Rachel is newly engaged, and the proud mommy of a four month old baby boy. She spends her time enjoying life as a stay at home mom while attending school full time. Rachel is pursuing a degree in diagnostic medical sonography, also known as medical imaging. Standing at 5’11”, Rachel has the stature of a model. Finding fashionable clothes at her height can be difficult; as a result, she began sewing as a hobby. Rachel stays inspired with this bible verse: Phillipians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me.”
Marita A: How long have you been natural?
Rachel: I have been natural for three years.
Marita A: What inspired you to go natural?
Rachel: Seeing so many beautiful women wear their own natural hair in different ways; it inspired me.
Marita A: Who are your YouTube or Facebook “hairspirations”?
Rachel: MeechyMonroe and BlackOnyx are my favorites.
Marita A: What was the most difficult part of transitioning to natural?
Rachel: The most difficult part was finding products that would work for my natural and relaxed hair when styling.
Marita A: What does your wash day entail?
Rachel: For my wash regimen, I section my hair in four or six parts; from there I use a conditioning shampoo and then conditioner. After my wash I usually two strand twist my hair for a twist out or put two strand flat twists in my hair, these styles save me so much time.
Marita A: How did your family, friends, spouse or significant other react to your hair’s new kinky texture?
Rachel: Everyone in my family loved it and supports me. My fiancé truly loves my hair and encourages me to wear more natural hair styles instead of weaves, lol.
Marita A: What’s in your makeup bag?
Rachel: I’m not terribly into makeup only because I do not know how to make it look good on me. Wet N’ Wild black eyeliner and their famous green and pink mascara are the only items in my makeup bag.
Marita A: How did you keep your skin naturally beautiful?
Rachel: I tend to drink a lot of water and I wash my face with Aveeno face wash. I actually don’t have to do much to my skin.
Marita A: Did you go through any kind of personal/spiritual transformation while going through the process of going natural?
Rachel: I will say that I have certainly gained more self-confidence. I love it when people ask me if this all my natural hair and I proudly say, “Yes”. This process has shown me that just being me is the best thing I can give an individual and myself.
Marita A: What are some of your favorite hair styles?
Rachel: I absolutely love two strand twist outs, Bantu knot outs, two strand twists, and Senegalese twists.
Marita A: What encouragement can you give to someone who maybe considering going natural?
Rachel: The process is hard and very mental. If you stay strong and continue, and don’t give in to the relaxer, you will be so proud of your outcome and yourself.
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