Natural Beauty of the Week

Guest Post by: Marita A.

“Hey hey hey, my name is Sade’! Most of my friends call me Pari; a nickname that has stuck with me since college. I am the youngest of four, born and raised by a strong and independent mother here in Chicago, IL. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication, specializing in Public Relations. I currently work as an event planner at the University of Chicago. But of course I have to satisfy my obsession with fashion; I have hopes of becoming an online boutique owner for unique and affordable clothing. With the hectic role as an event planner, I PARTY with every little bit of free time I get! Lol. I enjoy hanging with friends, family, and my boyfriend. I also love traveling and trying different restaurants and foods. I’m just a crazy natural born Chicagoan that loves to laugh and have a great time.”

Marita A: How long have you been natural?

Sade’: I have been natural for 3 years now.

Marita A: What inspired you to go natural?

Sade’: After starting to date my guy he showed me around different Chicago neighborhoods, Hyde Park was one neighborhood we frequented a lot. While we were there, I noticed a lot of black beautiful women wearing their natural hair. This made me pay more attention to natural hair; YouTube is where I went to research natural hair.

Marita A: Who are your YouTube or Facebook “hairspirations”?

Sade’: As for “hairspirations”, I honestly love how Solange wears her hair. She likes to mix it up, wearing twist outs or protective styles.

Marita A: What was the most difficult part of transitioning to natural?

Sade’: The most difficult part of transitioning to natural hair was getting used to seeing my tightly coiled curly hair. I’ve always been that girl with the “perfect wrap” or straight styles. I always hated curls and any style that made my hair look short.

Marita A: How did your family, friends, spouse or significant other react to your hair’s new kinky texture?

Sade’:  My man was my biggest supporter when it came to going natural. He encouraged me and complimented me, which made feel more comfortable. My friends were not as supportive. But of course with me being confident and knowing that I could rock out natural hair, all short hair jokes or comments did not faze me much.

Marita A: What’s in your makeup bag?

Sade’: My goodie bag stays stocked with jet black liquid liner by Wet ‘n Wild; a cat eye is a must! I also carry a brown Rimmel eye brow pencil, Mac Select Moisturecover Concealer which I use for highlighting my eyes and for making my brows more precise, and Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush. My foundation of choice is Mac Studio Sculpt. And of course a red or pink Mac or Wet ‘n Wild lipstick is a must. I switch back and forth depending on wanting a matte look or not.

Marita A: How did you keep your skin naturally beautiful?

Sade’: I keep it very old fashion, Dove soap and water it is… I guess you can say that’s my daily regimen. Neutrogena make up remover wipes are an essential part of my routine also.

Marita A: Did you go through any kind of personal/spiritual transformation while going through the process of going natural?

Sade’: After becoming natural, I began not wanting to add any other extras to my natural beauty. I began to feel like I didn’t need as much make up and I did not need to be as flashy as I use to be. I just accepted me for me!

Marita A: What are some of your favorite hair styles?

Sade’: I Swag Out twist outs!! It will always be my favorite!! I live for the Petra braids and Senegalese twist too.

Marita A: What encouragement can you give to someone who maybe considering going natural?

Sade’: Go natural for you and not for what’s in style. Own it! Serve it! And do what you want with your hair! It’s YOUR hair!

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