Day: September 18, 2021

Beautifully Aware of Self-Care 

Beauty Buzz/Blog Biz | Beautifully Aware of Self-Care

Beauty Editor’s Note:

September is National Self-Care Awareness Month. Beauty is not solely focused on aesthetics. For me,it’s a person’s total well being, a part of one’s health and wellness. This past year and half has been arduous and is like an understatement to say the least. In addition, we still had to deal with life’s demands and the luggage it brings. Some days I just didn’t feel like myself in the midst of the world’s chaos and I know I’m not alone in that respect during this time. I thought I would share some of my habits thatI have gotten me through. 

The Classics

I may not know Bach from Beethoven but classical music has really soothed my soul over the past several months. Whether on my computer or just relaxing it has helped with the sense of calmness and serenity. Who knew? Moonlight Sonata please.

Walk This Way

I’m not a big exercise goddess; however, I’ve developed a self-care walking habit. I try to put in 30 minutes a few times a week. I do it while listening to a book or my daily Bible app. Doing this helps me feel like I’m not exercising and I’m getting two things accomplished at once. Now that’s what I call productive multitasking. It has helped me keep my mood uplifted and lets me feel like I’m doing something good for my body. I’ve gotta start somewhere right?

Tea Off

I am a tea drinker preferably. During this past winter I started getting more into herbal teas. Celestial Seasonings and Bigelow have become warm comforts. I found myself liking the orange and spice tea for the winter time and the various fruit flavors for spring and early summer. I can’t wait to kick back with some hot tea when the weather starts to get cooler.

Spa Night

At least once a week I do a spa night for my self-care. It helps me destress and relax. I put my hair in a turbie towel and I choose scents that correspond with the seasons. I love showers. It is something about the warm water running down my body that helps clear my brain and allows me to reflect. I like to take a shower by night light if I don’t have my battery operated scented candles. It gives off a nice ambience versus having the bathroom overhead lighting.

Hair It Is

After 16 months I finally went back to the hair salon to get my hair done in late July. I have grown my hair out during the pandemic. My short little haircut is no more.

In the future, I will share how I grew out my natural hair and some of my tips that I’ve learned on my natural hair journey. It felt really good to have somebody else wash my hair instead of me. You can’t massage your own scalp like a hairdresser does. My salon appointments allow me to be off the grid for a little bit so I can be pampered. I must keep my crown and glory healthy. I definitely look forward to these visits. 

I know all of us have had the time to reflect over the past 18 months on what is really important. Life is too short to be concerned about nonsense. As we go through our day-to-day lives, let us not forget to take care of ourselves. Self-care isn’t selfish.

“So, yes, well being is absolutely within your control.”

~Michelle Lee, Editor in Chief Allure magazine

By Dana Hinnant, Beauty Editor

Connecting With Dana

  • Email: dhinnant@boldblindbeauty.com 

Author Bio:

Dana Hinnant

Dana Hinnant, a Washingtonian native, whose journey into the beauty industry began 20 years ago after receiving her B.A. in Hearing and Speech Sciences from the University of Maryland in 2000. She received her aesthetics training at Von Lee International School of Esthetics in Baltimore, MD. She started as a local makeup artist and events coordinator with Alluring Looks, Inc. in the Washington DC metropolitan area. Her articles were featured in local publications such as Pose Magazine and Yndigo newsletter. In the mid-2000s, she was a volunteer instructor with the American Cancer Society’s Look Good…Feel Better program, which landed her an esthetician position at an area day spa. 

Over the past several years, Dana has worked with various non-profit organizations and small businesses. During her tenure as the President of the Health and Wellness division of the National Federation of the Blind DC affiliate, she utilized the platform to provide salon safety tips and skincare advice throughout the community. She was a consultant with the Ecumenical Health Council in Port Towns, MD doing beauty and wellness presentations at area churches and events.

In 2019, Dana received the Maryland Association of Community Service Award for Volunteer of the Year due to her community engagement work for The Arc of Prince George’s County. In addition, she also received the Volunteer of the Year award for 2020 from The Arc of Maryland. She is a member and an ambassador with the Professional Beauty Association. Dana is one of the co-owners of Capitol Collective Consulting LLC which launched in April 2021.

Connecting With Bold Blind Beauty

Image Descriptions:

  • Self care is the new health care. Motivational quote on a black letter board with a variety of organic body and face care products.
  • Classical music concept: violin leaning on a piano.
  • Close-up of an unreognizable female person walking along a dirt path.
  • Close-up of a woman holding a cup of tea.
  • Spa night concept with candles, towels, flower on a bamboo mat.
  • Woman applying shampoo and massaging hair of a customer.
  • Author bio photo is a headshot of Dana wearing a black scoop neck top under a black jacket. She has glowng caramel colored skin and short dark hair.

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