Hey love bugs! I reached 18k followers on Instagram (awesome!) and as promised, I answered the questions for many of your inquiring minds on what you wanted to know about me!
There were many questions, so please bare with me on the responses! Again I appreciate each and every one of you, and I hope that I can continue to inspire you to be great at whatever you choose to do.
xoxo
McKenzie
On my hair color
I get my hair done professionally at the salon. I have never used boxed coloring nor have I attempted at coloring my hair on my own. If you are thinking about experimenting with color, research stylists who specialize in color so they can maintain the health and integrity of your hair while still providing you with great color!
What do I use to keep my hair moisturized and prevent it from getting dry?
As a beauty blogger, I am constantly experimenting with different products. I haven’t found that “perfect” combination to let you in on, but when I do, please know that I will let you know. Right now I use creamy products combined with a gel to give me moisture and define my curls. Lately I’ve been using a mix of Mixed Chicks leave-in conditioner, African Pride Shea Butter Miracle Bouncy Curls Pudding, and Dr. Miracle’s Strong Hold Gel. Gels alone can dry out your hair as well as shampooing too often. I shampoo my hair once a week, and in between if there is too much product buildup I use Mizani’s True Textures co-wash. Unfortunately when you have color, there’s only so much you can do to prevent it from looking dry because the color naturally sucks the moisture from your strands.
What color is my hair?
It is a custom color job. I’ve colored my hair at least six times, so by now it’s a mixture of everything. But the main colors are my natural hair color, a couple shades of brown, and blonde highlights.
How do I keep the shape of my fro?
If you haven’t noticed, I’m currently growing my hair out from the tapered fro. So it is naturally taking a shape of its own. I keep the back and sides cut lower than the top to give me more height. I get my hair cut, lets say, every three months or so.
What do I do to achieve my hairstyle?
I do a two strand twist out every other night. I take it out in the morning when it’s dry and fluff my roots with my fingertips to blend everything together. Sometimes I will apply a light serum on my fingers as I take them down to give a little more shine. You can visit this post for a pictorial demonstration as to what I do. And this post for how I straighten it myself at home.
“As a beauty blogger, you often receive items for review. Does that occur based on your blogger presence or is it requested by you amongst companies?”
When I first started blogging almost four years ago, I would review products that I liked and purchased myself from the store. Eventually I started reaching out to companies that interested me to review new products. I have received a lot of “no’s” over time due to my follower count not being high enough. But as I gained more of a following on my blog and social media channels, companies started to add me to their press lists to include me on their new product launches and events.
How did I get started with my business?
I started branding Renae Cut Offs two years ago. I wasn’t having any luck finding the perfect pair of distressed shorts to wear during the summer, so I made a pair of my own. I received a lot of compliments and really enjoyed making them, and later started getting requests for orders. So I decided to turn my “hobby” into a business and take the first step of making everything official by creating a logo and applying for a business license to make my company into an LLC. You have to take a leap of faith and for lack of a better phrase, “put yourself out there.” Not all of my ideas have been successful, but it is continuing to be a valuable learning experience.
Will I ever grow my fro out?
Yes! I am right now, and I might cut it right back off later. I love playing with my hair, and it grows back just fine. Have fun with it and make it unique to fit your own personality!
What are my favorite hair products?
Mixed Chicks Leave-In and Deep Conditioner, Paul Mitchell Skinny Serum (when I wear my hair straight), Elasta QP Mango Butter Moisturizer, Dark & Lovely Au Natural 10 in 1 Gelee, and Carol’s Daughter Split End Sealer … for now.
What are my favorite clothing stores?
I love to thrift shop (Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc)! I’m also a frequent shopper at Zara, Forever 21, Nasty Gal, H&M and local boutiques.
Who is my fashion icon?
I love love love Rihanna’s versatility when it comes to her wardrobe. She clearly can’t be defined and you never know what she is going to serve us day to day. I also gain a lot of style inspiration from every day street style. There’s nothing like seeing how “regular people”, meaning non-celebrities, translate their style from trend inspiration on the runway.
What are your five must have hair products?
See above in “what are my favorite hair products.” It’s so hard to choose just five especially when I’m always trying something new.
Where did I buy my jacket in my Instagram photo?
Forever 21
What highlight do I use for my makeup?
Right now I am totally loving my L’Oreal True Match Super Blendable Crayon Concealer. I’ll set it with Ben Nye’s Banana Powder to keep it from creasing under my eyes.
How did I go about applying and looking for jobs in my field after college?
I have a degree in Broadcast Journalism, and believe it or not, I was only offered one job after graduation. To be an assistant manager at Abercrombie & Fitch. But my plan was bigger than that. I wanted to relocate to Atlanta after graduation, so I took the job after a phone interview and made my way to the A. I figured I would figure out the rest once I got here and I started to make a name for myself and get acquainted with media figures to begin the branding of McKenzie Renae. I still applied to positions in my career field while at A&F, and a little short of a year, I was hired by Rolling Out Magazine to be their new Beauty Editor. Since then, I’ve stepped out to begin branding myself and the McKenzie Renae brand! I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Ok, I’ll probably do this again because it was fun! Maybe when I reach 20k! If you aren’t following me on Instagram, you can now —> @McKenzie_Renae . Don’t be afraid to say Hi!