Buying Black: Green Afro Diva!

Meet Christine Harris of Green Afro Diva!!

JAS: Tell us a little about yourself

My name is Christine Harris and I run a company called Green Afro Diva - Natural Living with Flava. I am a army vet having served 8 years in the military and currently live in Baltimore. 

I am also a student majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Finance. I have a 4 year old daughter who is my world and the best tester ever!

JAS: Have you always been natural? If not, what prompted you to do so?

I have been natural for over 11 years now. I've only had relaxers for about six years before my official big chop back in 2000. At the time, I was going in the Army and needed something

low maintenance. In between that time, I did wear a texturizer until I let my hair grow out. I recently cut off all of my locs that were about 10 in long and am now rocking a TWA.

JAS: Tell us a little about your business.

It is a natural living lifestyle company for people of color. Ther are 2 sides to the business

the blog side where I blog about a range of topics from food, sex, the environment and mental stability all dealing with overall well being and the other side where I sell handmade products

such as soaps, hair care, body care, and skin care. My company takes a fresh, funky, and fierce outlook to being green and natural.

JAS: What inspired you to start your business?

I felt that there was a need, in particular in the African American community to raise awareness about green and natural living issues. We hear so much about what is dangerous for us

and what will kill us, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, that we hardly ever hear about what will help us live better. Many people don't know what the meaning of being vegan is, or 

how to separate hype and propaganda when buying beauty products. Mental issues are hardly addressed in our community. So with Green Afro Diva, I want my company to be the go to

place to be inspired to want to help your community, go green, be healthy, and support an awesome product

JAS: What words of wisdom would you offer to other entrepreneurs or those who want to start their own business?

Do research. It definitely pays to research your market and understand your markets' basic wants and needs. Ask yourself, why would anyone want you product, what need does it address,

and most importantly, can it sell? 

It also helps to brand yourself and your business through creating a logo, your own blog, and utilizing networking outlets such as Twitter, Facebook and Youtube. These help to keep in touch with consumers, understand their wants and needs, and it boosts your business. And finally to stick with your plan, but understand that plans do change over time and require updating and a little tweaking.

JAS: Where can out viewers purchase your products?

Green Afro Diva products are sold at the Farmer's Market in downtown Baltimore(just under I-83). They are also sold at Beauty by nature, Supply and Boutique in Charlotte, NC and can

also be bought online at www.greenafrodiva.com under the shop page. I am always updating my site, so be on the lookout for any new products and content.