FIVE things I want the world to know about living with Hashimoto's:

There are times people feel misunderstood, or feel like they can’t always express how they REALLY feel to others. Sometimes we deliberately shut people out it’s because we think persons won’t fully understand what we’re going through. This post is really just scratching the surface on some of the emotions I go through living with thyroid dysfunction, but I hope it educates and inspires:

5 things I want the world to know about living with thyroid disease: 

1. It hurts when you call me lazy… and question my sleeping habits. 

Yes I JUST woke up at 8 o’clock. I also JUST went to sleep at 3 a.m. AND my alarm JUST woke me up at 6:30 a.m. to take my thyroid meds, so this is JUST my “post taking meds” nap. Get over it. The debilitating exhaustion which accompanies thyroid disease is something that I don’t think I can ever get used to. No matter how much I sleep I am always tired. Ironically, even with being so exhausted, at night it’s difficult to turn my mind off and fall asleep. Persons who are hypothyroid in particular can have very low energy levels, so there are days when we just can’t get things done as quickly as you’d like us to. But bear with me, I make up for it on days when I feel better!

2. I have mirrors at my house

It also really hurts when you call me fat! Trust me on this, I REALLY don’t need you to remind me about my weight every single time you see me. If you are on any kind of weight journey you know all too well, that sinking feeling you get, when you finally get into that skirt you haven’t worn for months and the first person you meet when you go out comments on your stomach.  Stop it people, I saw my stomach in the mirror before I left home, I know what it looks like. Be mindful also that not every overweight person you come across overeats! Some of us even exercise too, imagine that! The same is also true for persons with overactive thyroids. They may actually eat quite a lot and be unable to gain weight. The eating disorder jokes are uncalled for. Stop the body shaming, please.

3. Yes, this is a fake smile today

Day 1: Friend: Hey, how’s it goin?     Me: My whole body hurts today. 

Day 2: Friend: Hey, what’s up?     Me: I'm so nauseated this morning.

Day 3: Friend: Hi, how you today?  Me: Exhausted. Wish I could go back to bed.

Day 4: Friend: How you doin?     Me: I feel depressed. My body still hurts, today.

Day 5: Friend: Heya. How you?  Me: My mind is racing, it’s overwhelming!

No one wants to be that person! But the fact is there are weeks when EVERYDAY is a challenge for me! There are times when I may be dealing with multiple symptoms at once. It’s overwhelming. And I imagine that it may be overwhelming to other people as well (after all, who likes a Negative Nelly). So I pretend. Which is often easier than having to deal with any weird comments or give explanations as to why I’m always feeling sick. Or feeling like I’m always burdening other people with how I’m doing. Soooo what is my response most days: “I’M FINE.” Am I saying this is the ideal way to approach it? Maybe not. What I am saying is, be patient if your friend or loved one doesn’t always want to share how they feel right away, sometimes we are still trying to come to terms with the magnitude of all of this. A lot of times we downplay the way we feel not just because we don’t want to turn other people off, but for our own sanity (coping mechanism much?)

4. I’m scared sometimes

This is kind of scary at times. It’s a lot to deal with, the unpredictability of it all. Will I develop more autoimmune diseases? What if the other half of my thyroid goes bad? Am I going to be able to beat this? Am I doing enough to get better? Of course I put a brave face on, but there are times when I do have fears and concerns, and I do wonder about everything that’s going on with me. If my body is able to handle all of this, if my MIND is able to deal with it. 

5. I miss you. I miss me too. 

I speak for myself when I say that living with Hashimoto’s has dramatically changed the way I interact with society. I’ve always been a bit of a homebody, but I’ve become even more of a recluse, because there are times I really just don’t have the energy, I really don’t feel like subjecting anyone to my moods, or I really am feeling awful, so I’d rather just avoid social contact. So sadly, I’ve lost some friends along the way and I miss some of them tremendously. I vaguely remember the person I was before hashimoto’s disease, and I honestly have not felt like myself in a very long time. 

I miss that person too. 

July is THYROID DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH at Just Bee You! So be sure to check back here during this month for more posts on the thyroid. You can also follow Just Bee You on Facebook and Instagram (@justbeeyoutiful) for more posts.

Hashi WHO? My experience with Thyroid Autoimmunity.

