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The Cowrie Shell Center Receives 2015 Best of Brooklyn Award Brooklyn Award Program Honors the Achievement BROOKLYN September 2, 2015 -- The Cowrie Shell Center has been selected for the 2015 Best of Brooklyn Award in the Hair Salon category by the Brooklyn Award Program. Each year, the Brooklyn Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Brooklyn area a great place to live, work and play. Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2015 Brooklyn Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Brooklyn Award Program and data provided by third parties. About Brooklyn Award Program The Brooklyn Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Brooklyn area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value. The Brooklyn Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community's contributions to the U.S. economy. SOURCE: Brooklyn Award Program 
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Greetings family, friends and supporters;
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Ancient Blends Crowd funding Campaign
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Greetings, my name is Yendys Nefer-Atum; I am the founder and soul proprietress of The Cowrie Shell Natural Hair Care & Holistic Wellness Center in Brooklyn, New York. I am also the Mixtress of Ancient Blends Natural Hair and Body Care Products, a Natural Hair Care Specialist, Master Loctician, Certified Holistic Healer as well as a Spiritual Guide.
Since 1992, I have held the distinction of being one of Brooklyn's true and consistent pioneers of natural hair care and the natural hair care product industry. Almost three decades later, I am on a brand new journey of redefining the appearance of my natural product line Ancient Blends.
This name Ancient Blends was inspired by ancestral whisperings in my ears; ancient wisdom, nothing new under the sun and keep our daily care connected to the earth; maintain pure, natural, simplicity. I was inspired to create Ancient Blends natural products in order to fulfill the needs of my clients hair and scalp, to breathe life back to our divine coifs and crowns during my earlier years as a hair care provider. I am a hair healer! A practitioner of natural hair care!
Today, my plant based product line truly speaks for itself as it has fast become a household name. I believe that my products definitely meet the trending and fast growing needs of the natural hair and health conscious communities of kinky, coily, curly hair...Ancient Blends product lineconsists of hair and scalp oils, shampoo, facial moisturizing oils, body butters, aromatic body sprays, herbally infused, naturally scented body oils, herbal hair tea and more. I'm deeply touched and grateful to those who have continuously supported me and my products and services throughout the many years. I've done what I can do by myself at this point.
I need a TEAM! http://www.gofundme.com/ancient-blends
I'm now reaching out for some community monetary assistance! For many, many years, Ancient Blends natural products have lovingly planted themselves in the hearts and minds (especially hearts) of hundreds of clients, customers and prospective shoppers.
Moving forward, I already have a logo... the new identity will satisfy all of the existing expectations of what Ancient Blends products already stand for. In keeping things simple, I will not be changing any of the products, just continuing to deliver a great value product and services that satisfies your expectations batch after batch, time after time, delivery after delivery. I'm hoping to raise the much needed capital to use for the purpose of repackaging my product line. I will need supplies for product manufacturing, packaging, i.e. labels, bottles, jars, boxes, bags, etc.
My expertises are not in this particular area, so I'll need to turn this project over into the trusted hands of the artists...So, your donations will fund a team of creatives to manifest this project. I'm already connected with a web manager, a graphic artist, a photographer and a printing company. Repackaging Ancient Blends products is a huge undertaking, although we are looking forward to the final outcome.
We as consumers are most drawn to a 'well done' presentation. Ancient Blends aspires to be represented in the best light possible going forward. By Summer 2014, I visualize this product line reaching a much wider market. What good is having a wonderful natural product line if the masses do not not know it even exists?
I wish to inspire you to help me put Ancient Blends natural hair and body care products more accessible to others... in the homes of your colleagues, friends and family. With your donations, we can make it possible for our childrens' children to have the natural healthy hair and body care tools that some of us didn't have as children.They need to experiences healthy natural products. My Ancient Blends natural products are currently available via my website www.cowrieshell.com/products
and also via www.etsy.com/shop/ancientblends naturals
The vision of Ancient Blends natural products sitting on health food store shelves, natural hair salon and spas this summer would not only warm my heart, it would fulfill an ancestral contract for progress and betterment of ourselves and our community! It would be a dream come true for me, as well as it would allow countless others the full access to this healthy natural product line. We Can Do This!!!
http://www.gofundme.com/ancient-blends
~ I thank you kindly in advance for your loving support ~
Yendys Nefer-Atum
Natural Product Development Specialist
Alchemist
Since 1992, I have held the distinction of being one of Brooklyn's true and consistent pioneers of natural hair care and the natural hair care product industry. Almost three decades later, I am on a brand new journey of redefining the appearance of my natural product line Ancient Blends.
