Archive for the ‘Chit Chatter’ Category
No More Compromising
I want to reminisce a little bit about the damage I did to my hair and how I felt during that time. By sharing my story, I hope to influence others to not travel on the same path as I did, and to embrace who they are, feel faboulous and look fierce!
Because I work in corporate America I felt I had to compromise my hairstyle in order to obtain and then maintain a job. I wanted to go natural years before I did but was afraid to do it. When I wore my hair in cornrows, co-workers and supervisors would take double looks at my hair. In addition, they used to stare at me in amazement when I made comments during meetings. That didn’t happen when I wore my hair was straight. With all of that, plus whispers behind my back, I became fearful and thought I had to maintain a certain polished look to keep my job so I continued to perm my hair.
Now when I think about the compromises I made regarding my hair I feel silly. How could I? My God given natural hair is polished enough. How could I let an institution make me feel otherwise?
Today I let go of all of those fears. There is no way I am going to continue to compromise the health of my hair and body for a position that will only be a part of my life for a short time. I started to think about long term affects.
Currently, my hair is completely natural, and I wear it in different styles for every event. My favorite hairdo is a twist-out afro! I don’t feel the need to straighten my hair for any occasion and that includes my upcoming wedding. I have been asked if I am going to flat iron or even perm my hair for my wedding day. The first thought that comes to mind is, what is wrong with my hair the way it is? But then I simply say, “NO!”
I do not love my hair. I am in love with it. There’s a difference. And that is why and how I stay fierce without compromising.
So – with that said – feel good about whether you’re wearing your natural hair in tightly-coiled curls, loose ringlets, flowing waves or super straight (if that is your choice). To maintain your personal style new Motions Naturally You products are specially-formulated to moisturize your hair with essential natural oils. Embrace the incredible beauty of your natural hair with Motions Naturally You. For more information visit http://bit.ly/zxbd4g.
Beautiful hair deserves to be shared. Stay fabulous with us on Facebook and Twitter
I Can’t Believe It!
I cannot believe I cut myself while chopping turnip greens. I mean I really cut myself – right down the middle of my nail and on the side of my pointer finger. I got five stitches. I am so mad at myself. I wasn’t paying attention – just chopping away – with a new knife set we received as a wedding present. I am going to loose half of my nail and it may take a long time to grow back.
Now is not the time for my left hand to look like this. In less than a month I am going to jump the broom. This jacked-up finger is going to be in all of the pictures. Everyone said add a Lee Press On or something like that but I don’t know if I want that pressure or glue on my healing skin. That won’t be healthy.
The good thing is – it didn’t hurt. I don’t know why but it didn’t. I am happy about that. However just the sight of it gave me nightmares. It is an ugly cut.
How could I be so reckless?!
Natural Hair and Corporate America
The below segment appeared on CNN-TV’s “Rareview – Going Natural in Corporate America.” This piece reminded me of my story in regards to going natural. I have mentioned many times that I wanted to go natural way before I actually started to transition. Corporate America held me back. I regret those silly fears I had but now that is in the past and they are all gone.
Check out the video and story below. Afterwards, share your thoughts and experiences on Corporate America and natural hair.
Her black, female, co-workers pressured her to re-consider, but Ivy Grant, an associate partner in a marketing consulting firm decided to make the transition from her processed straight hair, to her naturally textured hair twelve years ago, and has no regrets.
“Everyone has this fear that you’re not going to be accepted in the work place with this kind of hair,” Grant said referring to her curly afro. On the other hand, financial executive Michele Chowtai is only eight months into the transition process, and says she is still not sure if she will go “fully natural.” She fears there is a negative stigma she can’t avoid and wonders, “How am I going to be perceived in the work place after I go completely natural?”
More and more black women are grappling with these decisions. The percentage that say they do not use chemical products to straighten or relax their hair increased to 36% in 2011, up from 26% in 2010, according to a report by Mintel, a market intelligence firm. The desire for healthy hair and an escape from damaging chemical products are two of the reasons why women are choosing to go natural. After years of torturous treatments, scalp burns and high costs, Grant walked into a salon, cut all her hair off and decided she would never go back to chemical relaxers.
Recent numbers in the sale of chemical relaxer kits also indicate other black women feel the same. Sales dropped by 17% between 2006 and 2011. Natural hair experts say this decline reflects a growing movement within the billion-dollar black hair care industry.
“Natural hair is not a trend, it’s here to stay. You’re going to see more women going natural than ever before,” said professional stylist Tracy Robertson.
But, the reason why stylists, like Robertson, say most of their clients continue to chemically straighten their hair is because they don’t understand their styling options and worry about maintaining what they perceive to be a corporate look.
The lack of knowledge black women had about their hair texture compelled hair care professionals to start natural hair product lines designed to help them make the transition and also show them that there are other styling choices suitable for corporate careers.
“When people say ‘natural hair,’ the first thing they think of is Afro texture, or braids, or locks, when natural hair can also be hair that is smoothed without the damaging heat or chemicals,” explained Robertson, the co-owner of TAG Salon, a company dedicated to educating black women about their hair texture’s versatility.
