Au Naturale

Hello Folks!

So... A about month and a week ago I completed >>>or shall I say began<<< my natural hair journey. I transitioned for 9 months and finally did my BC(Big Chop)! I'm not even gonna lie, I cried a little bit as I watched what felt like all of my hair tumble to the ground. I don't know that you understand... I've had long hair ALL MY LIFE. It's always been down my back; after my BC, my hair was down to my shoulders when stretched out. Not really any hang time and my curls draw up so tight you'd never be able to tell the length anywho.

The first couple of days after I cut my hair, I wore a hat. Now don't get me wrong --> It wasn't out of shame for my natural curly kinky hair by any means necessary! It was because I desperately missed my length and I was a little afraid of what people would think. I wondered if I would still look or even feel as attracted without my long flowing hair. I have a very round face, so I wondered if I would just look pudgey.

I looked at pictures of strong, very afro-centric women and I wondered if I would have that same ambiance about me. Wondering really, If I could carry myself as proud as the Black women in those pictures.

After awhile, I ran out of different colored hats and quite frankly got tired of wearing them. I felt as though my hair needed to breathe! I also wanted to see what reactions I'd get and I also wanted to lead by example and I realized I couldn't do that with a cap on my head at all times.

So off came the hat... and in flooded the comments. I heard things ranging from "Do you have a texturizer in your hair?" ta "Why did you cut off all that long pretty hair?!?!" ta "OMG, I'm so proud of you. It looks great!" I tried not to dwell on the comments that were questionably insulting, but at the same time I wanted to feel proud of what I'd done.

I think my favorite comment and the one that will always stick with me are those that sound something like, "OMG Ashley, you inspire me to want to grow my perm out." At that moment, I smile on the inside. Then I know that this change wasn't in vein and that my goal of positively influencing those around me continues to get fulfilled.

I won't go into too much more detail because I plan on posting a Reaction Video on Youtube and I want you all to watch that. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. I'm ready and willing to answer them all!

Nawlins (AKA: NOLA)

So recently I had the pleasure of traveling outside of my North Carolina Bubble and going to the deep south; New Orleans, LA. I went on a mission trip with more people that I didn't know than those that I did and stepped completely out of my element. For a whole week I slept on an air mattress, took cold showers, and tore down the remnants of a retirement home for the poverty stricken. I made friends with strangers (which I thought I was done doing after freshman yr) and rode in a 12 passenger van for a total of at least 28 hours. Now I'm not going to say I loved every minute cuz Lord knows there were times when I seriously had to consider who my one phone call was gonna go to; but it turns out my experience was a far better reward than a temporary relief of rage. I stuck it out and had the time of my life! Therefore I highly recommend that those of you with the option to travel.... doooooo it!