HERSTORY PART 2
Before I get into part two of HerStory, I’d like to thank all of you who are joining me on this journey. While I have had a desire to share this for a while, it is only now, during this time of stay-in-place orders, that I have had time to learn how to get my thoughts and conversations “down on paper,” so to speak. As we continue on, I hope that you all are well, and that this will provide some calm, invoke some thoughts, and even spark some ideas in you.
I think I mention before that my HER-itage journey has been very “organic”— evolving, as I grow into it. Creating a website and blogging is not second nature to me, and is therefore part of this organic process. Although I’ve worked with journalists, editors, and artists, since before “blogging” even became a thing, it took me a while to understand what was even meant by the term. However, several times, while having open discussions with family, friends, and colleagues about how I changed my eating habits, how I decided to get back into gardening, or how I transitioned back into natural haircare, I would be told “you should write a blog!” “People would love to hear about this!” Well, we’re about to see! Please forgive me, if I jump all over the place, just a little [insert chuckle].
I’ve already introduced my initial journey back to my natural “roots,” and how my mother was a driving force behind the decision. However, there was even more inspiration and strength added to it. This time coming from the next generation.
During her freshman year of college, my daughter Ashley wrote an essay as part of a scholarship application. The topic was “My Natural Hair Journey”—she won! I was so proud!—not just because my daughter won the scholarship, but because she was finally able to embrace her God-given natural beauty. This had always been her desire (and mine) but it was suppressed due to what I’ll just call “societal challenges.” She rocked her afro, braids, twists, and ethnic head wraps throughout her four years of college, and now has a beautifully coiffed head full of of locs! Embracing her true self—in addition to education, dance, art, and entrepreneurship—had always been one of her dreams. Check out more of HER dreams, here.
A few years after Ashley, I also felt liberated to embrace my natural coiffure, and in so doing, I decided to go all out!—not just getting rid of the permanent relaxer, that I had worn for three decades, but also getting rid of mass-produced, preservative and chemical-laden store bought hair care products. I started researching the ingredients that were most beneficial for my 4c hair, as well as for my skin and other body care needs. I spoke with women whom I knew were going through a similar journey, searched social media channels for natural recipes and, believe it or not, got a huge boost from on of my former Girl Scouts! She was presenting her Girl Scout Gold Award project, which happened to be about natural hair care. Her presentation taught a lot about hair type—which is mostly about curl pattern—straight, wavy, curly, or kinky. As I mentioned above, I have 4c hair, which is the tightest curl pattern. My hair, as well as many African-Americans, is also naturally dry—thus the need for added oils and moisturizers. Search the web for “hair curl patterns,” to learn more about your type of hair.
In part one of HerStory, I mentioned that I have worked with various natural ingredients to create products, as I care for my rediscovered natural hair. As you continue on this journey with me, I will share more fun and healthful tips, as well as how you can get my products.