8 Months

I can't believe it! I have been Sisterlocked for 8 Months.  Check out my progress below. 

1st Month

8 Months

1 Month

1 Month

8 Months

Naturally Professional: Melissa

I am so excited to introduce our next natural professional: Melissa.  Melissa is an entrepreneur who owns a financial planning firm, www.melissalgeorge.com .

Please join me in welcoming Melissa to Crown and Temple as our next Naturally Professional Feature. 

CT

How long have you been natural?

Melissa

My journey began in February 2010. I loc’d my hair in May 2010.

CT

What made you decide to wear your hair in a natural style?

Melissa

I had been thinking about it for a year or 2, but needed to educate myself as to all the options for wearing natural hair, upkeep, costs, etc.. I was tired of putting a chemical on my skin, my hairdresser informed me e was moving out of the country and I didn’t want to go through the process of trying to find someone who could do my hair.

CT

How do you wear your hair?

Melissa

Locs. In fact, I have extensions called Bornu locs. I know many women with long hair are concerned about having to do the ‘BIG chop & start from scratch, but Bornu (my loctician) has developed a shortcut for those who don’t want to start from scratch. Visit www.bornu.com and schedule a consultation.

CT

What kind of work do you do?

Melissa

I own & operate a financial planning firm.

CT

What kinds of feedback do you receive about your hair while working?

Melissa

Not a day has gone by that I have not gotten a glowing compliment about my locked hair. I have been well received.

CT

Have you encountered any negative experiences working with natural hair? If so, please share your experience?

Melissa

Recently on Facebook, one of my Caucasian high school classmates commented on how beautiful one of my pictures was and my hair is loc’d in the photo. Shortly thereafter, she made a negative comment about loc’d hair and why would anyone want to have their hair like that or something. Before I could even reply, several of my friends ‘educated’ her why people choose to loc their hair, etc. My bff also shared with her how politically incorrect her comment was and by the time I got to her page, everything was deleted. I realize many people are just ignorant, but in the 6 months I have now been loc’d, this was the only negative comment I’ve heard and it wasn’t directed at me personally. I continue to receive GLOWING comments about my hair. It’s real esteem booster!

CT

How do you deal with any negative comments about natural hair?

Melissa

I haven’t had any yet. I will say that I have had a lot of people to inquire about why I transitioned to locs and the process in general. I suppose based on my long, flowing curls in the past, most people would’ve bet money that I would NEVER go natural. Now I find that more of my friends who are also in the corporate arena are looking to me for information and education as they, too, contemplate going natural or locking their hair.

CT

What advice would you give to women who wish to transition to natural hair while maintaining a professional career?

Melissa

Well, India Arie said it best. “I am not my hair”; however, my hair IS an extension of who I am and, to a large extent, my values. I would advise other women to do your homework first. There are many misconceptions about natural hair and the care/maintenance of it. When doing my research, I read a lot in books and on the web and then I talked to sisters with natural hair, locs, Sisterlocks, etc. until I figured out what I wanted and then I went for a consult with my current loctician. I saw his work and then spent an hour discussing my hair (grade/texture, style options, maintenance, etc.). Going natural is about appreciating the hair that God has given you and yourself as a whole. It is a liberating experience that I wish I had done years ago. I absolutely LOVE my hair.

CT

Please feel free to add additional comments.

Melissa

Melissa L. George & Associates is a state registered investment advisory firm specializing in tax-free retirement planning, executive compensation and estate/trust funding. Please visit us at www.melissalgeorge.com

Rock Your Natural Event Recap

The Bay area naturals event this past weekend was a hit.  Cassadie, Editor of Natural Selection went out of her way to make sure all attendees had a great time at Oakland's Levende lounge.

Sisters and one brother (my hubby)  from all over Northern California were in attendance.  This event full of fun with great food, giveaways, vendors, product swaps and inspiring conversations.

Sisters rocked their traditional locs, Afros, TWA's, knots, Sisterlocks, kinky twists, and a number of other naturally textured styles. 

Thank you Cassadie for putting on such an extraordinary event! 

Naturally Professional: Michelle

I am so excited to introduce Michelle, our next feature in the Naturally Professional series.  Not only is Michelle rocking her beautiful natural hair in the corporate world with State Farm, she is an entrepreneur and the co-owner of  M.A.J.E.S.T.I.C. fitness.  

This interview is a must read.  Michelle opens up about learning how to be comfortable with her natural texture, a decision we all have or will face at some point or another. 

Please join me in welcoming Michelle to Crown and Temple as our next Naturally Professional Feature. 

CT

How long have you been natural?

Michelle

Since July 2009

CT

What made you decide to wear your hair in a natural style?

