How long have you been natural?
I have been natural since November 2004. I transitioned for 6-7 months prior to that.
What prompted you to make the change?
I love to say my fiance (now husband) first got me thinking about it. He never really understood why I (or any other woman for that matter) would spend all Saturday morning at the salon and why I was so dependent on relaxers. I now can’t believe there was a time I would plan where to go or cancel events because I could not get an appointment at the salon in time. I began thinking more and more about it. Thinking led to reading, I found a few renown sites and the rest is history.
Do you feel that anything changed in your life when you went natural?
There is a lot changed in my life since. I do think some of it has to do with my hair. as confusing as that may sound to some, but loving the hair that sits atop your head can help or hurt your self-esteem. It is a part of your body so if you despise it, this negative emotion can affect other areas of your life without your knowing. Let me also be clear that I don’t believe everyone who doesn’t wear natural hair have a problem with it, or see as less beautiful.
My natural hair journey has opened the door to a lot of thinking, and a lot of growing for me. I have met remarkable women that otherwise I would never know. I have also discovered and rediscovered things about myself and my artistic vision.
When and why did you start your blog & vlog?
I started my blog at the end of October 2008 and my vlog the following month. I registered my first blog with Blogger in May actually. I just never built the nerve to post anything there! A few of the ladies on Naturally Curly actually inspired me to start my blog. I saw their blogs and their beginnings and thought, “I can do this” and I did.
What types of topics do you post?
I write about hair care (treatments, conditioning, best practices, etc.) and hair styling for the most part. I spent the better part of last year covering different ingredients and their benefits to our hair. I also wore a lot of protective styles and sets last year. My blog goes according to what I love at the moment. Occasionally, I do series which focus on a particular topic; otherwise, my hair guides me.
What do you love most about blogging/vlogging?
The comments 🙂 I get excited when I see new comments waiting for approval. My readers are awesome, so comments always mean good news. They are either happy with what I had to say or would like to more clarification. It definitely keeps both the readers and I engaged and fuel me to write one more post or make the next video.
How would you describe your hair?
My hair is happy and healthy! As far as its physical appearance, I would say it’s wiry and tends to poof a lot left to itself. It loves water and reacts positively to long showers. My hair is very sensitive to products and only tolerates wearing a few products at a time (it took me 4 years and testing over 100 products to figure that out 🙂 )
What are 5 products your hair can't live without?
My hair loves my products 🙂 It can’t live or travel without Hydrating Hair Butter, Hair and Scalp Serum, Nourishing Treatment Oil, Curls Nurture Cream all created by me and available at La Boutique de Fleurzty and Amla (really a hair mask but my hair really loves it).
What words would you leave with someone who is thinking about going natural?
Natural hair is beautiful, healthy and absolutely versatile. It may seem a little scary at first because it is unchartered territory, but you will never know what could be if you don’t take that step. If you listen to your hair and form realistic expectations surrounding it, chances are that it will not disappoint! There are a lot of resources available now and tons of great products to choose from. There really is nothing to stop you if that is what you choose is the right step for you and your hair.
When did you start your online business and what types of products do you sell? What is your favorite product that you sell?
La Boutique de Fleurzty is very new. I opened up on March 1st, 2010 and it has been a true blessing. I sell all-natural products. My products are formulated by me to nurture our hair, provide moisture and shine/sheen. The products were developed as a part of my mission to educate and promote natural, healthy hair. There are no fillers in my products, and I never intend to add them. My current best-selling item is the Curls Nurture Cream, though my absolute favorite item to use is the Hydrating Hair Butter. I love how fast it absorbs into my hair and my hair feels better the longer I wear it.
All the products are available on Texture Playground.
Do you have any other electronic means that we can use to keep up with your natural journey? (i.e. Fotki, Twitter)
I am on Twitter as @Fleurzty. I also have a Facebook Page that I just figured out how to use 🙂 I do have a Fotki account but it is a shame how little I update it!
[Fleurzty's Vlog: http://www.youtube.com/user/Fleurzty]
[Fleurzty's Blog/Boutique: www.textureplayground.com]
Thank you for the interview and invite!
