Interview with Latrenia Bryant

Q: You are an amazing photographer. How did you get your start in that profession?

A:  Aww..thank you for that compliment! When I was in grade 6 we had a guest speaker come to our class to talk about his profession; he was a photographer. I was excited because although I had not owned a camera at this time I had seen the magic of Polaroid and other instant film cameras and wanted to know more about that entire process. He brought enough cameras so each of us would have our own; once he showed us what to do and how to handle the camera we all went outside to photograph whatever we wanted. After we shot our 12 exposure 35mm film we labeled it with our name, the photographer gathered all the rolls up and told us he would be back in a few days to show us what we had captured on film. Once I saw my images I immediately knew I wanted to be a photographer. If you would have asked me what I wanted to be before that experience I would not have been able to answer you but after that experience if you would have asked me that same question I would have smiled and said without hesitation "a photographer". Unfortunately, as I grew up I encountered some negative comments about my choice in wanting to be a photographer. I was told multiple times, "photography is a hobby not a career and how many black folks do you know who's a photographer?" hmmmm… family can influence you in ways you may not even be aware of.

I went on to become a Nurse but my camera was always near and every opportunity I had to use it I did. The love of photography never left my soul. Once I became an adult, meet and married my military husband, had a child of my own, traveled to multiple states and a foreign country, while befriending other photo and art enthusiasts I finally felt like I was encouraged to do what I truly loved. I felt like all those avenues provided a positive vibe for me to step out on faith to do what makes me happy. Needless to say, I'm one happy camper today because I'm doing what I love.

Q: What is your hair story? What kind of hair styles have you rocked, before embracing your natural  hair?

A: My hair story??..wow, how much time do we have?..lol..I have many but I'll only share two.

Late last year around December I was standing in line at the grocery store when I could see a young black male staring at me. With a slight smile, I turned to look at him and when I did he says to me in his island accent, "why you do that to yourself?" (looking at my hair) I looked puzzled, kind of confused. He says to me while he chuckles, "I'm scared of women with hair like that." Now I'm starting to get what he's trying to say and I say to him with a smile on my face, "hmm really? Because I'm scared of men with island accents" That shut him up real quick and he went on his merry way. Now, I'm not really scared of men with island accents. I just wanted him to see how ridiculous that sounded.

I got married August 1995 and I NEEDED A PERM BADLY. My last perm was around March 1995. During that year I had told a few people my plan to go natural and I would no longer be getting perms. Needless to say, they were not supportive at all. They laughed and said, "You’ll get a perm! When that stuff get nappy enough you'll do something" . I was not laughing. I knew then I would prove them all wrong. On my wedding day I gelled my hair back with lots of styling gel and covered it with my Veil. Months would pass and still not a lot of support from those who knew me. The negative comments kept coming such as, "You look like buckwheat, when are you gonna do something with that mess". It had gotten to the point where I would not discuss my hair with anyone who could not support me. I had a plan. I knew what I was doing.

What I found most hurtful was the fact that all the negativity was coming from my very own people...AFRICAN-AMERICANS! I would get plenty of comments from non-blacks both males and females but very little from those with the same skin color as me. It's sad that others could see the beauty in me but those closest to me in my own community could not.

I love my hair and if I had to repeat that same journey I would do everything the exact same way.

Before going natural I rocked a few styles such as braid extensions & beads, press & curls, a bob wig, box braids, finger waves, jheri curls, afro puff ponytail (w/drawstring/comb attachment), sewn in hair weaves and of course PERMS!! Ugh!! The perms were the final nails in the coffin that made me say bye-bye straight hair.

Q: When and why did you decide to start wearing your hair naturally?

