“I‘m Vashti. I‘m an island girl, Grenadian to be exact. Most of my family including my parents and sisters are all there, so Grenada will always be home. I moved to the Texas in 2000 and completed gradate school at the University of Wyoming, in 2004. I live in Dallas with my husband of almost six years.

I‘m the creator of “The HodgePodge Files” a natural hair & lifestyle blog where I chronicle my hair journey, my love for DIY projects and more. I really enjoy power Yoga, cake decorating (even though I haven’t done it in a while), and I have a keen interest in photography. I love reading, and I have been known to burst into spontaneous song :). In high school, our principal drilled the saying, “If it‘s worth doing, it‘s worth doing well” into our heads and it is one that has stuck with me, I try to apply in everything I do.”

Marita A: How long have you been natural?


Vashti: I did my big chop on August 15, 2009. Three months later, in a moment of frustration I allowed a stylist to convince me to get a texturizer. The moment I did it, I regretted it. I allowed the texturizer to grow out, and haven’t looked back since.

Marita A: What inspired you to go natural?

Vashti: It was a combination of curiosity about what I’d look like with a “boy cut”, boredom with my relaxed hair, and the need for something different. Honestly, it is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Marita A: Who are your YouTube or Facebook “hairspirations”?

Vashti: Oh my, I have soooo many, too many to name. I have been inspired by many natural bloggers/vloggers for various reasons. Some are bold and daring, some have long beautiful hair and some, along with their gorgeous tresses have become buddies, acquaintances and even friends.

Marita A: What was the most difficult part of transitioning to natural?

Vashti: Finding styles that worked well with my two textures was challenging. At that time, I didn’t tap into blogs or YouTube’s natural hair community. I mostly wore “cornrow outs”. My transition was short lived (about 3 months) because I was frustrated with having to battle with my two textures.

Marita A: How did your family, friends, spouse or significant other react to your hair‘s new kinky texture?

Vashti: My family and friends were shocked when I showed up with “no hair” after my big chop. As my hair grew out, I got a lot of comments like “wow, that’s a lot of hair. How are you going to manage such thick hair?” It was really just out of curiosity. I’ve been blessed never have any unpleasant encounters directly related to my hair texture. My husband has been supportive from day 1. He actually encouraged and accompanied me to do my big chop.

Marita A: What‘s in your makeup bag?

Vashti: I don’t go anywhere with my EOS lip balms. I also keep my Bare Minerals Foundation, some type of nude lip-gloss, mascara, eyeliner, eyebrow gel. I don’t leave home without Bobby pins, a Goody band, or stocking in case I need to quickly put my hair in a puff.

Marita A: What is your wash day routine like?

Vashti: My wash day is pretty uncomplicated for the most part. I usually pre-poo with coconut oil prior to cleansing my hair. After cleansing I always deep condition, followed by a tea rinse of some kind. After applying my leave-in, I allow my hair to air dry and follow up with my preferred styling product and/sealant. I like styling on damp/dry hair because it allows me to have more stretch, body and volume, which helps with manageability. I cleanse and condition my hair about every 10 days. Once a month I detox with a clay (bentonite/rhassoul), and I also incorporate a lot of Ayurvedic hair treatments.

Marita A: How did you keep your skin naturally beautiful?

Vashti: I try to drink a lot of lemon/cucumber water. I do weekly clay, and turmeric facials and I eat tons of fruit. Yoga also helps a lot. My skin is far from perfect, but I’ve also noticed that oil pulling has a positive effect on it, as well.

Marita A: Did you go through any kind of personal/spiritual transformation while going through the process of going natural?

Vashti: I can’t say that I did.  After my big chop, I felt that sense of freedom that I’m sure many could identify with. Overall, wearing my hair in its natural state has ignited passions and uncovered talents that I didn’t know I had.

Marita A: What are some of your favorite hairstyles?

Vashti: I love two strand twists. They offer a lot of versatility and can be styled for casual and formal occasions. I’m also a huge fan of updo styles, as well as twist outs.

Marita A: What encouragement can you give to someone who maybe considering going natural?

Vashti: Do it…but only when you’re ready. It’s necessary to do as much research as you can so you’ll be prepared for the change. At the end of the day it’s your hair, learn it, love it and enjoy it!

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