Guest Post by: Marita A.
DίAna is a sassy natural who has been showcasing her wonderful curls for over a decade! This lovely natural keeps her hair and her attire up to date and stylish by working as a Image Expert at Essential Elements clothing store one of the coolest boutiques in the Chicagoland area.
Marita A: How long have you been natural?
DίAna: I have been natural since I was 13 years old, so exactly 13 years now!
Wow, just gave away my age
Marita A: What inspired you to go natural?
DίAna: Actually there was no real inspiration. I was going to a beautician who informed me that I did not need a perm to wear my hair straight; I really had a nice texture of hair that the perm was hiding. So she convinced me to let it go and discover my natural curls.
Marita A: What was the most difficult part of transitioning to natural?
DίAna: Honestly, there was no difficult part for me, I frequented my beautician who kept my hair healthy and continuously trimmed my ends, which kept the perm growing out little by little until it was all gone.
Marita A: How did your family, friends, spouse or significant other react to your hair’s new kinky texture?
DίAna: Everyone on my mother’s side has naturally curly or wavy hair, so they were al happy to see me embracing the beauty of my natural hair and thus joining the family. I always wondered why my hair was not similar to my mother’s but I realized it was the perm that hid my natural curl.
Marita A: Have you tried to convert any of your friends or family members into naturalistas?
DίAna: I have been successful at converting my sis-in-law, and one friend who really did not need any convincing on my behalf. However, three of my closest friends are truly addicted to that “creamy crack” they refuse to go natural, claiming that they need the perm.
Marita A: What’s in your makeup bag?
DίAna: If you took a peak in my make-up bag you would find my favorites for a naturally beautiful face; BareMinerals foundation kit, BareMinerals foundation primer, Make Up Forever camouflage cream (concealer), New York Color eye-liner duet (black and purple), Milani bronzer, Maybelline Volum’ Express mascara, MAC Lipgelée, and of course Neutrogena makeup remover towelettes.
Marita A: How did you keep your skin naturally beautiful?
DίAna: I have always struggled with acne, but over the years I have learned how to prevent breakouts, and decrease the need for excessive makeup. I drink as much water as possible. I wash my face twice a day with Murad Essential-C Cleanser. During the day I apply Murad Essential-C Moisturizer with SPF30 to avoid sun damage, at night I use Aveeno moisture cream. I try to keep wearing foundation to a minimum and I ALWAYS wash off makeup at night, no matter how tired I am.
Marita A: Did you go through any kind of personal/spiritual transformation while going through the process of going natural?
DίAna: Maybe not during the transition, but definitely afterwards. Not only did people see me differently, but I saw myself differently. I was able to fully embrace the mixture of ethnicities in my family; African-American, German, and Native American. It was not
until I started wearing my hair curly that people began to question my ethnicity. The most profound hair experience I have had though was cutting my hair into a bob four years ago. It was the most freeing moment, and an opportunity to say without words, “my hair does not define me, or my true beauty!”
Marita A: What are some of your favorite hair styles?
DίAna: I love wearing my hair all up in a big bun! It’s so fun and young. A natural twist out is always beautiful. Pin-ups or pinned to the side and definitely the pompadour!
Marita A: What encouragement can you give to someone who maybe considering going natural?
DίAna: Don’t let society define what beauty is for you. True beauty is being free and happy with you no matter what anyone else thinks. God has given us all beautiful textures of hair; it’s up to us to embrace it. Plus you never have to worry about sweating out your hair in Chicago’s hot summer weather, a packed club, or even getting caught in the rain ever again!
DίAna, thanks for participating in this interview, your support is greatly appreciated.