A: I originally knew I wanted to wear my hair naturally when I first laid eyes on Caryn Elaine Johnson AKA Whoopi Goldberg in the 80's. I know she isn't what a lot of people would call beautiful but I thought she was as well as the coolest thing ever! A black woman, with long thick rope like natural hair who's funny, seen on television, stage and movies. She appears to have been accepted by all regardless of her look. I felt her look was telling the world, "Hey this is me .. love it or hate it" and I loved it!! BUT once again I was influenced by family. I was told Whoopi wasn't pretty and they hated her hair. I didn't want them to think that about me so again, I let years pass without making the move to go natural. It would be the mid-1990's and seeing singer Lauryn Hill of the Fugee's before the thought of going natural would surface again. Lauryn Hill and I were close in age. She was beautiful and rocked natural styles in ways I had not seen before. I knew then I was going to go natural. That was the push I needed.I researched everything regarding natural hair. After growing 10 inches of natural hair I went to a Loctician while living in Orlando, Fl. and started my loc journey. I've been loving my loc's for 9 years now; it's been one of the BEST decisions I've ever made. I've always loved the look of loc’s. I never felt like I was being true to myself when I wore other styles. I thought I was trying to be something that I wasn't. I feel so free now. It's a life altering journey. I'm happy now!

Q: Did you have any big fears about going back to your natural texture?

A: Oh yes! I feared the negative comments from those closest to me such as family & friends. I had to remind myself often that I was an adult now. I couldn't and shouldn't be influenced by my family. The only person that has to be happy with my appearance was ME. I'm only given this one life and darn it I was gonna be happy and live my life. If you didn't like it then you're the one with the problem, not me.

I'm a good person and if I could not be true to myself how could I raise my son to be true to himself and to be the best person he can be. My son is 10 yrs. old and he wore an afro and braids until last year when HE decided he was ready for a haircut. He and I talked and he's aware that natural hair is a crown of glory that signifies pride and acceptance in who you are. It took me years to get that, he's just 10 and already has it. I'm proud of him. Ps.. those who were slinging the negative comments before have nothing but praise for me today. Victory is sweet!

Q: What are three products you can't live without for nurturing/styling your hair?

A: First, as a pre-wash I use Sea Breeze astringent on my scalp. Secondly, Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps to wash my hair. Currently I'm using the Almond pure-castile but they also come in other varieties such as tea-tree, lavender, etc. I've tried them all and love them all. Lastly, OILS, OILS, OILS!! lol.. I mix my own concoctions together in a spray bottle. The oils I love mostly are rosemary, almond, olive, carrot, coconut and jojoba oil. I usually pick 3 and mix them together. Rosemary has a very loud smell so I mix that one with a sweeter smelling oil such as lavender.

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: What would I say!?... hellooooo! I'd say DO IT!!! I'd shout it from the mountain tops...lol.. no but really, I'd highly encourage them to do the research, prepare yourself for some negative comments, be strong!! Listen to your inner voice because in the end you're the one who has to be happy. Eventually everyone else will come around if they aren't already there. Make sure you go to a licensed loctician to have them start and maintain your locs in the beginning. They can help educate and guide you through the wonderful world of all things natural. I don't make many promises but I can promise you this, going natural will be the best decision you will ever make! Not only will your hair go through a transformation but your soul will too.

Q: How can we keep up with you and your journey i.e. blog, twitter, facebook, fotki, tumblr, personal

or professional website? (Optional)

A: I'd love to follow and hear some of yalls (sorry I'm from the south..lol) own hair stories. I'm on facebook if you'd like to pop in to say HI! I have a personal facebook page as well as a fan page for my photography (Latrenia Bryant Photography) stop by there and LIKE my page. I have a website at http://www.lbryantphotography.com/ and from there you can also get to my blog. I must warn you.. I'm a bad blogger...lol...I don't post as much as I should but that's going to change. I will be posting some new stuff soon.  Also, I'm going to do a special blog dedicated to my hair journey. I'm without a scanner right now but once I get one I will be scanning images of me before the locs and during the transitioning stage. I think It might help a lot of those who's still struggling with the decision to step out on faith and go Au Natural :-)

Twitter?...hmmm... I'm thinking I might get into that before the year is over... I'll take my own advice and step out on faith :-).

Natural Hair Inspiration - Brittany

I would like to introduce you all to Brittany, a natural beauty. I met Brittany at a local Trader Joe's, a couple of weeks ago, and I really loved her hair. Here is a more about Brittany and her natural hair journey -

Q:  What is your hair story?  What kind of hair styles have you rocked, before embracing your natural hair?
A:  I went natural spring semester of my Sophomore year in high school. Before then I wore my hair either flat ironed, in twists or braided. I didn't really care too much about the style, although 8th grade through Freshman year of high school, I was all about the side swept bangs!

