TFK

I decided to go natural on a complete whim (which is how I make most of my important decisions lol  ). I was browsing through random photos online one night and came across a photo of Corinne Bailey Rae’s hair http://www.exposay.com/corinne-bailey-rae-q-awards-2009—arrivals/p/33916/12/It was huge and curly and I thought it was just the prettiest thing! I’ve always had a thing for curls so that night, after having a perm since the wee age of 4, I decided to start my transition. This was in January 2009 and my last relaxer was in December 2008. I scoured websites finally finding Curlinikki.com and I was instantly addicted. I was in college though so I couldn’t buy everything I wanted so I just used Cantu’s shea butter and a spray bottle of water lol. I was never good at doing my own hair even when I was relaxed, so while I tried a few braid outs, I mainly stuck to a pony tail since my hair was shoulder length anyway. Well things were going pretty good until I came home that summer. My mom instantly disapproved saying my hair was nappy and it looked awful, etc. My sisters would laugh at me when I tried to explain what I was doing. My family was stuck on the idea that only straight hair was beautiful and unless you had 3a-3b curls, you needed a relaxer  So I had to endure in this environment and I admit I’m not the strongest when it comes to sticking with my decisions so I finally got a relaxer in July 2010 right before I went back to school. Getting the relaxer was a terrible experience though. I made my appt with my normal stylist but when she tried to part my hair the comb couldn’t get through! My hair was so matted up and tangled that she sent me home to work through it and I had to come back By this time I was so discouraged I just had to sit in my car and cry. But I went home and gingerly got through the knots and tangles and went back to the salon a few days later. The stylist had to use 3 tubs of relaxer! lol I had about 4 inches of new growth, and it cost a pretty penny but I admit when it was all over my hair was stunningly pretty. It was BSL (longest its ever been) and blowing in the wind. I really liked it and went to school and got another perm 6 weeks later. But after that, the curly bug got to me again and I decided “what the heck might as well try again”, so I did! lol  It’s been about 3 months now and things are going pretty well. I know a lot more from my past experience and am prepared to combat the struggles. I came home for winter break and my mom was on the same tune but this time I don’t care. It’s my hair, I love what’s growing out of it, nappy or not.

Tell us about yourself? Name, where you are from, your interest… Alicia James, I was raised in Philadelphia Ms and now residing in Houston Texas where I was actually born! I am interested in anything interesting! LOL Just kidding! Number one for me is family! I love music, singing, writing! I like to watch UFC, play basketball, even enjoy watching wrestling! I am a girlie girl that also likes to be a boy sometimes!  I also love natural hair natural hair natural hair!!! LOL! You have Such a lovely voice, when did you start singing? Thank you so much!! I have been singing as long as I can remember! Would You want this to be a career for yourself? If so, how do you hope to achieve the dreams of being in the top ten billboards if you do see yourself at that level? Wow! I would love for this to be a career for me eventually, if not singing definitely being a part of the music industry. Being in the music industry is  a lot of hard work, it’s not easy, so I definitely try to stay motivated and do whatever I can to make my dream come true! Did any negativity get thrown at you while singing your heart out? Oh yes! There are people who give you feedback to help you and there are people who give you feedback to hurt you, you have to learn the difference! Can’t mistake one for the other, doing so will lead you nowhere! What does music mean to you? I haven’t yet defined what it means to me, but I do know that it is in me, and it is a part of me. Even if I wanted to quit I couldn’t! When I first discovered  you Your hair was one big attraction for me, when and why did you decide to get rid of the creamy crack (or have you been Natural all your life)? The creamy crack….LOL! Well, I have been natural for two years. Big chopped September 2007. I transitioned for nearly an entire year! I decided to go natural, because I was tired of my hair breaking off. It would get to shoulder length, and never would get passed that point. My hair was looking pretty bad, and I just knew relaxing my hair was killing it! I did not know anything about being natural, going natural,  natural hair community, I just did it! What were some things you did to motivate you to remain in the Natural Hair community? Do you reflect daily, make products to keep you on your toes, write in a journal etc…. The thing that has helped me to remain in the natural hair community is constant blogging and vlogging! You have so many people watching you and holding you accountable, how could you ever go back! LOL! If you get bored with your hair…what do you do? If I get bored, I just try a new hairstyle!  Updo, twist, twistout, braidout, anything! BAM! LOL! Have you ever been tempted to revert back to relaxed hair? Yes! Before I discovered youtube and all of the natural hair communities and blogs, I just didn’t know what to do with my hair! I was alone and lost! I actually bought the relaxer and was sitting on the floor getting ready to do it, when I updated my status telling everyone, I was cursed out by multiple people who will remain nameless! LOL! Do you have any hair goals that you will like to obtain? At first I didn’t, but after seeing how healthy my hair could get, I am not working on waist length! What are your favorite products for your hair? Shea Butter and  African Oil What is the craziest remark someone has said to you about your hair? “Your hair is like cotton, I wanna’ play in it” ß-REALLY??? Why did you first create your blog or Youtube channel? I enjoyed watching everyone else’s videos, but I knew that in order for me to continue to educate myself about my hair, I would have to have a bigger roll then just being out in the audience. I had to be a part of the actual show! J Where can we find you on the net? http://naturalchickepi.com http://www.youtube.com/aliciaJamesMusic http://www.msaliciajames.com I’m also on Facebook and twitter @AliciaJames Any advice for your fellow natural sisters whether it be hair wise or career? Being natural is not easy, especially if you have not been natural your entire life. Everyone will not like it, there will be some negativity, but if you love it LOVE it! That’s the only thing that matters, if you love it, the experience will be amazing! As far as your career, it doesn’t matter what it is, just know whatever you want to do, you can do! PERIOD!  

