[caption id="attachment_725" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Marie Rucker[/caption]

I can say, without a doubt, it most definitely is in my blood.  I am a third generation hair care/bath & beauty lover, serial entrepreneur/business owner.  Back in the early 70's my grandmother, Marie Rucker, opened a hair salon in Bridgeport, Connecticut.  The name was Marie & Menia's Beauty Shop and it was the place to be.  She was accompanied by my Auntie Menia who was also a licensed beautician/cosmetologist and by my mother, Dorene, who designed and made custom hair pieces and wigs. It was a very prosperous business that grew tremendously throughout its existence.  Perms and press n curls were in hot demand.  Back in those days hair pieces and weaves were created by hand and then sewn in.  All weaving and applications were done in the back room and no one spoke louder than a whisper when mentioning what they were there for.  It was all very hush, hush and discreet.   The shop grew and prospered and Marie and Menia's had a little something for everyone. I learned a lot in that shop and didn't know back then that what I was surrounded with would influence me this day and would be my destiny.

I've been surrounded by hair, make-up, fabric and fashion from as far back as I can remember.  Of course, you had to sell clothes in the shop, too.  My mother was a master tailor and made all kinds of clothing and items.  From the prom dress to the men's three piece suit to everything else in between.  Fabric everywhere!  Talk  about style and class...they had it.  I've never seen such beautiful, God-gifted women.  I'm proud and honored to be of such fine lineage.

[caption id="attachment_795" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Hot Comb[/caption]

As a youngster I used to cut my cousin's and friend's hair and of course give everyone a perm when they needed it.  You need color?  I could do that too.  You see, it was in my blood and I was destined to do it.  I've always been a little more than capable in cooking, sewing and crafts thanks to a mother that did all these things so well.  My mother is no longer with us, but has gone home to glory.  Thank you so much Mom for giving me wonderful teaching, guidance and examples and being such a good, loving mother.   I have truly been blessed and I am continuing the tradition and legacy that was left for me.  Everything you poured into me I am pouring into someone else.

[caption id="attachment_822" align="aligncenter" width="194"] Mom and Dad[/caption]

I have diligently been making one sort of product or another for over the past five years.  Skin irritations and ezcema problems with my youngest daughter prompted this in addition to the fact that there are too many chemicals and unnecessary ingredients in bath, body and hair products.  Irritants in bath & body products caused me to start developing creams, hand made soaps, lotions and everything else that I create.  I wanted a more natural, minimally processed option.  I have been wearing and caring for my hair in its natural state since 2005. I have 2 daughters with gorgeous natural hair, as well.   It's a blessing to know that I have inspired and encouraged so many to wear and embrace their natural God-given hair and not chemically process it.

I truly enjoy making our products and hearing of the great results from others that use them.  I must say, skin and scalp conditions have cleared up, hair is healthy and thriving and dryness on all fronts, skin and hair, has been conquered!

I am a natural hair lover, enthusiast and educator.  I am a champion of all things minimally processed, nearly natural and natural.  I love to recycle and keep this earth that God made beautiful.  I am a mother of three enormously beautiful, intelligent, talented and loving children.  I am a wife to a wonderful, supportive, encouraging and loving husband.  I am a daughter to a nurturing, kind and loving father.  We are a Christian, God loving, serving, fearing family.  My faith in God...belief and following in Jesus... love for Mary's baby...and my family are the most important things in MY LIFE. 

In closing, please know that this is not my doing.  This is a creation brought about by the Creator.  It is a prophecy being fulfilled.  It is Naokeidoe Creations.

Galatians 5:22

Dorenda Coger, Creator & Visionary