Q: You mentioned that you have been natural since the age of 15. That is impressive. What made you decide to not only go natural, but to also stick with it? Did you feel pressure to change your hair by your peer group?
A:  My decision to go natural was really out of curiosity. I had just finished washing my hair one evening and I was looking at in the mirror, when I notice that my roots were really curly, compared to my limp, relaxed ends. I was excited to see what it would look like, so I asked my mom to cut my hair. It was a bit of a struggle, but I finally convinced her to do it. I was left with about 1 1/2 inches of hair, but I was happy.

I decided to remain natural for several reasons. I played a bunch of sports in high school, and my short natural hair was very practical and easy to manage. Every morning I wet, it combed some conditioner through it and then rinsed it out. I never really felt any pressure to change
my hair from my peers. My hairstyle worked for me, so I could care less what other people thought. Also, I really enjoyed the fact the my hair was kind of unique. In high school, I only remember seeing one other girl with short natural hair like mine. As I started to learn how to care of and style my hair, I got a lot of compliments from people, which really boosted my confidence. I definitely don't see myself going back to perming my hair, because I have found something that works for me. I love that I don't feel limited about what I can do with my hair.

Q:  I love your hair!  Please tell what you do to achieve your cute hair style?
A:  Thank you!! When I saw you at Trader Joe's, I was wearing a two day old twist out. I'll usually twist my hair and pin it up for a week or two. If I get bored I'll take my hair down and rock a fro. Generally, I tend to take better care of my hair, the less that I'm playing in it.

Q: What are three products you can't live without for nurturing/styling your hair?
A: Organic Root Stimulator, Hair Mayonnaise (Conditioner), Olive Oil Hair Lotion, and my Denman brush. My scalp gets super dry and my conditioner and olive oil are they only two things that seem to make it better. My Denman brush is the most effective thing that I have to detangle my hair before washing.

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:  I really encourage it! I looove big hair, so I'm biased... lol. Natural hair is fun and very versatile. There are always going to be people who don't like how you look, how you dress, etc. I think the most important thing is to be at peace with who you are no matter what is going on around you. Also, if you do decide to go natural, enjoy your hair for what it is. Try not to spend to much time wishing that your hair looked like someone else's. Everybody's hair is different, so don't be afraid to learn what works best for you! That will save you alot of frustration.

Q: How can we keep up with you and your journey i.e. blog, twitter, facebook, fotki, tumblr, personal or professional website?

A:  I've had a Blogspot account for the past year, but I'm still undecided on whether or not I should start blogging.  In the meantime, I'm on Facebook :) -  Facebook. 


Thank you for letting me interview you Brittany! And it was wonderful to meet you, not only because you were so nice, but also because your natural beauty was refreshing! And it was wonderful for me, because my  daughters were with me at the time, and I am so happy when they can see beautiful woman and men who truly embrace themselves for who they are, inside and out.

Natural Hair Inspiration - Chime

Name: Chime Edwards ( my first name is pronounced the same way wind chime is :))

Q: When and why did you decide to start wearing your hair naturally?
A: I realized the actual reasons why I was relaxing my hair. I did not think kinky hair was as appealing as straight hair, because this is what I had been taught my entire life. Being natural was never an option for kinky-haired girls. Something just clicked; I would never live up to the European standards of beauty. I was longing for this bone straight hair that was not meant for African Americans to have. My hair was breaking off rapidly because I was using a chemical to force my hair to do something that it was never meant to do. One day I just had an "Aha moment" and I decided that I had to go natural.

Q: Did you have any big fears about going back to your natural texture?
A: Yes. In the beginning I was scared that my hair would be too nappy. Then I realized that it was okay if it was. Nappy hair is not bad hair. I had to reprogram the way I thought and everything I was taught about good hair and bad hair. I stopped hoping to have a not so kinky grade of hair and I began to pray to except and love my hair for whatever it was.

