I have fond memories of growing up in a household with my parents and five siblings. My Dad is a preacher,  and our religious beliefs impacted almost everything we did, including fashion and beauty. My parents were also very conservative. As an artistic child, I found it challenging to express myself sometimes. Beauty gave me an outlet, so as soon as I was old enough, I saved money so I could buy lipstick and hair products. I liked to change my look often and be unpredictable. One day my hair would be in a ponytail, the next a hot frizzy mess.

My Mom was  busy raising six kids, so most times it was easier for her to keep my hair braided. On special occasions we got our hair pressed and curled. As a young girl I remember wishing it would stay straight forever. It wasn’t until I was much older that I began to love my hair in its natural state. Surprisingly, I had more options as a Naturalista. I could wear my hair in many different styles.

Me and my sisters:)

Me and my sisters:)

I’m excited to partner with one of my favorite beauty brands, Strength of Nature Global,  for the “Kids Dreaming Big” contest, opened to youth grades 3 – 5. Strength of Nature encourages the next generation to believe in the beauty of their dreams and provides a national platform in which to pursue them. Entries for the $3000 Scholarship are to be submitted February 2- March 15. African Pride Dream Kids and Fred’s will also host a meet & greet with Cynthia Bailey, with one of our lucky scholarship winners on Saturday, April 4th in Tunica, Mississippi. Celebrate your beauty with African Pride and enter to win today! For more information about Dream Kids and the “Kids Dreaming Big” Scholarship, visit www.africanpridedreamkids.com and www.fredsinc.com

DMK-D016_800x540_PromoDisclosure: This post has been sponsored by Strength of Nature, the views and opinions are all my own.