“I’m a single mother of four children, two boys and girls, aged 5-12. My children are my heart; they keep me laughing and I’m honored to be a mom. I’m an Entrepreneur; I have an online beauty supply store. I was previously on my job of eight years with Advocate Illinois Masonic. I like to hang out with my family, go to the movies, shopping and anything related to hair puts a smile on my face. ‘Do what’s best for you, I care for hair’.”
Marita A: How long have you been natural?
Cassy: I have been Natural for 4 years.
Marita A: What inspired you to go natural?
Cassy: I wanted to challenge myself. I wanted to see how long I could go without relaxing my hair. It went from 6 months at a time, to once a year, to not having a relaxer at all.
Marita A: Who are your YouTube or Facebook “hairspirations”?
Cassy: CourtneyNaturalHair, RachelOBeauty, Sistawithrealhair, MsVaughnTv.
Marita A: What was the most difficult part of transitioning to natural?
Cassy: The most difficult part to me in the beginning was styling my hair. Shrinkage while detangling continues to be difficult for me. I was used to getting my hair styled every two weeks, so I didn’t have to deal with shrinkage or detangling; I left that to my stylist.
Marita A: How did your family, friends, spouse or significant other react to your hair’s new kinky texture?
Cassy: To my knowledge everyone loved that my hair was so fine, silky, straight and natural! I have friends and family that joined the “natural team” during the process we encouraged each other while sharing different hair care products, oils, vitamins, and our hair care journeys.
Marita A: What’s in your makeup bag?
Cassy: I have just a few items: eyeliner, lip-gloss, foundation, and mascara.
Marita A: What is your wash day routine like?
Cassy: My wash routine consists of clarifying the hair and scalp; my hair does not feel right when I don’t. I then follow up with a moisturizing shampoo.
Next, I use a protein treatment or a deep conditioner. Depending on the day I soak my hair for 1-2 days, rinse, towel or air dry and style.
Marita A: How do you keep your skin naturally beautiful?
Cassy: It is extremely difficult. I’ve suffered from acne and hyper pigmentation for the past two years. I have recently seen improvement in my skin by washing morning and night, toning, moisturizing and exfoliation.
Marita A: Did you go through any kind of personal/spiritual transformation while going through the process of going natural?
Cassy: No, I didn’t. I have always played around with wigs of different styles, lengths and textures. Going natural was just an opportunity for me to show my personality even the more.
Marita A: What are some of your favorite hairstyles?
Cassy: I LOVE twist-outs and straightening my hair.
Marita A: What encouragement can you give to someone who maybe considering going natural?
Cassy: Go for it!!! Being natural is fun. You get to learn your hair, understand what products your hair likes and doesn’t like. There is so much support from many wonderful natural hair sisters out here: blogs, YouTube, Instagram. Research!!! Don’t just go and chop your hair off. Make a regimen and hair goal before you start your journey. I wish you much success!!!
Looking for support and encouragement with your natural hair? Join Chicago’s largest natural beauty community click here for more information.