Q: What are three products you can't live without for nurturing/styling your hair?
A: Giovanni's Leave-On Conditioner, Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner, and Jason's Biotin Shampoo.

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: You have to go into it knowing that many people have never seen stylish natural hair and they are going to go off of what they think your hair is going to look like. Just realize that they don't understand now but most will eventually get it. And many people who may dislike your hair when you do the big chop will love it later on. Keep the reasons why you are going natural at the front of your mind. You did it for yourself and no one else. You should have a "I don't care what anyone thinks" kind of attitude:)

Q: How can we keep up with you and your journey i.e. blog, twitter, facebook, fotki, tumblr, personal or professional website?
A: I have a YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/HairCrush

 

You can follow me on twitter: @ManeChick10

And I have a fotki page: http://members.fotki.com/lifesacatwalk/about/

 

French Native Beauty - Anaïse

Today's Natural Beauty is Anaïse (it sounds like "Anna-is", it's a french). She is from French Guiana.

Q: What is your hair story?  What kind of hair styles have you rocked, before embracing your natural hair?
A: I was 12 or 13 years old when I started relaxing, but I met problems with breakage, lot of length gone and damaged hair! I was 15-16 years old and I thought I would prefer a short and healthy natural hair, rather than “long” and damaged relaxed hair. Then I decided to do a big chop once. Unfortunately, it wasn't so easy at this time because I wasn't enough mature to embrace my natural hair. Indeed, relaxed hair is a standard for a lot of people. I decided to go back to relaxed, as it took a good length. 

Q: When and why did you decide to start wearing your hair naturally?
A: I was around 19 years old and I left my country to study in France. So it was easier to wear my hair in my teeny weeny afro again! Before going to the plane, I went to a hairdresser for the big chop again! No laughs, no unkind remarks… it was easier, new friends, new schoolmates, new life, new community! You know, living in French Guyana is like living in a small village, and it’s harder to correspond with a beauty standard or ideal because people like to talk, gossip, and give "advice". Obviously, in France there are many black people who don't like kinky hair and prefer relaxing but in general, "indifference" is the norm. I realized we can be pretty the way we are. Everyone has complexes and some unkind remarks that can hurt, so you can choose to pay them no mind even if it's not easy everyday!

Q: Did you have any big fears about going back to your natural texture?
A: Hum...looking like a guy! But I found great ways to feel more feminine. Since the BC, I've tried to take care of my hair, my skin, make up, jewels, etc.

Q: What are three products you can't live without for nurturing/styling your hair?
A: Organic Root Stimulator's Olive Oil Moisturizing Lotion, Curl Junkie's Hibiscus & Banana Deep Fix, Bioshine Intense's aloe vera treatment (Brazil)

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: Appearance isn’t the most important thing (humor, intelligence, temper, points of view are far more important in terms of relationships), but people sometimes act like is. Everyone wants to be loved and appreciated for who they are, but you also do your best to be an “attractive person”. I’ve never really felt ashamed about my hair but there was a gap between my natural hair (+ other things) and some TV idols. Today, I feel prettier than ever because I'm not challenging a beauty standard. I understood 

 there is difference between  "my beauty" and "the ideal of beauty".

Q: How can we keep up with you and your journey i.e. blog, twitter, facebook, fotki, tumblr, personal or professional website? (Optional)
A: I have a blog but if you don't speak french, it's difficult to understand!  http://nefertarians.blogspot.com/

Thank you Anaïse! Gorgeous pictures and I enjoyed reading your interview. ~ Karen

Featured Reader - LaRisha!

Q: What is your hair story?  What kind of hair styles have you rocked, before embracing your natural hair?  

A: Throughout the mid-80s to late-90s, my hair was chemically tainted from perms, s-curls, leisure curls, and relaxers. In 1998, after my first big trim, I tried to grow it out and wear my hair natural, but being afraid of “the big chop”, half my head was curly and half was chemically straight and limp. Ewwwwwwwww.

