Q: What is your hair story? What kind of hair styles have you rocked, before embracing your natural hair?
A: I used to be one of those females that would grow my hair a little bit before fall started and the when summer hit, go for a short look but that was in the mid and late 90's. So one particular time back in 2001, I was growing my hair out and I would wear different types of braided styles (mainly micro braids (human hair straight) to get through the crazy stages of hair growth. So I wore braids for 1.5 years. No one saw my hair! I would wear braids anywhere from 6 weeks to 8 weeks. And would take them out on a Friday night and on Saturday a fresh set of braids were in.
Q: When and why did you decide to start wearing your hair naturally?A: One particular time I took my braids out and left them out, instead of my usual routine of putting braids back in. I had literally forgotten what my natural texture was even like. I mean my hair has always been soft and fine. I was just so amazed at my natural curls and waves. So I decided to give my natural hair a shot. I wore my afro big and wild. I explored cornrows with an afro, two strand twist styles and all. Now I rock loc's which I have been growing since 2007 and this month it will be 4 years. I also style and color my own hair.
Q: Did you have any big fears about going back to your natural texture?
A: I can say I did not have any fears. I was always the daring odd one even back in middle school I was that way. I embrace and love who I am. My parents taught us that. My farther is Cherokee Indian and African American. And on my father’s side there not too many that are alive that are 100% including my grandma who is still living. My mother has Blackfoot Indian, Japanese and African American. So yeah the textures of hair that comes from that are 3. I have 3 different textures.
A: I can say I did not have any fears. I was always the daring odd one even back in middle school I was that way. I embrace and love who I am. My parents taught us that. My farther is Cherokee Indian and African American. And on my father’s side there not too many that are alive that are 100% including my grandma who is still living. My mother has Blackfoot Indian, Japanese and African American. So yeah the textures of hair that comes from that are 3. I have 3 different textures.
Q: What are three products you can't live without for nurturing/styling your hair?A: I really like the cactus oil I like to use on my scalp after washing my hair with tea tree oil Shampoo.
I also love 100% coconut oil or Brazilian nut oil. It is great for a hot oil treatment.
Other than that I don't use many products on my hair at all.
Other than that I don't use many products on my hair at all.
Q: What would you say to someone who's thinking about embracing their natural hair, but scared about being rejected in various parts of their lives?
A: Accept and love "yourself" is key. Once you have that in your heart, there is nothing to be afraid about. I am a mentor/V.P. in the DMV area called True D.I.V.A.S. (Determined, Intelligent, Victorous, Sistas) and Lil Lady D.I.V.A.S. for young girls and young ladies. I am always encouraging my ladies to Accept and love themselves. And always remember people are going to judge you with or without natural hair..it is sad but so true. But once they see your confidence that reflects from the inside out, they will either embrace it or they will or can keep it moving. You are beautiful and love what God has given you! Besides if you don't think your natural hair is beautiful, how can anybody else believe it is. Stay Beautiful! Adadoligi (Bless In Native American tongue)
Q: How can we keep up with you and your journey i.e. blog, twitter, facebook, fotki, tumblr, personal or professional website?