This name Ancient Blends was inspired by ancestral whisperings in my ears; ancient wisdom, nothing new under the sun and keep our daily care connected to the earth; maintain pure, natural, simplicity. I was inspired to create Ancient Blends natural products in order to fulfill the needs of my clients hair and scalp, to breathe life back to our divine coifs and crowns during my earlier years as a hair care provider. I am a hair healer! A practitioner of natural hair care!
Today, my plant based product line truly speaks for itself as it has fast become a household name. I believe that my products definitely meet the trending and fast growing needs of the natural hair and health conscious communities of kinky, coily, curly hair...Ancient Blends product lineconsists of hair and scalp oils, shampoo, facial moisturizing oils, body butters, aromatic body sprays, herbally infused, naturally scented body oils, herbal hair tea and more. I'm deeply touched and grateful to those who have continuously supported me and my products and services throughout the many years. I've done what I can do by myself at this point.
I need a TEAM! http://www.gofundme.com/ancient-blends
I'm now reaching out for some community monetary assistance! For many, many years, Ancient Blends natural products have lovingly planted themselves in the hearts and minds (especially hearts) of hundreds of clients, customers and prospective shoppers.
Moving forward, I already have a logo... the new identity will satisfy all of the existing expectations of what Ancient Blends products already stand for. In keeping things simple, I will not be changing any of the products, just continuing to deliver a great value product and services that satisfies your expectations batch after batch, time after time, delivery after delivery. I'm hoping to raise the much needed capital to use for the purpose of repackaging my product line. I will need supplies for product manufacturing, packaging, i.e. labels, bottles, jars, boxes, bags, etc.
My expertises are not in this particular area, so I'll need to turn this project over into the trusted hands of the artists...So, your donations will fund a team of creatives to manifest this project. I'm already connected with a web manager, a graphic artist, a photographer and a printing company. Repackaging Ancient Blends products is a huge undertaking, although we are looking forward to the final outcome.
We as consumers are most drawn to a 'well done' presentation. Ancient Blends aspires to be represented in the best light possible going forward. By Summer 2014, I visualize this product line reaching a much wider market. What good is having a wonderful natural product line if the masses do not not know it even exists?
I wish to inspire you to help me put Ancient Blends natural hair and body care products more accessible to others... in the homes of your colleagues, friends and family. With your donations, we can make it possible for our childrens' children to have the natural healthy hair and body care tools that some of us didn't have as children.They need to experiences healthy natural products. My Ancient Blends natural products are currently available via my website www.cowrieshell.com/products
and also via www.etsy.com/shop/ancientblends naturals
The vision of Ancient Blends natural products sitting on health food store shelves, natural hair salon and spas this summer would not only warm my heart, it would fulfill an ancestral contract for progress and betterment of ourselves and our community! It would be a dream come true for me, as well as it would allow countless others the full access to this healthy natural product line. We Can Do This!!!
http://www.gofundme.com/ancient-blends
~ I thank you kindly in advance for your loving support ~
Yendys Nefer-Atum
Natural Product Development Specialist
Alchemist
 April, 2012
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 Accessories Street Style: Bangles, Beads and Baubles
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Wednesday, 10 November 2010
Treating the total person: NY stylist wins Ultimate Hairapy Award
 Yendys Nefer-Atum
Ultimate Hairapy Award winner |
Journey to helping clients began with stylist's tresses first
By Nichole Nichols, My Salon Scoop writer BROOKLYN—Tucked in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, N.Y., The Cowrie Shell Center is a salon and wellness facility that combines natural hair care service with a holistic lifestyle regimen pampering the total person. In 1991, stylist Yendys Nefer-Atum established the center, which has gradually garnered loyal clientele who appreciate her artistry and meticulous care. Because of her work, and her clients' nominations, she's the My Salon Scoop Ultimate Hairapy Award winner. This award honors stylists who exemplify what it means to promote healthy hair practices, quality styling, and above all quality service. "My clients are like family to me," Nefer-Atum says. "I remember the things that they tell me and I will ask for follow up at the next appointment. So they feel like I am really listening to them. I really care about what is happening in their personal life. It's not just an exchange of service and money. It's a subculture within the culture." |
Nefer-Atum, who has been a licensed cosmetologist for 26 years, has transformed her business in a way that mirrors her own spiritual growth and transformation. It all started with a conversation with a young client that led Nefer-Atum to focus solely on natural hair, locs and a holistic lifestyle complete with a vegetarian diet.
