Feature: Miss Chantea

Hello everyone,

I pray you all had a marvelous week! Well once again it is my pleasure to introduce to another beautiful natural!

Meet Miss Chantea!!!!!!!


1.How long have you been natural?
My last relaxer was April 2009- 1 month before my college graduation. I transitioned for 15 months (the whole time from perm to natural)
I will be natural for 2 years in May of this year 2011

2.What or who inspired you to go natural?
I was tired of relaxers. I remembered how long my hair was before I started using relaxers, and how healthy it was. I missed it and felt that my hair was boring, weak, and falling out with (chemically altered) straight hair. It was "too normal" "too comfortable" "too safe." I didn't feel like it was me AT ALL. I needed liberation, and I got it.
I always admired the hairstyles of naturals such as Lauryn Hill and Jill Scott, and other natural women.

3.What are your favorite natural hair styles?

I love bantu-knot-outs, fro-hawks (curly), braids, braid-outs, and twist-outs. Also the straw curl. I love it all!

4.What are your favorite natural hair products?
Aloe-Vera Juice and Aloe Vera Gel
Olive Oil
Organics "Olive Oil - products
Twist & Locks Honey Wax (Super) I love this product!
honey
Shea Butter
lime/lemon juice
and water.

5.Why do you love being a natural?
Everything! My hair is healthy and soft and MINE! I can actually style my hair without damaging my scalp or my hair.
It's so liberating...I'm in Love!




6.What words would you use to inspire other naturals or women who are thinking about becoming a natural?

Develop a closeness with your hair. Research all you can about styles and products! If you transition all the way (like I did) treat your hair as if it is already fully natural.
Sometimes the best thing to do for your hair is to leave it alone - *Protective Styles* (I chose to transition all the way to try different styles, and to test products - It was my personal time-table for educating myself ).

Oh and give your hair a name! My hair's name is Lega*C - meaning - returning to the essence of the roots that God gave me. Inspiring other women of color to embrace their nationality and the gift that God placed upon their crown.

Also when it comes down to it all - it's YOUR hair. You have to remember that. Make sure you are happy and Please do NOT base your decision making on what other people (friends/family) think - It will drive you CRAZY! It will be emotional at first but Be CERTAIN of YOURSELF.
You will probably receive negative comments from people you love but stay with it. If the people you love isn't used to natural hair - you will get criticized and probably receive remarks that questions your decision making and way of thinking such as "You must be going through a phase?" "You should really think it over", "Is everything ok? Are you stressed out?" and my favorite one is when they assume peer pressure or relationship pressure, as if I don't have a mind of my own. I actually had to prove to MYSELF (assuring myself) and to friends that I was born a natural and I will embrace it. And now I'm receiving more compliments about my hair and more support from the previous criticizers. In fact, people (family and friends who are not natural) are asking me (a natural) how to take care of their hair, and what products to use! (I immediately tell them to stop using relaxers, but that's not the answer they want to hear) My support system has increased tremendously and now even though there is still a little residue from the previous negative remarks, the outcome is so worth it.
Walk proud in your naturalness. I am truly a proud and confident black woman and hopefully I have encouraged you to be bold and beautiful and NATURAL!

God Bless!

Chantea

I Just love her! I think I met Chantea a lil over a year ago on naturalsunshine.ning.com. And she is such a beautiful sweet person. Natural Diva! I love it!

Thanks for you support! God Bless!