I've Got A Story To Tell: Meet The GORGEOUS and VERSATILE BRANDY

 

Hola Chicas/Chicos..I pray all is well with everyone.

Ok, I have been blessed to meet and feature so many beautiful people for my blog and this one is, to no surprise, an absolute treat as well. Meet, Brandy, a beautiful model who has an excellent way to show that natural hair can be fun, edgy, sexy and extremely versatile. Not only is Brandy versatile with her fashion and hair, but she is also versatile in her home and work life. As a mom of 3 boys and 3 girls, Brandy is an awesome inspiration as a nurse and a professional manicurist, and...a model as well. With a jovial spirit, Brandy says that she is 'always looking for ways to improve in all aspects of life'. I know you will enjoy Brandy's 'Story' as much as I did..so, without further ado, meet the beautiful Brandy.

I'VE GOT A STORY TO TELL..BRANDY:

1. What inspired you to go natural? 


What inspired me to go natural was the beauty of our hair and the culture behind it, the freedom and strength it brings to today's society. That being my natural beautiful self is a part of who I am. I have always been a big fan of natural hair, Afro wigs, kinky braids,twist etc. but was just too afraid to cross over or should I say back slide.

2. How long have you been a beautiful natural?

I began to transition in late October/November 2009...Then, one year I decided I wanted to go completely natural and that is when my journey began, June 16 2010. I have been natural for 1 year 3 months.

3. In regards to natural hair, do you feel as though the same stigmas of hair type exist, for example, do you hear people use the term 'good hair' or 'good grade of hair' in regards to certain hair textures?

Yes it definitely still exist in today's society and I believe it is based on how we were raised.With saying such as 'oh, you have nice hair' or 'your hair is nappy, but I have a perm in it'..lol true though.

4. Do you feel as though most black men are supportive to natural hair? How about other nationalities?

Yes, I believe that more men are coming to realize the beauty of our natural hair; The uniqueness and that we too can be beautiful,sexy,successful etc and hold our place in society with out having to fit in with the stigma that we are only beautiful with long straight locks. I love getting the compliments from men and women alike,it shows that they are embracing it. Especially when other Nationalities embraces it. It spreads world wide and it feels great to be apart of this as I call it 'Movement'!

5. How do you maintain such beautiful coils? 


Well, Dominique (All Things O'Natural), you are a fountain of info and you have helped me immensely in my journey. I co-wash at least once every week or two. I just incorporated the Bentonite clay treatment into my regimen so I may just do that once or twice a month. I love Sheamoisture the Curl Enhancing Smoothie and the Deep Treatment Masque; they make my hair feel great! I also use the home made spritz to moisten my coils and seal with a butter or oil. I sleep in a satin bonnet or scarf. I do not use heat at all at this point. I may later I don't know. And I always,always do my finale rinse with ACV. A must! It has helped my hair and my scalp tremendously. Basically just TLC and patience.

6. Do you have any words of wisdom to pass on to others striving for a natural lifestyle? 


Be Patient, patient, patient in your journey. It can get frustrating going from relaxed coils to kinky curly coils. Look for transitioning and protective styles from the web which is full of tutorials. This will also help when you are feeling like this isn't for me, when you see the many styles offered. Trim those ends often and keep them moisturized and protected. I applaud you on your natural hair journey. I'm Loving It Now where did i put my Pick? lol

MEET THE VERSATILE BRANDY:

Thank you for enjoying our feature today. Brandy can be found on Facebook at Brandy MissMe Miss Me
If you have a story to tell and would like to be featured on All Things O'Natural, please send an email to: allthingsonatural@yahoo.com and use the header 'I've Got A Story'.

Happy Natty Day!

I've Got A Story To Tell: Meet the Stunning KAI MCKINNON

 

 Greetings Everyone..I pray all is well with everyone.