The author of “Textured Tresses: The Ultimate Guide to Maintaining and Styling Natural Hair,” Diane Da Costa is known for her step-by-step hair guides, and has encouraged women to go natural in and out of the workplace for over twenty-five years.
“It is an exciting time for women to transition to a natural hair style, and it’s also an exciting time to live through it with all the products that are out there. 15 years ago you had limited choices. Now you have options,” said DaCosta.
Professional stylist and self proclaimed “texture guru” Anthony Dickey also launched “Hair Rules,” a product line offering solutions for all types of hair textures.
“It’s important to offer education to women on their hair texture because a lot of women are just under the impression that their natural hair is only going to have to be worn [kinky or curly],” said Dickey. Wearing a natural hair style can mean maintaining a natural curly pattern, but it can also include straightened hair styles.
When Michelle Chowtai noticed her hair was falling out in patches she knew that she had to find an alternative, but was nervous that if she wore a style with her natural hair pattern, she could be stereotyped as “unkempt” or “uneducated.” After a consultation with Dickey she found a look she says she is comfortable with at work.
“I don’t know if I will be willing to go completely natural, and I think that’s because there are other avenues, other things I can do to get my hair to look the way that it does today and I’m satisfied with this look.”
Spectrum TV
This picture is from the interview I had on “Spectrum TV” as an AmeriCorps VISTA and board member on the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Multicultural Council. We talked about the scholarship program the Council offers to local graduating high school seniors.
Using my background in public relations, I was able to set up various interviews for the MLK Council. It feels really good to be a community servant.
AND, Thanks to products by Qhemet Biologics, my fro looked and felt great!
Albuquerque Magazine
As an AmeriCorps VISTA part of my job is to work as a member on the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Multicultural Council. Below I am spotlighted in the March issue of the Albuquerque Magazine at the MLK Celebration.
Don’t ask me what happened to my fro. It didn’t look like that in the morning.
Surrounded by Boxes
I am totally surrounded by boxes. My fiance and I purchased a house and I am moving for the second time in less than 12 months.
The last time I moved twice in one year, I was a college student with loads of energy.
The boxes pictured do not reveal all of my stuff. It’s just the neatest pile of things right now.
With working full time, planning a wedding, packing, reorganizing my life, decorating a new house and getting my wisdom tooth pulled, I am surprised I found time to write this post.
As soon as I can breathe a little easier, I’ll be back with a bunch of new updates.
Ishimma Hair Guide Website
Ishimma has a free hair guide full of useful information on hair care, hair products and hair myth busting. Whether you are new to hair care or more experienced, this guide will be helpful to you.
This guide answers a lot of your hair care questions such as:
- I have dry hair, what do I do?
- What’s the best way to condition my hair?
- I want to use heat/dye on my hair; how can I do this and not damage my hair too much?
- How does pH affect healthy maintenance of my hair?
- Which proteins are best as ingredients in hair products?
Plus you’ll learn:
- Reasons why your hair may not be gaining length
- The risks of certain preservatives
- Tips for transitioners
All of this information andmore can be found by clicking here!
Permed to Natural is Getting Married
I am part of a growing trend in the United States. I will be a first time bride over 40. I am so proud of that. However, over the years, I was often told that I wasn’t going to get married because studies revealed that women in their 40s had a better chance at getting struck by lightning then get married for the first time. Whatever. I never paid attention to that stuff or people who said it.
One reason (actually there are many) I admire being a first time bride over 40 is that I have explored and experienced a lot. I am able to proudly check off many items on my bucket list, and because of that, I believe I am a better person and will therefore be a better wife.
But before someone says something, I am not going to talk about being married because I am not, and that would be just silly. I am going to say that since first time “older” brides are increasing, I feel really good that I am a member of this glorious “Sisterhood.”
Hey, by the way, I am looking for a broom to jump on my big day. Can someone tell me where I might be able to buy one designed for weddings?
At the Kool and the Gang Concert
Celebrating Luminaria
Skiing at Taos Ski Valley
Taos Plaza in Taos, New Mexico.
Valentine's Day
Getting our skin ready for the big day.
Lets Get Married!
I am always happy when Permed to Natural is mentioned in the press. Below is a piece that came out last year in the newsletter titled LETS GET MARRIED! by reknown wedding dress maker, Cassandra Bloomfield!
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Some people think having natural hair means doing nothing, but that action will leave your hair dull, brittle, and that means breakage. Caring for your natural hair and it will say thank you for all the love by looking great. Natural Hair blogger Staci, has been creating helpful recipes, Permed To Natural Blog. The blog chronicles her hair journey. She not only has created natural recipes, but also reviews natural product lines. Check out this Homemade Hair Rinse made from Horsetail, which has been used to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss, and Nettle, that increases blood flow to the scalp and continued nourishment for healthy hair growth. Herbs are a good way to help your natural look beautiful, but always be careful to check that you are not allergic to anything before using. If you have serious allergies, check with your doctor that it is safe to use. |
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