I would like to introduce you to our first lovely Blogger Naturalista: Naturally Leslie from www.naturallyleslie.blogspot.com. I personally love her blog...read on and you'll see why she is super great! : ) [Note: She recently wrote an excellent article for The Coil Review about envying curl patterns/hair types of other naturals..Check it out!]
Natural Chica: How long have you been natural? And if you haven't been natural your whole life, what prompted you to make the change?
Naturally Leslie: I have been natural for 10 years. My junior year in high school I decided that I did not want to continue going through life without knowing my natural texture. I felt like I was missing out on something that I needed to try so I could be complete! I cut my hair the day after my high school graduation after growing it out my senior year. I straightened it too much, though, and ended up cutting it all off again in 2007, down to about 2 inches. So the hair I have now is from 2007 forward.
Natural Chica: Do you feel that anything changed in your life (i.e. Boost in confidence) when you became all natural?
Naturally Leslie: I did experience a change but confidence did not come at first. There were no blogs, sites or other resources for natural hair like there are now so I had to come up with styles, choose products, and just do the best I could all on my own. After a while, I did gain confidence as I learned what worked best and how to style my hair. I also noticed many of my close friends and family members going natural around me so I felt good knowing I had inspired them.
Natural Chica: When and why did you start your blog?
Naturally Leslie: I started my blog in January of 2009. I stumbled on another woman's blog and after reading for a while I noticed a button at the top that said create a blog. At first I was nervous because I did not know what to expect but that is what made me want to try. I felt like it was a new year and I saw it as a challenge for myself to be open and out there. So I started and the rest is history!
Natural Chica: What types of topics do you post on your blog?
Naturally Leslie: Lately I have been doing posts about hair. But I started the blog with the intention of it NOT being only about natural hair. There are a ton of great blogs out there already doing just hair so I wanted to talk about politics, culture, society, etc.
Natural Chica: What do you love most about blogging?
Naturally Leslie: I really love meeting new people and learning that something I posted really helped another woman on her journey. I have made some great friends from it and it really connected me to new ventures.
Natural Chica: How would you describe your hair?
Naturally Leslie: My hair is thick, super coily/curly and big! If I had to put it in the typing categories, I would say it is mostly 4a with some 4b and 3c. It is a mixture of lots of textures and shrinks like crazy! It can do anything pretty much and I love it. Sometimes it is difficult to work with but I challenge myself to keep at it, even after 10 years, so that it can thrive to its fullest potential.
Natural Chica: What are 5 products your hair can't live without?
Naturally Leslie: I love my shea butter/coconut oil combo for sure! I also like any oil like olive, jojoba or grape seed. I NEED Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Conditioner and Aubrey's Organics Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner.
Natural Chica: What words would you leave with someone who is thinking about going natural?
Naturally Leslie: You owe it to yourself to at least give it a try! Even if you decide it is not "for you" as some people say, it was made specifically for you and nature always looks best, whether it be color or texture. I didn't realize that one day I would feel so much more comfortable with my natural hair than relaxed hair but I do. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat and I can;t imagine ever being without my hair in its natural state. I love it!
Natural Chica: Do you have any other electronic means that we can use to keep up with your natural journey? (i.e. YouTube, Fotki)
Naturally Leslie: I have a fotki but I do not update it too much!
Thank you so much Leslie for taking the time to tell us a bit about yourself!! Keep on blogging! : )
