KS: When did you decide to go Natural what motivated you to do it?
NMLLB: Everything started in 2003. I was going through a transition in my life. I was reading different books on afro/caribbean history, literature and self awareness. I was seeing more of what was going on in our society than I did before (i.e. political, social, etc...). The food I was eating, the way I wore my hair and the way I lived my life overall was things I started to question.
Where my hair was concerned, two of my good friends are natural, and they would encourage me to make the transition. I did want to do it as I had never been a fan of the "creamy crack". I would only relax my hair once a year! One time I did not relax it for 2 years and found it difficult. But I did know that I did not want to continue this process. A friend of mine had invited me, in 2004, to the 2004 Toronto Natural Hair & Beauty Show. I was very excited and attended. I met and saw so many beautiful brothas & sistas with their natural hair just living life! They were happy and free! I attended Dr. Sheila Everett Hale's seminar at the show and she broke down the life of a kinky hair strand (my name for the seminar). She explained why it is the way it is and how chemicals kill it. One thing she said that really affected was that the longer one continues to relax their, the greater the chance of your hair texture changing and loosing the kink and thickness. Now my hair has always been thick and I really did not want to loose that. Also, I knew the chemicals was affecting me health wise. My body was absorbing the unnatural creams, lotions, sprays, etc... I decided right then and there at the show, I was no longer going to be a 'crack' lover! I changed my thinking, to continue my journey of new self discovery. So that night after the show, on my way home, I stopped in at a barber shop down the street from my home. I walked in and told the barber to cut it all off. The shop was filled with pure men and boys who all looked at me and laughed. One of the barber's said he wouldn't do because he didn't think I was serious and if he did cut my hair, I would regret it and blame him. I told him that wasn't the case but nevertheless, he wouldn't do it. Another barber, a young one around my age (at the time), said he would, I would just have to wait. I said no problem. His client was so intrigued with me cutting off my hair he stopped his service and allowed the barber to take me. I told the him to 'fire up the sheers and shave her off! All off!' When he was done, I felt, light, free, open and bald!!!! And I loved it! When I got home, I couldn't stop starring at myself. It was at that moment I knew I changed and evolved! No regrets!!!
KS: Have you ever had a perm and what was your experience?
NMLLB: Yes. As in my story above. It wasn't a bad experience but I wouldn't say it was good. It was just the norm. It was something that was almost a right of passage for young women. Once you reach a certain age you finally get to go to the salon with your mother and get your own perm. I found the whole ritual annoying and confusing. The idea of having to sit in a salon for hours at a time to get your hair straightened and wait for the everlasting 'burn' to know your cooked and ready to wash out was just troublesome!!! I hated it and would only go once a year! I actually loved the kinks in my hair when the new growth came in. But, my mind and body was already conditioned to going and 'bunnin' those kinks out! i finally said no more one year and rehab off the crack for 2 years! But again it wasn't easy and I fell off the wagon and was hooked once again. Shortly after, I quit for good!
KS: What are you favorite products to use?
NMLLB: I don't really have a favorite product. Because my hair now healthier than it ever has been and I take care of it, my mind and body in a healthy manner, I find I can use alot of different products. I love to try all different natural products made by people in their home. Some lines I do use regularly are:
Adiva products - www.adivanatural.com
Princess Kayla's Nattylocks Cream - www.pknattylocks.com
I also create some natural oil combos for myself. But I do use on a regular black/plantain soap for hair & skin and unrefined coconut oil for skin & hair. The best thing!
KS: What do you do, any special talents?
NMLLB: Oh my! A special talent? Don't think I do. I cam play the piano annnndddd...LOL Can't say I do anything that would be considered talented. I love to get my feet wet in all kinds of creative movements. Whether it drawing, sewing, jewellery making, hair styling....you name it, I'll try it! I aim to develop a talent!!!
KS: What has been the response with your natural choices positive and negative?
NMLLB: That is a great question! It wasn't positive or negative, more defense and justification for their own choices. When I started on my journey I found people's reactions funny. When someone would ask "Why are you doing this? Is it for medical reasons?" I would laugh! The first thing they assumed was medical. It couldn't be just because I wanted to. When I explained my reasoning, most I think, took it personal and felt compelled to defend and justify the choices they made. I have never forced or degraded anyone's natural hair, health & beauty choices but the mere fact I was on the "natural hair, health & beauty'" path put them on the defensive. I am an advocate for being yourself and standing by the choices you make. If you happy with them then be proud!
KS: Do you feel more free, more yourself? Describe why?
NMLLB: Yes I do! As you said in your question, I feel free, strong, positive - more of who I am. I am constantly evolving, deprogramming myself from the stereotypical ways living and thinking that I have been taught to do.
KS: Do you have any favorite sites or sites of your own?
NMLLB: My site is 'still under construction'. There are so many things I want to do! So many ideas!!! Sites that promote natural hair, health & beauty I like! Some are:
it will then be streamed through the following
http://ILoveMyLocs.Grouply.comhttp://ILoveMyLocs.Grouply.com
http:ILoveMyLocs.Blogspot.com / www.ILoveMyLocs.Net
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/ILoveMyLocshttp://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/ILoveMyLocs
http://feeds.feedburner.com/IlovemyLocshttp://feeds.feedburner.com/IlovemyLocs
http://ILoveMyLocsbyKittySonFlower.Tumblr.comhttp://ILoveMyLocsbyKittySonFlower.Tumblr.com
http://ILoveMyLocs.Spruz.comhttp://ILoveMyLocs.Spruz.com
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