Janée Barbre is a self professed girly-girl and a black fashion influencer to watch. She loves everything about being lady: fashion, makeup, gel manicures, glitter, stilettos, magazines, pink champagne… all of that! Based in Jacksonville, Florida she attends the University of North Florida as a PR student. In her spare time she’s the founder of www.JaneeBarbre.com, blogging allows Janée to combine two her greatest passions – fashion and beauty. Below she shares some of her top tips!
1. What inspired you to start your site JaneeBarbre.com?
I’ve always had a passion for writing and reading magazines. I always dreamed of one day writing for one of my favorite publications, such as Essence or People StyleWatch. I decided that merging my love for beauty and fashion with my passion for writing would help me get one step closer to my dreams, so boom! I decided to start a blog.! Another thing that inspired me was Instagram.
When I first started posting on my account, people would often ask me about my clothes or my hair, so I figured what better way to engage with other girls who share the same interests as me than to create my own platform. Here I get to write, talk about all my favorite things, and form a small community for women like myself. It just became my thing and I really enjoy it! It’s truly a WIN!
2. How would you describe your style in 5 words?
Oh boy, five words? Let’s see… I’ll have to say clean, chic, cute, girly and comfortable. Four C’s and one G.
3. Where are your favorite places to shop for clothes?
Zara is my absolute favorite store. It’s perfect for my style and my budget. I also like H & M and ASOS a lot. Target always has good stuff, especially in the shoe department. American Apparel has my heart, but I guess they’re nonexistent right now * rolls eyes* I am honestly true shopper. I will find something good any and everywhere.
4. Who’s behind the camera taking all those wonderful photos of you?
My wonderful photos are taken by the very talented Camille Shaw, or my best friend Whitney with an iPhone. Whenever I create hair content, I set my tripod, umbrella lights and phone up and use my phone’s timer to snap it up.
5. We love your curls! How long have you been wearing your hair in its curly/natural state?
Thank you so much! I’ve never had a relaxer, so I’ve pretty much been natural my whole life. I was getting blow outs and straightening my hair like every two weeks though, which caused a ton of heat damage. It was pitiful and my curls were so heart broken. About three years ago I decided to do away with the constant heat and allow my curls to flourish. I’ve been happy ever since!
6. What are your staple hair products?
My staple hair products are Shea Moisture’s Coconut Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie and Jamaican Black Castor Oil Leave-In Conditioner, any of Creme of Nature’s shampoo and conditioner, Aussie’s Aussome Volume Hair Conditioner, and the Coconut Oil Eco Styler Gel. I have to discuss my favorite tools, because I consider them to be hair products, too. A wide-tooth comb, my pick, a denman brush, and toothbrush (for the baby hairs) are vital to my curl kit! My hair wouldn’t be alive without ‘em.
SHOP THE PRODUCTS
7. What are your favorite hairstyles?
My favorite hairstyles are a wash n’ go, top knot, and cornrows. Sometimes I’m really feeling the puff/pineapple, but it always turns into a bun by the end of the day.
8. For many curly girls it’s a journey to fully understand their hair. It’s a process of trial and error. What was your “Curls Understood™” moment (the moment you felt like, “I’ve got this!” or any essential advice you wish you had known at the beginning of your hair journey)?
My “Curls Understood” was amazing! As I stated earlier, I pretty much killed my curls with all the constant heat I applied over the years. It looked lifeless and I really felt like there was no hope for my hair. I never did a big chop, but I did decide to have all the burned pieces cut off and committed to a full year of no heat. Once I saw my curls go from ewwww to yasss, I knew I made the right decision.
I had no idea my hair had so much potential. I felt my hair’s fullness, shape and life revive and it was so lovely to watch it transform right before my eyes. It grew with me at a time I needed it most. I felt free! My best advice to those dealing with a hair journey of any kind, is simply to be patient. Your “Curls Understood” moment is on its way.
See more of Janée…
Site: www.JaneeBarbre.com
Instagram: @JaneeBarbre
Facebook: Janee Barbre
Twitter: @janeebarbre
Bloglovin: @janeebarbre
Snapchat: janeebarbre
