I use to stress a lot about accomplishing certain goals by a certain time, but I've learned that everything happens when and how it's suppose to. ☺️ #noworries

A photo posted by Mariel (@mariel_turner) on Dec 29, 2016 at 12:50pm PST

I packed up my life, bought a plane ticket and started a new job last week. Moving to L.A. has been a whirlwind and coordinating a cross-country move in four weeks is not easy. There were many late nights where I wondered if I was making the right decision. But I am so happy I did. I am meeting new people everyday, exploring my new neighborhood (Hey Mid-Wilshire!) and branching out in ways I never have before.

Sometimes God presents opportunities for you that you may not fully understand, but don't be afraid to take the chance. You will end up exactly where you are suppose to be.

The beautiful beaches of Malibu 🌴🍹☺️❤️

A video posted by Mariel (@mkt_12) on Jul 24, 2016 at 11:52am PDT

I typically wash with a sulfate free shampoo, my go to products are Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo or SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo. I'm currently trying out SheaMoisture Yucca & Plantain Anti-Breakage Strengthening Shampoo and liking the results so far.

I then detangle with a cheapie conditioner like Aussie Moist Conditioner or Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Conditioner. I have to switch these up quite a bit because my hair adapts to the product after months of use.

I then apply a deep conditioner and sit under the dryer for 30 minutes. My fave deep conditioner is SheaMoisture Marfura Oil Hydration Intensive Masque. I've had the most amazing results with this conditioner! My hair is super soft and moisturized, I also love the smell. I also sometimes use SheaMoisture Superfruit Complex 10-In-1 Renewal System Hair Masque.

Rinse out the conditioner and now it's time for styling. I typically do a flat twist-out, using Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave in Conditioner, followed by SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie or Camille Rose Curlaide Moisture Butter. Then apply Kinky Curly Curling Custard, twist and put curlers on my ends.




Let it dry overnight or under the dryer if I'm pressed for time. Remove twists, fluff out hair and you're ready to go! For maintenance I typically add a little bit of oil, such as Mielle Organics Mint Almond Oil or Jane Carter Solution Scalp Renew, and/or water.

Get in Formation ❤️🐝🍋 #Beyhive

A video posted by Mariel (@mkt_12) on Jun 14, 2016 at 3:02pm PDT

I recently got to see Beyonce slay all day at the final leg of her Formation Tour! After a 95-degree heatwave in Michigan, I knew I wanted to wear something cute, but light and freeing. See below for outfit details.

I've recently been seeking out inspirational or motivational reads that will speak to me, specifically works from women of color. I wanted to hear advice and wisdom from black women who have succeeded professionally and/or personally, and learn from their journeys. I heard that the Queen of TGIT (if you don't know what that is we can't be friends), Shonda Rhimes, wrote a book not too long ago and knew I had to order it. Two days later "Year of Yes" came in the mail.


Written with the same flair and charisma as her Scandal monologues, "Year of Yes" was empowering, funny and insightful. Rhimes talks about her struggles with having it all and still being unhappy. She questions how she came to be so miserable, and decides that saying no to any and everything was to blame. She declined speaking engagements, parties, interviews, playing with her children and other significant events. So, she pushes herself to say YES to everything she's asked. Her year of yes challenges her to face her fears, confront her insecurities and grow as a woman and mother. Her story inspired me to also push myself to say yes to things I would normally decline.  One of the first ways I practiced this was saying "yes" to zip lining, even though heights terrify me and I just knew I was going to throw up and die.

BUT I made it! I faced my fear of heights, said yes and had a terrifying, but thrilling, time flying through the sky. By saying yes you open yourself up to new experiences and opportunities. You meet and engage with more people, create once-in-a-lifetime memories and overall make more of your life. I plan on continuing to say yes and excited to see where that leads me.