Well we have another treat of a feature today with Kai McKinnon. Kai is a beautiful natural whom I've had the pleasure of meeting on Facebook. I recently had the pleasure of meeting Kai at the World Natural Hair Show on September 10, 2011. Kai was an absolute pleasure to meet in person along with her beautiful baby girl and her two beautiful sisters. Her smile is even more beautiful in person than on pictures..So, without furthur ado, meet Kai McKinnon.

1. What Inspired You To Go O'Natural?

My natural journey started, like so many others, with the birth of my daughter Olivia Marie. At the time, I wasn’t even thinking of going natural. I had shoulder length hair that had grown longer and thicker during my pregnancy and I loved it. I put flat twists in during and after the birth so I wouldn’t have to worry about it. About 3 months after the baby was born it started falling out by the handful! I knew I would lose some but this frightened me. I was afraid to comb it! I lost all of my sides and my hair was so thin. On top of that, all the yummy smelling J&J baby products I received during my baby shower was causing my baby’s skin to break out and her hair was so dry. I turned to the internet for help. I came across a lot of websites talking about natural products and the reasons for dry thin hair and I started using only all natural products on her. The Shea Moisture baby line is wonderful! I then made the decision to go natural to be an inspiration for her. How could I raise her to embrace and love her self if I wasn’t doing the same? I dove right in and soaked up so much information. I found your website during a search and spent a blissful week reading your posts from day 1. I learned so much information and felt so ignorant about what relaxers had been doing to my hair. I had been relaxed since I was 10. I was going to do a long transition for a year. I used curlformers which I loved and roller sets-no heat! I stopped using chemicals cold turkey and started with all natural products starting with the Shea Moisture line which I heart! About 3 months in I got Senegalese twists which I loved. I kept them in for about 6 weeks using a daily leave in conditioner spray that I made myself. After 6 weeks I tried to take them out and my hair was so matted and tangled that I spent 3 hours trying to detangle. I gave up and yanked and pulled and tore until I was left with hair to my ear, a sore scalp, and tears. I went to the salon the next day and did my BC. I have never regretted that decision and I’m in love with my TWA!

2.How long have you been a beautiful natural?

My last relaxer was January 15^th and I did my BC on June 26^th. I did another mini buzz to shape and get the last of the frizz off on July 15^th. I have about 2 ½ to 2 ¾ inches of hair right now. If anyone would have told me a year ago I would have a Grace Jones and love it I would have called them crazy! 

3. In regards to natural hair, do you feel as though the same stigmas of hair type exist, for example, do you hear people use the term 'good hair' or 'good grade of hair' in regards to certain hair textures?

I definitely feel there is a stigma about “good vs bad hair.” I hear comments like “oh I could never go natural because I don’t have that kind of hair”.  I tell them there is no such thing, hair is hair, it’s all good hair because its GOD given. Stereotypes are perpetuated in music videos and on tv because all you see are long haired (weaved) women. Very rarely do you see natural Black hair and when you do it’s always loose wavy curls. Until we learn to embrace what grows naturally out of our hair we will never overcome the negative stereotypes that other ethnicities place upon us.

4. Do you feel as though most black men are supportive to natural hair? How about other nationalities? 

I think that it is starting to become a little more accepted by our Black men, especially as more and more women embrace it. My husband is still struggling with his acceptance though. He supports my decision, yet doesn’t really care for it yet. He thinks my hair cut looks better than he thought it would but doesn’t really touch it because he says it reminds him of a boy. I tell him he’s just going to have to get used to it and I’m doing it for our daughter. Plus, its hair! It will grow out again. I think other nationalities are more accepting because they are used to Black women being “creative” in our hair styles and they view this as another way we can style our hair. I will say I’ve been getting a lot of positive response from all men since I cut my hair. I think its because I have stepped up my makeup and style game to match my new found confidence and love of self!