Michelle

I have worn braids off and on, I tried weaves, wigs, the whole nine!  And of course, I wore my hair relaxed!  I was also searching for a new look and after wearing my hair in one style for a period of time, I tend to get bored.  I always resorted to braids, however, because I exercise a lot.  Braids were always easiest to deal with.  With respect to the full transition, I have always been intrigued with and admired women who were bold and confident enough to wear their hair so, being tired of my braids, I said, why not?  At the time 95% of my hair was virgin and I refused to put one more ounce of chemical in it…I got a 2 strand twist and never looked back!

CT

How do you wear your hair?

Michelle

I primarily wear my hair in a two strand twist.  It gives me a bunch of versatility.  Often, people think I have locs in my hair.  On occasion, I will take the twists out and wear it loose.  Recently, I started shampooing my hair and loosely coiling the hair – this also gives a different look and represented me stepping out again and being comfortable with my texture of hair!

CT

I can remember that feeling of getting comfortable with my own texture without weaves or braids.  Can you describe that feeling or process?

Michelle

Yes, I remember staring in the mirror a lot – first in disbelief that I finally “did it,” and a slightly higher level of self-confidence.  I began to look more closely at other women and their natural styles, too.  I was so accustomed to always having my hair straightened, or longer, that I never knew what my natural texture was and how to make it work.  I was afraid of my texture, afraid of it being kinky, and afraid of it being “shorter” and less manageable.  The more I played with my hair, I realized the versatility of my natural hair – be it in twists or an afro.  And frankly, it probably took 7 long months before I pinned all of my hair up or drastically changed my style.  It took 10 months before I ventured into the afro!  I can say now after 15 months of natural hair – I finally get it!

CT

What are some of your favorite products?

Michelle

I use products by Miss Jessie’s.  Specifically, the   Baby Buttercreme; it provides great moisture to my hair and doesn’t compromise the twist.  I actually believe it accentuates the twist.  I also use the company’s Curly Pudding when I coil my hair or wear a loose afro – this product accentuates my normal curl pattern.  Otherwise, for detangling purposes, I use good ole Infusium conditioner.

CT

What kind of work do you do?

Michelle

I am a recruiter with State Farm.  I’ve been with the company for 11 years.  I work in and around New York City, so, I certainly am in a location that experiences diversity in many different ways. 

I also co-own a fitness business called, M.A.J.E.S.T.I.C.

www.majesticworkout.com

Michelle And Jackqulyn

CT

You went natural in 2009; did you transition to natural hair while working at State Farm?  If so, please describe how you felt at the time? 

Michelle

I did transition while at State Farm; I’ve been with the company for 11 years, so I felt OK about transitioning into this type of style and I’ve always changed my hairstyles.  I suppose my biggest thought was, ‘OK – how do I explain this style to people?!’  Certainly, once I wore the twists, so many people complimented the look and assumed my hair was cut!  While I agreed my hair was cute (LOL), I had no idea so many would embrace it – and that was across gender and cultural lines.

CT

Going back to your other business; I love the website and have also been interested in urban fitness and nutrition, please tell us a little more about your business and what makes it unique?

 

Michelle

Our business was founded in 2005, out of a season of fasting and praying, and of course, our passion for fitness.  M.A.J.E.S.T.I.C. is the acronym for: Michelle And Jackqulyn Energizing Sold Together In Christ.  Our mission is to promote physical fitness in urban communities via group exercise and personal training.  We offer a variety of fitness genres including: Hi-Lo Impact Aerobics, Body Conditioning, Zumba ®, Soul Line Dancing, Cardio Boot Camp, Sassy Senior Aerobics, and African Dance.  We offer a lot and can create programs for just about any client – corporate, community, or individual.  We love what we do – our sincerity, passion, and knowledge are paramount.  We give all we have to the people we are working with – we want to make a difference in helping to combat obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions by educating people about good nutrition, sound exercise principles, and making healthy lifestyle changes.  Oh, and we just completed our first fitness DVD “Cardio Jam N’ Tone!”

CT

What kinds of feedback do you receive about your hair while working?

Michelle

 I haven’t had one negative opinion yet (at least no one has stated anything to me).  Most people compliment my “haircut!”  I did throw a dash of color in my hair in April – so folks loved that, too!  Very, very positive feedback from people with MANY different ethnic backgrounds!

CT

Have you encountered any negative experiences working with natural hair? If so, please share your experience?

Michelle

None

CT

How do you deal with any negative comments about natural hair?

Michelle

I never had to. Many black women with perms complimented me on taking the steps to go natural.  I often hear, I want to do it, too, but…

CT

What advice would you give to women who wish to transition to natural hair while maintaining a professional career?

