Staci is a thirty year old natural from the south suburbs of Chicago; she currently lives in Central Illinois, where she works as a school teacher. This fab natural and my fellow alum is a great role model for her daughter and her students.
Marita A: How long have you been natural?
Staci: I’ve been natural for one year and ten months.
Marita A: What inspired you to go natural?
Staci: First and foremost, I need to be a role model for my daughter. It disturbed me greatly that she wanted to have long, flowing hair like the Caucasian girls in her class. Secondly, it is such a feat to find a Stylist in my area that specializes in hair care, creative styling, AND adheres to some standard of professionalism in terms of punctuality.
Marita A: What was the most difficult part of transitioning to natural?
Staci: The most difficult part in the journey has been finding products that work for my hair. I have spent countless hours on blogs and YouTube, as well as hundreds of dollars on products. According to the overflowing shelves in my closet and bathroom and shrinking pockets, I think I am done experimenting with products for now!
Marita A: How did your family, friends, spouse or significant other react to your hair’s new kinky texture?
Staci: Thankfully, I have not encountered very many intentional negative comments. In general, I’ve found that most people who acknowledge my hair positively are either fellow naturals or curious about what I’ve done to achieve a particular style. Some people attempt to give me compliments; however they inadvertently say something that could be taken negatively. I’ve just started to collect the comments that people make so that I can share them with other naturals for a good laugh.
Marita A: Have you tried to convert any of your friends or family members into naturalistas?
Staci: Although I do share my experiences and bits of information that I’ve learned about hair in general, I have not tried to recruit anyone. Being natural is definitely a commitment; for me it has inspired a lifestyle change. I feel people should do what makes them feel the most confident in themselves.
Marita A: What’s in your makeup bag?
Staci: In my bag you will find Lipgloss by Revlon and Buxom. I’m not a makeup girl, what you see is what God gave me!
Marita A: How did you keep your skin naturally beautiful?
Staci: I wish I could say that I drink tons of water and have a super special daily cleansing and moisturizing regimen. But, I do not. I don’t use any products besides Dove or Caress soap, Jergens Shea Butter lotion, and/or Johnson’s baby oil.
Marita A: Did you go through any kind of personal/spiritual transformation while going through the process of going natural?
Staci: I absolutely have! I have found myself trying to become the best that I can be mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, and professionally. When going natural, confidence is everything. I stand strong and proud of my choice to be natural; I want that to be conveyed in everything that I do, say, and present to others. Being natural is a statement of strength and unparalleled beauty. I want my life to be a testament to that.
Marita A: What are some of your favorite hair styles?
Staci: I love my fro! The bigger it grows, the more I love it! I also love up-do styles that include twists and/or braids.
Marita A: What encouragement can you give to someone who maybe considering going natural?
Staci: You’ve set yourself apart from the rest so the hard part is done. As you go forward, be confident in what you create or try with your hair because you are in control; exert your power in the way that you see fit for your standard of beauty. There is nothing more beautiful than that.
Staci thank you so much for your contribution to Rachel O. Beauty as well as your contribution to children! We all appreciate your kind words and wisdom.