5. How do you maintain such beautiful coils?

I don’t have a strict regimen but I make sure I cover the basics. I co wash a few times a week, shampoo maybe once a week or when I want to try a new product on freshly washed hair. I try to deep condition once a week using Shea Moisture DC mask and add olive oil and honey, and I moisturize with water or water based leave in and seal with an oil or butter. My favorite products right now are Shea Moisture for shampoo/conditioner, V05 Moisture milk for my co washes, Kinky Curly Knot today for a leave in, and Kinky Curly Curly Custard for my wash n go’s. For moisture I love shea butter based moisturizers and I use Naturalista Cosmetics Juicy leave in and your Natty Butter.  I usually do a wash n go and put in a headband. I also did my first teeny afro. I sleep on a satin pillowcase.

6. Do you have any words of wisdom to pass on to others striving for a natural lifestyle?

Keep it simple and DO YOUR RESEARCH!!! I dove right into finding as much information as possible so when I was ready to chop, I was ready! I knew which products I wanted to try, I had a basic regimen, and I knew how to maintain my natural hair. If you jump right in without any background information you are apt to slip right back into a perm because it’s “easier”. Also, start off simple. I could never find a basic regimen. Here’s a good one: Co wash 2-3 x a week, shampoo on Sundays followed by a DC. Wet hair with water or use a water based leave in conditioner, seal with a butter or oil. Cover your head or pillow with satin. That’s really all you need! Also, try not to become a product junky. I admit I was obsessed with products until I found all of things I like. Find some good bloggers and facebook pages like this one and enjoy your new freedom!

I hope you enjoyed Kai's feature as much as I did!!!

Meet Kai:

Thank you for joining us to read our feature. If you would like to be featured on All Things O'Natural, please send an email to allthingsonatural@yahoo.com and use the header 'I've Got A Story'.. Until next time, a bientot!

I've Got A Story To Tell: Meet The Gorgeous Roxanne

Greetings Ladies and Gents...I pray all is well with everyone.

Meet Roxanne, better known as 'Foxy Roxy', a woman who has a lively personality, a great business head on her shoulders and an expertise in the Interior Design world. A wonderful and fun person to hang out with, Roxanne has settled in Memphis with her handsome fiance and is truly enjoying the blessings in life..So, let's take a look at this wonderful feature and I know you will enjoy it as much as I did.

Meet Roxanne

1. Being that you are naturally curly, how did you feel about your
curls growing up?

Some days I loved my curls growing up and other days I wanted to cut
it all off because it was just too curly.

2. How often do you straighten your hair?
Lately I have been just blow drying it with a 1 1/2 roller brush and many times let it air dry.

3. How do you keep your curls so beautiful, what is your current
regimen?
I don't wash my hair everyday. I'll usually wash it every other day.
The reason for that is because it keeps my hair shiny. When you wash
it every day it dries it out. Also, I began  using more organic
shampoos and conditioners that are sulfate and silicone free. Much better for my hair. When I get my hair
cut every 6-8 weeks, my stylist always compliments me on how
healthy and shiny it is. It's kind of funny but the second day without
washing it I usually just dampen my hands with water and put my fingers
through my hair instead of a brush. That protects my hair from breakage.

4. How does your spouse, family or friends embrace your natural curls?

My Fiancé loves my hair in its natural curly state. I get in my moods of wanting it curly
and blowing it out smooth. I always get someone liking my various styles. Even
when I throw it up in a bun. I think people just like healthy hair.

5. Out of all of the wonderful advice available, what's the best
natural hair tip that you have received?

Stay away from to much product, Flat irons, and color.

6. There are a wave of naturals embracing their curly, wavy and kinky
hair, how do you think that helps or has helped others embrace their
natural hair?

I think that by seeing people embrace their natural hair, others are encouraged to explore and emphasize their natural beauty, not chase a hair style that is overly difficult, or damaging in the long run or succumb to the standards of beauty that society has set to follow.

7. What advice would you give a newbie natural on embracing the texture that they are born with?

I didn't understand when I was little with how beautiful my natural hair was, until I was a teenager. My image of beauty was set on the standard. I encourage everyone to embrace their natural beauty and uniqueness. Avoid color, flat irons and protect your hair in the sun and pools. Always apply a conditioner to keep your hair soft and shiny in the sun. Comb your hair starting from the ends to the roots.

