“I’m a single mom living in Markham with my mom and grandmother. I work as an Administrative Assistant at the Agape Community Center; it is the site of Chicago’s Inner City ministry of Cru. I am a girly girl so fun for me is shopping, manicures, pedicures, and spa days. I also love documentaries and conspiracy theories. My motto is: ‘Life is good but GOD is better.’”
Marita A: How long have you been natural?
Tiffany P: I have been natural for three and a half years.
Marita A: What inspired you to go natural?
Tiffany P: Health reasons inspired me to embrace a more holistic lifestyle.
Marita A: Who are your YouTube or Facebook “hairspirations”?
Tiffany P: Naptural85, The Monroe Sisters, and NikkiMae.
Marita A: What was the most difficult part of transitioning to natural?
Tiffany P: The most difficult part of my transition was finding styles. I am terrible at styling my hair and relied on ponytails until my big chop.
Marita A: How did your family, friends, spouse or significant other react to your hair’s new kinky texture?
Tiffany P: My family made the usual ignorant comments: why are you wearing your hair like that, its nappy, etc. I understand it is simply ignorance and I don’t take it personally.
Marita A: Did you go through any kind of personal/spiritual transformation while going through the process of going natural?
Tiffany P: No, my spiritual transformation and transition to a natural lifestyle were not related.
Marita A: What’s in your makeup bag?
Tiffany P: I love this mineral makeup from a local vendor called Variables salon and spa, Maia’s Minerals concealer, Tarte Amazonian Clay mascara, and Honey Bee Naturals eyeliner.
Marita A: What is your wash day routine like?
Tiffany P: I pre-poo with a customizable oil blend and sit under my Huetiful Hair Steamer. Then I cleanse my scalp with an ACV (apple cider vinegar) rinse. Next I saturate my hair with KCKT (kinky curly knot today), detangle, and rinse. After that, I apply KBB Luscious Locks Hair Masks (Karen’s Body Beautiful) sit under my Huetiful Hair Steamer then rinse. Lastly I seal using the LOC (liquid-oil-conditioner/cream) method and style.
Marita A: How did you keep your skin naturally beautiful?
Tiffany P: Oil cleansing and daily exfoliation
Marita A: What are some of your favorite hairstyles?
Tiffany P: Twist-outs, wigs, and weaves.
Marita A: What encouragement can you give to someone who maybe considering going natural?
Tiffany P: Be true to yourself and your hair. Don’t fall in to trap of using a product because its popular if your hair doesn’t like it. Have patience don’t expect waist length hair one month post BC (big chop).
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