Niobe Salon & Spa, -number one for pampering in Accra, Ghana….

I’ve been researching a piece about high-end weddings in Accra -forever, and ever in need of the hottest services available in Ghana; -I got asking some of the cities most fashionable for much needed info with regards to services/venues/stuff etc and apart from the usual suspects (places I’ve already written about), -Niobe Salon & Spa came up trumps on the beauty front and I’m not surprised.

A home from home for the nations chicest ladies, the newly opened Niobe Salon & Spa, -situated at the very centre of chichi Accra’s Lizzy Sports Complex, and The African Regent Hotel, -offers the very latest in all things wellbeing. Touted for its chemical peel facials, microdermabrasion, anti-ageing facials and body wrap, hot stone massage and much more, -Niobe Salon & Spa’s therapists are extensively trained in all facets of the beauty industry and understand our pampering needs.

Facials, body scrubs, body wraps, massages, nail extensions, spa manicure and pedicure, youth nurturing facials and waxing -and all the pampering you need is on offer at Niobe Salon & Spa…

Using the finest products on the market including: Mizani, OPI, CND (Creative Nail Design) Shellac, Supercover Professional Make Up, Murad, Australian Body Wax, Universal Contour Wrap, The Carlton Group, Pure Fiji and much more, -Niobe Salon & Spa is now officially, Accra’s number one go-to spa and salon of choice.

For more information or to book an appointment visit:
http://niobebeauty.com/

　
Location:
Niobe Salon & Spa
Lizzy Sports Complex:
Cotton Street (Behind A&C Shopping Mall)
East legon
Opening Hours:
Monday - Saturday 8:30am - 7:30pm
Sunday 2:00pm - 7:30pm
Tel: +233 (0) 302 765 180-2 / +233 (0) 302 766 500http://niobebeauty.com/

Beauty: Karen Cummings-Palmer’s beauty Blog…

Ghana Rising favourite, Karen Cummings-Palmer of Core London fame has a beauty blog -and its well worth a visit. The ever fabulous Ghanaian/Sierra Leonean offers the latest on all things relevant and on-trend in the beauty industry. You can viist her blog here: http://www.guidetogorgeous.com/

Beauty: Hue’s Visage –selling the hottest make-up in Ghana…

Any sybarite worth her Jimmy Choo’s will tell you that high-end make-up –in fact all luxury goods are recession proof and to hammer this fact home, -is the newly launched Hue’s Visage in Accra. The stockist of yummy brands like: Mary Kay, Victoria's Secret, MAC, IMAN, Smashbox, Bobbi Brown products and much more, –Accra’s ‘It’ girls will no longer have to stock-up twice a year in various department stores in London, NYC or Paris et al. Please note that the good people at Hue’s Visage can also be called upon for all your make-up enquires beauty gift ideas and FREE make-up consultation. For more information please see their contact details below.

Contact Details:
Hue’s Visage
20 Shippi Link, East Cantonments
Accra, Ghana
+233 262703222
huesmarykay@gmail.com
http://www.huesvisage.com/

Note…you can also contact them via their Facebook page at:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile.php?id=100000706068743&v=info

Hair and Beauty: My HairLUXE

(Photos: courtesy of My HairLUXE)

If you are anything like me, -the beautiful images of soft, fabulous hair above will have you calling the good people of My HairLUXE for their Organic, 100% tangle free, 'Real Luxurious Human Hair Extensions' (Remy hair from South America and India) right-now. Based at NO 5 Labone Crescent, Labone, Accra (down the road from Wangara hotel) -My HairLUXE is a must visit for all quality hair extension lovers. For more information please kindly email the lovely ladies of My HairLUXE at: info@myhairluxe.com or call (233) 20 5664013. You can visit their Facebook page for further information at: http://www.facebook.com/myhairluxe

**Please keep an eye on the My HairLUXE website, -it is under construction -right now:
http://www.myhairluxe.com/

krystle Simpson - a beauty with a purpose.....