The Beautiful Foxy Roxy

Happy Natty Day!

If you have a story to tell and would like to be featured on All Things O'Natural, please send an email request to allthingsonatural@yahoo.com and use the header 'I've Got A Story'..

I've Got A Story To Tell: Meet the Beautiful KELLI

 

 Greetings, Chicas/Chicos...I pray all is well with everyone..

Well, we have a wonderful feature from a Beautiful Naturalista, Kelli, who says life as a natural brings interest to her science classroom daily. 

Kelli is a middle school science teacher who has been natural for pretty much her whole life.  She used to get her hair pressed, but finally stopped once graduating from college.  Kelli says, 'I think one of the neatest things about my hair is how much my students pay attention to it.  They look forward to seeing what style I will come up with next.'  Kelli has also recently started blogging about natural hair and you can check out what she has to say at www.hiscrowningglory.blogspot.com ...So, let's here what story Kelli has to tell...enjoy!!

 

Meet Kelli

 

1. What inspired you to go natural?

Several reasons, I guess.  A childhood friend left for Howard University and came back natural.  I really admired how healthy her hair seemed and the versatility of it.  After some stressful undergraduate years, my hair had broken off a lot and I was looking for a way to get it back to its original fullness.  Also, I wanted to save some money.  I was tired of shelling out dollars to my hairdresser every two weeks, only to sweat my hair out within a few days.  Finally, when I finished college, I wanted a way to show that I had grown and become a different person, so I thought that being natural would demonstrate that best.

 2. How long have you been a beautiful natural?

Technically, I’ve always been a natural.  I have never had a relaxer; my hair was always pressed/flat ironed.  I stopped getting it pressed in 2006 and have mostly been wearing it in some form of its curly state ever since.  There was a period in 2008 when I got a new job and was worried about job security, so I was wearing it pressed for the first few months.  However, once I realized that my job was safe and that I was hired because I am a good employee (not because of my hairstyle), I went back to wearing it curly/kinky.

 3. In regards to natural hair, do you feel as though the same stigmas of hair type exist, for example, do you hear people use the term 'good hair' or 'good grade of hair' in regards to certain hair textures?

I think the tables have turned, so to speak.  I’m not really into hair-typing, so the only way I can describe my hair is thick, coarse, and curly/kinky.  I think my natural friends that don’t have this hair type often regard my kind of hair as “good hair” because the texture lets me style it in a variety of ways.   After conversing with large groups of naturals, it seems as though the curliest hair is regarded as the best, and those with wavy or thinner hair is not as good.

I think though, when we start to define types of hair, it defeats the purpose of going natural.  To me, going natural is supposed to be an act of self-love and affirmation.  It means that you love yourself just the way you were created.  So to compare one type of hair to another kind of puts the whole thing in vain.

 4. Do you feel as though most black men are supportive to natural hair? How about other nationalities?

I don’t know...from what I understand, most black men really just want a confident woman.  I do get compliments from black men about my natural hair styles, but they are usually guys who rock locs or have a close female family member that has natural hair.

I would DEFINITELY say that men of other nationalities, especially caucasian, like natural hair.  Those seem to be the biggest admirers of my hair...I think they like it because our hair is an enigma to them that they just can’t figure out.

 5. How do you maintain such beautiful coils?

Cowashing saved my life!  At first I thought it was the dirtiest thing I had ever heard of, but once I tried it for myself, I was hooked.  It has really helped my hair to become stronger.  Also, I am a fan of SheaMoisture’s Coconut & Hibiscus products.  They moisturize my hair perfectly.  I love the products because they are organic and don’t have all those man-made ingredients.

6. Do you have any words of wisdom to pass on to others striving for a natural lifestyle?

DO YOU!  Being natural can be so overwhelming at times with all the blogs, vlogs, etc.  Everyone has the right advice or the right answer...but when it comes down to it, you have to find what’s best for you, embrace it, and stick with it.  Again, being natural is about loving yourself, at all times, at all costs.