Michelle

I have been embraced with my style change at the workplace.  From a hair standpoint – keep it neat, well-maintained, and keep it clean.  At times, I have seen men and women with natural hair and it’s a mess.  Wearing our hair natural doesn’t give us the green light to not maintain it!  That’s the point where natural hair can get a bad rap.  Also, be confident about your style – make sure you’re ready for the transition.  It took me years until I got the guts – and I am very certain, I will never return to a perm (I will throw a bit of color chemicals in from time – time!!). 

CT

Thank you Michelle, I love the advice you gave about transitioning to natural hair and keeping it neat and clean. Please feel free to add additional comments.

Michelle

 www.majesticworkout.com.  We have a new fitness DVD out – Cardio Jam n’ Tone!  Get your copy today!!  I can also send photos if interested!

Bay Area Naturals!

My Sister in Natural hair, Cassadie over at Natural selection is hosting a meetup for Bay Area Naturals.  I missed the last one but am not going to miss this one. 

Being around other natural sisters is good enough for me but this event also includes watering hors d' oeuvres and giveaways!

The meet up will be $12 in advance and $15 at the door.  To pay in advance, send a PayPay payment to naturalselectionblog@gmail.com.

To RSVP please send an email to naturalselectionblog@gmail.com.

And here is all of the above information in a much cuter flyer format.  Please feel free to download this and send to friends, post to your own blogs and youtubes, and/or retweet the info!  Spread the word because the more the merrier! Looking forward to seeing your beautiful smiles and natural smiles oh so very very soon!

I love my Hair

I have to give it to Sesame Street for running this video.  Teaching our young ladies to love their hair!!!

Naturally Professional: Robin

Please join Crown and Temple as we continue our Naturally Professional Series with Robin.

Robin is a natural professional who works for a four year public university.  

CT

How long have you been natural?  

Robin

My last perm was November of 1999.  I started with comb twists until I cut the rest of the perm out of my hair. I wore an afro puff for a number of years then transitioned into two strand twists.  I let my stylist color my hair and watched it break off; therefore I went back to the afro puff.

CT

What made you decide to wear your hair in a natural style?

Robin

My hair did not seem to like perms.  Perms seemed to suck all of the life out of my hair.  At the time I had a lot of breakage. Today, I think it may have been an undiagnosed thyroid problem.  The stylist claimed that he used the mildest perm on the market on my hair. It continued to break.  I had had enough and decided to stop the insanity.  The perms clearly were not making my hair better. 

Finally I learned of a new stylist who explained to me that I can transition into natural hair with comb twists. She demonstrated the technique; I was hooked.

CT

How do you wear your hair?

Robin

Now, I wear my hair three ways.  I use a head band comb to pull my curl-fro back.  I smooth down the front and let the back go curly.  Years ago with shorter hair, I used a large sized cloth covered hair band. 

On other days, I comb my hair out in the shower. Create a finger part down the middle or near the side and then finger comb my hair into a simple kinky mop style.  I would not have dared this style some years ago.  Instead, I wore twists on days that I did not have it pulled back.  With it being longer, I can pull off the kinky style better.

In the winter, I like to wear it flat ironed.  This is new.  Once again, now that it is longer I like to play with the versatility. 

CT

You bring up a good point about length.  I remember when my hair was short I could not wait for it to grow out to have more styling options.  When it grew, I found I had more options but it took much longer to style.  What has been your experience?   Talk to me about the amount of time you spend doing your hair? 

Robin

I purchased a book to help me find hairstyles.  I gave it to another woman who was a few years into her journey and was searching for hairstyles.  Natural Hair Care and Braiding This book helped me to select styles for my hair length throughout the last ten years. 

I don’t spend much time on my hair unless you count the shower.

I use a moisturizing conditioner to comb through my hair using a very wide tooth comb.  I rinse it and then apply a leave-in conditioner.

I use microfiber towels on my head to pull out most of the moisture.  You can spend quite a bit of money on these towels. I have had success shopping in the car care aisle.

My final step is to use Paul Mitchell Foaming Pommade on my hair. First I find a good styling mousse.  I pour a good sized dollop into my hand.  Poke a dimple into it and pour in about a dime to a quarter size amount of the pommade.  Rub it together and then apply it to my hair. I get better coverage that way.  Use the microfiber towel to wipe my hands and I am done. 

CT

What kind of work do you do?

Robin

I work in a retention program for low income, first generation to college, and disabled students at a four year public university. 

CT

What do you like most about your job? 

Robin

I enjoy working with new students each year.  In my position, I am life coach, mentor and that older sibling that attended college first.  I can observe a student from being direct from high school to college graduation and his or her first job interview.  I can nudge a student into leadership positions and peek at his or her Facebook page to observe their college experience. 

CT

What kinds of feedback do you receive about your hair while working?

