Guest Post
by: Marita A.
Aja is a suburban girl who has always dreamed of living in Chicago.
These days she can finally say, “I’m from Chicago!” Having lived in
Chicago since 2010, Aja has made good use of the Windy City. This
natural woman is tackling a full-time job as a payroll specialist, as
well as a graduate degree in HR Management at Roosevelt University.
These days she can finally say, “I’m from Chicago!” Having lived in
Chicago since 2010, Aja has made good use of the Windy City. This
natural woman is tackling a full-time job as a payroll specialist, as
well as a graduate degree in HR Management at Roosevelt University.
Marita A: How long have you been natural?Aja: My last relaxer was in June of 2010. I transitioned for 10 months
before I decided to “big-chop”. I recently celebrated my 1 Year
Nappyversary on April 1, 2012!
before I decided to “big-chop”. I recently celebrated my 1 Year
Nappyversary on April 1, 2012!
Marita A: What inspired you to go natural?Aja: I was inspired by a lot of the natural ladies featured on YouTube. I knew
that going natural would help to strengthen my hair because it is
very fine. After a few months of not relaxing my hair I started to
notice my new growth; I loved my natural texture. I thought about it for
months then decided that going natural was something I wanted to do.Marita A: What was the most difficult part of transitioning to natural?Aja: One word, TRANSITIONING! My hair was two different textures, I
experienced a lot of breakage because of that. I tried to transition
for a full year but I just couldn’t do it any longer. After 10 months
I finally cut off all the relaxed ends.
that going natural would help to strengthen my hair because it is
very fine. After a few months of not relaxing my hair I started to
notice my new growth; I loved my natural texture. I thought about it for
months then decided that going natural was something I wanted to do.Marita A: What was the most difficult part of transitioning to natural?Aja: One word, TRANSITIONING! My hair was two different textures, I
experienced a lot of breakage because of that. I tried to transition
for a full year but I just couldn’t do it any longer. After 10 months
I finally cut off all the relaxed ends.
Marita A: How did your family, friends, spouse or significant other
react to your hair’s new kinky texture?Aja: My family and friends all loved it! I received one negative
comment from and EX boyfriend… emphasis on the EX!Marita A: Have you tried to convert any of your friends or family
members into naturalistas?Aja: I have, but I would say that most of my good friends are already
natural. However, if anyone tells me that they’re thinking about going
natural, I always encourage them to.
Marita A: What’s in your makeup bag?Aja: In my makeup bag you can find Carmex, EOS: Lip Balm Sphere, and
lip gloss. I’m slightly obsessed with soft lips J. I also use Revlon
Colorstay Foundation, Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towlette’s,
eye liner pencils, eye shadow
compacts, and blush .Marita A: How did you keep your skin naturally beautiful?Aja: My skin is still a work in progress. I would attribute the
progress I have made to multi-vitamins, water, the AcneFree system, and my
Clarsonic facial cleanser!Marita A: Did you go through any kind of personal/spiritual
transformation while going through the process of going natural?Aja: I most certainly did! While I’ve always loved my natural hair
texture, I had to grow and become confident. I realized that I could still feel
confident with my natural hair just as I did with my long, straight, bouncy Indian Remy hair! Natural hair can be cute, sexy, fun, flirty classy and
Professional. YES I SAID PROFESSIONAL!
Marita A: What are some of your favorite hair styles?Aja: My favorite styles are wash-n-go’s, twist-outs and braid-outs.Marita A: What encouragement can you give to someone who maybeconsidering going natural?Aja: It’s important to understand that everyone has their own hair
texture and that ALL textures are beautiful! No one hair texture is “prettier”
than the other. It’s similar to our body-types; what works for my
body may not work for your body and vice versa. It doesn’t mean that
one body type is “prettier” than the other, it simply means each
individual needs to find what compliments our body type. The same
applies to natural hair in my opinion.
