Guest Post by: Marita A.
Greetings beautiful people! The sun is out and it looks like it’s here to stay I’m so excited to introduce this weeks’ natural beauty, she has some funky styles that are a must try for this summer. Camille proudly wears many hats: woman of the most High, wife, mother, sister, mentor and FashioNaturalista (as she likes to refer to herself). Outside of her many roles, Camille uses her “me time” to simply relax, listen to good music, and let her creativity flow through her pen. This natural diva loves her mane and dresses it up well. I hope you all enjoy her story, I sure did!
Marita A: How long have you been natural?
Camille: I began transitioning in January 2010, and then I finally decided to do the big chop June 3, 2010.
Marita A: What inspired you to go natural?
Camille: Going natural was something that I’ve always wanted to do. I actually contemplated doing it for at least a year before going through with it. It took an unfortunate experience with a dermatological condition that affected my entire body from head to toe, for me to take that step. At that point it was no longer an issue of should I; it was more like, OK this is it…enough!
Marita A: What was the most difficult part of transitioning to natural?
Camille: The two most difficult parts of transitioning were letting all of my relaxed hair grow out, and the “in between” stage. The process of transitioning was frustrating after a while. During the “in between” stage my hair was not quite a TWA but still not long enough to experiment with and try different styles.
Marita A: How did your family, friends, spouse or significant other react to your hair’s new kinky texture?
Camille: Initially, I received mixed reactions. Overall the majority of my loved ones adored it; they really embraced my decision to go kinky. My husband, well he absolutely loved it and still does.
Marita A: Have you tried to convert any of your friends or family members into naturalistas?
Camille: Why, of course I have. I’ve actually been successful with some of my attempts.
Marita A: What’s in your make up bag?
In my make up bag you can find my favorites, which include: C.O. Bigelow coconut butter lip butter, Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara (Black), The Cutest Little Compact, Cover Girl Penelope Pink Lipstick (Queen Collection), Revlon Colorburst Lip Gloss in Sunset Peach, small bottle of Philosophy Pure Grace spray fragrance, Vaseline (you just never know when you’ll need it), a nail file, a soft bristle toothbrush (for fly away hair and baby hair), and lots of Bobby Pins.
Marita A: How do you keep your skin naturally beautiful?
Camille: I try to keep my beauty regimen as natural as possible. Once a week I exfoliate with homemade baby butter cakes (melted then cooled shea and coco butter, essential orange oil, shredded coconut flakes, and a mixture of dry herbs) this leaves my skin feeling incredibly soft and helps get rid of any rough and dark spots. Dove soap is my best friend, I use it for cleansing. After that I apply apricot oil to moisturize my face, and coconut and lavender oil for my body. It’s a must that I moisturize! I’m an absolute fanatic when it comes to it.
Marita A: Did you go through any kind of personal/ spiritual transformation while going through the process of going natural?
Camille: I am a pretty spiritual person anyway. So, I would have to say for me it was more of a personal/self esteem thing. Going natural has really helped me to embrace who I truly am, and who I was created to be. It has helped me to realize the things I once considered flaws, to be perfections. These are things that solidify my uniqueness.
Marita A: What are some of your favorite hair styles?
Camille: My #1 hairstyle is a fro hawk. My other favorite hair styles are twist outs, updos, and of course the good ole fro. Yep, can’t leave out the fro.
Marita A: What encouragement can you give to someone who may be considering going natural?
Camille: Going the natural way is one of the most liberating decisions you will ever make in your life. It’s a move that will set you free from the “what they think you should look like” cliché. So, Step away, Step out, Be Bold, Be Free. Peace!
Thanks Camille, for sharing some of your beauty tips and your insight into natural hair.
