“Growing up the oldest of four, nurtured my passion for serving others. Despite my birth order, most people assume that I am an only child…lol! My family is crazy, but I love them all! I have been an occupational therapist for nearly four years, and it is an enjoyable career. Outside of that I am working toward a career in event planning and organization. My son’s social calendar keeps me extremely busy, when we are not at baseball, football, or basketball practice you can find me at bible study, taking a nap, cooking, or just hanging with the family. If I happen to get some extra time on my hands I am typically reading, dancing, writing, or listening to music. Although it may sound morbid, one of my sayings is: “The only thing certain about life is death.”
Rachel O: How long have you been natural?
Marita A: I have been natural for fourteen years.
Rachel O: What inspired you to go natural?
Marita A: My hair is somewhat fine, and it was not retaining length; I found a beautician that was able to straighten my hair without chemicals, so I was happy with that approach.
Rachel O: Who are your YouTube or Facebook “hairspirations”?
Marita A: There are a lot of talented vloggers and bloggers! A few of my favorites are Tamika Fletcher, Naptural85, xGOLDn, and Et Cetera Blog Mag.
Rachel O: What was the most difficult part of transitioning to natural?
Marita A: Hands down learning to detangle my hair and manage multiple textures was the most difficult part from what I recall.
Rachel O: How did your family, friends, spouse or significant other react to your hair’s new kinky texture?
Marita A: Everyone has a different reaction; some prefer it straight and others like my curly, coily hair. From time to time, I would take a break from the press-n-curl for a more textured look and people like my grandma and a handful of others were pretty rebellious. I’d hear things like, “you are very pretty no matter how you wear your hair…but I like it long and flowing.” I was a straight natural for years, and I still straighten from time to time. Most people have gotten used to my textured hair. My fiancé loves it; however, my son is my biggest proponent!
Rachel O: What’s in your makeup bag?
Marita A: I am not much of a makeup girl, but I make sure to carry the necessities. My bag is pretty basic: a few eye shadow palettes, concealer, bronzer, blush, lip gloss, lipstick, makeup brushes, BB cream, eye liner, mascara, and tweezers.
Rachel O: What is your wash day routine like?
Marita A: I typically wash once a week, sometimes a mid week co-wash is needed. I start by detangling with coconut oil, Shea Moisture deep conditioning treatment, and my spray bottle. I detangle in 3-4 large sections. The next phase is washing and conditioning with Giovanni 2 Chic products and Milcreek keratin shampoo and conditioner. I plop my hair, add my favorite oil, leave-in conditioner, moisturizer. I style with Shea Moisture, Eden Body Works, or Design Essentials.
Rachel O: How did you keep your skin naturally beautiful?
Marita A: I make sure I wash my face twice daily and use a homemade toner (50/50 of water and ACV, along with peppermint, sweet orange, lavender, and lemongrass essential oils). At least twice a week I use a homemade sugar scrub (¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup almond oil, a pinch of sea salt, honey, vitamin E oil, vegetable glycerin, and my favorite essential oils). Twice a month I use a bentonite clay mask.
Rachel O: Did you go through any kind of personal/spiritual transformation while going through the process of going natural?
Marita A: Because I wore my hair straight for several years, there was not a huge personal transformation so to speak. However as I began wearing my hair in its’ natural state more I have become more conscious of dietary habits, cleaning products, and other skin/hair products that I use. I have been a vegetarian for a year now and I am more bold and confident when styling my hair.
Rachel O: What are some of your favorite hair styles?
Marita A: I love my wash-n-fro! It is so easy! Two strand twists have become my favorite go to style, from there I can wear a twist out or pinned up style. Bantu knots and braid outs are also favorites.
Rachel O: What encouragement can you give to someone who maybe considering going natural?
Marita A: My biggest word of advice is PATIENCE! It gets easier to care for your natural hair once you find a regimen that works, products that work, and learn what your hair does or does not like.
Looking for support and encouragement with your natural hair? Join Chicago’s largest natural beauty community click here (www.ChicagoNaturals.net) for more information.
