Introduce/Background info on yourself (preferably background on your Business as well)
My name is Genoa. For almost half of my life I’ve had an on again, off again relationship with relaxers. Our romance began when I was 14. I would go through long periods of growing it out and follow that up with relaxing again. At 18 I did my first bc. I shaved my head. I loved being natural, but ended up relaxing again. This pattern continued up until Dec 6 2008. It was during this current natural episode that my best friend Kemit and I began talking about starting a natural skin and hair line. Mora I. Naturals uses all natural ingredients to create products that good for your hair, skin, and wallet.
When did you decide to throw the relaxer out (if you did)?
My last relaxer was Dec 2008. Just prior to that re-touch, I had been doing research online about natural hair and stretching relaxers. I wasn’t quite sure which way I was going. Jan of 2009 I made the decision to transition. I was approaching 30 and wanted to enter this decade chemical free.
What was your support system like once you went natural?
It was wonderful. Both of my sisters are natural, my mother had dreadlocks, so they were wondering what I was waiting for. My boyfriend at the time was very supportive. He couldn’t understand why I went relaxed anyway. When he met me I had dreadlocks. He was crushed when I chopped them off. My co-workers were used to me always changing my hair styles, so they rolled with it as well.
How would you describe your hair journey so far?
I would have say that thus far the journey has instrumental to my personal growth. I no longer feel like my hair has to be “dealt” with. I dont feel like straight hair is better. I am in love with what is growing out of my scalp. As it grows and changes so do I.
You seem to be such a success business wise, what advice would you give someone trying to travel in your footsteps?
I think we have a ways to go before we are considered a success. I would say that it’s important to start where you are now. You can always make up for what you dont know by either taking a class, or reading either the book or the information online. Start where you are. Dont wait for the day to come along when everything is perfect.
What has been one of your biggest obstacles so far in your career and how did you face it?
I am the biggest challenge I face. Once I get myself together and determine what direction I’m going in everything else follows. It doesn’t come easy at first, but having a direction is a great start. I’ve gotten side tracked, but I wont give up.
When it comes to your hair, what do you find most challenging?
I’ve noticed that as it grows, the products and styles change and evolve as well. This is the longest my hair has been in some time. So I’m stretching myself trying to come up with staple styles and protective styles.
What keeps you motivated(pertaining to life/work/or hair)?
My mother passed away last year from liver disease, and my father died when I was 5. I want my parents to be proud the next time I see them.
Your hair is so beautiful, but what is the most craziest remark you have has received about your hair?
Most recently I had a friend ask me what I was mixed with, cause I didn’t have nappy hair. I laughed, but people dont know about black hair actually being curly. I’ve slowly been educating my friend.
Any advice to the aspiring successful women out there/closing remarks?
Defeat is not the worst of failures. Not to have tried is the true failure. – George Edward Woodberry
Check her Shop out at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/