Tell us about yourself? Where you from, Name, your interest…Hello fellow curlies!! My name is Raven and i’m from good old SC..I’m a full time student at a small university majoring in nursing..hopefully I will be in the nursing program Fall 2011!!Right now my interest is mainly school..but i am a big music fan and love spending time with my family, friends, and my dogs (I have 2 shitzu that I love to death) When and why did you decide to get rid of the creamy crack?I decided to get rid of the creamy crack because honestly I was just bored of my relaxed hair..I had a short relaxed hair cut for 5 years..so I was looking for something new and unique..So at first I decided to just put some braids in my hair and hopefully my boredom would roll over..but I started doing research about different hairstyles while I was in braids and soon stumbled upon a lady with a head full of curls!! It was beautiful, full, curly, and NATURAL!! So for about a month I research natural hair like crazy..and when i took out my braids I decided to BC..I only had my braids in for 1 month so that’s exactly how long I transition for 1 freaking month!!..I wasn’t really focused on length, I was just anxious to see my natural hair and all its glory..So on Aug 3rd 2010 I BC in my bathroom with my sister’s help..and Ive been loving it ever since.. What is your support system like after you made your decision to go natural?I’ve had a big support system..to tell you the truth I haven’t really heard any negative comments..It took some time for my Mama to get use to it but now she loves it and now she decided to transition to natural hair as well!! But my family and friends have all given me good comments about my hair..The only negative commets come from ignorant boys and girls who don’t understand there are more definition in beauty besides straight hair.. It is true that we are not our hair, or anyone else’s, but do you have any Natural Hair crushes?I definitely have some hair crushes but the main one is Africanexport on youtube..I love how big her twist out, puffs, and wash n gos are..everything about her hair is BIG and thats what I love BIG hair..What are your inspirations in life and for your hair?My parents are a big inspiration in my life..They have supported me all throughout my college career..They have provided me with knowledge, independence, and helped me become the women I am today..because they have instilled so much in me I have become very confidence so rockin natural hair is not a problem..Do you have any hair goals that you will like to achieve?I really don’t have a hair goal..I just want my hair to grow and be healthy and BIG!!  When you are going through your daily regimen what products do you reach for first and why?QHEMETS ALMA OIL HEAVY CREAM!!! omg I love that product it will definitely be a staple of miens forever!! It keeps my hair soft for days and now that its winter we’ve become even more closer to battle this winter weather..My hair is always soft, define, and well moisturized when using it..It soaks right in my hair and never leaves a greasy feeling..It my hair’s BFF lol  Where can we find you on the net?curlynikki forum!! i love that forum the ladies are so helpful and serve as great support systems..I have a journal on the forum as well my username is rayray19Im also on facebookAny advice for your fellow natural sisters?The advice I would give other naturals is to experiment, love, and embrace your curls..Also use these blogs,forums, and you tube as information source not as a bible for your hair..so many ladies get caught up and frustrated with their hair because it didn’t do what so and so did..or it didn’t turn out like so and so did..you have to remember ever natural head is different..what may work for her might not work for you..learn what works for your hair and maintain it will be a lot more easier