"I was already married with children and here was this 22-year-old girl imparting this old wisdom on me. And I just listened. I felt like this is what I needed. It spoke to my spirit," Nefer-Atum says. " ...We stayed in touch. ...I started to change the inside of my body and started to feel different, that affected not just my health but also the way I thought about the things around me and what I was doing. So, I couldn't be this healthy person on the inside with this new mindset and outlook and still work with chemicals."
According to her clients, Nefer-Atum's styling skills, attitude toward caring for locs and her clients' personal health is her first priority. In fact, she says, personal health is essential to having a healthy head of hair. Her line of hair and bath products, Ancient Blends, is quite popular among her clients, but she emphasizes that they work hand in hand with an overall healthy lifestyle.
"I tie in what's going inside the body to the outer radiance where that relates to growing healthy hair," Nefer-Atum says. "I don't have magical products. I have really great products with the best ingredients that nature can provide, but they need to work along with this person doing their share of addressing their inner health as well."
Available nationwide, Nefer-Atum recently began shipping her products to places as far as Kuwait.
Along with promoting holistic lifestyle principles and running the Cowrie Shell Center, Nefer-Atum is CEO and senior editor of Inside The Cowrie Shell Center, a natural hair care and holistic wellness magazine that is available along with her product line on The Cowrie Shell Center website and Etsy.com.
Her passion for what she does is evident in her philosophy about her career. "It's my lifestyle. It's common practice. It's what I do. It's just the structure; it's the natural structure that's in place. I do it effortlessly."
"I was already married with children and here was this 22-year-old girl imparting this old wisdom on me. And I just listened. I felt like this is what I needed. It spoke to my spirit," Nefer-Atum says. " ...We stayed in touch. ...I started to change the inside of my body and started to feel different, that affected not just my health but also the way I thought about the things around me and what I was doing. So, I couldn't be this healthy person on the inside with this new mindset and outlook and still work with chemicals."
According to her clients, Nefer-Atum's styling skills, attitude toward caring for locs and her clients' personal health is her first priority. In fact, she says, personal health is essential to having a healthy head of hair. Her line of hair and bath products, Ancient Blends, is quite popular among her clients, but she emphasizes that they work hand in hand with an overall healthy lifestyle.
"I tie in what's going inside the body to the outer radiance where that relates to growing healthy hair," Nefer-Atum says. "I don't have magical products. I have really great products with the best ingredients that nature can provide, but they need to work along with this person doing their share of addressing their inner health as well."
Available nationwide, Nefer-Atum recently began shipping her products to places as far as Kuwait.
Along with promoting holistic lifestyle principles and running the Cowrie Shell Center, Nefer-Atum is CEO and senior editor of Inside The Cowrie Shell Center, a natural hair care and holistic wellness magazine that is available along with her product line on The Cowrie Shell Center website and Etsy.com.
Her passion for what she does is evident in her philosophy about her career. "It's my lifestyle. It's common practice. It's what I do. It's just the structure; it's the natural structure that's in place. I do it effortlessly."
 Elsiana Ma'at Jones, who nominated Nefer-Atum, sits enjoying the "Yendys Experience." |
Excerpt from winning entry from Elsiana Ma'at Jones
Yendys Nfr-Atum owner of The Cowrie Shell Center in Brooklyn NY, has been a godsend to me and my hair. After many years of perming, straightening, blow drying and dealing with hair salons that did not want to deal with my long, thick hair I decided that I would go natural and loc my hair. It was not an easy decision but after my first hair consultation with Yendys 5 years ago, I knew it was the right decision, for the right reasons and I knew that she was the person that would guide me and my hair on a healthy, holistic and spiritual journey! Yendys is NOT your ordinary hairdresser and the Cowrie Shell Center is not your ordinary salon. You absolutely transform as you enter into her Center. There is a calm and warmness that I can't explain, you have to experience it yourself. Yendys is a master loctician but she does all kinds of things with natural hair. People come to her Center and leave empowered, lifted, relaxed, educated and fierce! |
Nichole Nichols is a freelance writer who has written previously for MySalonScoop.com as well as Pink Magazine. Check out her blog, Reasons and Roses. She is based in Greensboro, N.C.