Well...I hope you enjoyed Kelli's story as much as I did...Thank you Kelli

Meet The Beautiful Kelli

If you have a story to tell and would like to be featured on All Things O'Natural, please send an email to allthingsonatural@yahoo.com and use the header I've Got A Story.

Have A Happy Natty Day!

I've Got A Story To Tell: Meet the Beautiful Naturalista KT

 

Hola Chicas/Chicos..I pray all is well with everyone.

Ok, so brace yourself, because this is definitely going to be a treat. I was contacted by a beautiful natural, Allison, who follows my blog and really wanted to inspire our future Naturalistas by telling her absolutely beautiful 10 year old daughter's story. I must admit, I became slightly emotional reading the story and just by the meer fact that this could be the future for our youth; embracing their beauty..Naturally. From the words of her mother, ' She is a great role model, and we've got a wonderful STORY TO TELL.' So, I know you all will enjoy KT and Allison's story.

I've Got a Story To Tell...KT

1. What inspired your daughter to do a BC in a world that is inspired by a certain standard of beauty of having long straight hair?  

Well, my daughter was going into the the 4Th grade and against my better judgement I allowed her to get a relaxer. It was awful!!! Within 2 weeks her hair broke off and was dry and brittle. So in doing some research about relaxers I came across a lot of information about natural hair. When I figured out that the only way to get the relaxer out of your hair was to cut it. I began preparing myself and KT for the transition. We watched a ton of YouTube videos and when she saw all the different styles you can do with natural hair she began to get excited!

2.Do you feel the same stigma of 'good hair' in terms of a certain texture still plague our youth today?  

That an interesting question. I think things are slowly changing with my daughter's generation. She has friends with all types of hair and I've never heard her or her 10 year old friends say "Girl You've got GOOD HAIR"  Unfortunately I thinks its the uneducated adults who keep the stigma going. 

3. What are some of the things that your daughter love about her gorgeous BC? 

She loves her beautiful curls and the fact that it only takes around 10-15 minutes to style her hair in the morning.

4. Has she experienced any negative comments from family or friends at school?  

For the most part everyone has been extremely supportive but there were a couple of people who didn't respond to the email I sent out with photos of her BC. But its ok. I know in my heart I did the best thing for my daughter! Since its the summer and she's in camp, almost everyday I pick her up she always has this glowing smile on her face and tells me how "ANOTHER person said she reminded them of Willow Smith"   So far she hasn't directly received any negative comments. 
 

5. How do you maintain her beautiful tresses?  

 We are still pretty new to the natural process. We do a lot of wash-n-go styles. I use Eco-Styler, Aubrey Organics shampoo/ conditioner, and also olive oil to style KT's hair. I'm not a product junkie yet but I'm itching to buy new products. 

6.How do think the wave of Natural hair beauties are affecting the overall image of our young girls today?  

I think it's wonderful all the great websites and information that's out there about natural hair for ladies. But if there was a tween magazine or someone on TV with natural hair, the image of young black girls with natural hair would take off. It was so hard to finding anyone on the internet that was close to KT's age that she could look up too.  I did finds photos of Raven Symone and her natural hair cut. My daughter feel in love with her photos!!! And I truly think that was a changing point during her transition. 
  
7.What advice would you give mothers/fathers of tween girls who are considering returning to and maintaining their natural hair?  

I read on a website " Would you rather have long hair that's in terrible condition or would you rather have a head full of healthy beautiful curls" That sentence right there tells it all. I also would advice parents  to check out videos on YouTube WITH their child. When KT and I found someone with the same hair type it was really cool to watch this ladies videos and get a glimpse into the future of what her hair would look like a year from now, etc..YouTube has been a lifesaver! Also I think I've learned something about myself during this whole process. My hair is at totally different texture than my daughters. Her hair is mostly 4B and my hair is 3C. I've always flat ironed my hair straight but because of  KT I might just start wearing it curly so I can look like her! :)

What an awesome awesome story Allison and KT and thank you so much for sharing. KT will definitely be an inspiration for other young beauties in embracing their natural hair. Congratulations, Mom..you are definitely heading in the right direction.

