First Friday Feature: Cherese

I’m so excited to do my first feature of a fellow natural for “First Friday Feature“. I met Cherese aka Afrophire via Instagram a few months ago. Not only does she have a gorgeous head of natural hair, but she also has a very sweet,caring, encouraging, humble nature. She is definitely one of my favorite Instagrammers. Is that even a word? Anywho…let’s get to know Cherese. 🙂

1) What you like everyone to know about you?
I want my brothermen and sisterfriends to know that I care about their well-being. I am an advocate for self-esteem. I have learned that my worth is determined by me and I want to share that message with my readers. Whether I am talking about natural hair or healthy topics my overall goal is to impart a sense of confidence and encouragement. I am that sisterfriend that wants to see others succeed.

2) What do you love most about being natural? Any challenges?
What I love most about being natural is that it’s me! I don’t have to hide my tightly coiled texture anymore because it is mine. Now, I must confess that I had a bit of a meltdown when I first BC’d (Big Chopped) back in August of 2010. I wore wigs because I honestly felt ugly with my twa (teeny weeny afro). I remember being on the phone with my mom and saying, “I can’t go outside looking like this”. It wasn’t until I started finding YouTube channels such as “Nikkimae2003”, “SimplYounique”, and so many others that I was introduced to the natural hair community that I never knew existed. Who knew that there was a whole world of girls that were just like me? Now, I can’t keep my hands out of my coils! Let me tell you, every time I look up I am touching them. I love to try new styles and seeing the endless possibilities of natural hair.

3) How do you care for your hair?

First things first, I care for my hair by caring for my body and as well as my hair. I think we tend to overlook the circumstances that impact the state of our hair besides our hair care regimen. Stress, diet, and exercise can have a direct impact on the state of our hair, as well. So, I make sure that I have peace and joy within myself because worrying can really take a nasty toll on the body. No drama over here!

Secondly, I have learned that moisture is the key to this natural life. A moisturized natural is a happy natural. I shampoo my hair once a month, co-wash at least 3 times a week, deep condition once a week with homemade protein conditioners, and I seal using moisture creams, shea butter, or an oil. Also, I mist with my spray bottle mixture daily as needed and I trim my hair every 3 months.

Protective styles are a must for me because I like to “play” in my hair. I love wigs, twists, and braids as protective styles. They are low maintenance just as I like. I usually keep a protective style in for 2-4 weeks. I make sure to cleanse and moisturize as needed. Some of my favorite product lines are Shea Moisture, Eco Styler, and V05.

4) What advice would you give to your “pre-natural” self?

The advice that I would give to my “pre-natural” self is that “You are beautiful PERIOD. Beauty is defined by what’s in your heart, not just by what you look like and anyone that doesn’t like it doesn’t matter.” If I had embraced this prior to going natural I wouldn’t have spent so much time worrying about what people thought about my appearance when I did go natural. Unfortunately, I faced a lot of discouraging words from people that I least expected them from. I was constantly greeted with a gasp and the dreaded question “Why did you cut your hair?” followed by an “I couldn’t do that, you’re brave, girl”. I wish I had ignored the ignorance.

5) Anything else you’d like us to know? Any hobbies? etc

Hobbies, where do I start? I really enjoy meeting new people and engaging in positive interaction. I have had the pleasure to meet some beautiful people thanks to my natural hair journey. I am new to blogging, but it has really become a hobby that fulfills me. I like sharing natural hair and beauty tips with women who are just like me. Not only is it a great source for information, but it is also a great way to fellowship. I also enjoy watching movies, cooking, gardening, photography, fashion, interior decorating, and my ministry of helping those in need.

6) Are you on social media? Share your links with us.

My blog is called “Afrophire” and has an emphasis on natural hair, health, and fashion.
www.afrophire.com

Follow Me On Twitter
www.twitter.com/afrophire

Follow Me On Instagram
www.statigr.am.com/afrophire

Tune In!
www.youtube.com/afrophire

Until next time