In 2008 I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease in which your thyroid gland is attacked by your own immune system. Prior to my diagnosis, I had just a basic idea of what the thyroid did or why it was important. My vague understanding (or maybe I should call it misunderstanding!) was that persons whose thyroids didn't work properly struggled with their weight, or grew goiters. 

Until one day my aunt and I were chatting and she noticed a lump at the front of my throat and said I should probably check it out. I hate going to the doctor but I figured I might as well, after all I hadn't been feeling by best lately, including feeling reaaally tired ALL the time. But I figured working in a high stress environment and the fact that I was preparing to relocate to another country (Cuba) were all just too exhausting. 

The doctor I saw did blood tests and an ultrasound on my throat area and told me it was just swelling "probably from lifting something heavy" because everything in the tests appeared normal. He gave me some pills to take anyway and some antibiotics too (can't leave those out, right?) The pills made me feel SICK to my stomach, but I tried to take them because I wanted to feel better, I finished the antibiotics, but couldn't bear to finish the other meds. I didn't feel any better and that curious lump was still at the front of my neck, but then I thought: “Wait a minute, I'm moving to Cuba, and everyone raves about their healthcare system, I'll go get it checked out when I get there.”

A few weeks later, I walked into the department of general medicine at Cira Garcia Hospital in Havana. When I sat down in front of the doctor he immediately asked me: "I'm guessing you are here to be referred to the endocrinology clinic?" He explained that I had facial signs of thyroid dysfunction (did you know your thyroid even messes with your eyebrows too?) and then pointed to the same lump on the front of my neck. To make along story quite short, I begun working with the endocrinology clinic to deal with the lump or nodule that was growing in my thyroid. I was subsequently diagnosed with Hashimoto's. 

I was fortunate to work with a very good endocrinologist who encouraged me to do my own reading and to ask him questions when I came for visits. In addition to working to get my meds right, he also incorporated lifestyle changes into my programme, such as suggested dietary changes, an exercise programme and spoke to me very seriously about reducing my stress levels. 

As much as my doctor gave me very good information, it was during the times that I did my own reading that I really started understanding what the thyroid did, how important it was that it function properly, the seriousness of the condition I had, the changes I had to make to help me get better. I realised then how many symptoms I had over the years without knowing it: the menstrual issues, the fact that I had trouble sleeping at night and even more trouble getting out of bed in the morning, the exhaustion (I've been exhausted to the point of passing out on my street while walking to work), my perennial tummy issues, elevated cholesterol and so much more.

It is REALLY important that you be proactive about your own health! I had never really developed the habit of asking doctors questions when they said things that didn’t make sense to me, or researching medications they prescribed, so I know exactly what I'm taking. Or calling my doctor if the pills they prescribed didn’t agree with me. Thyroid disease often masks as so many other diseases that it can go undetected for a long period of time. Familiarise yourself with the symptoms of thyroid dysfunction, and if you feel like you may possibly have a problem go to a doctor and get a PROPER thyroid function test (not just TSH, as many indicators as possible: T3, T4, thyroid antibodies, etc).

July is THYROID DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH at Just Bee You! So be sure to check back here during this month for more posts on the thyroid. You can also follow Just Bee You on Facebook and Instagram (@justbeeyoutiful) for more posts.

BY THE WAY, I am by no means an expert or endocrinologist, this is just regular ole me =) sharing my experiences with thyroid autoimmunity. Always do your own research and also follow directives of qualified medical professionals.

Today is Orson's birthday.

The date was July 15th, 2010. I opened my eyes and saw my mom standing over me.Perhaps she read my mind, or maybe she has had so many surgeries she knows that when people wake up from general anaesthesia they usually wonder what day or time it is. "Good afternoon," she said, "Today is Thursday." I wasn't sure if my voice worked yet, but I tried to speak anyway. My first words came in a whisper:  "Today is Orson's birthday."

The thyroid disease I have is technically not a thyroid disorder at all. It is Hashimoto's Thyroiditis which is actually an autoimmune disease (your body attacks itself). When someone has Hashimoto's their immune system attacks their thyroid gland and thyroid tissue is destroyed. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis usually results in hypothyroidism (or low thyroid function) with bouts of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). It's often described as the most misdiagnosed thyroid condition, and it was probably this misdiagnosis which cost me half my thyroid ... but that's another story altogether.