Tell us about yourself? Where you from, your interest… I’m awesome if I do say so myself lol just kidding… I’m a mix of everything… quiet and social, exciting and boring, lol things like that… I LOVE hair especially curly hair… it’s something I stumbled upon by accident and I couldn’t be happier doing anything else [besides dancing] I just can’t wait to get out there and work! When and why did you decide to get rid of the creamy crack? My aunt told me to stop relaxing my hair 1 day and I did… no long drawn out decision… nothing dramatic I just did what she said because she does hair lol… I don’t remember the transition… I’m pretty sure it all broke off but at the time my hair was dead last on my “Things to Care About” list… I decided to wear it kinky July 2009 after I began researching health hair practices and stumbled across a thread called “post your fro” I fell in love! After years of hearing how difficult my hair was I decided to learn to manage it while it’s doing what it does best… and haven’t looked back since Who is your Natural Hair Crush? Huummm… I don’t think I have one… =/ I’ll look into that Why did you first create your blog or Youtube channel? I created MiiSSkECiia.com to act as a journal for myself because I was researching healthy hair practices but I wasn’t seeing results… however I wasn’t being consistent either… so I feel like if I have an audience or someone “watching” me I’d be more motivated to do what I know is right for my hair… I also want to have a voice in the online natural hair community and in the natural hair community all together… If I help one person the purpose for my blog has been fulfilled What were some things you did to motivate you to remain in the Natural Hair community? It’s never been a struggle for me to remain natural… sometimes it is hard with a lot of the “When are you gonna do something to your hair?” comments but I never want to go back to scalp burns and flat hair… no desire what-so-ever lol Do you have any hair goals that you will like to obtain? My goal is Waist Length stretched… will I die if I don’t get there? No. I really just want lush HEALTHY hair What is your support system like? My boyfriend has been amazing! He knows just what to say all the time… My direct family… they don’t really say much I get the occasional “oh that’s cute” from my mom but that’s it but I began to wear my hair natural [kinky] for me so if I think it looks good hen that’s what it is… What are your favorite products for your hair? Hawaiian Silky 14-N-1 Miracle Worker, It’s a 10 Miracle Hair Mask [it takes miracles to tame this mane lol] Castor Oil, and Bronner Brothers Growth Oil, Enjoy Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner [this stuff gives me life!] I still have many product I’ve purchased that I haven’t tried so this list may grow (; What is the craziest remark someone has said to you about your hair? I don’t get crazy things… lots of nicknames though Chaka Khan, Suzie, Jill Scott lol the usuals Where can we find you on the net? 1,000 places! MiiSSkECiia.com Facebook, Twitter, Natural Sunshine, just search “MiiSS kECiia” [either with or without the space] and I’ll be there Any advice for your fellow natural sisters? Be patient… listen to your hair… and stick to what works! 

I had a very unique childhood… and I’ll leave it at that. For the first few years of my life, I didn’t have anyone to take care of my hair. Y’all, I went to an all black school, lol. I remember those taunts. When I moved to Texas in 1998 (at age 7) with my aunt and uncle, my aunt began to take care of my hair. After some time, I had hair down my back. Sometime around 6th grade, I began taking care of my own hair. It broke off badly from manipulation. Around 9th grade, It was growing again but that’s when I decided to get my first short hair cut. I got it cut like Rhianna’s first asymmetrical bob. Couldn’t tell me nothing. I became addicted to getting haircuts. Of course with a haircut, you have to keep it looking fresh, so I would condition and straighten it all of the time… plus I was a cheerleader in high school and ran track… sweat and ponytails on one spectrum and pretty girl with straighteners on another… my hair suffered. When I got to college last year, I had a goal to grow my shoulder length hair 6 inches. It grew and I kept straightening it… and it grew so more. My hair was described as “shiny, flippy, Caucasian” lol… but I had split ends out the wazooo. I had also began to stretch relaxers (because I couldn’t go home to get it done). With each stretch I became more and more curious about my natural texture. Around March of last year, I missed a relaxer… I was already 2 months post and “needed” one badly. That’s when I decided to go natural. I began to notice that the little bumps of hair that were growing out of my head were so soft and clumping when I put tons of deep conditioner in my hair. The more I played with it, the more I fell in love. It’s been a journey ever since. My hair is definitely a topic of conversation nowadays. Friends and family ask me a lot of times, “Are you still doing that whole natural thing?” I try to show them videos and blogs of different naturals to show them of how it could be… I think they are slowly starting to get that I’m not changing my mind about this. I love the confidence that I feel. I don’t know what it is. It’s like saying that I have nothing to hide. This is me,.. all of me. If you don’t like it, you can keep it moving. I also love that feeling of walking down the hallway and seeing a natural smile at you because she sees that you are going natural. It’s just different. Ahh… transitioning woes. You’ve probably heard this countless times before, but that LINE OF DEMARCATION drives me nuts! I have places where I’ve “cheated”… they don’t have relaxed ends. Those sections are so easy to detangle… but when I move on to the rest of my head, it’s as if my straight hair doesn’t want to cooperate. (I’m so weird, measuring by inches but…) I hope to have 8.5 inches of natural hair when I Big Chop in August of 2011. That’s about shoulder length? From there, the goal is mid-back length. After that, I don’t think I will care about hair goals anymore. I want just enough to frame my face in a way that I like. I was toying with the idea of BCing in March, since that is the date that I decided to go natural… but I’d much rather do it in August. My hair will be a length that *I* am comfortable with.. and I can have a new doo for the fallJ   Advice for those transitioning: Moisture. Right now, my hair is in a protective style, crochet braids. I make it a point to spray my hair every night before bedtime and put a satin bonnet on. I can feel my hair underneath this style (because I play with it:/)… (my edges are completely out under this pile of hair)… and it truly IS more movable when it’s been moisturized with WATER. So much elasticity and that, of course, keeps it from breaking. Thanks for reading! J You can learn my about my ongoing hair journey at my blog: http://juceefroot.onsugar.com/