May 2008 Spotlight - Lanasia

Where are you from and how is the natural scene there?
I'm Originally from New York, but im currently living in Yokosuka Japan (naval base). The natural scene down here is starting to become big. being that there are many women on the base that are in the navy, they rely on either micros, or relaxers. But i have seen plenty of women that are natural, which makes me happy! now in my high school, im the only female that i know of thats ALL NATURAL!

How long did you transition and how long have you been natural?
I transitioned for 4 months. i've been natural for 5 months, and the whole experience from bc to now has been a roller coaster.

How you feel about your natural hair in the beginning?
When Ifirst did the big chop, i was so self concious! i used to get a lot of looks! good and bad! I believe that if you decide to go natural you have to be mentally prepared, which I wasn't. but im glad i did it EARLY!

How much support did you receive when you decided to go natural?

I didn't receive much support from my family! I recieved a lot of compliments from fotki members! i just had to remind myself that i look good natural or relaxed! Therefore I mainly rec'd the most support from myself!

Has there been any differences in your life from going natural?

YES! im not judgemental as I used to be! when i saw a person who was natural i would say to myself "man they need a perm...BAD". But now I'm like "BEING NATURAL IS THE BEST THING EVER!!" When people talk negative about having natural hair it BUGS the mess out of me, but then I have to realize that i was one of those people, and they're just IGNORANT!

What has been the best thing about being natural?

YOU CAN DO ANYTHING TO YOUR HAIR! YOU DONT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT GOING TO THE GYM AND SWEATING, BECAUSE YOU CAN WASH IT AS SOON AS YOU GET HOME! AND ITS A FASHION STATEMENT! BEING NATURAL IS THE BEST THING EVER! I LOVE MY HAIR!

If you were stranded on a deserted island and had to choose 3 things for your hair, what are three things you would have to have for your hair and why?

GOODY BRUSH- lay my edges down
FANTASIA IC GEL- lay my edges down, and make my curls more defined
WATER- GOOD FOR MY HAIR!

What advice would you give someone who was thinking of going natural?

think about it! make sure its something that you really want to do, and know that you wont recieve a lot of support from people, so join a site that'll support you and your natural hair.

Any final words?

I LOVE MOTOWNGIRL.COM! THIS IS THE BEST NATURAL SITE IVE FOUND SO FAR.