MEET Beautiful KT

a

KT and her beautiful coils before her relaxer

Hair broken off after relaxer

Braided hair during transition

Beautiful curls after her BC

Embracing her beautiful natural curls


























Again, thank you Allison for sharing KT's story with us.


If you have a story to tell, please email me at allthingsonatural@yahoo.com and use the header 'I've Got A Story' . We would love to hear your story.


Happy Inspiring Journey!

I've Got A Story To Tell: Meet the Beautiful NATASHA GIPSON

Hola Chicas/Chicos..I pray all is well with everyone.

Well today we are hearing a story from a very pretty naturalista, Natasha Gipson. I think her story is awesome and can serve as inspiration for those who are struggling with their journey to keep pushing forward..so, with further ado..let's hear Natasha's story.

MEET NATASHA GIPSON..

1. What inspired you to go natural?

 

I was inspired to go natural when (the second time) when my daughter turned a year old (2009 December) She has these beautiful curls and I loved the way her hair looked when it free!  But looking at her always made me fear the day that she would ask me, "Mommy, why is your hair straight and mine curly, I want straight hair like yours". I wanted to be able to teach her to love her coils by being the ultimate example, loving mine. So almost a year later OCT 2010, I did the BIG CHOP! (my lengthy story on http://ifthesekinkscldtalk.blogspot.com)

2. How long have you been a beautiful natural? 

 

I have been natural for 6 months, 2 weeks, and 5 days (smile)..LOL

 

3. In regards to natural hair, do you feel as though the same stigmas of hair type exist, for example, do you hear people use the term 'good hair' or 'good grade of hair' in regards to certain hair textures?

 

Yes, those stigmas are definitely out there. I wasn't even aware that there was actually a hair type system until I started reading different blogs and websites on natural hair. At first I was a little weary, but I do think that hair typing can be a helpful tool when trying to find what works for your hair. However, in my opinion, natural hair possesses very unique traits in EVERY individual, so it is still kind of difficult to "generalize" the different types.

4. Do you feel as though most black men are supportive to natural hair? How about other nationalities?

 

I feel that most AFRICAN AMERICAN men are not necessarily "attracted" to black women with natural hair and its a shame, but to each HIS own. I think some of them have truly allowed themselves to be conditioned to view beautiful hair as straight, wavy, long...etc.  I think that other nationalities accept it more because they already expect to see black women with curly, kinky, hair or wavy hair, or whatever.  I think that Blacks in general have a tendency to react different when we see other nationalities with styles that are designed for our hair types as well (i.e. white people with locks or cornrolls)

5. How do you maintain such beautiful coils?

 

I initially did not know that moisturizing your hair daily was a must when you are a natural, so I was looking a HOT MESS! After a few trial and error episodes with various products, I've found my nitch with Carol's Daughter "Healthy Hair Butter", Coconut Oil,  Kemi Oil and any sulfate free, sweet smelling shampoo/conditioner i can get my hands on. Right now I am a fan of Brazilian Keratin brand.  I twist my hair with the butter every night now, sleep with a silk scarf, untwist it in the morning, and style.  I hope to discover more products that have less "fluff" in the ingredients and just good wholesome nutrients for my hair. I am in the military, so moisturizing my hair daily is a must because I wear at a wool cap every day! As my hair gets longer it has become a bigger challenge to stay within the strict standards that the military places on females in the military, but I'm maintaining professionalism right now by wearing a puff! My hair is finally long enough to do a puff!

6. Do you have any words of wisdom to pass on to others striving for a natural lifestyle?
 

Yes, I would definitely tell others striving for a natural lifestyle to listen to their heart and go for it!  I think that youtube, and other websites like yours and CurlyNikki's are a huge help for sisters who need to know more before they do the  BIG CHOP! Its worth it, and as for me, I am never looking back!  I would also say that the term "garbage in, garbage out" is so true. The better foods you eat, the more nutrients you put in your body, the better you feel and look, that is a fact!  Being natural can be challenging at time, it takes work, lots of patience, research and support, but its soo soo worth it!