Krystle Simpson is one of my favourite Miss Ghana’s of all times –and so much so- that she was crowned one of 'The Most Beautiful Women of Ghanaian Origin 2010 by Ghana Rising [you can view all Ghana Rising’s Beautiful Women of Ghanaian origin 2010 at: http://ghanarising.blogspot.com/2010/04/most-beautiful-women-of-ghanaian-origin.html], –anyway this special lady has a charity called Gold Star –set up to help educate women and children in Ghana. At present, donations can be made to Gold Star via donation boxes at various schools and community locations throughout the MD/DC area in the States –but for those of us wanting to help outside of the States please email krystle at: email goldstardrive@gmail.com. As stated above -Gold Star, is looking for donations of: canned food, clothing, shoes, and books. For more information about krystle Simpson visit: http://www.myspace.com/kristall21

"At Gold Star we promote education in reading, writing and in subject matter that interest the poor children and adults of Ghana. Our education interest lies with HIV/AIDS and women empowerment. Education can equip the less fortunate with knowledge that can help improve their lives. Gold Star encourages education and solicits donations of books and other education material. WHAT GOLD STAR IS DOING 1. Promoting the Love of God and the Love of Each Other. 2. Accepting donations of food, clothing and education material for the underprivileged people of Ghana 3.Encouraging general reading and writing and in specific areas of interest 4. Educating on ALL protective and preventative measures of contracting HIV/AIDS and other STDs 5. Encouraging women empowerment HOW YOU CAN HELP Please Donate: canned food, clothing, shoes, and books. By donating to Gold Star, you can help get food to a child who has not eaten a meal in days, books to a child who is eager to learn, and shoes or other clothing to the homeless who are cold at night. This will restore hope and joy into their lives and provide reassurance that someone cares, that you care. It only takes one person to make a big difference, but together we can do even more! Please help Gold Stars enrich the lives of families in Ghana. THANK YOU. ** Look for Gold Stars donation boxes at school and community locations throughout the MD/DC area. ** Gold Star will also pick up donations from your households every other Saturday in the MD/DC area. ** For pick-up/ questions/ becoming a part of Gold Star, email goldstardrive@gmail.com" Gold Stars

Beauty and Wellbeing: All Phases Dermatology

If you’ve ever woken up with a face that feels like its on fire then you’ll know how important dermatologists are! Qualified to sort out most skin problems/disorders –I’m a firm believer that everywoman should have a good [or recommended] dermatologists on speed-dial –and if I lived in Alexandria, Virginia -then Dr. Yvette Appiah of All Phases Dermatology would most definitely be on mine. All Phases Dermatology offers ‘of-the-minute’ solutions –with services that includes: treatments for Hyperpigmentation/Discoloration, Acne, Razor Bumps/In-grown hair, Eczema and Hair loss/hair disorders -to Laser hair removal, BOTOX, Skin cancer prevention/treatment and much more. For more information about Dr. Yvette Appiah or to schedule an appointment please visit: http://www.allphasesdermatology.com/


All Phases Dermatology
6355 Walker Lane
Suite 311
Alexandria, VA 22310
Tel: (703) 822-0222
Fax: (703) 822-8222
http://www.allphasesdermatology.com/

Make-up & Hair: Claire De-Graft

Photos courtesy of © Claire De-Graft 2009

Harpers Bazaar, You, Pride, Arise magazine, -you name them and Claire De-Graft has worked for them. Of-the-minute, Claire’s work is hot, hot, hot –and the fashion ‘powers-that-be’ –agree, booking her to work her magic on the likes of: Toni Braxton, Ronnie Wood, Claudia Winkleman and many more. Personally, I’m crazy about her uber sleek, high fashion, innovative work and hope to work with her in the near future. For more information about Claire De-Graft please visit: http://www.clairedegraft.com/

Beauty: Barbara Mensah –the ‘Next Big Thing’ in the world of make-up.....

