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I Gave My Car A Complete DIY Makeover For Under $200
As Told To is a recurring segment on xoNecole where real women are given a platform to tell their stories in first-person narrative as told to a writer.
This is Kayla Glass' story, as told to Charmin Michelle.
I'm a 25-year-old 2nd grade teacher (during a pandemic) that's also currently purchasing a home. So...it's pretty safe to say that a new car has been out of the question for quite some time.
It all started in 2018, while in school obtaining my Master's in Education, I purchased my very first car from a lady in Florida. I needed something to get me from point A to point B, and as luck would have it, I came across this particular car that had only 30,000 miles on it, and was within my budget. But most of all, I knew it was going to last me a while, which was exactly what I was looking for. I handed the seller $1100 in cash and claimed my very first baby with full intention of personalizing in the future.
Courtesy of Kayla Glass
I always loved the car, but I also always knew that I ultimately wanted to transform it, to paint it, and make it more of my own. Once the pandemic hit, and with the ongoing months of quarantining, I had the perfect opportunity to make it happen.
So I went for it full throttle.
The process was tedious and took a bit of time, but I am so happy with how it turned out!
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Cleaning, Steaming & All The In-Between
Courtesy of Kayla Glass
My car was so unbelievably filthy, so first things first, I cleaned it out: removed the mats, threw away all of the debris (which was a LOT), and vacuumed the floors. Cleaning the inside of my car was so satisfying. Maybe because it needed to be done so badly, I don't know.
The cleaning process also included me taking my Bissel Little Green Spot Cleaner and Oxy Clean Stain Removing Foam to scrub out its stains. This combo was essential as I was able to take my highly-stained and questionable interior, and bring it all back to life.
I finished this off with steaming the surfaces and wiping them down with cleaner, which was a super useful detailer tip.
Prepping For Paint
Next, I grabbed painter's tape and newspaper, and began taping off my windows, head/brake lights, handles, and a few other places that I wanted to keep in its original color. I grabbed my sander and sanded down the entire surface lightly, allowing the spray paint to have something to adhere to. As you could imagine, this took a bit of patience and time but definitely a necessary step.
And Now, Time To Paint!
Courtesy of Kayla Glass
To paint, I used Rust-oleum Gloss Protective Enamel in Light Turquoise. Spraying all over, evenly, I used the six cans I ordered online. This took quite a bit of time as well. I took several breaks and my fingers we basically numb from pressing the nozzle on so many bottles for an extensive period of time. My body even had moments where it was giving out but I had to push through.
Eventually, I finished and couldn't be happier! I am just so in love with this color, it fits my personality perfectly! It is just so me.
Tips + Tricks:
OK, ladies, if you're interested in taking on this project for your car, here's what I've learned from trial and error:
Keep costs low. The point of DIY is to not seek service for something you can do yourself. This is a budget-friendly project and can totally be done within whatever budget you wish. But if you plan to spend lots of money, it takes the point out of the DIY aspect.
Invest in a spray paint gun, or similar device. My parents had one for me to use and it was like discovering water. It was the best thing ever. I totally underestimated how tedious and strenuous it is to spray paint an entire car with just the can. Purchase something to assist you, spare yourself the hand and finger cramps.
Personalize, personalize, personalize! I decided on a few final personal touches by adding succulents, a steering wheel cover, and some beautiful backseat pillows. My car morphed into a true reflection of my personality and outlook on life. This was intentional. I even named her Cotton Candy! Also, the anticipation of completing the project to see the final results, and seeing an item you own be brought back to life, is entirely worth the work.
Final Results
The finished product is amazing! I'm super obsessed with everything about this car, it literally couldn't have turned out any better.
But do I have any regrets?
Courtesy of Kayla Glass
Absolutelynot! In the end, I am so pleased with my results that I would do this a hundred times over. I love DIY projects and I am obsessed with this one. So, there are zero regrets.
Cotton Candy and I actually look forward to seeing you guys on the road!
To watch the full transformation of Kayla's car, you can subscribe to her YouTube channel. Also, for more pics, tips, and tricks, you can follow her on Instagram at @youngladybusiness.
Featured image courtesy of Kayla Glass
Charmin Michelle is a southern native and creative spirit who works as a content marketer and events manager in Chicago. She enjoys traveling, #SummertimeChi, and the journey of mastering womanhood. Connect with her on Instagram @charminmichelle.
How This New Bond Repair Line Transformed One Mother's Postpartum Shedding Into The Ultimate Curl Comeback
This article is in partnership with SheaMoisture
For Crystal Obasanya, her wash day woes came shortly after her son did. The beauty and lifestyle content creator had been natural for years, but during postpartum, she quickly learned about one reality many mothers can relate to experiencing: postpartum hair loss. “Sis had thinning hair. Sis had split ends,” she shared about her hair changes in a Reel via xoNecole.
Over a year into her postpartum journey, Crystal explained she also had dry, brittle hair, noting that keeping it hydrated before pregnancy had already been “a task.” The 4C natural recalled going from thick hair during pregnancy to a thin hairline due to postpartum shedding as “devastating.” When it came to strengthening and revitalizing her hair, the new SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection was just the thing she needed to elevate her damaged coils to revive and thrive status and get them poppin' again.
SheaMoisture is providing us with the cheat code for transforming dry and damaged strands into thriving and deeply nourished crowns. By unveiling their 4-step hair system, the SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection is equipping you with the tools to reverse signs of hair damage caused by protective styling, heat, and color and is uniquely formulated for Type 3 and 4 hair textures.