 

 

THE PRETTY GIRL, NATASHA

Well, I hope you all enjoyed Natasha's story as much as I did and please stop by her page listed above and see her full story on her journey..Thank you so much, Natasha!

If you have a story to tell, please send an email request to allthingsonatural@yahoo.com and use the header "I've Got A Story'

Happy Healthy Day

I've Got A Story To Tell: Meet The Amazingly Gorgeous SESILY COLEMAN

 

Hola Chicas/Chicos...I pray all is well with everyone.

Well, I've got another beautiful natural with a wonderful story to tell. Meet Sesily Coleman, a beautiful mother of two gorgeous children. Sesily is a woman very much to be inspired from, she's a hard working self employed mother who has an infectious smile and great energy. Did I already mention how beautiful she is..inside and out. I am honored to feature her story on All Things O'Natural, so let's give her some love and I know you will enjoy her story and find it as inspirational as I did...Enjoy

I've Got A Story: Sesily

1. What inspired you to go natural?

 I was inspired to go natural again after losing my husband to a senseless murder over three years ago. After being totally depressed and stressed out by the entire situation, I developed an enormous stress spot on the top left corner of my head. It took me a little while to decide on the BC, but it was a huge step in starting over again.

 2. How long have you been a beautiful natural?

This time around, I've been natural for a year. previously, I was a natural all through my undergraduate college career

 3. In regards to natural hair, do you feel as though the same stigmas of hair type exist, for example, do you hear people use the term 'good hair' or 'good grade of hair' in regards to certain hair textures?

I do indeed feel that there is still a "stigma" when it comes to natural hair, especially being a native of New Orleans. Some are more concerned with whether one particular texture makes you more "natural" or even "beautiful" while we should focus on how original we are.. my goal is to inspire those who I come across to understand that God created each of us differently, and we have to embrace each and every characteristic that he blessed us with

 4. Do you feel as though most black men are supportive to natural hair? How about other nationalities?

 Living in Atlanta, I'm finding that black men are starting to embrace natural sisters. primarily, the "long hair" stigma was "what was up", but I'm noticing a large abundance of beautiful black women transitioning to what they were originally blessed with, and the men are DEFINITELY noticing. Being a natural should be an overall outlook...not a fad..

 5. How do you maintain such beautiful coils?

I keep me coils moisturized (especially because my hair is colored) with your O'Natural Natty Butter and SheaMoisture's Raw Restorative line and their African black soap line. I swear by them both!

6. Do you have any words of wisdom to pass on to others striving for a natural lifestyle?

A natural lifestyle doesn't stop at your hair. Being completely honest with yourself, a steady walk with God, finding peace within yourself, and maintaining positive health...that's what being "natural" is all about. You have to open your arms wide to embrace all that comes your way, both the good and the bad. Being a "natural" is about overcoming obstacles, telling your story, and being a positive staple to others so you can continue to inspire.

The Beautiful Sesily Coleman:

 

I hope you enjoyed Sesily's feature as much as I did..If you have a story to tell and would like to be featured on All Things O'Natural, please send an email request to allthingsonatural@yahoo.com and use the header, I've Got A Story

Have A Happy Healthy Day

I've Got A Story To Tell: Meet the Amazingly Stunning DESTINEE GENTRY

Hola Chicas/Chicos..I pray all is well with everyone

Well, we have another treat for you and definitely an inspiration for those who are considering going natural. Meet Destinee Gentry, a beautiful mother of a handsome son with a true joyous energy for life. Not only is she beautiful, but Destinee is an extremely humourous woman and many times you will catch her FB laughter of 'bwahahahahaha!!!' I love that about a person..someone who is funny but also serious and handles their business...so, let's hear what Destinee has to say..Enjoy!

