“My name is Aqueelah Clark, and I’m from Englewood on the South Side of Chicago. I have a small family of four, my mother, two brothers and I. My mother is a single parent who pushed us towards excellence while also teaching us the importance of knowing who we are. All of my siblings are adults with the youngest turning 21 this year. I enjoy cooking, reading, dancing, and spending time with friends and loved ones. I’m a full time graduate student at DePaul University where I’m currently pursing my Masters Degree in Information Systems with a concentration in Project Management. In addition to this, I’m a freelance model. My modeling work can be seen here. I’m not sure what my motto is, but I’ll say this: Be who you are confidently and unapologetic-ally.”
Marita A: How long have you been natural?
Aqueelah: 25 Years.
Marita A: What inspired you to go natural?
Aqueelah: I’ve been natural all of my life. I’m glad that I have never had a relaxer. All praises due to my mother for having the wisdom to not allow me to damage y hair that way.
Marita A: Who are your YouTube or Facebook “hairspirations”?
Aqueelah: My “hairspiration” is my mother. She is the only one I truly look up to in regards to hair. On YouTube, I like Kim from KimmayTube, CharyJay and Naptural85.
Marita A: What has been the most challenging part of being natural?
Aqueelah: Despite forgoing the transition process, I have still struggled with my hair. When I was younger I was often told that I had “good hair” because of its texture yet in the same breath I was told that it would be nice if I had gotten a relaxer. As a result of this, I later spent lots of money buying products with the effort of trying to beat my hair into submission and make it be something that it wasn’t. I now know that it’s best when I work with my hair and not against it.
Marita A: How do your family, friends, spouse or significant feel about your hair’s kinky texture?
Aqueelah: My family is used to my hair. The responses have been well. I didn’t start wearing my hair out until I was 18 years old. My mother was supportive of it, and other members were as well.
Marita A: What’s in your makeup bag?
Aqueelah: Currently it is stocked with Nars Cosmetics foundation and bronzer, their eyeliner, mascara, and either a lip-gloss or lipstick.
Marita A: What is your wash day routine like?
Aqueelah: First I shampoo my hair. Depending on how dirty my hair is I may shampoo more than once. My hair lets me know how much it needs to be clarified. Next I deep condition my hair for 20 minutes and I do this by sitting under a hair steamer. I use the Huetiful Hair Steamer. I absolutely recommend it; it leaves my hair feeling so soft and luxurious.
Marita A: How did you keep your skin naturally beautiful?
Aqueelah: I use Black Soap to cleanse it, and Witch Hazel as a toner. For moisture, I use shea butter that I whip myself. I use eye creams as well. I drink plenty of water, as well as pay attention to what I eat. I also smile and laugh daily.
Marita A: How has wearing your hair in its natural state impacted your personal/spiritual growth?
Aqueelah: I think that being or going natural can be a spiritual transformation because it can re-connect you with whom you are as a person if you are open enough to let that experience penetrate you. When I began wearing my hair out in a fro when I was 18 years old I felt a sense of freedom and comfort. It was like I gave myself permission to be who I am by wearing my hair the way it naturally is.
Marita A: What are some of your favorite hair styles?
Aqueelah: I love the afro. It’s my go to style. I wear it daily. I also like twists outs, two strand twists, braid outs, bantu knots, etc.
Marita A: What encouragement can you give to someone who maybe considering going natural?
Aqueelah: First I would say embrace and love your natural hair. This should be the first step before you purchase products. Next give yourself time to learn your hair (i.e. what it likes, doesn’t like). Once you have a set regimen you hair will be easier to manage. I will also say that this is something that you should do for yourself and not anyone else. That way it can be for you and you won’t be as swayed by what other people have to say about your hair. Stay encouraged beautiful!
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