2014 in review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2014 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

A San Francisco cable car holds 60 people. This blog was viewed about 1,900 times in 2014. If it were a cable car, it would take about 32 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

Interview with A Naturalista: Part I

Positive Life

Hello my lovelies! Lately I’ve felt like I spent too much time venting about the divisions among fellow naturalista’s, so I decided to bring back the positive vibes and encouragement. What better way to do that than to interview naturalistas and learn about their journey?  I decided to interview a few of my naturalista friends and get their viewpoint on their natural hair experience. A big THANK YOU to all of my friends who agreed to participate, I adore you ladies!

The first person I interviewed is Mleta. She’s an old high school buddy of mine and she’s a riot! All we have to do is look at each other and we’ll die laughing! Without further ado, here is my interview with Mleta:

Q: How long have you been natural?

Mleta: I have been natural since March of 2012, so 2 years and 8 months.

Q: What made you go natural?

Mleta: I went natural because I noticed my hair was starting to thin out and it just did not feel or look healthy. I was unhappy with it so I decided to make a change.

Q: Was the transition easy?

Mleta: The transition was very easy. I think it was due to the fact that I wore quick weaves all the time and my hair was changing right before my eyes.

Q: What do you love most about having natural hair?

Mleta: What I love most about being natural is how healthy my hair has become. It’s grown thicker, longer and I also love the natural curl pattern of my hair.

Q: What did you find to be your biggest challenge with natural hair?

Mleta: The biggest challenge for me was learning that there would be far more maintenance required with my natural hair than I’ve ever had to do when I was relaxed.

Q: What advice/encouragement would you give to someone that is considering going natural?

Mleta: My advice first and foremost would be to research it before going natural. Going natural is not for everyone! It requires a lot of patience. The transition period can be tough, and at some point you may want to run for the creamy crack. Stay strong. Just because you are natural, it does not give you a pass to walk around looking like BUCKWHEAT! Please tame the mane, lol! Also, keep in mind that what works for one naturalista may not work for you. This is going to be all about trial and error. Please do not get discouraged.

Q: What are some of your favorite products to use and protective styles, if any?

Mleta: I have narrowed it down to 2 must have products. My first favorite product to use, and don’t laugh at this, is Blue Magic – Coconut Oil. My hair is IN LOVE with this product, especially on bantu knots. The second product that my hair loves is the Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Moisturizing Hair Lotion. Now don’t get me wrong, I’ve tried a plethora of products, but I have found for me, these 2 are a must have. My favorite protective styles are crochet braids and quick weaves. The first year that I went natural, all I wore were quick weaves all the time. I started doing research on Youtube and I came across the new technique of crochet braids and I was sold. Till this day I rock my crochet braids, which are my favorite. They are low maintenance and you can care for your scalp while wearing them. There are so many different styles and hair types that you can work with..I absolutely love them!

Once again THANK YOU Mleta for taking the time to share your natural hair journey and experience. As far as the Blue Magic Coconut Oil goes – hunny that stuff gives me LIFE! I love it too! I hope this interview and the ones to follow help and inspire all who read them! 🙂