I've Got A Story..Destinee Gentry

1. What inspired you to go natural?

~I’ve always THOUGHT about going natural, but could never really bring myself to do it! LOL!!! Finally one day after watching YouTube and witnessing plenty of beautiful naturals such as you….I just thought “WHY NOT? It shouldn’t be that bad right???? I mean what’s the worst that could happen?” LOL! I then began to transition, which only lasted for two weeks! Ha! I started to cut my hair and it was AWFUL! I had to go to the barbershop immediately, which is what I wanted anyway! LOL! I was READY! I got in that chair like a BIG GIRL! Off my hair went! I was sooooo proud! I felt empowered, beautiful, strong, and BRAVE!

2. How long have you been a beautiful natural?

~I have been completely natural for 7MONTHS this month! Whoooohoooooo! Loving every bit of it! #teamnatural

3. In regards to natural hair, do you feel as though the same stigmas of hair type exist, for example, do you hear people use the term 'good hair' or 'good grade of hair' in regards to certain hair textures?

~ABSOLUTELY!!!! However, I must admit that it’s only from people who aren’t actually natural, or haven’t done research on “Natural Hair” or hair period for that matter. You know many of us have different textures of hair, but I honestly feel that that doesn’t determine whether your hair is “good” or “bad.” Any type of hair whether fine or course is “good” hair…and the only time I would actually classify anyone else’s hair as “bad” is well…..NEVER. Some people’s hair may need a little more TLC to get it on track, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad….All hair is good hair in my eyes!

4. Do you feel as though most black men are supportive to natural hair? How about other nationalities?

~Welllllllllllllllllllllll……..I will say that more black men are coming around. Some black men aren’t quite as accepting to the idea and that’s fine….however, I have met a few black men that are ABSOLUTELY IN LOVE with NATURAL HAIR! That’s refreshing too! Personally, since I’ve been natural, I’ve had a lot of white males compliment me more than blacks, which is cool too! I’ve also had guys of all nationalities ask to just “TOUCH” my hair! LOLOLOL! I find that totally hilarious! MY MAN, (who happens to be black) was kind of skeptical at first and a little jealous (of my waves) hehehehehehe, has been riding with me since the day I BC’d ! He now loves it and asks me on the regular, “How are you going to wear your hair today?” LOL!

5. How do you maintain such beautiful coils?

My regimen is pretty SIMPLE! I’m NOT a product junkie whatsoever! Since I’ve been natural, I’ve only had three primary products; Herbal Essence Totally Twisted, Eco Styler Gel Olive-Oil (in which now I’m starting to hear bad things about) and Cantu Leave In Conditioner! I co-wash my hair every 3 days or whenever I feel it’s getting “about that time”, and I normally try not to shampoo my hair at all (every 2-3 months). I loooove to condition my hair and keep WATER on DECK! I do believe that WATER has played a tremendous part in healthiness of my hair. I just recently incorporated ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) and Shea Moisture Products (love love love) into my regimen. Less to me is more, or at least that’s what works for me. I don’t run out and purchase a product every time someone throws a suggestion in the air. I WOULD BE BROKE! LOL! Basically, keeping it simple and letting my hair do what it wants sometimes is how I keep my coils FLY!

6. Do you have any words of wisdom to pass on to others striving for a natural lifestyle?

~ HEY YOU! YEAH YOU! THE ONE WHO IS THINKING OF GOING NATURAL BUT IS TOO AFRAID! YES YOU! JUST GO FOR IT! MY NAME IS DESTINEE AND IT’S ONE OF THE BEST DECISIONS I HAVE EVER MADE AND TRUST ME…MY HAIR IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ME! LOL! Seriously, don’t be afraid to come on over to this side! You will still be the beautiful, smart, intelligent, FLY, sassy, jazzy woman you’ve always been…you will just be ALLLLLL NATURAL while doing so! HAPPY GROWING #TEAMNATURAL

It's All About DESTINEE

Happy Healthy Journy

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