiful images.

 

Toshia

Toshia wrote a short but lovely story sharing the ideas of culture, individuality and the beauty of finding one's true aesthetic.  Great job.

Toisha  is a beautiful sister and seen here in a beautiful necklace.  But the poor quality of the photography deflected from the overall impact.

 

Safeeya

Safeeya's story focused on the beauty of amethyst and she then compared the raw beauty of the stone with the raw beauty of natural hair.  Great ideas and insight.

 Safeeya's images evoked fun and playfulness and showed off the necklace very nicely.

 

Teesha

Teesha remains consistent in her expression as an artist in the choices she makes, she unapologetically breaks the mold creating new visions.  Loved her comfort with the beauty and value of asymmetry in nature, life and jewelry.  Teesha wove a story line combining her necklace and nature in a way that was captivating.

 Teesh's pictures were bold, creative images that complimented her necklace.

 

Christina

Christina's story had interesting facts.  Her reasons for choosing her necklace were a reflection of her natural aesthetic, close to nature and beauty. 

Christina's images definitely reflected the cold season and she came across as a Sexy Winter Goddess - beautiful!

 

For Challenge #7 my picks are:

Karla for her riveting story.

Teesha for her unique images.

 

 

 

Challenge 7

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Hi ladies, it's nice to "meet" you. I am so excited to be a judge for this contest. I really enjoyed reading your articles and looking at your galleries. Best of luck to all of you. 

 Karla:  The Ngozi Amber and Carnelian Necklace you picked is absolutely stunning and it's obvious why you were attracted to it. I was impressed with the research you did about the stones and thought it was great that you were able to define the connection you had to the piece. I also think you picked the perfect location—your description of the Gardens and your beautiful photos make me want to plan a trip to see it in person. Your layered tank tops were a good idea and I particularly liked how the yellow one peeked out and picked up the warm tones of the Amber stones. As for your hair (the most important part!) I agree that a low maintenance hair style was the way to go. It definitely complemented the necklace instead of taking away from it like an intricate look would have. Overall, you did a wonderful job! You get my vote for the best essay. 

Toshia: The blue necklace you are wearing in the photos is really gorgeous, I just wish you had included a bit more information about why you chose that particular piece. I like that you kept your wardrobe and makeup in the same color family as the stones in the necklace—it definitely made it pop. Despite the fact that you're wearing a statement piece of jewelry and colorful makeup, your hair still managed to grab most of the attention. I love the styles you're working in the photos (which are great by the way). Way to go!

Teesha:  Wow! Your photos are so amazing, especially number three—gorgeous! Your essay on asymmetry was very interesting and I like that you chose a piece that wasn't "perfect." The location was the perfect complement to the natural elements in the necklace and by wearing a simple black top you created an ideal backdrop to show off both the piece and your hair style. I'm assuming that your style was a nod to the "asymmetry" theme which was a clever way to be consistent throughout. Phenomenal work! You get my vote for the best photos. 

Christina-Dzenyuy: A luxe fur, a gorgeous necklace, and amazing hair—what more could a woman ask for? I loved your glam, winter-themed photos, you look absolutely radiant in all of them. I thought you did a great job with your article. Thank you for providing us with some insight into why you picked the agate and jade necklace. The stones really popped in the outdoor setting. Your hair looks elegant and I love that you switched up the style a bit in each photo. Nice work! 

Safeeyah: Unfortunately I wasn't able to find your article on the 7th Challenge, but I did look at all of your photos and they were really fun (I especially liked image #4). Purple is one of my favorite colors, so of course I loved the necklace you choose. The overall feeling I got from your whole look (necklace, makeup, outfit, poses, and hair) was flirty and playful. I'm sorry I couldn't read your essay, but I will check back later to see if it's available and update my post accordingly. 

Thank you again for this opportunity.

Andrea Lavinthal  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Challenge 6 - Natural Chic

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Wow!  We are now down to the top 5 and you ladies must be in it to win it because I am just blinded by your beauty.  No matter who is named Miss Nappturality, you are all goddesses.

TEESHA - Wonderfully written essay, but there were some spelling errors.  Just call me Mr. English Professor.  LOL!  But I love the sentiment.  Your hairstyle is regal and fabulous and chic.  LaJoyce really worked it!  Beautiful photos in your gallery as well.  Are you based here in NY?  I'd like to work with you for NY Fashion Week.

KARLA -  I love your essay.  I think accessorizing is very important because it really allows you to make your look your own.  It is very well-written.  You take great photos, but I think there is a little too much light infused in 3 of them.  Fuchsia is a great color on you.

SAFEEYAH - The essay that you've written for this challenge is excellent.  It's passionate and empowering.  Very well done.  There is a misspelled word - "dwelve" should actually be "delve".  But it does not take away from the content.  You're a very pretty young woman, but I am always disappointed by the hot spots that show up on your face each week.  You've chosen a lovely colored background, your hair is awesome, and your face is done, but you do yourself a disservice with the amateur photography.  But if you are New York based, I'd love to work with you also on fashion week.

TOSHIA - Another very well written essay.  I really like how you tied in the first lady.  It's topical and relevant.  And your photo is really nice.  What a lovely smile you have.  You showed a lot of versatility in your hairstyles in the photo gallery.  I am impressed.

CHRISTINA - Your essay is well-written, but it lacked the personal touch that was so prevalent in the other competitors.  Yours left me a little cold.  And while I think you are beautiful and posses a wonderful smile, I've seen you do much better with your photos.  A little disappointing this week.

