My Interview With Patricia Keller From Global Couture

          I had the pleasure of interviewing Miss Patricia Keller after winning one of the many giveaways that I have entered on naturalchica.com. It’s been a pleasure knowing her, and I hope that this interview helps you learn a little bit more about her, her business, and her curls.

So tell us about yourself, business, and how you got started.
My name is Patricia and I am the Owner and Designer of Global Couture (http://globalcouture.net). I am originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan and currently reside in St. Louis, MO. During the day, I am a tenured college counselor and full time doctoral candidate completing my dissertation. I decided to begin Global Couture 2 years ago, when I noticed I couldn’t find any accessories or natural hair apparel (mainly T shirts) I wanted to wear, that reflected my new consciousness.

Where did your inspiration for custom fashion come from?
Much of my inspiration for Global Couture (http://globalcouture.net) comes from the various natural hair communities (via blogs, natural hair meet-ups, and YouTube) which I so joyously joined nearly two years ago.  Global Couture is an expression of my love for travel, self-exploration, cultural expression, and creativity. Global Couture designs hair accessories, jewelry, & apparel for the bold, chic, and culturally curious. Global Couture is trying to spread the word about embracing your natural hair and its reflection of our history. “Loving your hair represents loving yourself.” Love your curls, if they are wavy, curly, kinky or coily.
I would describe Global Couture as fresh, diverse, and colorful. Traveling is my passion. I add stamps in my passport every chance I get! I came up with the name Global Couture and logo because I want my brand to reflect fresh, diverse, eclectic beauty and styles; I appreciate from around the world.

What are your thoughts on natural hair and the natural hair community?
I am natural and love it! I don’t have the exact date I went natural but I believe my last relaxer was 2009. I transitioned with Senegalese twist for nearly two years and finally mini chopped my relaxed ends May 21, 2011.  I decided to ‘go natural’ because I was tired of dealing with breakage and bad hair days from relaxers.Going back to my roots” during this natural hair journey has been truly self-affirming. Through this journey, I fell in love with the freedom, self-expression, and renewed confidence fostered by a simple ‘hairdo’ change. I found quickly it was more than a hair style change, it became a lifestyle change. I began to take more risks outside of the expected and mainstream forms in beauty, hairstyles, clothing, and accessories. I believe this ‘mini’ transformation paired with my travels through South American, Asia, Europe and the Caribbean has added to my appreciation for various forms of beauty, personal expression and culture expression.

What is your normal haircare routine including staple products?
I co wash (conditioner only) my hair in the shower about 2-3 times a week. When it’s wet, I apply a leave in and gel. I’ll let it air dry and I’m out the door. I try to deep condition at least once a week using the bagging method overnight. The three styles I wear are my Afro, my Afro, and an Afro puff! LOL. I am the wash n go queen and just let my hair do whatever it wants. I love up-dos’ but I can’t style or flat twist to save my life.  I try a lot of products (product junkie alert) but right now I am really into Kinky Kurly, As I am, & Luv Naturals.

What is your personal style? Trendy, Classic, Eclectic?
I would say my style ranges from classic to eclectic. I go through style make overs all the time. Right now, I am in to classic designs that intertwine with unique attributes and colors that dare.  It keeps you looking fresh and unique.   I love my Global Couture “Curly Girl with a bow” T shirt and large African print button earrings, blazers, polka dots, tribal everything, and TOMS. I top nearly everything off with Mac Red lipstick which is my signature look.  I think style should be fun, easy, and ever evolving.

What is your ultimate vision for Global Couture?
I currently sell T-shirts, hair accessories, bow ties, earrings, necklaces, totes, iphone cases, and curly girl mugs. I have over 200 additional concepts in the works for my T shirt apparel and accessory line.  My vision for Global Couture is to encourage others to embrace the natural beauty in all of us from the inside-out.  I want to continue to grow my business and expand partnerships with local charities.

What are some of your favorite fashion sites, YouTubers, bloggers?
Well my blog of course globalcouture.blogspot.com : My favorite vloggers are Naptural85, Africanexport Kimmytube, Haircrush & my new homie Himay10nence. The new fashion site I am obsessed with is the-werk-place.com She is so dope to me!

Where can people find you online for more information?
Global Couture is sold exclusively online at http://www.globalcouture.net.
I can be reached by email:  globalcouture@aol.com
Blog:globalcouture.blogspot.com
Like Global Couture on Facebook, Twitter:@globalcouture1, and Follow on Instagram:@globalcouture, Pinterest: globalcouture1

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