Meet Taren, who is one of my favorite YouTube bloggers who has gorgeous hair, gives great product reviews & tutorials, and has such a pleasant disposition!
How long have you been natural? And if you haven't been natural your
whole life, what prompted you to make the change?
I've been natural for about 4 years now.. I decided to make the change as I became older and when I started seeing other natural beauties from an outside perspective. It was not longer viewed form my inner view of my own insecurity of my natural hair. I started to have "curl envy" when I was relaxed and I was just like... You know what! I shouldn't be envious! I have hair like that already!! LOL.. That's when the transition began.. Sometimes it takes ispiration from others to finally accept something..
Do you feel that anything changed in your life (i.e. Boost in confidence)
when you became all natural?
Yes.. A sense of freedom and more self love (confidence).. Giving the fact that I used to hate my natural hair growing up as a kid.. So it was a complete turn around to actually accept it and fall in love with it for that matter..
When did you start your vlog?
I started my vlog in August of 2009..
What types of topics do you post on your vlog?
Well whatever i'm feeling with my hair I just record it.. Most of it consists of product reviews and tutorials.. There's also tips on the dreaded transition faze, chatting about natural hair stereotypes and natural hair inspiration videos.. I'm ususally always in experimentation mode on my channel..lol
What do you love most about vlogging?
I love the fact that I'm inspiring so many naturalistas or upcoming naturalistas to be proud of their natural hair.. I didn't realize that this was more than just styling tips with hair.. Natural hair is a lifestyle and it takes some ppl a little longer to accept it.. So I love the fact that I am helping ppl with their journey.. Another thing that I love about vlogging is that it's freedom of expression.. If i'm frustrated with my hair one day.. I'm glad that I can just get it off of my chest and others can relate or add input.. I've learned that it is a give and take.. I learn so much from being a part of the natural hair community by putting myself out there as well..
How would you describe your hair?
I have a mixed curl pattern of 3b/3c curls.. My hair is extremely thick and I LOVE wearing it big.. It's about shoulder length when it's curly and BSL when it's straight.. My hair can be disobedient and not listen sometimes but I still love it and wouldn't change it for the world! :-D..
What are 5 products your hair can't live without?
ECO Styler Gel, Safflower Oil, Mixed Chicks and I'm going to have to leave those two slots open for now because I'm still searching for more "must haves"..
What words would you leave with someone who is thinking about going
natural?
Versatility is a big one that comes along with the territory of going natural.. Straight hair is no longer the hair monopoly as I like to say..lol.. So many ppl feel like they are leaving something behind if they go natural not understanding that you can always change up and go straight again (w/o relaxing).. Going natural also gives a certain sense of freedom that cannot be explained with words.. It's one of those things that has to be experienced.. It's a lovely freedom feeling.. Also, get ready to say goodbye to conformity.. Going natural will sure draw some attention over your way (negative and positive) but just remember that it's your decision.. It's a lifestyle and it becomes a part of you.. I love the fact that I look different from the majority of ppl in passing.. There's a certain confidence that you attain and it's priceless.. So many dare not to be different.. Do you dare??
Do you have any other electronic means that we can use to keep up with
your natural journey? (i.e. Fotki)
