For Raleigh resident Chassity Bynum, living a healthy lifestyle reaches far beyond just eating right and exercising. Bynum also adheres to a natural beauty regimen, which includes wearing her hair naturally, without any chemical relaxers or treatments.
"I prefer wearing my hair in its natural state because it represents who I am, unfiltered," Bynum says. "My goal is to consistently live a healthier lifestyle. My commitment not to put harsh chemicals in my hair is just a natural part of the process."
Her natural hair has garnered a lot of attention, especially now that she's a contestant in the Going Natural( going-natural.com) "America's Next Natural Model" competition. The website - which offers tips and support for African-Americans interested in wearing their hair naturally, without chemical treatments - sponsors the contest to celebrate the beauty of natural hair. The competition includes challenges that range from speaking on the topic of hair damage to re-creating a makeup look. Both judges and visitors to the website vote on the contestants.
Bynum became a contestant after stumbling upon the competition while researching hair care techniques. So far, she's had a strong showing, winning three out of five challenges.
"I am such an advocate for natural hair that I wanted to be a part of the brigade of women taking charge and being the narrators of their own hair journey," Bynum says. "So jumping onboard with an online pageant that promotes natural hair as a beautiful thing was a simple choice for me."
Aside from the prizes (which include a photo shoot, beauty products and $1,000 cash), Bynum wanted to get involved to help promote the benefits of going chemical-free.
"Going natural allows the hair to grow at a more consistent pace and the growth of the hair is not stunted by the use of ingredients that are damaging to the hair, scalp and body," she says.
The public can vote for Bynum, the only contestant from North Carolina, by visiting going-natural.com and clicking the "America's Next Natural Model" link. While there, Bynum hopes they'll learn a bit more about natural hair and rethink some of the misconceptions about the style.
"Natural hair has made such a comeback, and it's not all about afro puffs and the '70s anymore," she says. "I want to show women who may have thought about going natural that there are all sorts of natural hair options available - be it for the sister who works in corporate America to the sister in college - and it can be done with class and panache."
Free prom dresses!
Apex United Methodist Church's annual Prom Shoppe offers free dresses, shoes and other accessories to girls who cannot afford to buy them. This year's shop will be open 1-8 p.m. Friday at the church's Peak campus (1200 N. Salem St., Apex). For more information, call 362-7807 or visit www.apex umc.org .
See prom style!
The latest in prom style will be on the runway at the Savvi Prom Fashion Show at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Triangle Town Center mall. Students from Angie's Dance Academy in Henderson will open the show with a performance and Miss Teen Dance USA 2012 Beth Hilburger will give away prizes during wardrobe changes. The event is free. For more info, visit www.triangletowncenter .com .
Bridal show coming
We're in the thick of wedding show season, as evidenced by yet another bridal event this week, The Wedding Affair at North Hills. The show, 1-5 p.m. Sunday, will feature local vendors such as Traditions by Anna, Charlotte's, Luxe Beauty Boutique and Neil Boyd Photography, among others. Attendees can enjoy hors d'oeuvres, cake tastings, door prizes and more. The event will be held in the ballroom of the Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel, 4100 Main at North Hills St., Raleigh. Admission is free, but registration is required. To register, visit www.nh weddingaffair.com .
Two sales, two stores
Brennan Station neighbors Clothes Hound and Adore Designer Resale Boutique are teaming up for an uncommon sale. In an effort to support each other as members of the local business community, Clothes Hound owner Bryce Batts and Adore owner Nancy Alinovi will give customers a coupon for 25 percent off a regularly priced item at the other's store during simultaneous clearance sales Saturday and Sunday.
"We know how important it is to support local businesses, which, in turn, improves our local economy," Alinovi says. "This sale is going to be a nice way to clear out old inventory at bottom of the barrel prices, while introducing our customers to each other's shops."
Adore is at 8111 Creedmoor Road, Suite 125, Raleigh, and Clothes Hound is at 8111 Creedmoor Road, Suite 149, Raleigh. www.adoreboutiques.com , www.shopclotheshound.com.
Farewell to a shop
Certain Things boutique in Raleigh's North Hills shopping center will close its doors at the end of the month. Owner Jill Harris Peters didn't specify the reason for the closing, but said, "I am so sad that this is happening, but it is a good decision."
The store will have a going-out-of-business sale with everything 50 percent to 75 percent off, through the end of the month. The Cameron Village location of Certain Things will remain open.
