A Natural Hair Affair: Meet

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Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Naturally Meet: Karita

It's been a while since we've had a Naturally Meets post, so I decided to bring it back with a friend of mine. This beauty has overcome many obstacles and continues to climb, break barriers, and achieve a list of goals. She's very talented, wears many hats, is down to earth, and rocks natural hair. If you haven't already heard her name, be on the look out! I'd like you to Naturally Meet Karita Fleming!!

How long have you had natural hair? Over 10 years

What's your definition of natural hair? Just no relaxers, because to say chemical free is silly. You're setting yourself up for the impossible, because even dreadlocks require maintenance with conditioners and shampoos; all which have chemicals in it. Even the water we use to wash it has chemicals in it.

Do you have a favorite style to wear? I love em all. My style changes when the wind blows. I can flat iron it straight, add color, or rock a giant afro. The possibilities are limitless.

Any must have products? Just recently discovered Mane and Tail detangler, it is a life saver. It quite literally transformed my hair from a gnarled up monkey knuckle that would break a comb, into a healthy manageable tangle free mess of curls.

If you could suggest 2 things to someone who's considering going relaxer free what would they be? First, don't think just because your hair is natural you have to rock an afro for the rest of your life. As a model or actress, for me having to always rock the same style would be a career killer. Natural offers the same hair options as a relaxer, and in fact more, because you can now dye your hair, you can straighten it with a flat iron, wear weaves and wigs, play with textures, or you can rock an afro with little to no lasting damage to your hair.

Second, to be honest not everyone looks good with the afro just as some people can't rock short hair or red hair, or blond isn't your thing, but please really explore all your natural options, for instance like more people don't know this, but Queen Latifah has natural hair she keeps braided in cornrows or flat ironed.

What was your biggest hair mishap? The last hair show I did for Paul Mitchell. It was so terrible. They bleached my hair then died it 5 colors, and shaved a headband into my head and cut out little stars in the middle of my hair.

How did you cope? After the show I went home and balled my eyes out. Let's just say a good chunk of that pay check went to getting me a nice wig for a month or two.

Where do you get hair styles/fashion tips from? From anywhere and everywhere, sometimes it might be an anime I saw, a film, book, my shoes, or the way the sunsets and the biggest is YouTube. Someone will know how to exactly what you want to do to your hair and tell you how to do it step by step. I learned how to cornrow my own hair last night for instance and I love making my own clothes so it gives you that too.

Do you have any fav hair sites, blogs, or magazines? I look for inspiration from every possible source. I have to admit it, but I am that chick that loves getting the hottest styles first (just to be like you ain't up on this). So I usually watch YouTube for most of the fashion weeks from around the world. It usually is an indicator of the next big trends. I love love love Trendhunter.com. Being a model and actress means you have to take in a lot of media from music videos to magazines. Well, I haven't actually read a real magazine in a long time, but my favorite blog, besides yours, is MUSE from Paris, and Cutie from Japan, and of course ISIS from the U.K. As for films the biggest influence right now is, "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," original version and anime from Japan. I have to stop there, because this would take over the whole blog to name them all off.

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What does your family and friends think about your hair? My mom is so not a fan, but my boyfriend loves it when I pull out my Foxy Cleopatra (my Afro's nickname).

Are you your hair? Yes and no. Hair is dead; it isn't a living organism no matter what a hair commercial tells you. But what I do with my hair is an expression of me.

If your hair had a theme song, what would it be? Chaka Kahn 1979 "I'm Every Woman"

Did you transition from your relaxed hair, or did you do the big chop? I actually got bored of my hair when I was about 16. Like I always had long relaxed hair for most of my life, and one day I wanted my hair to be a reflection of me, so I chopped it all off like the chick from 28 days later and never looked back.

Any pics to share? Girl, they are plastered all over my internet and facebook, but I have a few just for your blog.

Is there anywhere we can see more of you online? Recently I was featured in Vibe Vixen Magazine, and finished an editorial for ISIS, which is a British mag dedicated to natural hair. You can also see me on the first season of MTV2's Burnout the Ultimate Challenge, and soon to be aired Syfy Pilot "Wizard Hunters." Also check out my page and Facebook.

Twitter? @KaritaFleming

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Naturally Meet: Shenicka

Let me start by saying Shenicka is one of the most inspirational people I've ever met! We've been friends for a few years now, but met when she was hired as a work-study student at a former job of mine. We started out working indirectly every once in a while, and ended up being like sisters. If there's ever a time when you need a good word, an ear to talk to, a hug, advice, or a laugh Shenicka is the one! For as long as I've known her, Shenicka hasn't been one to let others opinions decide what's "best for her," or one to give into peer pressure. A great example of this is her over coming obstacles. Speed bumps in the road did not stop her graduating from The Ohio State University with a Bachelors of Social Work, or even continuing on to recently graduated from Case Western Reserve University with her Masters of Science in Social Administration!!! Now that I've told you her life story here's your turn to Naturally Meet Shenicka:

What's your name? Shenicka J.

How old are you? 25

Where are you from? Toledo, OH

How long have you been natural?
I have been natural for almost 26 months (2 years and 2 months). I tried a prior time for 10 months then reverted back to a perm that did not take, so after that experience I decided to try it again, and this time stick to it.