When my doctor told me that I would have to have thyroid surgery, of course I was concerned. Concerned about what they would find when they went in. Concerned about my voice - would my voice change? Would I lose my singing voice? Concerned about the transformation my entire body would have to go through while adjusting to losing half my thyroid.

I had a nodule that was growing on my thyroid which was not cancerous, but it was becoming increasingly obstructive to my breathing and swallowing, and given the aggressiveness of my autoimmune disease, the nodule's non-response to hormone therapy and other treatment and the extensive damage already done to that side of my thyroid my doctors recommended that I remove that half of my thyroid.

Not all thyroid dysfunction has to end in surgery and so if you do have thyroid problems you shouldn't have to feel like that is your likely end or only option. Be sure to read up as much as possible ON YOUR OWN about disorders of the thyroid, including alternative treatments and everyday things you can do / lifestyle changes you can make to alleviate your symptoms and improve your thyroid function, so that you and your doctor can make informed decisions together about your treatment.

Most importantly, be proactive about your thyroid health (and this should apply to every aspect of health) familiarize yourself with a list of symptoms of thyroid dysfunction and make it a habit to periodically check your neck for a swollen thyroid or thyroid nodule.

How to check your neck:

[July is thyroid disease awareness month at Just Bee You! Beauty products. Be sure to come back for more posts on this issue and visit our Facebook Page for even more info on the thyroid and thyroid dysfunction.]

Leaving My Mark

scar (n): 

a mark left on the skin or within body tissue where a wound, burn, or sore was present;

a lasting effect of grief, fear or other emotion left on a person’s character 

by a traumatic experience. 

Some people see their scars as a reminder of a funny story or a crazy adventure. For others, scars are a reminder of a painful past, a bad fall, or a difficult illness. That's why some keep their ‘scar stories’ to themselves instead of rehashing the painful truth each time someone asks about it. I actually used to have a bit of fun by giving weird responses to persons who would ask about the scar on my neck from my thyroid surgery. Rather than discuss it, I've given outlandish responses like: “I was in a gang fight”.

This wasn't my first surgery, and so I knew I had a tendency to have bad scarring (or develop keloids), so when my scar started growing I wasn't particularly surprised, but I certainly was determined to minimize the appearance of it as much as possible. In the earlier months, right after the surgery, I would use silicone strips/plasters on my neck to flatten the keloid (which didn't help much by the way). Later, I began massaging it with my handmade cocoa butter and shea butter cream (cocoa shea skin smoothie) which, based on my progress pics, was beginning to fade the scar considerably.

One afternoon late last year, I went to the barber shop with my mom. While I was sitting waiting on her to get her haircut, another lady approached me and asked me about my scar. I noticed that her thyroid was very enlarged. We had a great conversation about the exhaustion, the weight gain, the frustration of having her hair thin out, the frightening feeling of being choked by your enlarged thyroid while trying to sleep. We discussed treatment options and my experience with my physician, versus what she felt was inadequate treatment by her doctor.

That encounter with that lady got me thinking … if she hadn’t seen my scar we would not have had that conversation. I decided at that time to stop working on my scar; I would be leaving the mark on my neck. It’s a bit less noticeable now, but you can still see it, and that’s fine. I don't mind explaining to people why I have it. I’ve gotten to the point where my scars no longer make me self-conscious, but I’m realizing more and more that they can be a powerful tool in raising the level of consciousness in people I meet every day. I have even had persons who noticed the scar on one of my Facebook pictures and have asked me questions about thyroid dysfunction. It’s a conversation starter, but maybe thyroid disease IS something that more people should be talking about, so I’m okay with that.

Instead of a reminder of a tough period in your life, try to think of your scars, whether physical or emotional, as marks of triumph over that difficult situation. More importantly think of it as a possible way to help someone else who may need help in dealing with a similar issue.

[July is thyroid disease awareness month at Just Bee You! Beauty products. Be sure to come back for more posts on this issue and visit our Facebook Page for even more info on the thyroid and thyroid dysfunction.]

