I’m really excited to bring back the feature series here on VeePeeJay. I love sharing stories from members of my community that will inspire and uplift others. I’m also excited to have Charis of kinksandcraves.com as my first “Hair Stories” feature. Find out how going natural inspired her weight loss journey.
What is your name & where are you from?
Hi! I’m Charis. I currently live in Little Rock, AR
How long have you been natural & what do enjoy most about it?
I decided to go natural because by the time I reached 30 years old, I had become so sensitive to relaxers. I even tried kiddie perms, but my scalp was still on fire. So, in August 2011, 4 months before my wedding, I started transitioning. Crazy, right? I big-chopped at the end of February 2012, so I’m about 4 years in the game and I absolutely LOVE it! It was the best decision I evermade. This really is a journey, because I learned to embrace my hair and my texture as it is. I have been in relaxers since I was a young girl, so this was definitely a new experience for me. I have truly fallen in love with my curls! I also enjoy the freedom of not having burns in my scalp from relaxers.
Did *going natural* inspire you to make any changes in your life?
Yes, it did. I recently lost 40 lbs and went from a size 16 to a size 8! I have been trying to lose
weight for the last 5 years, but had not been consistent in doing so. After going natural, I
realized I was spending so much time and effort on learning my hair and making sure it was
healthy, and those concerns eventually trickled down to other aspects of my life. I started caring about not only what I put on my body, but IN my body. I began my weight loss journey in January 2014 and haven’t looked back since! I eat plenty of grilled and baked food, as well as veggies and fruits. I drink plenty of water and exercise 5 days a week. My husband and I are workout partners and we do this #fitlife thing together. This is another way we bond and I love it!
Have you inspired anyone else to embrace their natural hair?
Well, I get comments on my social media accounts that I am an inspiration and “hair crush” for some people. I am thankful because I have SO many “hair crushes” myself! I would say the one person that I believe I have inspired is my mother-in-law. We talk about hair all the time and she is natural. There have been times when she has struggled with her hair, but she looks at me for inspiration. I let her know that ALL naturals have struggled at times with their hair, so she is definitely not alone. She has beautiful hair, and I’m so glad she has decided to stick with it and embrace it!
Have you had any negative experiences in relation to your hair?
In the beginning after I big-chopped, rude comments were made by a few people who didn’t like my natural hair and preferred my relaxed hair. However, I have received far more positive comments than negative. I don’t let the rude comments get to me because I wear my hair like I want to for ME, not anyone else.
Have you had any other funny, inspiring or otherwise share worthy experiences you would like to share?
Had it not been for this natural experience, I would not have had the courage to start my own blog, Kinks & Craves. I am obsessed with everything natural hair and beauty related, so I wanted to find a way to channel that energy. My blog covers natural hair, beauty
and health/fitness tips! I took a leap of faith by going natural and doing something in my life that was foreign to me. With my blog, I feel like I am doing the same thing. I am opening myself up and being very transparent. I was encouraged by family and friends to start it, and I am so glad I did. I can’t wait to see how (and when) it grows!
Describe your hair’s personality in 3 words.
Huge, Beautiful and Regal
What are your TOP 3 products?
1.Shea Moisture’s Jamaican Black Castor Oil Intensive Strengthening Masque – This deep conditioner is the best! After I wash my hair, I usually put this on, and let it sit for about an hour or so. If I get real busy around the house, I sometimes forget I still have it on! Once I rinse it off, it makes my hair so soft and manageable. It also makes detangling
easy.
2. Design Essentials Coconut Water Curl Refresher – I use this in between washes when I want to refresh my curls and keep my hair moisturized. I usually wear twistouts, but when I feel my hair losing moisture and the twistout starts to “get old”, I usually spray a little bit of this on my hair, some leave-in conditioner and twist. In the morning, my hair is so soft and it feels like a fresh twistout.
3.La’Shea Essentials Natural Body Butter (African Shea Butter & Moroccan Argan Oil) – I
found this company on Instagram one day and I was very intrigued by their product. I decided to try them out and I don’t regret it! I use their whipped shea butter for my twistouts. They have come out more defined, and my hair holds moisture a lot longer since I have started using this product. This one is definitely a staple for my hair.
Where can you find you online?
My personal Instagram is @charmedessence and my blog is
www.kinksandcraves.com. Stop by and say hello.
YOUR TURN: If you have an inspiring story you’d like to share.
Click HERE to submit your hair story.
Incredible transformation you got there!