My name is Tanisha Blakemore, founder and CEO of Twizted Tees, a t-shirt line celebrating and promoting natural hair that was birthed from self-discovery.

As a result of this 4-year natural hair journey, my self-esteem skyrocketed. I became infatuated with my hair. I loved the healthiness, versatility, and texture of my chemical-free hair.

My personal experience has inspired the development of Twizted Tees. These original-design shirts provide a new, trendy look that is based on style and quality for the consumer. The concept is to encourage a foundation of self-pride, embrace hair in its natural state, all while promoting products that display self-expression.

What does it feel like owning your own business with many other people owning larger business companies? Is it intimidating?

It feels great to start a company that is promoting for a good cause. The thought of all that has to take place to make this a successful company is overwhelming at times. Looking at the larger companies isn’t intimidating at all, more so motivation to work that much harder. Determination, hard work and perseverance are what it will take to make my vision become reality.

When did you decide to throw the relaxer out (if you did)?

2007 marked the year when I no longer wanted to “lye” to myself, so…. I cut off my relaxed hair. What a liberating experience! I transitioned my hair from relaxed to natural for approximately 6 months, which evolved into much more than a physical transformation.

What was your support system like once you went natural? How would you describe your hair journey so far?

My friends and family have been very supportive during my natural journey. In the beginning, there were naysayers, other people were questioning my decision, but this was something I was doing for myself. There were days I wanted to give up and go back to relaxing but quitting isn’t a word I use very often. Going through this process built my self-esteem and strengthen my patience.

What hair products can you not live without?

As most, like myself become product junkies, trying to discover what works for your hair type. But products that I find essential for my hair would be shea butter, vegetable glycerin, almond, jojoba, and coconut and Alma oil.

What is your signature style?

I lovvvvve double strand twist and twist-outs…

What has been one of your biggest obstacles so far in your career and how did you face it?

There haven’t been many obstacles thus far; my focus is on ensuring my company has a solid foundation.

When it comes to your hair, what do you find most challenging?

The challenge that I have faced during my journey was finding what products worked for my different textures throughout my hair.

What keeps you motivated (pertaining to life/work/or hair)?

Honestly my motivation comes from within. When I have a vision and see the end result, reaching that is what keeps me going. I also love and enjoy sharing information.

People often times know nothing about natural hair so what is the craziest remark you have has received about your hair? Any advice to the aspiring successful women out there/closing remarks?

Honestly I haven’t had many crazy comments during my process. There have been people who would crack jokes or people questioning why I decide to go natural. I would laugh at the jokes and going natural was a decision I made for my own reason so what others said didn’t matter. Advice I would give for anyone that decides to go natural or going through the process is to stay true to yourself, ignore negative comments and have patience.