Jun. 2008 Spotlight - Ysheena

Where are you from and how is the natural scene there?
I'm Originally from North Carolina. I was raised in Orlando, Florida where I currently reside. The Natural scene in Orlando is pretty scarce, However, It has actually widened within the past year or so.

How long did you transition and how long have you been natural?
I transitioned for 8 months before I decided to do the Big Chop. I have been natural for 1 year and 6 months.

How you feel about your natural hair in the beginning?
When I decided to go natural, at first I was rather nervous because I wasn't knowledgeable on what to do to my natural hair, and I had no idea how I would feel not having a perm. My confidence level was low, because I felt that I would be different and I would be judged.

How much support did you receive when you decided to go natural?
When I big chopped, I got a couple of comments such as "Are you depressed"? Why did you cut all of your pretty hair off? However, when my hair began to grow, the same people asked me; "What was your mom thinking when she put a perm on your head?" lol

Has there been any differences in your life from going natural?
The difference in my lifestyle is that my confidence has risen. I love being different. I love the way my curls just fly in the wind, and how I no longer have to avoid water. I love the rain now!! I am Ysheena. And I don't have to fit into what society thinks is beautiful.

How do you maintain your hair?
I drink a lot of water! Yes. Water. Water keeps my hair strong, and makes it grow, grow,grow! I also use IC fantasia Gel. This is a staple of mine. and I shampoo once a month. I rinse my hair twice a week. And no-poo atleast once a week.

What is the best thing about begin natural for you?
The best thing about being natural honestly is the compliments I get. I love the fact that people come at you thinking that you may have manipulated your hair, when in fact, these curls are all mine and not store bought. They are Gods little gifts, and I embrace the natural beauty that I now have.

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?
The 3 must haves if I were stranded on a deserted Island is.. Conditioner, water, and IC Fantasia gel. You cant go wrong with these 3 things.

What advice would you give someone who was thinking of going natural?
I would advice anyone going natural to look at MotownGir, and the fotki website. I looked at MotownGirl for 3 hours one night. This was a month before I did my Big Chop. The site encouraged me that I could be just as beautiful naturally. Fotki taught me how to learn from woman that had my same textured hair. The site made me feel good about my hair because other woman could relate and give advice.

Any final words?
Stay strong natural woman. Its a blessing to be who you are. Theres no reason to process the hair that you were born with. Its beautiful. You are beautiful!

Visit Ysheena's hair journal here