July is Thyroid Awareness Month at "Just Bee You!" beauty products

In 2008 I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease in which the thyroid gland is attacked by your immune system. In July of 2010 I had surgery to have half my thyroid removed, mainly because despite my doctor’s best efforts at treatment, because my thyroid problems had gone unnoticed (and thus untreated) for so many years there was little that could be done to save that part of my thyroid.

Thyroid dysfunction is actually a fairly common medical condition, however, it is often misdiagnosed for many reasons: sometimes people can have normal test results and still have thyroid issues (even persons who have already been diagnosed can receive normal test results while still experiencing symptoms) and also thyroid disorders can sometimes persist with no symptoms or with a constellation of symptoms which can easily be associated with many other diseases.   

I've decided to use the month of July to highlight Thyroid Disease Awareness Month at "Just Bee You!" beauty products. I’ll tell you more about how living with thyroid autoimmunity has changed my life, including how it steered my path towards creating this Just Bee You product line. More importantly, I hope to highlight the importance of doing thyroid checks (especially for at-risk persons or persons with family history), dispel myths and reject misinformation regarding the thyroid and persons who live with thyroid disease, and hopefully provide encouragement for persons who may be dealing with thyroid issues. 

Be sure to check back here during the month of July for more information and also check out my Facebook page for regular tid bits as well.

Just Bee You! featured on "The New Maroons"

I was fortunate to have Keston Perry from The New Maroons do a feature on that blog about Just Bee You! beauty products and on my journey towards entrepreneurship. 

The New Maroons is a blog about entrepreneurship - particularly the experiences of persons who have lived outside of Trinidad and Tobago and have returned home and started businesses. 

If you are a business owner, or have been thinking about making the leap towards entrepreneurship ... or maybe you would just like to learn about the experiences of those who have made that step, then check out (and follow) The New Maroons.

Here's the feature on Just Bee You!

A New Maroon story: Just Bee You Beauty Products

I'm Just Beeyoutiful! - Spotlight on Akia

It’s time to highlight another Just Bee You'ser and their experiences with the products! This spotlight is on Akia who was able to benefit from our customization services and have a product that was created just for her! Read on to find out more… 

Tell us about your hair…

I have always had natural hair. I have never experienced anything else. My parents, especially my dad, never believed in chemically-treated hair especially when I was a child. I have dreadlocks now and I have had them since 2001; September to be exact. 

Describe your hair care regimen (including the products you use)? 

My hair care regimen is not a very long one - my hair is washed once per month (no, it doesn't smell because of how I treat it), steamed every three (3) months and dyed every six (6) months. I had been using 'Sunsilk' Shampoo and Conditioner (particularly for colour-treated hair) and about two years ago I switched to 'Suave Professionals' Almond and Shea Butter Shampoo and Conditioner (Moisturizing). As for my dye products, I use 'Clairol' Textures and Tones (because of the length of my hair, I usually use 6 to 8 boxes to get that rich colour).

How long have you been using “Just Bee You!” products? How has your experience with the product line been so far?

I have been using the “Just Bee You!” Oils ‘n’ Herbs just about a year now and I recently began using the Baby Bottom Balm (recent as in last week...lol). I love the way the Oils ‘n’ Herbs make my scalp feel and not to mention the shine...it is just beautiful. I have two boys: 4 years old and 4 months old and the Baby Bottom Balm has been working wonders on them both. It is not too greasy and their skin feels so soft.

What is your favourite “Just Bee You!” product?

My favourite product is the Oils ‘n’ Herbs (I guess as it was my first). What I really like about this product is that it is tailored to suit me. I cannot use Olive Oil in my hair; it would itch and that itching is enough to send me crazy. The olive oil was replaced with grape seed oil and that combination has done me well. Even my hairdresser has commented on how healthy my scalp looks whenever I use it.

What are 5 hair items / products you can’t live without?

1. My customized Oils 'n' Herbs

2. Let's Jam (this is what I use to twist my locs)

3. Mango and Lime Moisturizer (I use this one to moisturize to my ends)

… okay, so I don't have 5.

What are some of the lessons you've learnt on the journey to healthy hair?

Be careful who puts their hand your hair. When I started my locs, I had many admirers who would like to touch (most of the time without permission) and in 2003, I thought I would have had to cut off ALL of my hair because my hair began to drop. My hairdresser told me that, if anyone wants to touch my hair they have to ask my permission and I can say no if I don't feel comfortable.