 I could not choose one winner this week.  My vote for best essay is Safeeyah and for best photos is Teesha.  Congratulations, ladies!

Challenge #6 -Formal at The White House

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We're past the half way mark now and I am glad to see the tenacity of the five remaining contestants.  Hang in there beautiful ladies.

 Here is what I saw:

 

Teesha

Teesha's story had an outlook on chic that is bold and assured.  I loved her ideas around individuality and the possibilities of natural hair options growing.  Her entry is creatively written and very engaging.

Teesha's photos - Teesha has so much hair that the options for creativity are endless.  However, this style did not reflect that range of possibility.  Many of Teesha's photos from past challenges have been so dazzling, that these were a disappointment.

 

Safeeya 

Safeeya's insight into our history of emulating the beauty standards of others is, spot on.  Her light and breezy way of explaining how simple an up-sweep hairstyle can be achieved made her story a delight to read.

Safeeya's photos with her up-swept,  bejeweled Locs, shimmering shawl, and the dramatic look of the dark nail polish, made her look like she was ready to step out for that special occasion.

 

Christina

I enjoyed reading about the different options Christina offered for chic hairstyles and it was my hope that when I viewed  her photos that they would follow through with her writing and they did.  My only critique on the writing is that the challenge is around being chic and meeting the First Lady at the White House.  Therefore, the references to such outings as the neighborhood juice bar and a Neo Soul Lounge, did not really tie in with the subject matter.

Christina had the most variety of looks with her hairstyling options and the styles followed through with her story of style choices.   That last image with Christina's hair styled up in a fanned bun was absolutely exquisite and one I think would definitely impress the First Lady and her esteemed guests.

 

Karla

Karla decision to wear a twist out and accessorize it with hair jewelry spoke to her level of comfort with her naturally kinky texture, which is both a powerful and beautiful statement.  Her chance find of bedazzling hair accessories seem to spark her creativity and she described the many choices available for accessorizing. 

Karla looked stunning in her primary photo.  I love that her hair looks more defined in this challenge.  The brilliant fuchsia color of her dress and hair accessory looked stunning on her and enhanced her natural beauty.  I am just missing the variety in styling.  The Twist out is a wonderful style and can be dressed up and dressed down, but I am hoping to see more styling options in the remaining challenges from Karla.

 

Toshia

Toshia's graceful explanation of the reasons and ways to wear and up do was telling as she described showing off her neckline and allowing her hair to be the accent instead of the focus of a her look.  Toshia's visualization of conversing with the First Lady and giving her options for her hair, was priceless!

Toshia's photos were beautiful, elegant and she put herself in settings that looked the part of the challenge.  Great work Toshia.

 

My winners are:

Teesha for her great story and wonderful writing on the topic

Christina for her versatility in styling her hair for a festive occasion

 

Challenge 5 - Holiday Curls

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LENORE - Best of luck to you in all your endeavors, Lenore.  You are gorgeous and I am sure you will do fine.  Just remember your angles when you are in front of the camera.  Happy Holidays!

VALARIA - Valaria, you were by far the most regal of all the contestants in the America's Next Natural Model Contest.  Beautiful features and a camera presence will get you very far.  Best of luck in your endeavors.

CHRISTINA - Wonderful step-by-step instructional this week.  Clear & concise with fantastic photos.  Very well done!  Your hairstyles and pictures in the photo gallery are off the chain.  FABULOUS!

TOSHIA - I think your intentions for this challenge were honorable.  Your hair looks beautiful.  But is very unclear to me, even after reading it, how to use the pipe cleaners to achieve the look you end with.  Also, you should have applied make up for the instructional.  You look washed out.  Check out Christina's entry to see a great example.  I love the use of feathers and other accessories in your gallery photos because it looks very festive, however, you've had clearer and more engaging photos in the past.  And I know you can do better.

SAFEEYAH - Safeeyah, I am so pleased with your tutorial this week.  The photos are clear and detailed and I love that you decided to Go Green for this challenge.  It's a very smart & enlightened approach.  I love your delicate features and broad smile, but your photos in your gallery never do you justice.  And I think this is such a disservice to a young woman as lovely as you.

KARLA - Your tutorial was clear, well-written, and concise, but I am going to have to agree with the other judges that it did not give you the desired results.  And ultimately, no one is going to want to follow your instructions because they are afraid thie hair will not end up with the curls/crinkles they wanted.  But a very good effort.  Although your pictures in the gallery do not show much range, I think you look very pretty.

TEESHA - Very well done instructional.  I like that you point out that there are other options to achieve curls/crinkles other than heat.  And I always love your gallery photos because they are so diverse and wonderfully thought out.  Always a pleasure.

As we come down to the wire, each week gets more and more challenging.  My choice for winner of this challenge is Christina.  Job well-done!

NP Challenge #5

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Tosha love the holiday curls and the red dress, very cute and festive.  would like to have seen more detail pics of how to use the pipe cleaners.  great idea, love the results and all the curls

Christina Nice crinkles and and nice photos and easy to follow instructions

Safeeya  You look so cute and happy in your curls.  love  the results, but process a little confusing would like to see more photos of the twisting clockwise step and how to wrap around cloth strips

Karla You give off a very happy vibe in photos.  Would love to have seen you in more festive     colors and see your curls fluffed out more

Teesha  love the twist out up do with the yellow flower and nice photos and results.  Your instructions layout was nice.

I chose Tosha for her great festive photos

I chose Christina for her great How two instructions layout