The haircare system revives damaged natural hair by repairing and rebuilding broken hair bonds through a game-changing combination of HydroPlex Technology and AminoBlend Complex, a unique blend of fortifying amino acids formulated specifically for curly and coily hair. Scientifically proven to reduce breakage by 84% and make your hair six times stronger (vs. non-conditioning shampoo), the collection infuses your hair with the nourishment it craves and the strength it deserves.
All five products of the SheaMoisture Bond Collection are infused with natural strengthening ingredients like Amla Oil and fair-trade shea butter. The collection consists of the 4-step breakage-fighting Bond Repair system, as well as the Bonding Oil.
“When trying it out, I quickly noticed that my hair felt revived and renewed, and my curls were so hydrated,” Crystal said while using the Amla-infused Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner. “I also felt my hair strands were stronger.” So much so that the influencer felt brave enough to get her hair braided shortly thereafter. “I can definitely say that I will be keeping it in my hair wash routine,” she added in the caption of her Reel about her positive experience using the products.
SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection is making bond-building a key player in your wash day routines and the purveyor of life for thirsty manes. Because who doesn't want stronger, shinier, happier hair?
Step One: Bond Repair Collection Shampoo
Rejuvenate your hair with SheaMoisture Bond Repair Shampoo, your go-to solution for luscious locks. Packed with hella hydration power, this shampoo adds moisture by 60% while removing buildup without stripping your strands. This shampoo gently cleanses impurities while significantly enhancing shine, smoothness, and softness.
The Bond Repair Collection Shampoo is the first step in the 4-step Bond Repair system, all of which are powered by the uniquely formulated AminoBlend, and HydroPlex, SheaMoisture’s technology that rebuilds hair strength at its core.
Step Two: Bond Repair Collection Conditioner
Tailored to repair styling damage, this creamy conditioner locks in 12x more moisture than standard non-conditioning shampoos, boosting damaged hair strength by 1.5x with significantly less breakage. The creamy SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection Conditioner deeply hydrates, enhances manageability, and leaves your hair looking healthier and shinier.
Step Three: Bond Repair Collection Masque
This Ultra Moisturizing reparative masque is a moisture-rich game-changer for those dealing with the aftermath of hair damage caused by styling. The SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection Masque delivers 13 times more moisture compared to non-conditioning shampoos, ensuring your hair feels nourished and soft. Designed to repair and rejuvenate, this masque significantly strengthens damaged hair — making it twice as strong while reducing breakage.
Step Four: Bond Repair Collection Leave-In Conditioner
Elevate your curl game with SheaMoisture’s Bond Repair Collection Leave-In Conditioner. Lightweight and hydrating, the Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner provides 12x more moisture than non-conditioning shampoos and tames frizz with 24-hour humidity control. Designed to define curls and coils, the leave-in conditioner enhances softness and shine allowing you to detangle effortlessly.
Bonding Oil
The SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection Bonding Oil is a multitasking all-in-one formula that acts as a heat protectant and provides the hair with moisture, strength, shine, damage protection, and intense nourishment. This lightweight oil not only offers 24-hour frizz and humidity control but also fortifies your tresses, making them up to 5 times stronger with significantly less breakage.
Featured image courtesy
Shaunie Henderson On Being A Nontraditional Pastor Wife
Shaunie Henderson, the creator and executive producer of Basketball Wives, redefines traditional expectations as a pastor's spouse and first lady of The Lighthouse Church.
The star's journey began with a whirlwind romance with Pastor Keion Henderson in 2020, which led to their marriage years later. Since then, Shaunie has embraced many typical first lady roles, including supporting her husband, engaging in ministry responsibilities, providing spiritual leadership, and conducting community outreach.
Yet, the 49-year-old's background sets her apart from other first ladies. Shaunie brings a unique perspective as a public figure, which stems from her previous marriage to NBA star Shaquille O'Neal and her experience in reality television.
In an interview with xoNecole, while promoting her memoir Undefeated, the Basketball Wives creator discussed what being a first lady means to her and how she has lived her life non-traditionally.
When asked if she had always been nontraditional, Shaunie revealed that throughout her life, she has made it her mission to better herself by learning from experiences and breaking harmful cycles.
Shaunie Henderson and Pastor Keion Henderson
Photo by Robin L Marshall/Getty Images
“I think that's just who I am. I can’t say I intentionally go against the grain. In the book, I talk about things from my childhood, like my dad being late all the time. I was totally opposite with my kids when they were in school. I was always there early. My mother is not affectionate, and she doesn't verbally say, ‘I love you,’ but she does things to let you know. That's the way she shows her love,” she said when describing her relationship with her parents.
“But because I missed that 'I love you' and hugging and kissing, I do that with my kids. I try to always give what I needed myself. There were basketball wives who weren’t very nice to me, so I went out of my way to make sure that once I was a wife that I didn't treat anybody else like that. No one was going to feel like that on my watch.”
Toward the end of the conversation, when discussing her first lady responsibilities and the pressures of upholding that image, the mother of five explained she isn't too hard on herself to fit the mold, given her significantly different background from most first ladies and her relatively new role.
“As far as being first lady, now, I'm not knocking how any first ladies decide to operate but I just knew that the idea of what that usually is was not me. And, to be honest, rightfully so. I'm probably the only first lady that created a reality show that has been on television since 2010. My life is not remotely close to that of most first ladies. We've experienced completely different things. Most of them have been pastor’s wives for a long time, this is all new for me. I come with an entirely different journey; that wouldn’t lend itself to being a traditional first lady,” she stated.
Shaunie's nontraditional approach appears to work in her favor, as she has been welcomed with open arms just as she is.
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Feature image by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images