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

Hola Chicas/Chicos..We've Got Another Great Story to tell..Meet Lekila Bryant, a beautiful natural with a wonderful spirit and lively personality..She's got a story to tell, so sit back and enjoy. For any questions or comments for LeKila, please friend her on FB under her name...Hope you enjoy!!

1. What inspired you to go natural?

So my spiritual journey led me to this point. I relied on my hair to make me think I was beautiful outwardly. I wanted to get out of that habit and face "ME" naturally. I often thought if my hair wasn't done than I wasn't cute and couldn't go anywhere.This journey helped and is helping me face me naturally and accepting the beauty that God has given me for only ME. I am no longer my hair. I am no longer a part of a chemical movement. I am now natural and embracing my inner beauty outside of me. - This experience is just the beginning.

2. How long have you been a beautiful natural?

I've been natural for 9 months. July 23, 2010.

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?

Stigma's don't exist in my word when it comes to hair. I understand that there is different textures when it comes to hair, fine, thin, thick, curly, and course but the different textures allows you to experience and get aquainted with "YOUR" hair. The difference in hair is what makes it so beautiful and the woman who's rocking the natural. Each textures displays a difference in just hair natually. I don't judge hair by what I see I'm getting to know hair as I learn more about it or encounter another naturalist that is going through the same journey as me. It's actually fun seeing the stages of the hair and how hair goes through different phases and it grows. Hair changes just like people. It can only get better. Hair is only considered bad if you aren't taking care of it.

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

Most men don't understand why a woman goes natural or the reasoning for it. Men have adapted to society. Loving women with long flowing hair. The men that have a woman that is natural seem to understand and embrace the meaning of why she goes natural or just what being natural entails. Men are more logical so if you give them a reason to understand, then they'll grasp the concept and start to support their woman (I think). Other nationalities seem to be open, supportive and amazed and it is probably because of their hair being different. Is is nice to have diversity around you while going through an experience that a lot of people will never ecounter due to fear.

5. How do you maintain such beautiful coils?

Moisture! Moisture is the key when it comes to keeping my coils in. With the curl pattern that I have naturally it makes it easy for them to form into curls. I don't have to do a lot of manipulations (thanks goodness). I noticed that twisting my hair also allows curls to pop as well. I have 3c type hair which is kinky curly so I will have coils and curls for days. Hot oil treatments nurture my curls very well. Deep Conditioning my hair also allows my curls to form without needing to use a lot of products.

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

I recommend anyone that has chemical on their hair to experience natural. Chemical gives you an easy way out of having to deal with what's real with you. Being natural is so fun. Everyday is unexpected, every time that you try something new there is no right or wrong but with chemical there is a right or wrong. You can add too much or too little, you can be burned and that be it. Natural, you are at your best because it's everything pertaining to you. Being natural brings you a sense of strength, confidence and boldness. It makes you proud of yourself because you have done something that most don't have the heart to do. With wearing a relaxer it's like you are bound to see someone with the same hairstyle but being natural. EACH AND EVERYONE is different, looks different but has a beauty that belongs to them. It gives you the chance to be you fully. Once you go natural, you will never go back. And if you do it's only because you've given up on yourself and the gift that has been received from God.

LeKila Bryant

Styling Staple Products: SheaMoisture and O'Natural Natty Butter

If you've got 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"..Thank you,Keep Inspiring

Have A Happy Healthy Day!!

photos courteousy of Lekila Bryant via Facebook