What one piece of advice would you give to anyone trying to maintain healthy hair?

You would not know which product is the right one for you until you have tried them all; experimentation is a key factor. Not all maintenance processes are good; I never interlock my hair because it damages my roots however, another person may do it because that is the only way their hair would stay. Again you have to figure out what is the right process/product for you.

What do you love most about your hair?

I love the fact that although my hair is natural, I can style it just like or even better than chemically-treated hair. I love its versatility. I also love the reaction from my husband when I have a hot, new style! India.Arie said, "I am not my hair." I think she got it wrong, I am my hair and my hair is me.

(Remember, if you'd like to be featured as an "I'm justbeeyoutiful" spotlight, give me a shout!)

How free are we, really?

Today (August 1st) Trinidad and Tobago (and many other countries) commemorate the abolition of slavery - Emancipation Day.

There are so many theories as to why Emancipation happened, how it happened ... whether it was really about granting slaves their freedom or it was just an economic convenience, I think we can use this day as a day of reflection and introspection.   

I saw this Harriet Tubman quote online, which really spoke to me: 

It made me think that about some of the negative mindsets which may be keeping us enslaved up to today - Fear, Self-Hate, Self-Doubt, Low Self-Esteem, Negative Thoughts ... so many of these things hold us back, often without us being fully aware that we are being held captive by them. 

Owning up to these negative thoughts is half the battle in overcoming them. This Emancipation day, why not make an honest evaluation of the way you perceive yourself and then reject those negative ideas and perceptions. 

Stop saying things like: 
"I can't wait for my hair to be longer, it will be so pretty!"
NO! your hair is pretty now! and it will be pretty when it's longer too 


"When I lose this weight I will be so hot" Sure you can exercise and lose the weight and be healthy, but get some really cute outfits that flatter the body you have right NOW and ROCK them!

Don't let a negative mindset hold you back from loving YOU today!

Emancipate yourself from mental slavery.

Product Review by Vlogger BlessedNelly16

"Just Bee You!" product review from one of my fave You Tube Vloggers to STALK... Blessednelly16   =)

Check it out!

Finally...

I've finally started putting videos on my YouTube channel! =) Check out my first video...

Product Review by Vlogger Ayanna Nedd

Youtube Vlogger Ayanna Nedd did a cool review on some of the hair products, have a look...

I'm Just Beeyoutiful! - Spotlight on Kari

It’s time to highlight another Just Bee You'ser and her experiences with the products! This spotlight is on Kari, who’s been using the products to take care of her transitioning tresses. 
Read on to see how she manages the different textures...

bantu knots - protective, pretty and give great curls

Tell us about your hair…
I like to wear my hair in a way that I don't have to fuss much with it - in that, I prefer if it’s braided or cornrowed or in a bun. I am currently transitioning and I have been transitioning for just over a year.



Describe your hair care regimen (including the products you use)?
My hair regimen includes shampoo and condition or deep condition bi-weekly and daily hair care with Just Bee You Herbal Hair Spritz and Shea and Herbs Hair Butter.

bantu knot-out - a stylish way to blend
new growth with relaxed ends

How long have you been using “Just Bee You!” products? How has your experience with the product line been so far?
I have been using JBY hair products from its inception, however, I have been using it consistently for a little over 1 year when the product came fully on stream. The experience has been great. I see vast improvement in the texture and manageability of my hair.

relaxed days

What is your favourite “Just Bee You!” product?
My favorite JBY product, is the Cocoa Shea Skin smoothie.




What are 5 hair items / products you can’t live without?
   1. My wide tooth comb
   2. My Hair Brush
   3. Just Bee You Herbal Hair Spritz
   4. Just Bee You Shea & Herbs Hair Butter
   5. Eco Styler Gel




What are some of the lessons you've learnt on the journey to healthy hair?
Some of the lessons I have learnt on my journey to healthier hair are: natural is always better; what you put into your body plays a major role in the health of your hair; and maintenance of natural hair is not as hard as it is perceived to be, as long as you have a good regimen that works for you and your hair.

transitioning chic ... roller set plaits
blend the new growth with the straight ends

What one piece of advice would you give to anyone trying to maintain healthy hair?
The one advice I would give to anyone is to embrace your naps. If you love your naps, you would do what needs to be done to keep it healthy.




