The year is almost over and I must say, it was an eventful year in many ways. In one recap.
Jayme Goodwin, winner of America's Next Natural Model 2013
2013 started like the four years before with America's Next Natural Model, the election that takes place on going-natural.com. The competition went almost flawlessly this year with a tight jury; photographer Dajuan Jones, Afro hair specialist/Writer Michelle George and guest judge from Jamaica Mango & Lime, Turkeshia. It was great to see the models grow every week. They were all so good that it was hard to choose, but after I shot Jayme personally I knew for sure that she was the rightful winner. This was my first time shooting the winner personally and doing a commercial at the same time and I really enjoyed it. You can see a slideshow and read more about Jayme Goodwin here.
One of the most beautiful occasions of the year was definitely in June when I was invited by the former First Lady Venetiaan to present my company at the United Nations. It was a super inspiring experience. Not only presenting my Social Entrepreneurship was great, the entire event; First Ladies from eight African countries who received awards for their performance in the social field. Among those top women with all an impressive career, in their beautiful colorful robes was, as they say here, priceless! From the photo with the delegation of Mrs. Venetiaan in full Surinamese regalia it is clear that this was an absolute highlight in 2013!
Anna and her mother at Real Sranan
Another highlight this year was definitely my trip to the Netherlands sponsored by none other than Jorgen Raymann. From personal experience I know that Surinamese people are generally very generous and support many charities without really wanting credit for it. Jorgen Raymann is such a person. Someone with such a name recognition is often also inundated with requests. Perhaps the benefit shows he does have passed you by or you may take them for granted, but I can tell you, it not only costs money and time and effort, it also takes time away from his lovely wife Sheila and his two daughters who are his everything. I can go on about it for hours, but what I want to say simply enough is that I am extremely grateful that he sponsored me and my project. Hereby Jorgen, grantangi once again!
Then of course it was a great honor to speak at Real Sranan in the context of 150 years of slavery. In the article Kroeshaar at Real Sranan you could read all about it. The only thing left for me to say, without negating the other models, is that I will always remember the sweet Anna and her mother. For me they are the Top Models of 2013. Thank you to all the models and especially the super cute Anna and her fantastic mother. I am still waiting for the pictures. Hopefully in 2014.
Another highlight of my trip to the Netherlands that I haven't mentioned yet was when my brother invited me to have an end of year snack with the men of the basketball team. My brother Jeff, who I always get to stay with when I come to the Netherlands, always includes me in everything and sometimes doors open that women don't often go to. The men's locker room is one of them. Thank god for brothers!
Ladies, if I may be so honest, for the first time since leaving for America I thought “this is what I miss”. In a locker room full of sweaty men who had a drink after basketball, roaring laughter accompanied by a wonderful warmth greeted me in a way that reminded me of unforgettable times in Suriname.
As a woman from IT I am used to a lot but I have to admit as the only woman among all those beautiful and friendly Surinamese men (there was a Dutch man among them), I felt absolutely like a queen. Laughing, screaming, roaring in Surinamese is in my DNA so I could not help but feel at home immediately.
Soon after I had eaten a spring roll and a croquette, the discussions about America, President Obama and other political subjects started. For those who don't know, water in my mill. I hardly ever avoid political discussions. With great pleasure I told how I had experienced the elections of 2004 and then got involved in discussions about current politics in America and everywhere. I think I knew then that my time in the Netherlands could not be spoiled. Hereby, brother dear, Zschuschen, Jerry and the rest of the company; Grantangi for the cozy warm togetherness and a spicy discussion!
A super nice side effect was that I was able to experience the celebration of 150 years of abolition of slavery. It may well be my limited view of someone who has been living in America for too long, but for me this was the Netherlands at its best; the speeches, the cultural program, the concerts, the people on the field of the Oosterpark. That was wonderful.
Barely back from the Netherlands I didn't even have time to recover from my jetlag. The first Going Natural Hair Show was waiting for me. Also an experience not to forget. The photos and video of the Going Natural Hair Show don't lie.
Less than a month later it was time for a workshop that coincided with the Masters Ceremony award , for which Going-natural.com had received a special invitation. This is a biennial award ceremony to give hairdressers in the afro hair branch the honor they deserve. It was an excellently organized evening full of art culture, poetry and a mighty hair show.
The workshop I was allowed to do together with Adenike from the Wovenwool hair salon was so successful that I realized there is definitely more need for it. Stay tuned in 2014!
On to 2014
It went by very quickly again, but I can't end without thanking you as a visitor, member and customer for your contribution, in whatever way you may have provided it. Your questions, photos and hair stories make the site what it is and of course I can't possibly get tired of the great positive feedback on the products and orders. So don't hesitate to continue this in 2014.
The last days of 2013 I like to end her inspiration. A slide show of the most beautiful hairstyles from the most renowned salons in the US. Check out these hairstyles before you go to the family dinner or your last party and it will be fine.
Hopefully you all had a good year. Of course I am curious about your highlights. Those with the best highlights will receive a Curl Keeper for free.