What made or keeps you chemical free? I grew tired of spending my money on chemicals that really didn't work much different from what my natural hair could already do. I realized after a while that my hair was gonna do what it was allowed to do, either way, with or without chemicals, ending at the same result. What keeps me natural is the same mine, but I always remember how stunted my growth was when I used chemicals and how much liberty I feel now as I dare to do things with my hair I either wouldn't do before or couldn't do because of limitation of the chemicals.

What's your favorite style to wear? I love defined curls, so I love washing my hair and putting leave-in conditioner in my hair that helps keep my curls defined, moisturized, and shiny. I also like updo's (photos below).

Do you have any must have products? I am still in search of "the right product" that will work with my grade of natural hair. However, I do enjoy using Garnier Fructis products, and Olive Oil Organic products.

Where do you currently get hair tips and ideas from? Currently, all my friends with the exception of 2-3 are natural, so I usually get tips by word of mouth, via strangers and friends. It's amazing how much someone is willing to share about their process if you would just ask. I do it all the time, because I am always inquiring to learn new things about embracing "my natural".

Are there any words of encouragement, or thoughts you'd like to share? I would like to encourage those ladies who have considered, or are considering joining us naturals to "Just Do It". Don't preoccupy the thoughts of "I want to do it, but I just can't do it...I don't think I can". I use to be that same person who didn't believe they could do it, but I did it and am doing it everyday. I do want to enlighten you that you will go through stages of growth, but once you have reached that peak, you will never look back. It liberates you; it embraces your inner beauty, and defines your profound characteristics. It also gives you a new confidence, because as a woman we all know our hair is very important to us. Once you've mastered embracing your "natural" you will be able to storm any weather. The best thing about being natural is the uniqueness of everyone. No two people are the same, but we all share one thing and that is Liberty. India Arie says it best, "I Am Not My Hair", and neither are you...Be Blessed!

And there it is folks ^_^" Here are some photos that Shenicka provided.

You're still able to straighten, curl, pin, etc. your hair being chemical free!!

Any questions or comments?? I'd love to hear what you think...leave em below ^_~"

Friday, September 16, 2011

Naturally Meet: Toia

Toia is an AWESOME photographer I had the pleasure of meeting, and working with on multiple occasions!!!! I was drawn to her work, because she has no boundaries. Toia doesn't limit her work to rail thin, salon perfect hair wearing, flawless skinned, 6'8" models. Her spectrum and mind are much more open than that. She is very true to herself, her work, and life. I love that in her! Even though she's been SUPER busy she managed to help me out by answering some questions, and providing great info for me to pass on. Here's your turn to Naturally Meet, Miss Toia!

When did you become natural? May of 2006 was my last relaxer.

Did you transition, or do the Big Chop? I transitioned first and then did my big chop on January 26, 2007 after watching Malcolm X.

What influenced you to become natural? I admired the uniqueness of being natural. I had tried to transition for five years before I actually went natural. Then, I met a local photographer who traveled all over the world taking images of beautiful people in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. I saw one image of a girl with really strong African Features. She was from West Africa. I thought she was not attractive, and I wondered what made him choose her to be photographed. He told me that he thought she was beautiful. I felt a bit guilty, because I realized as old as I was that I had been taught to hate those features that are unique to Africans and African Americans. It was self hate. I felt ashamed. I kept looking at the image, and I realized that I shared the same features (wide nose and full lips), but that I was somewhat of a hypocrite, because I hid mine behind a long silky wrap of chemically relaxed hair. I decided at that moment to go natural and to stand firm in my decision this time

What's the best thing about being natural? The cost! Economically, it is cheaper (besides experimenting with different products on my hair). I no longer have to spend 65 dollars for a relaxer. Also, I do not miss sitting in a chair for hours on end. I'm so glad that's not me anymore!

Top 3 fave products? Carol's Daughter Hair Milk, Hello Hydration Moisturizing Conditioner, and Apple Cider Vinegar.

What's your hair routine? In the summer, I wash with an apple cider vinegar rinse in the shower. I then use a cheap conditioner to comb through to detangle. After that, I rinse thoroughly and then apply either the hair milk OR the conditioner (depending how my funds are). I never comb it after detangling. I allow it to dry with the product on, in ringlets. In the mornings, I shower and allow the mist to spray my hair and I may apply a little more product as needed. In the winter, I have my hair wish, blow dried and flat ironed professionally, or sometimes I do it at home.

What do you love the most about being natural? I love the versatility and my hair seems so much healthier. It's growing like a wild fire!

More Information provided by Toia:

~~~~If you're interested in learning more about the Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse H E R E !! is a helpful how-to video.

~~~~Want to learn how to condition your hair like Toia described above? Watch this how-to video H E R E !! This is what Toia had to say about it:

"I also condition and comb my hair through in the shower. After doing this, I NEVER comb my hair again. I put the next product in and let it dry in ringlets. That's if I'm doing the conditioner only. In this video, the girl uses a plastic brush to define her curls, but I don't like it. It makes my hair too flat, so I just let it air dry with conditioner after conditioning in the shower. I use a cheap conditioner in the shower and rinse it out. I use a heavier one after showering and let it air dry with the conditioner in it."

~~~~I myself have used the Conditioner Only Method. You can find more information on how to do this H E R E !! This site shows you the results of this method on different hair types.

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Helpful links for networking, videos, and more hair information:

The following are some photos of me that Toia has skillfully taken! Remember these photos are protected, copyrighted, and permission for any and all use must strictly have permission from Toia herself.