At COCOTIQUE, we believe in the spirit of beauty through confidence, grace and optimism. In our COCOBlogger series, we feature women who exude those things through their personal brands, and have them share their favorite beauty and fashion secrets. In this post we present Patrice Grell Yursik: Creator and Editor-in-Chief, Afrobella.
In 3-4 sentences, who are you and what is your profession?
I am Patrice Grell Yursik, I am a writer who was born and raised in the Caribbean, in Trinidad. I lived in Miami for a long time and now I live in Chicago. I’m a professional blogger and freelance writer for hire. I created my blog, Afrobella.com, in August of 2006 and currently I am a full time blogger and contributing editor to Glam.com.
Why did you start your blog?
I started my blog for a few reasons, the main reasons being escape from my job, which was limiting my range of abilities, and also to fill the void in media that I noticed. In 2006, women like myself – natural haired, brown skinned, plus sized – we weren’t getting the media love and attention we deserved. A whole lot has changed since then!
What 3 products are in your ultimate beauty arsenal?
My ultimate beauty arsenal would have to include my signature MAC lipglass, 2011’s All Of My Purple Life from the Blogger’s Obsession collection. I’m a big fan of Cover FX foundation, it truly gives me the coverage I need. And lately I’m obsessed with primer, specifically L’Oreal Miracle Blur. It’s my fave right now.
What is the most rewarding aspect of blogging?
Knowing that your opinion truly matters and can make a difference. Through the years I’ve heard from many women who tell me that they waited for my review before purchasing an item, or they went natural because of my blog. That’s an incredible thing, that feeling of trust. I take that responsibility seriously.
What was your proudest moment as a blogger?
I learned many lessons from the experience working with MAC Cosmetics to make the All Of My Purple Life lipglass. The first time it sold out, I never had felt pride in myself like that before. And then when it continued to sell out and be a hit, I was over the moon. I dream of recreating that experience in a more lasting way in the future.
If you had 2 hours to pick out an outfit from head to toe, where would you shop and why?
Honestly I’m a Nordstrom Rack girl and if I had two hours I’d take the bus on up to State Street’s Nordstrom Rack here. They’ve got a great plus size section and a huge shoe selection.
Do you have a Sunday night or weekend beauty regimen? If so, what is it?
I’m a big believer in a Sunday evening beauty regimen and just blogged about it recently! It depends on the week I’ve had. Definitely a bubble bath, definitely a facial. Sometimes I go all out and deep condition my hair and do my nails. It varies but it’s always delightful and necessary.
What is the one beauty tip you would give to all women?
My mom’s best beauty advice to me has always been “beauty is as beauty does.” So I do my best to live in beauty, walk in beauty, and treat everyone beautifully. Let it radiate from within you, and only good things come from that.
More about Patrice Grell Yursik:
Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Tumblr | YouTube
*Photos by Mark Lyndersay
In 3-4 sentences, who are you and what is your profession?
I am Patrice Grell Yursik, I am a writer who was born and raised in the Caribbean, in Trinidad. I lived in Miami for a long time and now I live in Chicago. I’m a professional blogger and freelance writer for hire. I created my blog, Afrobella.com, in August of 2006 and currently I am a full time blogger and contributing editor to Glam.com.
Why did you start your blog?
I started my blog for a few reasons, the main reasons being escape from my job, which was limiting my range of abilities, and also to fill the void in media that I noticed. In 2006, women like myself – natural haired, brown skinned, plus sized – we weren’t getting the media love and attention we deserved. A whole lot has changed since then!
What 3 products are in your ultimate beauty arsenal?
My ultimate beauty arsenal would have to include my signature MAC lipglass, 2011’s All Of My Purple Life from the Blogger’s Obsession collection. I’m a big fan of Cover FX foundation, it truly gives me the coverage I need. And lately I’m obsessed with primer, specifically L’Oreal Miracle Blur. It’s my fave right now.
What is the most rewarding aspect of blogging?
Knowing that your opinion truly matters and can make a difference. Through the years I’ve heard from many women who tell me that they waited for my review before purchasing an item, or they went natural because of my blog. That’s an incredible thing, that feeling of trust. I take that responsibility seriously.
What was your proudest moment as a blogger?
I learned many lessons from the experience working with MAC Cosmetics to make the All Of My Purple Life lipglass. The first time it sold out, I never had felt pride in myself like that before. And then when it continued to sell out and be a hit, I was over the moon. I dream of recreating that experience in a more lasting way in the future.
If you had 2 hours to pick out an outfit from head to toe, where would you shop and why?
Honestly I’m a Nordstrom Rack girl and if I had two hours I’d take the bus on up to State Street’s Nordstrom Rack here. They’ve got a great plus size section and a huge shoe selection.
Do you have a Sunday night or weekend beauty regimen? If so, what is it?
I’m a big believer in a Sunday evening beauty regimen and just blogged about it recently! It depends on the week I’ve had. Definitely a bubble bath, definitely a facial. Sometimes I go all out and deep condition my hair and do my nails. It varies but it’s always delightful and necessary.
What is the one beauty tip you would give to all women?
My mom’s best beauty advice to me has always been “beauty is as beauty does.” So I do my best to live in beauty, walk in beauty, and treat everyone beautifully. Let it radiate from within you, and only good things come from that.
More about Patrice Grell Yursik:
Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Tumblr | YouTube
*Photos by Mark Lyndersay