In 1999, I got inner-locs twice. First time, I took them out, my hair pressed out beautifully and it was long. Second time, I left them in too long, and I broke off a lot of my hair. Still afraid of a big chop, in 2000, I started getting it relaxed again, got trims and started wearing it in cute roller sets (think Whitney in the 90’s). Relaxers finally ruined my scalp completely, so I started transitioning again by using this mixture – LIV leave-in crème, ProStyle Gel, and water and scrunching my hair into these pretty cool waves and curls. As the transition progressed, I started getting creative with the curly/wavy styles. I started putting my hair in medium braids at night, and I would use jeri curl rods to curl the braids tightly. When I take the braids and curls out, it would make the cutest style (think 1930s).

One day, after getting my hair pressed, I saw how badly uneven and broken my ends were, it was horrible. So finally, I did THE BIG CHOP! And, boy it was liberating. I was chemical-free!!! I wore it in a bob cut. It was so cute when pressed, but it felt so good to wash it and wear it wavy/curly knowing that this was ALL MY NATURAL hair!  I’ve been wearing it natural ever since.

Q: When and why did you decide to start wearing your hair naturally?

A:  I’ve been wearing my hair naturally on and off, but went permanently natural in the early 2000s. Chemicals were killing my scalp and ruining my hair. I always loved the look of curly hair on black women (i.e. Lark Voorhies from Saved by the Bell was my inspiration), I desired to rock that look one day.  I didn’t know my hair could really do it.

Q: Did you have any big fears about going back to your natural texture?
A: Not really. I didn’t know my hair was naturally curly and wavy, so I embraced it.  Only thing I feared was losing a lot my hair from the breakage after washing it. When my hair finally got to its total natural state, my curls got real coily and tight, and they would get tangled a lot. I had to learn to be real careful when I comb my hair out.

Q: What are three products you can't live without for nurturing/styling your hair?
A:  Essential oils (Castor at the moment), Aloe Vera Gel, A good deep conditioner (using Aubrey’s at the moment)

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: Look at the millions of beautiful and prominent women who are embracing their natural hair, and say to yourself “hey, this is me – take it or leave it. I’m awesome, confident, and this is part of my heritage”. There are so many ways to wear your hair as a natural woman. You can be wild and free, or neat and chic, so don’t be afraid, there is a personal style for every natural woman. If one regimen doesn’t work, try the next.  Don’t give up. You just have to be willing to accept that being natural is a trial and error process. Not all regimens work the same, but it’s worth it when you find the right one or few.

Q: How can we keep up with you and your journey i.e. blog, twitter, facebook, fotki, tumblr, personal or professional website? (Optional)
A: www.rishabelle-summersoul.blogspot.com

Natural Beauty - Kwarana Adrea

This weeks Natural Beauty is model, Kwarana Adrea. A good friend of  Kwarana emailed me and recommend that I feature Kawarana. So I am very happy to introduce you to this lovely young lady, that has been natural all of her life.
What inspired your to have natural hair? Well growing up I've always notice family, friends, random people in the street - all following a trend of weaves,extensions... straighten hair, basically.  And I didn't want to be part of that group. Even still to this day, I'm the only person in my whole family who has locs. Never in my life, did I ever put chemicals in my hair. The quality and texture of my hair has never changed since day one. I remember being such an outcast in my school years, because all of little girls my age were already perming their hair.  It honestly never bothered me . My younger sister always begged my parents to have her hair permed, but I never did. As a child I grew up with every possible natural hair style you could imagine....I had the braids, corn rows, William sister beads, Afro puffs, mickey mouse puffs and Afros.  I carried those hairstyles up through elementary and middle school then eventually high school. Finally in my second year of high school, I started to grow loc's.When I first started the loc my hair, I got so much negative feedback from a lot of females, but that didn't stop me. And look at me now  ..... Its been six years now and I love my locs!!!!! I was meant to have natural hair all my life; and I wish alot of women could follow...  The same young ladies back in high school, who told me to not loc my hair, are in love with my hair  now and actually are on a path for having natural hair. So I'm very thrilled about that!!!

Maintenance Tips: I use two very good product line for my hair and I would recommend it for everyone....I use the "Loc  A Fella twist gel" & the " Jamaican Mango & Lime Island Oil".  These two products work well with my hair. I used the "Jamaican Mango Wax" for a couple of months at one point, but then I stopped because the wax created build up. So I wouldn't suggest using the wax. But a great alternative is honey. But I have always been curious to know if other people with loc's use wax and if it also created the same build up..."