Copyright 2010 © My Salon Scoop, LLC
Copyright 2010 © My Salon Scoop, LLC
Ask a Natural Hair Stylist:
Funky scarves and jazzy hats help lock in moisture and block dryness
By Yendys Nefer-Atum, salon owner/natural hair care practitioner
N.Y. stylist: Cover your coif this winter Healthy Hair
Wednesday, 09 February 2011 00:00
Q. Winter can be a very drying time for hair. What is the best way to keep your natural tresses moisturized and protected from the harsh winter elements?
A. The best way to keep your natural hair moisturized and protected from the harsh winter elements is to run for cover! Baby, it's cold outside so cover your ‘do!
This winter, I've rocked out my swag and glammed up my outfits with a few funky vintage headscarves like the divas wore back in the ‘70s. I tie them loosely to allow proper circulation for my hair and scalp, and then put my hat on. It's all about your style!
In addition, I wear sassy crochet or jazzy knit hats lined with a satin fabric to keep my head warm as well as to keep the natural oils and moisture in my hair and my scalp.
Wear double-stranded twists, flat twists, loose braids or cute buns so you still can cover your hair while trekking outdoors. Choose styles that still allow you to sport hats. Stay away from styles that pull your hair too tightly. Those styles may damage your hairline and cause breakage.
Q. What treatments do you recommend those wearing their hair natural should undergo in the wintertime to keep their hair healthy?
A. Give your lovely tresses monthly hot oil treatments and steams to maintain and nourish your hair and scalp. Use hair care products that include vegetable glycerin, which softens your hair. This is a natural ingredient found in shampoos, herbal conditioning treatments and moisturizing hair oils. Also known as a humectant, vegetable glycerin keeps our hair and scalp hydrated by pulling the moisture from the air to our hair shafts. The ingredient also helps to better hold curls and prevent frizzes.
Q. What top five things should women do at home this season to keep their hair healthy?
A. To keep their hair healthy, women should do the following:
1. Create a hydrating hair spray
First, get a 4-ounce hair spray bottle. Then, add 3 ounces of water, 2 tablespoons of vegetable glycerin, 1 tablespoon of pure olive, and five drops of lavender essential oil or your favorite pure essential oil. Shake well before every use.
2. Use my avocado & olive oil rejuvenating hair pack treatment
This is a natural alternative to a hot oil treatment. You will need: one clear plastic cap, a medium-sized stainless steel mixing bowl, one to two ripe Haas avocados (depending on amount of hair you have), half cup of pure olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of vegetable glycerin. Mash all ingredients together in bowl until smooth. Apply creamy mixture to freshly washed towel-dried hair. Massage the pack in well and cover head for 45 minutes with a clear plastic cap. Rinse thoroughly with very warm water until all solid ingredients are removed. Shampoo and rinse well.
3. Massage the scalp
Heat a bottle of your favorite natural hair oil in a bowl of hot water. (This process is very much like heating a baby's bottle.) Gently massage scalp. Start at your temples using circular motions with your fingers. Massage your whole head from back to front and side to side for 30 minutes. Massage therapy will improve the scalp's circulation and stimulate your oil glands, or sebaceous glands, to moisturize your scalp.
4. Drink more quality water Try alkaline water like Kangen, Fiji water or coconut water to help moisturize you from the inside out. You should always consume lots of water-about half your body's weight in ounces-to flush impurities and allow proper hair growth to take place.
5. Try my natural hair care cocktail
You'll need:
2 large green or purple kale leaves
a handful of alfalfa sprouts
4 carrots
a bunch of kale leaves
a bunch of alfalfa sprouts
Push this mix through juicer with carrots
Drink immediately.
Yendys Nefer-Atum is the owner of The Cowrie Shell Center. She created her own My Ancient Blends Natural Hair Care product line, which can also be found on her online store and her Etsy store. My Salon Scoop honored Nefer-Atum as their 2010 Ultimate Hairapy Award winner.
You can read reviews for The Cowrie Shell Center in the My Salon Scoop salon directory.
