“I’m a single mom of three children: two girls ages 11 and 22, one son age 17, and one grandchild age 3. My government occupation is accounting, but my passion is writing. I love to read, write, hang with family and friends, movies, and learning new things. I absolutely love meeting new people. I am the author of two books, and I have written for three magazines. My motto is, ‘Reaching the World with the WORD’. ”
Marita A: How long have you been natural?
Marilyn: I have been natural a little over 10 years.
Marita A: What inspired you to go natural?
Marilyn: This is a funny story. I was having problems in my marriage. My hair was relaxed and long. My husband loved my long hair. To make him angry, I thought I’d cut my hair. Needless to say, it didn’t work we’ve since divorced. But, the feeling I felt when I cut all of the relaxed hair was exhilarating. I felt lighter and freer. I immediately realized it was more for me than him and began my journey of loving me, and letting go of the hurt.
Marita A: Who are your YouTube or Facebook “hairspirations”?
Marilyn: My “hairspirations” are Jungle Barbie, also known as Pecodora99, JazzyTe007, and GrizzleRocsLocs. Of course, the beautiful Rachel O., I am not just saying that.
Marita A: What was the most difficult part of transitioning to natural?
Marilyn: The most difficult part about transitioning to natural hair was when I decided to lock my hair. It took me at least 3-5 tries and a few months before I was able to go thru the baby lock stage. Prior to reaching that stage I would wash the twists out of my hair after 2-3 weeks because I could not take the way my hair looked. But about the fifth time around, one of my co-worker’s, who has locks, encouraged me to hold on. She told me that my hair would grow fast and that my locks would be long and beautiful in no time. What she said was correct! I am three years in and I love my locks.
Marita A: How did your family, friends, spouse or significant other react to your hair’s new kinky texture?
Marilyn: The elders in my family loved my look. It reminded them of how they looked back in the 70s. My children were wondering, “What’s going on with mommy?” My friends loved it from the beginning. Some often said they wished they had the guts to do the big chop or lock their hair.
Marita A: What’s in your makeup bag?
Marilyn: Well I’m a natural gal, so my makeup bag is very simple. I like foundation, eyeliner, brow powder, and a little color for my lips; just enough to enhance what I already have. On occasion, my glam look includes eye shadow and blush. I like MAC and L’Oreal products the best.
Marita A: What is your wash routine like?
Marilyn: My at home wash day routine includes a thorough wash with Carol’s Daughter Rosemary clarifying shampoo, a hot oil treatment of a mixture of olive oil and grape seed oil, and a light conditioner. At the shop, it’s a very similar routine with different products minus the hot oil treatment.
Marita A: How did you keep your skin naturally beautiful?
Marilyn: I follow Clinique’s three-step system: wash, exfoliate, and moisturize. I use a scrub once every 2-3 weeks. I also use Clarisonic skin cleanser for a deep pore cleansing.
Marita A: Did you go through any kind of personal/spiritual transformation while going through the process of going natural?
Marilyn: I briefly mentioned this in an earlier question. I cut my hair thinking it would make my husband angry. To my surprise, I rediscovered my self-worth and me. I truly felt lighter and freer.
Marita A: What are some of your favorite hairstyles?
Marilyn: I love trying new things with my hair. I feel I can do anything with my locks. In the summer, I like to keep it pinned up; buns and any kind of up-do are my go to styles, side buns, high buns, fishtail braids, and buns. As far as up-do styles the sky is the limit, especially with all of the creative inspiration I get from YouTube. I have tried numerous styles, and I always get compliments. In the winter, I like to wear it long and flowing. So my favorite styles include wearing rod or pipe cleaner curls; I love the fullness I get. I also enjoy braid outs for that crinkly look.
Marita A: What encouragement can you give to someone who maybe considering going natural?
Marilyn: Transitioning to natural hair is a natural process. There is nothing unnatural about it. Take your time and do your research. Read about other women’s journeys to get a feel for some of the things and other emotions you may experience. Mine were light and free. Don’t let other people talk you out of it by saying what is acceptable and what is not. If you desire to be natural, you have accepted it and those around you will also. If you think you are doing this for someone else or something else, I guarantee it will point right back to you. Once you’ve done your research and decided which way you want to go, enjoy getting to know yourself better and seeing yourself in a more “natural light.”
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