- Kwarana Adrea,  facebook.com/KwaranaAdrea

Ima's Loc's

I was walking around a local lake a few days ago, (getting my exercise on!)  and I passed a beautiful young lady with gorgeous loc's.  I knew instantly that I had seen her pictures on Facebook. I wanted to say hi, but could not remember her name. So they next day,  I searched on Facebook and found Ima's profile.  I asked if I could feature her on the Naturally Beautiful Hair Blog. And she said yes!  It is not often that I can say that I have loc envy, but her loc's look just as great in person as they do in these photos below.  

Here is more about Ima -

How long have you had loc's?
I started my loc journey, lets see...next month October will make it 4 years.

What made you decide to loc your hair?
I had been desiring to loc up since 9 years ago but wanted to 1st get all other styles out of my system. I knew loc'ing my hair would required patience and commitment which I gained some years later

Was it a hard transition?
No not at all, I felt it was long overdue and was pretty ecstatic to get it started. I fell in love with my hair like never before...I would study them closely and watch its transition and growth process. My favorite part to watch was how it expanded as it hardened in the beginning. Admittedly it is by far my favorite hairstyle

What has been the best thing to happen to you because of your natural hair?
The freedom of expression, to be my full self, to be whole again...To see my true beauty come alive and express its existence. To be as God intended for me to be...My true Natural Self...Give Thanks

What is your maintenance routine?
I shampoo my hair once a month, massage it twice a month with my natural oil concoction, Style it right after I shampoo....

What are the hair products that you can't live without?
Different Essential & base oils that I use when concocting oils for my hair like Jojoba, Sage, Clove, Peppermint, Olive oil, Lemon Eucalyptus, Damascus rose oil, just to name a few....

What advice would you give someone that wants to loc their hair?
It requires lots of patience and commitment in the beginning...if u can make it pass the beginning, you owe yourself a big pat on the back, because not everyone can stay committed that long....It's definitely something you want to be ready for, not so much a fad... Also not to play with it to much by touching it up excessively, let it breath so it can expand, express itself by spreading its wings & grow healthy & strong. Just think of it as the roots of plant & trees, it expresses best when it isn't confined and constantly picked on. I notice that seem to be a common issue that quite a few loc beginners faces... And lastly contrary to popular belief, it is very much a versatile hairstyle that you can do so much with so don't let that misconception be your reason for not loc'ing...


Thank you Ima for sharing your hair story with us!
Peace, Love & Happiness ~ Karen @ Naturally Beautiful Hair Blog

Nikeisha from Trinidad

How long have you been growing your Loc's?

I’ve been growing my locks for about 10 years. I’ve been completely natural for around 12.

What made you decide to grow your hair naturally without chemicals?

When I finished school and started to work, the girl that sat next to me respectfully suggested that I give my hair a rest from the chemicals – my hairline was pretty damaged. It’s funny, cause although I knew my hair was over processed and my hair line forsaking me, from being pulled back too tight, too often, I never even thought about taking a break. It always seemed ‘natural’ to keep getting a relaxer. In fact I started braiding with the intention to resume relaxing after a couple months.
I took up Art classes and began making friends with the older people within the group. Amongst them, was a really robust respect for African heritage, which I kind of fell into. Around that time as well I became a born again Christian. I stop just attending to God casually and really knowing Him and understanding the beauty He purposely gave to me.  The enlightenment and homage to African culture was more of a healthy appreciation than a black supremacy/ fight the power kind of thing. I was just really infatuated with my dark skin, my nose, my frame and every kink in my hair. It was awesome.
So with all that going on around me, in my head and in my spirit, I just never got another relaxer; locks came some time after.

