I am the youngest of six children, originally from Chicago. I am currently an RN in school to get my Master’s in Occupational Therapy; I hope to work with the geriatric or pediatric population. In addition to school and work, I own a handcrafted hair and body product line by the name of Natural Hair Community Products. The product line includes organic and herbal hair products, body butters, as well as herbal rinses, herbal baths, and body scrubs.

I love listening to reggae and spending time at the beach. I am a hopeless romantic, and I love to read romance novels. My motto is, “Something Wonderful is going to happen”.

Marita A: How long have you been natural?

Allie: I have been natural for almost 3 years; I love every moment of my journey.

Marita A: What inspired you to go natural?

Allie: I watched Good Hair by Chris Rock, the next day I literally ran to the barbershop.

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

Allie: Naptual85, NikkiMae, and Roots4U45-I like her natural approach to making personal care products.

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

Allie: In the beginning it was keeping my hair moisturized and finding the right products for my hair. Since then, I learned that what works for some naturals may not work for me. I also realized the products that promised to elongate my curls did not work for me.

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

Allie: I was the last of my core of 6 childhood girlfriends to go natural; I received plenty of support from them. I have learned that it’s not how anyone feels about MY hair, it’s how I feel about it.

Marita A: What’s in your makeup bag?

Allie: Eye shadows, eyeliner, brightly colored lipsticks, and mascara.

Marita A: What is your wash day routine like?

Allie: I start off with a pre-poo and generally follow up with either co-wash or use an Ayurvedic powder. After that,  I deep condition and finish with a herbal rinse.

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

Allie: I drink plenty of water and eat plenty of green veggies. I use as bath scrub that I make with sweet almond oil and Dead Sea Salts.

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

Allie: As an older natural, at 48 years old, I was already on a spiritual transformation. My hair journey has led me to eat healthier, exercise more, put down the caffeine and drink more water. In turn,  my spiritual journey has left me a much happier person. I never thought a simple hair cut would lead me to create my own product line of herbal & Ayurvedic hair and body products!!

Marita A: What are some of your favorite hair styles?

Allie: I am not much of a stylist between work, being a full time student and managing a product line. I keep my hair simple, I will wear a twist out, messy fro or a high puff. I’m still trying to master the flat twist…LOL!

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

Allie: Be patient and learn to embrace your own texture, keep your hair moisturized and learn about your hair before going out to purchase any and everything you hear about. Figure out what works best for you hair!!

Looking for support and encouragement with your natural hair? Join Chicago’s largest natural beauty community click here for more information.