Robin

I receive compliments.  I am asked about my ethnic heritage.  People will confess to me their struggles with their natural journey. 

CT

What kinds of struggles do you hear about most often? 

Robin

Most often, I hear about the reluctance to transition to natural hair; specifically, the willingness to cut out the relaxed hair and deal with the discomfort of the new growth. I hear about the itching a lot and the fear of having short hair.  Secondary to those are the fears about not knowing how to care or groom transitioning hair. 

CT

Have you encountered any negative experiences working with natural hair? If so, please share your experience?

Robin

Oh definitely, But not what you are thinking. People do not recognize me when I change my style.  That is annoying.  I think the fluidity of higher education and my status/position does not attract too much grooming critique.  My goal is to always look, dress, groom better than my students.  I can accomplish this with a little make-up, jewelry, and an understated natural hair style.  People are more inclined to notice when I wear a short skirt. 

On another note, I consider exaggerated complements when I wear my hair straight to be a negative comment about my natural hair.  Despite this, I pay attention to the speaker.  If the speaker is a student, then I attribute it to his or her own experiences with black women and hair.  If the speaker were a staff member of higher status than I, I need to consider the possibility of political context for the comment.  This has not happened at my current position. In my previous position I worked half-time for a man who went onto author books on the African centered rites of passage. The other half of my time, I worked for a woman whose primary concern is that I looked well-groomed. 

CT

You said, “I worked for a woman whose primary concern was that I looked well-groomed.”  How did the conversation about your look come about?  Please clarify the context of that statement? 

Robin

She like a lot of people associated natural hair with dirty, dry hair or unkempt hair.  She did not think such hair would be professional.  As I experimented with products and hair styles she would politely give me feedback.  With her help, I found the products and the styles that fit well into my work life.  She was actually the person who made me consider that relaxing my hair which continued to break off and didn’t hold a curl was a losing battle. 

CT

How do you deal with any negative comments about natural hair?

Robin

I love this question.  But it forces to me to think in terms of years.  The first five years, I would try my best to ignore the comments because they stung. 

At that time I belonged to a regional group of retention professionals. There were five or so of us just from my state who began our natural journeys within years of each other.  At the larger conferences, we met with seasoned professional women with natural hair working in our fields.  These women had served as president of the conference and on their campuses had risen to the level of Dean and tenured faculty.  With role models like that, it was easy to consider the larger impact of my work over my hair style. 

Once I tried to gain admittance into a mature club, the doorman questioned my age. In the same sentence he told me that he knew I did not have a job with my hair “like that.”  The comment would have ruined my night if my girlfriend hadn’t reminded me that the doorman was wearing a Jherri Curl.  It was 2000. It helps to have supportive friends. 

For the past five years or so, I can’t recall any negative comments.

CT

What advice would you give to women who wish to transition to natural hair while maintaining a professional career?

Robin

Gauge your environment.  A good test is to wear braids or a wig with braids. Observe the responses of your co-workers. 

Ready yourself professionally.  Talk with your supervisor about your role in the organization.  You don’t want to be surprised with poor performance evaluations just because you changed your hair style.

CT

You provide some very realistic advice.  What would you say to someone who is met with a less than favorable response when trying out a natural hair style?  What would you say to them if they still wanted to wear their natural hair?

 

Robin

In my day, (I am an Early Gen-Xer) we used to say, “do what you need to do to get the job.” This included going into an interview looking as much like your potential employer as possible.  Once employed, we assumed that we could let our hair down. 

Back to the question, I am not sure how to answer that.  My professional experience has been so positive.  I have heard some strange stories of women in professional environments who were targeted with new office policies that only affected their personal style.  It could result in a conflict that may not be worth the battle.  I think unless you are willing to work for yourself, you have to be willing to accept that your weekday style and your weekend style will diverge. 

CT

Do you have anything else you would like to add?

Robin

Increase your knowledge about natural hair. You will become an unofficial spokesperson for all women who are considering the natural hair style.   Many assumptions will be made about you.  Many comments will be made that are unintentionally offensive. 

For example, I blogged this statement in 2006 about my reluctance to attend family holiday dinners:

I don’t get the hair questions as often anymore. My relatives have finally adopted the belief that my hair will not see a perm again or a weave. Yet, some guest will mention that she tried the go natural but when she could not pull a comb through her hair she had to get it fixed. Or that the itching, the dryness or the naps were too much to take. These statements in affect announce to the group that I must not be able to get a comb through my itchy, dry, nappy hair. Thanks.

CT

I know exactly what you mean!  Where can we find your blog? 

Robin

My original blog is here ibfrizzy.multiply.com Robin’s Nest

my current blog is here ibfrizzy.blogspot.com The Frizzyhooker