What are some of your favorite products?
My favourite products are Wave Nouveau Finishing Lotion and Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. As we say here in Trini – it bes’! The combination keeps my hair light and soft. I’m also loving Aubrey Organics Clarifying Shampoo, it gently removes excess everything, without stripping my hair. About a year ago, really close friend of mine, started sharing all the info she was coming across on natural hair. Sites like thenaturalhaven.com, hairlicious.com, napturality.com. Since then I’ve been creating my own hair regimen and my hair’s responded well – it’s naturally blacker and shinier. But I have learned, the hard way, to go easy on the quantity of products I put in my hair at a time, since it could be a little difficult to get them all out and they then remain in the locks. Not cool.

You’re from Trinidad. What is the culture like there?

Trinidad is actually part of a twin island state – Trinidad and Tobago. My country is definitely unique and undoubtedly blessed. We have a ton of natural resources, invented the steel pan, have lots of beaches, pretty birds and flowers - all that cool Caribbean stuff. But our richest treasure is the people themselves :-).          (To read the rest of Nikeisha's Interview, click on READ MORE to continue......)



I think we have every race on the planet here! And because of that there’s this plethora of cultures, tradition, religious celebrations, holidays and FOOD. It’s awesome! We’re also one of the more advanced Caribbean islands in terms of our global relationships etc, but we still manage to be pretty laid back. Lol!

Is natural hair something that is loved and embraced where you’re from? Or are there still a lot of societal pressures to have long straight hair?

Girls with natural hair aren’t scorned, jeered or met with any prejudice in most circles; the stigmas are slowly dissipating. Within the very large relaxed hair community, there’s a general heated and vocal apprehension about going natural. I talk to girls all the time to find out what they think about transitioning and everyone is like, “Girl you don’t know how hard my head (hair) is!” Long, straight hair is the aspiration.   I personally think that growing up, Caribbean girls had a hard time, no pun intended, with the products on the market. There was nothing over the counter that gave our hair what it needed. So, since there’s so much choice for relaxed heads, I guess they’re thinking why look back. I try to make them look forward in my own little way, pointing them to the resources that I’ve come across that teach us how to be good to our hair and give it the chance it never had.

What is your advice for anyone looking to go from process hair to their natural texture?
Firstly going natural doesn’t have to about being eccentric, artsy, hippie or rebellious. It’s just about appreciating all that the Father has given you. Why do all the other races accept what grows out of their heads and we are so discontent? There’s no need to be :) Don’t get me wrong; I think a woman has a right to do whatever she wants with her hair. But it really hurts me when she turns to a relaxer because of a deep-seated and unfortunate inferiority complex and or dissatisfaction with who she is.
Also, if you’re going natural – get knowledge! There are lots lovely ladies with fantastic sites (like this one!) with great information. Some of my favourites are lecoil, natuallyleslie, naturalhairhaven, napturality and beautifulbrowngoddess and chescalocs on Youtube. Also take a look at the style galleries for inspiration, there’s so much you will be able to do with your natural hair.
Natural hair is so, so versatile; the experience doesn’t have to be a frustrating one. Soft, black, shiny, lustrous and long hair looks like a dream but it really isn’t – it’s beautiful reality.

You can find me online at:
nikeishajoseph.viewbook.com – I’m a photographer. Woot!
twitter.com/bornagainfriend 

Interview with Teri LaFlesh

Check out my interview with Teri LaFlesh, author of the book Curly Like Me.  Teri talks to Naturally Beautiful Hair Website & Blog about what motivated her to write her book and to reach out to others.

"I didn't want to see anyone else with hair like mine, have to go through with theirs, what I did with mine."
~  Teri LaFlesh


On Teri's website, she talks about her book, and why it can help:


"Curly Like Me is the off-the-grid, do-it-yourself owner's manual for tightly curly hair. Within the book you'll find:
* How to wear your own curls in their natural curl patterns
* Complete curly hair care guide, with simple, easy-to-follow instructions and over 250 original photographs and illustrations (done by yours truly)
* The best products, tools, and ingredients
* Pain-free techniques on how to comb and style your curls, or your child's curls
* Over 30 easy curl-enhancing hairstyle ideas, tips for growing out your perm, and more
* How to avoid costly treatments, products, marketing misinformation, and frequent salon visits so you can enjoy your natural curls, without pain, chemicals, or the use of weaves or extensions
* The story (with photos) of Teri’s passage from hair broken by relaxers, texturizers, improper care, trying to force it to conform, and fighting her weave addiction—to finally understanding her own curls. Now cherished and happy, her natural hair reaches well past her waist.