I’m loving the above work by hot MUA [make-up artist] Barbara Mensah and hope to work with her in the near future. Bold, innovate and sooo on-trend –Ms Mensah knows how to creative flawless skin and make-up for fashion shoots and Make-overs. I especially love her bold lips –and eye-popping eyes, yep...the futures very bright indeed for Ms Mensah! Please keep an eye out for Barbara Mensah’s website at: http://www.barbaramensah.co.uk// -it will be up and running soon. You can email Barbara at: bm@barbaramensah.co.uk for bookings [including: make-up artist, bridal make-overs, photographic/media make-up and hair stylist]....x

RenéeQ –Ghana’s go to beauty guru……………

"British trained RenéeQ is a professional who uses the art of make up to create natural but stunning looks. Her forte is accentuating one’s inner beauty with an outer glow. She works her magic at RenéeQ in our purpose-built Beauty Room or on location when it is required. Her make up abilities extend into the world of eyebrow grooming and eyelash extensions. Your beauty will be unrivalled!" www.reneeq.com

**There are times in every woman’s life, when you need to turn it on –and I’m not just talking about your wedding day –but those events that can also be life changing; like an important luncheon, a charity event or that meal [when you know he’s going to propose]! In Ghana, the go to person is RenéeQ, and she will do your makeup, eyebrows, eyelashes etc –and turn you into the queen that you are!

Please note; RenéeQ's also a fashion and accessories designer -and you can see her fabulous eclectic collection via her website at: http://www.reneeq.com/makeup.html

Some of Chantell Dapaah's favourite things.......

Chantell Dapaah wearing ‘Afri-ken Novelty’at the FACE OF BLACK'S SECRET Competition

Allure Spa, Accra

Chantell is one of Accra’s stylish, it-gals-about-town –and loves sleek, elegant and simple clothes. A big fan of Afri-ken Novelty designs [this label is new to Ghana Rising’s radar], by Kennedy Ansah; -Chantell loves the label’s exquisitely made –bold, afro-centric, modern pieces. -I’m loving the above dress with a sweetheart neckline and green band at the waist detail from Afri-ken Novelty’s latest collection [on Chantell at the FACE OF BLACK'S SECRET competition earlier this year].

Chantell’s a natural beauty –who loves the pampering yumminess of spa treatments at Accra’s ‘must visit’ spa, -Allure [http://www.allureghana.com/]; Victoria Secret products and the Olay brand. She uses Olay’s body lotion and shower gel to keep her skin soft and beautiful. I’m also a fan of Olay and love their Regenerist Daily Regenerating Cream Wash [it gently purifies and exfoliates your skin to reveal fresh, healthy vibrant skin] and Regenerist Continuous Night Recovery Moisturiser [it works whilst you are sleeping – providing continual, intensive moisturisation throughout the night. Giving you vibrant and healthy skin in the morning] http://www.olay.co.uk/

Ghanaian Princess: Nana Amoako

[Nana on the right in a beautiful green dress -with her twin]

It’s been some time since Ghana Rising celebrated one of Ghana’s many beautiful Ghanaian Princesses and it’s a joy to introduce you to Nana Amoako. Beautiful, ambitious and fabulously fashionable –Ms Amoako’s a Facebook friend and a future star. The following is an inspirational insight into the life of this special young lady -enjoy.....x

GR: Hello Nana, how are you?
NA: I'm doing great thanks.

GR: Thanks for the interview Nana -what are you up to right-now?
NA: Well at the moment, I work at ulta beauty supply and I’m also in regency beauty institute working -on my cosmetology license.

GR: Wow you’re so focused – what motivated you?
NA: My motivation is the wonderful feeling I get after I see -I’ve done a wonderful job on a client by making her feel as beautiful as ever [whether its new extensions, glamorous makeup, newly waxed eyebrows etc].

GR: Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
NA: I see myself on billboards –with my face selling my [own] cosmetics, -and my own salon –with me as the boss. I see a new revolution when it comes to beauty. I see myself on commercials –with everybody wanting me to do their hair and makeup [celebrities, models etc].

GR: I look forward to your make-up line [I love make-up] –and of cause we’ll post it on this blog. Nana what do you do on your days off?
NA: I absolutely love makeup, its my favourite accessory. When I use makeup [on my face] in the morning -its like painting on a blank canvas! On my days off I like to shop, shop, shop -at the mall –it’s my favourite pastime.

GR: You live in Arizona, what’s it like -and does it have a thriving Ghanaian community?
NA: Arizona is very hot [haha]. I would much rather live in California, or New York - somewhere full of life! The Ghanaian community is very little here, in Arizona.

GR: I love your style -how would you describe your look?
NA: My look is very sexy, fashionable and playful. I pay close attention to what’s "in" this season -but I like to put my own twist on the outfits I wear -by putting my own little flair to it. I would call myself a major diva when it comes to my style –I like lots of colour, texture, and sun dresses.

