Guest Post by: Marita A.

SunShine is a fierce natural from “The Lou”! She is a health conscious mother and wife that enjoys family time and making healthy smoothies with her Vitamix. Outside of the best job ever, as a teacher, she is the proud business owner/founder of SunShine’s Natural and Loving It! You can find her page on Facebook or check her out here

Marita A: How long have you been natural?

SunShine: I have been natural almost all of my life, with a few exceptions. However this time around I’ve been doing it with no heat and all natural hair products for three years now!

Marita A: What inspired you to go natural?

SunShine: It really was a lifestyle change for me. After my mom lost her battle with cancer, I started to view my overall health in a different light. I transitioned to being a vegetarian and my hair followed suit!

Marita A: What was the most part of transitioning to natural?

SunShine: It really wasn’t difficult. I tried perms, I really did. My hair just didn’t respond well to them. I got tired of suing Aphogee and 911 to mend my hair; it wasn’t worth it. After I had my son, who is four years old now, I began to transition immediately. I transitioned for a year and six months using sew-ins, wigs, and braids.
Marita A: How did your family, friends, spouse or significant other react to your hair’s new kinky texture?

SunShine: My husband Larry is really supportive. He prefers my natural hair over weaves, he was so happy when the weave came out! My friends, well my college friends are used to my hair being natural; my new found friends are all natural, LOL, I’m kidding! They are supportive because they see how passionate I am about natural hair, as well as embracing my natural self. It took my sisters a bit to come around. They are very opinionated about certain styles; they each have their favorites, LOL!

Marita A: Have you tried to convert any of your friends or family members into natrualistas?

SunShine: Converted? Nah! I’m sure I’ve inspired many of my friends and family members. I just try to provide support in any way that I can. Being in your natural state isn’t for everyone, you know?

Marita A: What is in your makeup bag?

SunShine: Hmmm, well I am a M.A.C girl! I have some stuff from E.L.F too! Truth be told, I just started wearing makeup!

Marita A: How do you keep your skin naturally beautiful?

SunShine: I use African Black Soap on my face, along with a honey and sugar scrub, and I follow up with moisturizer from Shea Moisture.

Marita A: Did you go through any kind of personal/spiritual transformation while going through the process of going natural?
SunShine: Yes! I just started working out again after almost thirteen years! Being natural has made me want to add years to my life!

Marita A: What are some of your favorite hairstyles?

SunShine: I love buns, stretched braid outs and twist outs, and my afro.

Marita A: What encouragement can you give to someone who may be considering going natural?

SunShine: Know that you have to have patience. Patience with people accepting your natural state. Patience for your hair to be as healthy as you want it to be. Patience for your hair to be the length that you want it to be. Patience to know that you will find the right products that work for you!

Thanks SunShine for sharing your story with us, as well as all of your work in the natural hair community!