End your struggles with broken, damaged hair and begin your journey to thriving natural curls. Applying the ideas and information in this book will end the frustration and heartache of the past so you can love your hair the way it really is. Curly Like Me empowers you to take back the care of your hair so you can let your own beautiful curls shine."

To see Teri's interview, go to Naturally Beautiful Hair's Website Interview Page.   You can also find Teri on the following websites:

Website - Tightly Curly
Book - Curly Like Me
Blog - Former Mushroom Haired Child
Her readers Before & After pictures 

Nicole Renee Boisseau

Nicole Renee Boisseau talks to Naturally Beautiful Hair about what has inspired her to stop perming her hair & embrace her natural texture. And what her how she maintains her natural hair.

"My children inspired my natural journey. As a mother of 7 saving time and money was very important to me so I decided to stop relaxing my hair. My natural hair enlightenment came as a result of a store visit. A woman in the store asked me about my hair (it had only been 4 months natural at that point) and she told me about a study that was done on deceased African American women with chemically treated hair. Studies showed their autopsy results listing these women with a neon green slimy substance under the scalp and on the brain. Having heard that, there was no turning back for me. I'm the daughter of a naturopathic doctor and for health reasons alone that was enough. After extensive research linking health problems to chemicals in skin care products and cosmetics I studied to become a Holistic Health & Beauty Specialist. Health and beauty go hand in hand.

Because of the health problems linked to chemicals in daily products that we use regularly as well as supporting other entrepreneurs in their endeavors, I strive to find organic and all natural products of the best quality that is also reasonably priced. Hair can become immune to the products with constant use so I try to switch up between 2-3 different brands of shampoo and conditioner. My favorites are Total Body Black Earth shampoo and Enhancing Herbal conditioner, also Shea Moisture Organic Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo and Restorative Conditioner sold at Target Stores. For moisture I use Olive Oil moisturizer, and Organic Coconut & Hibiscus Hold & Shine Moisture Mist. To twist and hold the curl pattern in my “natural” red curly ‘fro, I use Jamaican Mango & Lime Locking Crème Wax.  It is important to use the best products, but remember beauty radiates from the inside out. Nurture your spirit and soul with meditation, replenish your body with water, and get outdoors and exercise breathing in fresh air. Rid yourself of overly stressful situations and people; eat fruits, vegetables, and foods that are conducive to your own body type and lifestyle. Live, laugh, love and do all things in moderation."

In her professional field Nicole Renee Boisseau is a Holistic Health & Beauty Specialist/Entrepreneur. Her background is in the field of cosmetology; a graduate of John Amico School of Hair Design and Taliah Waajid trained in natural hair. She studied Energy Healing under her mother, renowned Dr. Sunni DNM, and also Queen Afua. Nicole Renee Boisseau has a Research Fellow Degree in Divine Metaphysics. She lives with her husband and 7 children in Chicago, IL. Creatively she is an Artist.

Mahogany Boisseau

Check out my interview Mahogany Boisseau.  She is a model and the spokeswoman for Naptural Roots Magazine.

 

How long have you had your hair in its natural texture? I have been natural for 14 years

What challenges have you come across in the modeling world with keeping and loving your natural hair? The biggest challenge is that natural hair modeling is not mainstream yet, natural hair modeling paying jobs are far and few, but I remain positive that this will change.

Would you ever cut or process your hair to please a big client? No, I would not if they do not accept my hair as it is I will not take the job. I am doing this for such a bigger purpose that is way beyond money. I feel like modeling should be more diverse and I will not conform to what the majority of society considers to be beautiful.

What are some of your favorite products? My favorite products currently are all under the “Jane Carter Solution” umbrella. They work the best on my hair but I am still experimenting with new products.

What do you love most about your texture? I love everything about my hair, I love that I can switch up my hairstyles wearing styles like: braids, afros or curls. I love that my hair represents my ancestors and the beauty of god’s creation.

To read more about Mahogany, check out her interview on Afroniquely You. Or checkout Naptural Roots Magazine.