GR: Name your favourite designers?
NA: I love GUESS, can you say FAB!

GR: You are beautiful –tell us your beauty secret?
NA: My beauty secrets consist of exfoliation treatments. I love to use honey and brown sugar on my skin; it gives my face a very youthful glow. Another beauty secret of mine is the cosmetic brand ‘wet and wild mega glow’, it gives my skin a glowing affect and makes my cheek bones stand out.

GR: Who does your hair, your nails and do you go to the gym?
NA: Because I’m a hairstylist -I do my own hair. I’m constantly changing it to different colours [haha, I love to change my look]. I get my nails manicured and pedicured as much as possible at ‘Nails and Spa’. And I dance and do yoga to keep myself lean and trim.

GR: On to more serious stuff, -what are your hopes and dreams for Ghana?
NA: My hopes and dreams for Ghana, this is a great question! I hope to see more beautiful Ghanaian women, reaching for whatever dreams they have, and making it come true. I love anything that has to do with women empowerment and I want to see my strong African sisters do everything to make this world a better place.

GR: Nana thanks for the interview. God bless you and make all your dreams come true. x

The Most Beautiful Women of Ghanaian Origin 2010…..

Krystle Awura Amma Simpson [Model/Miss Ghana USA 2008]

Rosemary Frimpong [Model / Miss Ghana Canada 2003]

Soraya Khalil [Model]

Grace Sarfo [Ghana’s Next Super Model]

Caroline Mills-Davies  [Model/Socialite]

Meyane Donkor [Model/Miss Universe Ghana 2004/Socialite]

Belinda Baidoo [Model/Entrepreneur]

Kate Tachie-Menson [Model /Face of Africa 2008]

Adwoa Aboah [Model]

Deborah Ababio [Model/ former Miss Ghana UK/Designer]

Faustina Agolley [TV Presenter/Fashionista]

Esther Owusu [Entrepreneur/Former Model]

Sheila Boakye Agyemang [Model]

Billie-Richael Kwayie [Fashionista]

Chantell Dapaah [Model]

Shirley Selase [Model]

Daisy Kuorkor [Model]

Georgina Bediako-Kwakye [[Model/TV Presenter]

Adwoa Yamoah [Model/Miss Universe Canada 2009 Contestant]

June Sarpong [TV Presenter /Producer]

Freema Agyeman – [Iranian-Ghanaian Actress/Fashionista]

Dayan Kodua [Actress/Socialite]

Jacqui Akrofi [Model]

Awai Amidu [Model/Blogger]

Eileen Quashie [Musician]

Joan Amorin [Model/Socialite]

Victoria Massoud [Model]

Rachel Ritfeld [Model/Entrepreneur/Socialite]

Vicky Boateng [Romanian-Ghanaian Model]

Agnes Ntow [Representing Ghana in Miss Africa USA 2010]

Bernice Thia Quaye [Model]

Vera [Model]

Samata X [Designer/ Musician/ fashionista/Socialite]

Claire-Hope Ashitey [Actress]

Yvette Nsiah [Model/Musician/Miss Universe Ghana 2008]

Annette [Model]

V

Adwoa Hackman [Musician]

Zandile Blay [Fashion journalist/Socialite/ Blogger]

Leila Adu [Musician]

Alethea Van Der Puije Quartey [Model]

Amy Ceder [Miss Ghana Germany 2008]

Angela Asare [Model]

Brie Boateng [Musician]

Aa'kosya [Musician www.myspace.com/aakosyamusic]

Anna Reynolds [Musician/Fashionista]

Rebecca Abena Yeboah Garton [Model]

Florence [DJ] 

Priscilla Opoku [Model]

Jennifer Victoria Koranteng [Model/Miss Universe Ghana 2009/Socialite]

Akua Boateng [Musician]

Aya Brace [Fashionista]

Actor Majid Michel's beautiful wife..

Yvonne Nelson [Actress]

Nadia Buari [Actress]

Malou Hansson [Swedish-Ghanaian Model/ Miss Sweden 2002/ Musician]

Christie Brown [Fashion Designer]

Naomi Antiede Ni Lartey [Model]