What do you love most about your hair?
I love the length of my hair the most!

braids ... go-to transitioning style

braids ... go- to transitioning styles

buns ... go-to transitioning styles

(Remember, if you'd like to be featured as a spotlight, give me a shout!)

I'm Just Beeyoutiful! - Spotlight on Genevieve

This spotlight highlights another satisfied Just Bee You'ser, Genevieve. Read on to find out how she takes care of her big beautiful kinky hair. Enjoy!

Tell us about your hair…

My hair is kinky. More of a "Z" pattern than a curl. I have had natural hair up until age 16. I jerry curled it for two years and then got fed up and grew out the chemicals. It took a year for me to get to shoulder length and then I cut off the straight ends. I texturize from time to time but it doesn’t seem to make a difference...sigh...its overwhelmingly thick and resists the texturizer chemicals. I am now 27 yrs old.

Describe your hair care regimen (including the products you use)?

Co-wash with Tressemé curl hydration every weekend, while detangling. I shampoo with sulphate free shampoo named Creme of Nature: Argan oil every 2-3 weeks. I use Shea & Aloe Hair Soufflé from Just Bee You! as my "grease" replacer LOL. I use that product about twice a week or when ever my hair feels dry. I use grape seed oil to seal and to add shine. For daily care I spritz it with water and slick with ampro or eco styler alcohol free gel.

How long have you been using “Just Bee You!” products? How has your experience with the product line been so far?

I have been using JBY products for a very very wonderful year! It has exceeded my expectations because I was so accustomed to using grease (which only coats the hair shaft). I cannot imagine my life with out Shea & Aloe Hair Soufflé.

What is your favourite “Just Bee You!” product?

You probably guessed it! Shea & Aloe Hair Soufflé.

What are 5 hair items / products you can’t live without?

   1. Shea aloe souffle

   2. Spray bottle (with water)

   3. Half Wigs that blend with my natural hair well (life savers)

   4. Tresseme conditioner

   5. Gel (alcohol free and must be max hold...MUST BE MAX HOLD!!!!!)

beach hair

What are some of the lessons you've learnt on the journey to healthy hair?

Water is my hair's best friend and I must use oils and things that penetrate the hair shaft.

What one piece of advice would you give to anyone trying to maintain healthy hair?

Not all products work for all hair. Experimentation is key. Also, your hair is your responsibility. Therefore, if you have to find time to manage it, do your best. If it means using chemicals, weaves braids etc, do that BUT make sure the health of your real/natural hair is preserved under it all.

What do you love most about your hair?

Love my hair because of its versatility!

big chop!

big hair!

pressed hair on my wedding day

pressed hair on my wedding day

half wigs - come in handy for a change of pace

I do hope you enjoyed this spotlight, look out for many more! Remember, if you'd like to be featured on the blog as a spotlight give me a shout.

I'm Just Beeyoutiful! - Spotlight on Ria

I'll be highlighting different Just Bee You'sers and their experiences with the products. This spotlight is on my sister, Ria, who was my first customer so I figured it's only fair that she should get the first spotlight too! No, I haven't paid or bribed her to make any of these statements =) In any event, the pictures of her hair should speak for themselves... enjoy the first spotlight and look out for many more!  

Tell us about your hair…

My hair is relaxed and has been since I was twelve. I’ve had bursts of 'natural-ness' along the way, but it’s mostly been relaxed.

Describe your hair care regimen (including the products you use)?

I wash every two weeks: any shampoo or conditioner will do. Then I moisturize with my ever faithful Herbal Hair Spritz, followed by Oils ‘n’ Herbs, and solid 'hair crack' aka Shea & Herbs Hair Butter from "Just Bee You!" and any setting lotion. I keep it set or wrapped during the week and always sleep in a silky head wrap.

How long have you been using “Just Bee You!” products? How has your experience with the product line been so far?

About seven years! Before the company existed =) I have no complaints.... only compliments.

What is your favourite “Just Bee You!” product?

The Herbal Hair Spritz. I love the way it tingles on my scalp, and when I have new growth coming in it keeps it very soft.

What are 5 hair items / products you can’t live without?

1.       my rollers

2.       Herbal Hair Spritz

3.       Olive Oil conditioner (ORS replenishing pak)

4.       my silky head scarf

5.       my boar bristle hair brush

What are some of the lessons you’ve learnt on the journey to healthy hair?

Take care of your hair ends. Keep up with wrapping and setting even with inches of new growth on your head.

What one piece of advice would you give to anyone trying to maintain healthy hair?

Stay away from tight headbands and ‘woogies’ [ponytail holders], they can thin out your hair line or cause a short patch or bald patch in the back, especially if you wear your ponytail in the same place almost every day.

What do you love most about your hair?

 It’s shiny, strong, long and the envy of the party! =)

(If you'd like to be featured as a spotlight, let me know! Give me a shout)

A vapour in the wind

Every now and then I'm reminded that life is so fragile! The passing of Dawnyele last weekend was another reminder for me, since I was just watching her last update a couple days before that. Dawnyele was a natural hair vlogger/blogger. (If you are not familiar with who she was you can go to her fotki, blog or youtube channel). Her large following is no surprise as she had a warm personality that seemed to reach you through the computer screen. I was introduced to Dawnyele through the fotki picture-sharing site. We interacted through picture comments and messages. I added her as a fotki friend and followed her album faithfully as our textures were similar. It's crazy how you feel like you know someone as they share their world with you online through blogs and vlogs. I have never met her in person but I felt so sad to hear of her passing. 

My heart goes out to her family and loved ones - judging by the out-pouring of emotion online by those of us who just knew her through the medium of the internet, I can only imagine how much she will be missed by those who knew her personally. Their hearts must be breaking! My prayers are with them.

I've met so many great people through being a part of the online hair community, many of them I have formed great friendships with, even though I have never even met them in person. A few I have been fortunate to meet (*waves @ Black Pearls*). Some of them I really wish lived right around the corner, that would be so awesome (I'm talking about you Natitwists! ) Others I only know by your fotki name/youtube name, but all of you have been such a wonderful source of support and encouragement. I take this opportunity to say thank you to all of my online hair inspirations! Life is a vapour, and we should truly take every opportunity to appreciate those who've played a positive role in our lives. I've mentioned a couple of names already, but I'd also like to mention Deidre of Keep it Kinky, Yekinae (Michelle), Chicoro, Loolah of Healthy Hair and Body, Lina40, Mooks-Hair, Corporate Naps, Gisele69, Melanizm and I CANNOT leave out Dee of nappturality.com her online forum is one of the main reasons I am still a natural today. I might have forgotten some people, I'm so sorry in advance! To everyone who's been an inspiration or source of support to me along my hair journey thank you, thank you, thank you!

Happy Nappiversary to meee!

Today September 9th 2012 marks eight years since I chopped off my relaxer and began this journey - the return of my hair to its natural glory.

Someone asked me the other day if I was ever going to relax again. Right now as it stands, I cannot find a reason why I would want to put a chemical in my hair, so unless something changes drastically in my brain, yes I will be wearing my hair natural from now on. As much as I love my natural hair I have to admit that it has been rocky at times. I am not going to delude anyone into thinking that this has always been smoooooth sailing, because it hasn’t. I too have felt frustration and discouragement. What gets me through the rocky times is that no matter how frustrated I get, when I weigh the pros and cons of wearing my God-given hair versus the “creamy crack” the scales always tip towards natural for me. 

Of course, to each his/her own, and there are many who chose not to wear their natural hair texture, for their own personal reasons, I can only speak for me - and for me I no longer have the desire to wear my hair straight (whether by relaxing or heat). I have so much fun expressing my creativity through my natural hair! And now I am at a point in my journey where I know what my hair likes, I am used to its varied moods and I can manage them accordingly.

To those who may just be starting out on a natural journey or a healthy hair journey in general, my advice to you is: patience is key! It may take time to reach the goals you have set for your hair, it will take time to incorporate healthy hair practices into your regimen so that they become habitual or second nature, and I am being real here, it may even take time before you like the hair on your head (for those who might have just done the “big chop” or are going through transitioning). But believe me eventually with the right attitude, an open mind and a willingness to do what it takes to gain the necessary knowledge, skills and tools, you too can have a happy hair journey.

Happy Nappiversary to me! I am still learning, I am still growing, and I am still loving my naps more and more each day!